What Are The Different Kinds of Lenses?  - by R. Woodfall Opticians of London
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What Are The Different Kinds of Lenses? 

Did you know that there is a wide range of optical lenses to treat every vision problem? From correcting refractive errors to protecting your eyes from the sun, there’s a type of lens to help solve your vision problem, and improve your eye health. Here at R Woodfall, we have a wide range of high quality lenses that are made to help correct and protect your vision from the moment you put them on. 

If you’re curious to know more about the different kinds of lenses and how they function to fix your eye health, keep reading as in this blog post we’ll be discussing some of the different types of lenses we offer at R Woodfall, in more detail.

Single vision lenses 

Single vision lenses are a common type of lenses that are designed to treat refractive errors. A refractive error is a common type of eye condition that involves light not being able to focus as it should on the retina. The most common types of refractive error are myopia (near-sightedness) and hyperopia (far-sightedness). These two vision problems make it difficult for the person to either see objects up close, or objects at a distance. 

Not being able to see clearly can impact your daily life significantly, which is why those with a refractive error are prescribed corrective lenses. A common type of corrective lens is a single vision lens. Single vision lenses are designed to help with just one vision problem. They contain just one prescription, allowing for clear vision for those with one refractive error. 

If you have one eye condition such as near-sightedness for example, you may be prescribed a single vision lens to help correct your vision and allow you to see much more clearly again.

Varifocal lenses 

Varifocal lenses, or commonly referred to as progressive lenses,  differ slightly to single vision lenses. These lenses allow for more than one prescription at the same time, which is a fantastic solution for those that struggle with both myopia and hyperopia at the same time. Varifocals reduce the need for you needing multiple pairs of glasses for each vision problem, which is very convenient. 

If you have more than one refractive error then you will most likely be told you need a pair of varifocal lenses to help you see clearly and smoothly, every day. 

Photochromic lenses 

Photochromic lenses are special lenses that help protect your eyes from UV light. They often combine the effect of sunglasses with a single vision prescription lens, to help keep your eyes protected from the sun as well as allowing you to see clearly. 

Photochromic lenses are very convenient, as they provide a solution to constantly having to swap your prescription lenses for sunglasses in the summer months.


For more information about the types of lenses we offer, get in touch with our friendly team of professionals.