For many, buying glasses is often focused on frame style, colour, and fashion appeal. While those are certainly important for expressing your personality and feeling confident in your look, the truth is, your lenses do all the work. They're the core of your vision correction, and getting the right ones can make a significant difference in your visual comfort, eye health, and even productivity.

If you’ve recently had an eye test or are updating your eyewear, understanding what prescription lenses are available—and which ones are best suited to your needs—can feel overwhelming. There are more choices than ever before, from classic single-vision lenses to advanced varifocal and digital screen solutions. The goal is to make a choice that improves how you live, work, and see each day.

This blog is designed to help you make an informed decision, whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced wearer looking for an upgrade.

Understanding Your Prescription Needs

Before you even look at lenses, it's essential to know what your prescription actually means. Your optician will provide a prescription after a comprehensive eye test, usually in a format like:

• SPH (Sphere): Indicates the strength of the lens required to correct your vision.
  

• CYL (Cylinder): For astigmatism correction.
  

• AXIS: The orientation of astigmatism.
  

• ADD: For multifocal lenses like varifocals.
  
  

Knowing whether your prescription is for distance, near vision, or both will determine which type of lens you need.

Types of Prescription Lenses

Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses correct vision at one specific distance and are the most commonly prescribed type. They’re ideal if you only need correction for reading, computer use, or distance viewing.

Single Vision Distance

These lenses are designed to help you see clearly at long range—perfect for driving, walking, or watching television. If you are short-sighted (myopic), this is likely the lens type you’ll need.

Single Vision Computer

Specifically tailored for mid-range vision, these lenses reduce digital eye strain and help you focus better during extended screen time. For those who work in front of a computer all day, this can make a world of difference in preventing fatigue and headaches.

Single Vision Reading

Designed for close-up tasks like reading books, sewing, or using a smartphone, these lenses suit people with presbyopia or those who struggle with near vision but don’t require distance correction.

Varifocal Lenses

Varifocals are a modern alternative to bifocals and trifocals. They provide seamless vision correction across all distances—near, intermediate, and far—without any visible lines. If you find yourself constantly switching between reading glasses and distance glasses, varifocals are a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution.

They take some initial adjustment, but once you adapt, they provide a smooth visual experience throughout the day.

Non-Prescription / Fashion Lenses

Not everyone wears glasses for vision correction. Some want them for protection or aesthetics. At Ardor Eyewear, non-prescription lenses are available in several practical options:

• Blue Light Filter: Blocks harmful blue light from screens, reducing digital eye strain.
  

• Photochromic (Light Reactive): Adjusts to changing light, turning dark in sunlight.
  

• Polarised: Great for driving and outdoor use, as they reduce glare and improve contrast.
  

• Hard Tints: Ideal for fashion-forward users or those requiring sun protection.
  
  

These lenses are especially popular with style-conscious individuals or those working under specific lighting conditions.

Frame-Only Option

Not quite ready to commit? Ardor Eyewear gives you the flexibility to purchase your desired frame now and return it later for lens fitting. This option is especially helpful if you’re still finalising your prescription or waiting for a consultation.

What to Consider When Choosing Lenses

Selecting a lens is about more than just correcting your vision. Here are some practical considerations to help you choose the best option:

Your Daily Routine

How you use your glasses will directly influence which lens suits you best. Are you on the computer eight hours a day? Driving for long periods? Reading small text regularly? Varifocals, computer lenses, and high-index lenses may all be beneficial depending on the situation.

Comfort and Fit

Some lenses, especially those made with thinner, high-index materials, are significantly lighter. If you wear your glasses all day, comfort becomes essential, and lens weight plays a major role.

Aesthetics

Thinner lenses are not only lighter but also more discreet, making them a better choice for higher prescriptions. Nobody wants thick, magnified lenses if they can avoid them.

Protection and Durability

Today’s best lenses come with additional coatings that enhance performance:

• Anti-scratch coating protects the surface from everyday damage.
  

• Anti-glare coating reduces reflections and improves night-time vision.
  

• UV protection is essential for long-term eye health.
  

• Smudge-resistant coatings make lenses easier to clean and maintain.
  

Premium Lens Brands Available at Ardor Eyewear

ZEISS ClearView Lenses

One of the world’s leading lens manufacturers, ZEISS is known for its precision optics and innovative lens technologies.

• Offers crystal-clear, distortion-free vision
  

• Thin and lightweight construction
  

• Ideal for users who spend hours on digital screens
  

• Premium coatings for scratch resistance and UV protection
  

• £60.99 (down from £90.00)
  

ESSILOR Lenses

A global leader in advanced lens technologies, ESSILOR is best known for its comfort and visual clarity.

• Wide, clear field of vision with minimal distortion
  

• Built for fast focus transitions
  

• Great for both everyday use and digital device users
  

• Durable and smudge-resistant coatings
  

• £60.95 (down from £130.00)
  

Pentax Lenses

Pentax lenses offer reliable clarity at an affordable price, making them perfect for single vision wearers.

• Lightweight and comfortable for everyday tasks
  

• Enhanced durability through anti-scratch coatings
  

• Great for distance or reading prescriptions
  

• £24.99 (was £85.00)
  

Varifocal Lens Options for Advanced Vision Needs

If you require progressive lenses, Ardor Eyewear offers three of the best varifocal solutions on the market:

ESSILOR Varifocal Lenses

• Designed for clear, wide vision zones
  

• Optimised for near and intermediate distances
  

• Ideal for users transitioning between screens, reading, and walking
  

• Premium durability and protection
  

• £295.00 (was £375.00)
  

ZEISS SmartLife Plus

• Developed with digital lifestyles in mind
  

• Reduces eye strain during multitasking and long screen hours
  

• Thin, lightweight, and scratch-resistant
  

• £225.00 (was £300.00)
  

ZEISS SmartLife Superb

• Offers a truly personalised lens experience
  

• Supports binocular balance and smooth transitions
  

• Custom-fit for your selected frame using ZEISS FrameFit+
  

• Recommended for modern, active individuals who want premium clarity
  

Getting Expert Advice

Choosing the right prescription lens isn’t something you have to do alone. At Ardor Eyewear, our team includes qualified opticians available for free consultations. If you’re unsure which lens will work best for your needs, simply request a call back, and a member of our team will be in touch within 24 hours.

We’ll talk through your prescription, your daily lifestyle, and any specific concerns (like screen time, sunlight sensitivity, or fashion preferences), and recommend lenses tailored just for you.

Explore lenses and frames designed to meet your exact needs at Ardor Eyewear. Your eyes deserve more than a guess—get the expert support you need to see clearly and comfortably every day.

FAQs

How do I know which lens is best for my lifestyle?

The choice depends on your daily habits. If you spend a lot of time on screens, opt for digital or blue-light-filtering lenses. For multi-tasking wearers, varifocals may be the best choice. Our opticians can guide you in a free consultation.

Are more expensive lenses really worth it?

Yes, in most cases. Premium lenses often come with better visual clarity, enhanced durability, comfort, and longer lifespan. Over time, they offer better value for money.

What’s the difference between ZEISS and ESSILOR lenses?

Both brands offer premium quality. ZEISS tends to focus on digital lifestyle lenses and high-precision optics, while ESSILOR excels in wide-view varifocals and lens durability.

Can I upgrade my lenses later after buying frames?

Yes. Ardor Eyewear offers a ‘frame-only’ purchase option. You can order frames now and return them for lens fitting later—perfect if you’re waiting for a finalised prescription.