Our Lenses

Our Lenses

Our Lenses — Buyer’s Guide

Based on your individual needs, budget and lifestyle, our in-house experts help you choose the perfect lenses. Depending on your prescription you may be advised single vision, bifocal or varifocal lenses, alongside lens enhancements that protect your glasses and improve your vision.

Understanding Lens Index & Refractive Index

Common spectacle lenses are classified as glass, resin, special and space lenses. The numbers 1.50, 1.53, 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74 printed on lenses are their refractive indexes — a measure of how efficiently the lens material bends (refracts) light.

A higher refractive index means light is bent more as it passes through the lens, which allows a thinner lens to correct a stronger prescription. The differences between indexes have a real impact:

  • Thicker (lower-index) lenses are more affordable, but only handle lower vision-correction demand.
  • Thinner (higher-index) lenses are lighter and more flattering, but cost more. They satisfy a wider range of correction needs, including higher prescriptions.
How to read your prescription: The two values that determine the recommended lens index are SPH (sphere — the main correction power) and CYL (cylinder — astigmatism correction). Both are written with a + or − sign. Use the ranges below as a guide.

Choosing the Right Lens Index

Lens Index Best for prescription Characteristics
1.50 SPH ±2.25 or lower & CYL ±1.50 or lower Most cost-efficient option for a weak prescription.
1.59 (Polycarbonate) SPH ±2.25 or lower Made from special polycarbonate — 100% UV protection, more durable and impact-resistant. Thinner and stronger than 1.5. An ideal choice for most people.
1.60 Mid-range prescriptions Noticeably thinner than 1.5, a good balance of price and aesthetics.
1.67 SPH ±5.00 to ±7.00 & CYL ±2.25 to ±4.00 Lighter and thinner — avoids the “eye distortion” look from stronger prescriptions. Best for strong prescriptions.
1.74 SPH ±7.00 and above & CYL ±3.00 to ±6.00 Our thinnest lens, engineered for the highest-power prescriptions.
Although high-index lenses are thinner than traditional lenses, the final thickness still depends on your prescription and other factors, including: your Pupillary Distance (PD), the shape and size of the glasses frame, correction power, astigmatism power and axis, and whether the lens is spherical or aspherical.

How to Measure Your PD →

Single Vision Lenses

What are single vision lenses? Single vision lenses have just one prescription power across the whole lens. They correct refractive errors such as myopia (near-sightedness) or hypermetropia (long-sightedness). If you only need correction for one type of vision, you’ll usually be advised single vision lenses.

Single vision lenses for near-sightedness are typically slightly thicker at the edges, while lenses for far-sightedness are slightly thicker at the centre. Whatever your prescription, Ardor single vision lenses are designed to meet your needs perfectly.

Lens Types Explained

Single Vision

One prescription power across the whole lens — for clear vision either close up or far away, depending on your prescription.

Bifocal

Two distinct viewing areas in one lens — typically distance vision in the upper portion and near vision in a clearly defined lower segment.

Varifocal (Progressive)

A seamless gradient of powers from distance at the top through to near at the bottom, with no visible line — natural vision at every distance.

Lens Enhancements & Coatings

  • Anti-reflective coating — reduces glare and reflections for clearer vision and better-looking lenses.
  • Scratch-resistant coating — protects the lens surface and extends the life of your glasses.
  • UV protection — shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light (built-in with polycarbonate 1.59).
  • Blue light filtering — helps reduce digital eye strain from screens.
  • Polarised & tinted options — cut glare for driving and outdoor wear.
Not sure which lens is right for you? Our qualified opticians review every order before dispatch. Email your prescription to info@ardoreyewear.co.uk or upload it at checkout and we’ll advise the ideal lens index and coatings for your needs.