Single Vision Lenses

Published on August 29th, 2025

What are Single Vision Lenses?

Single vision lenses are a type of glasses lens that has one power, or prescription, over the whole surface of the lens. Depending on the prescription, single vision lenses may correct common vision conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, also known as refractive errors. Single vision lenses differ from multifocal options as they only provide clear vision for one type of distance, whereas multifocal lenses help provide clear vision for all distances; for near, intermediate and far. Customers have the option to get lens add-ons on top of their single vision lenses, such as photochromic lenses, blue light filter and polarised lenses, which may be beneficial according to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Single vision lenses are helpful for those with refractive errors and can also make the perfect accessory to complete any outfit. It is important and highly recommended to get an eye exam at least once every two years, as it can help detect signs of any eye problems early and aid with general eye care maintenance.

When are Single Vision Lenses Prescribed?

Single vision lenses will often be prescribed to people who require a single vision correction. If you have trouble with close work, which includes reading small text, you may be prescribed reading glasses. Reading glasses are a single vision lens that is generally powered to correct long-sightedness (farsightedness) or presbyopia and can relieve digital eye strain.

Reading glasses also have other uses, like accommodative issues/convergence issues, so not just exclusive to long-sightedness.

Single vision lenses help correct vision conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. The vision conditions that single vision lenses can help correct are listed below.

Myopia: Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes a person’s distance vision to be blurry. Myopia commonly stems from a misshapen cornea or lens.
Hyperopia: Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a refractive error where light enters the eye incorrectly, focusing behind the retina instead of directly on it, which leads to blurry near vision.
Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by a misshapen or deformed eyeball, which disrupts the eye's ability to focus light onto the retina, resulting in blurry vision.

1. Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes a person’s distance vision to be blurry. Myopia is commonly caused by a misshapen eye, which can be an overly curved cornea or an elongated eyeball. The symptoms of myopia include frequent squinting to see clearly, eye strain, objects in the distance appearing fuzzy or blurry, eye fatigue and headaches. The kind of single vision lenses used to correct nearsightedness are concave lenses, which correct the focal issues, giving the wearer clear and comfortable vision. People may be more at risk of nearsightedness due to genetics or family history, age, extended close-up activities, diabetes, environmental factors, recurring visual stress, long-term use of devices and spending less time outside, according to the University of Waterloo.

2. Hyperopia

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a refractive error where light enters the eye incorrectly to focus behind the retina instead of on the retina, which leads to blurry near vision. Hyperopia symptoms include trouble with close-up vision, eye strain, squinting and headaches according to the Canadian Association of Optometrists. it can be treated with corrective devices such as contact lenses or prescription glasses. Farsightedness can be diagnosed through an eye exam with an optometrist who will assess your vision with many tests, such as a visual acuity test and a refraction test. The kind of single vision lenses that correct farsightedness are called convex lenses, also known as plus lenses. Convex lenses are characterised by their thick centre that helps light focus back onto the retina.

3. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error that is caused by a misshapen or deformed eyeball, which disrupts the eye's ability to focus light onto the retina, leading to blurry vision. This refractive error is characterised by symptoms including headaches, blurred vision and poor night vision. A person can experience astigmatism in addition to other refraction errors, such as myopia or hyperopia. Single vision lenses correct astigmatism by correcting the focal disruption in the eye through glasses containing cylindrical (CYL) prescription lenses. A CYL lens is equal to but opposite to the amount of astigmatism that is represented on the patient’s prescription. The causes of astigmatism include keratoconus, eye injury, age, eye surgery, genetics or family history and eye disease.

Single Vision Lenses vs Bifocal Lenses

Unlike single vision lenses, bifocal lenses can correct short-sightedness and long-sightedness, within the one pair of glasses. Bifocal lenses have two prescriptions or powers within one lens. They are designed to help people who have trouble seeing at two different distances. Each prescription is separated by a visible line, so the wearer can know where to look for each distance.

What is the Difference Between Single Vision Lenses and Multifocal (Progressive) Lenses?

Multifocal lenses, which may also be referred to as progressive lenses, have three different powers or prescriptions over the one lens surface. This means the wearer can see near, intermediate and far distances all in the one lens. However, unlike bifocals, these lenses do not have a visible line separating each power or prescription, so the transition from one to another is blended. Read more about these lens types on our multifocal page. In terms of single vision vs progressive lenses, you may require single vision if you need correction for a refractive error. If you need vision correction at multiple distances, then you may want to opt for progressive lenses.

How Much do Single Vision Lenses Cost?

At Oscar Wylee, we provide a range of different lenses, from single vision to multifocal, and they can vary in price range depending on your vision requirements. We also have blue light filters and photochromic lens options. You can shop our range of lenses and frames online, or come into our store where our staff can help you find the lens that’s right for you. Find your nearest Oscar Wylee on our store locator page.

The Lens Index

When talking about lens types, you may often come across the phrase lens index. The lens index is a group of values that refers to how well a lens can refract light. The higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lens will be.

Single vision lenses can come in several different indexes. Generally, the stronger a prescription, the thicker and heavier the lens. The thickness and weight can be reduced by choosing a higher index lens. At Oscar Wylee, we provide several indexes for your lenses including:

1.5 Index Lens

The 1.5 lens is one of the thickest lenses available for glasses, often referred to as the standard lens. This lens is suitable for those with a weaker prescription.

1.6 Mid Index Lens

The 1.6 lenses are about 35% thinner than the 1.5 lenses and are for people with moderate to stronger prescriptions.

1.67 Index Lens

These lenses are ideal for those with stronger prescription needs. They are around 50% thinner than the standard 1.5 lens.

1.74 Index Lens

This is the thinnest lens we offer here at Oscar Wylee. It is about 50% thinner than a 1.5 lens and is recommended for strong prescriptions.

How to Choose the Right Lens Index For Your Prescription?

It is typically the optometrist who will recommend the most appropriate lens index based on what your prescription requires. You can inform the optometrist of your personal preferences and lifestyle, which they can take into account. When you get your eyes examined, the optometrist will be able to examine how well your eyes bend light and, therefore, will know what you need for optimal vision.

Do I Need Single Vision Lenses?

If you think you may need prescription lenses, whether it be single vision lenses or any other type, it is always recommended that you come in and see the team at Oscar Wylee for an eye exam. Use our online booking page to make an appointment, and our optometrists will be able to determine if you need prescription lenses.

What are the Best Frames for Single Vision Lenses?

The best frames for single vision lenses can include most styles of frames, depending on your personal preferences. The best frames for single vision lenses include Oscar Wylee options such as Mumford, Cara, Parker and Humphrey. The best frames for single vision lenses are listed below.

Mumford: Mumford can be an ideal frame for single vision lenses with its classic frame shape that can blend well with a range of different outfit styles. Its essential shape and minimal design make it easy to wear and style every day.
Cara: Cara is characterised by a rounded shape and a low nose bridge fit. It can be suitable for single vision lenses due to its simple design and stylish appearance.
Parker: Parker is a square-round frame that can complement a range of different face shapes, making it ideal for single vision lenses. Parker is available in a wide range of colourways and patterns.
Humphrey: Humphrey glasses are characterised by a square shape, a high-bridge nose fit, an acetate and metal frame and a lightweight feel.

Is Blue Light Filter Available for Single Vision Lenses?

Yes, blue light filter is available for single vision lenses. At Oscar Wylee, you can get a blue light filter, known as BLULite, added to your single vision lenses for an additional $85 on top of the price of your prescription frames. We also offer a Premium Blue Light Filter option for $95.

Can Single Vision Lenses Help with Digital Eye Strain?

Yes, single vision lenses can help with digital eye strain. Digital eye strain can often stem from your eyes having to exert effort for certain tasks, especially if you have a refractive error. Single vision lenses can aid with digital eye strain by providing clear vision and therefore, prevent your eyes from needing to focus in order to see more clearly.

How Often Should You Replace Your Single Vision Glasses?

You should replace your single vision glasses every 2 years unless your optometrist advises otherwise. It is often recommended to get an eye exam at least once every 2 years unless you are 65 years or older, as your vision or eye health can change as you age. Regular eye exams help you stay on top of any of those changes for monitoring and/or early detection of any potential eye problems.

Read Single Vision Lenses in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.