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Different Types of Glasses, Frames, and Lenses
Published on April 9th, 2024
Updated on June 16th, 2025
Australia
There are many different types of glasses, frames and lenses available when it comes to the purchase of new eyewear. It is important to know the difference between each pair of glasses, each frame type and each lens type, so you are able to make an informed decision about what is the best eyewear for you.
Glasses are eyewear that help your eyes, whether that is with vision assistance or eye protection. The different types of glasses are sunglasses, prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses and glasses for digital protection. Glasses frames are the solid structure of glasses, the metal or plastic frame that holds everything together. The different types of glasses frames are wire frames, rimless frames, semi-rimless frames, and low nose bridge fit frames. Lenses are the glass or plastic pieces that sit in the frame, over the eyes, that provide the vision assistance or eye protection. The different types of lenses are progressive lenses, toric lenses, prism lenses, bifocal lens, single vision lenses and trifocal lenses.
What are the Different Types of Glasses?
The different types of glasses fit into two main categories; prescription glasses and non-prescription glasses. Glasses refer to eyewear that has a pair of lenses that sit in a frame. Glasses are used to assist the eyes in some way, whether it be to correct vision issues, or protect the eyes. The different types of glasses include sunglasses, prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses and glasses for digital protection. The features of the different types of glasses are listed below.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses refers to a pair of glasses that are primarily designed to help protect the eyes from the sun and UV rays.
- Prescription glasses: Prescription glasses, sometimes called optical glasses, are eyewear that are made to provide vision assistance and correction.
- Non-prescription glasses: Non-prescription glasses are glasses without a prescription or power. Non-prescription glasses include sunglasses, blue light glasses, computer glasses and protective glasses.
- Glasses for Digital Protection: Glasses for digital protection are glasses that have lenses aimed to help protect the eyes from digital devices such as computers and laptops.
1. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are defined as a pair of glasses with lenses that are specifically designed to protect the eyes from the sun and its UV rays. The sun produces a type of energy called ultraviolet, or UV light. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, prolonged exposure to UV light has been proven to negatively affect the eyes, including an increased risk of developing eye conditions such as cancer and cataracts. Sunglasses are designed to protect the eyes from UV rays emitted from the sun, as well as provide protection against sun glare and protect the eyes from other potentially harmful elements such as wind.
Two of the most popular types of sunglasses are tinted and polarised sunglasses. Tinted sunglasses are sunglasses in which the lenses are covered in a pigmented dye. Tinted sunglasses provide some protection from the sun and UV rays, as well as limited to no sun glare protection. The lenses of tinted sunglasses come in many colours including grey and yellow. Polarised sunglasses are sunglasses with a focus on protecting the eye from glare. The lenses of polarised sunglasses are coated with a filter that helps to reduce glare from roads, water or snow. Other types of sunglasses include mirrored sunglasses, that decrease the amount of light that enters the eye, and photochromic lenses that change from clear optical to a sunglasses tint when you enter the light from indoors.
Sunglasses are available in a range of places including optical retailers, supermarkets and fashion stores. The cost of sunglasses depends on where you buy them from and the quality of the product. Specialised sunglasses like polarised ones, are often more expensive than tinted sunglasses.
At Oscar Wylee we sell a range of sunglasses including Peggy. Peggy is a wider, square frame, perfect for summer days in the sun. Peggy is priced from $169.
2. Prescription Glasses
Prescription glasses are glasses that have a magnification power, or prescription, over the lenses. This magnification power is what helps to correct vision issues such as myopia and provide vision assistance. Prescriptions for glasses are usually recommended by an optometrist after an eye test. An optometrist will conduct a series of tests to determine how your eyes are functioning and how good your eyesight is. If they feel you could benefit from vision correction, they will recommend you get prescription glasses and determine what strength the magnification should be.
The lenses in prescription glasses may be concave, or convex in shape, depending on the vision issue you have. Prescription glasses can be plus powered, or minus powered, again, depending on the vision issue. When light enters the eye, it hits the retina, which then sends the image signal to the optic nerve and onto the brain. If someone has a vision issue such as hyperopia, the light will be directed towards the back of the retina, as opposed to on the retina. The magnified lenses in prescription glasses will help direct light back to the retina, helping to correct this vision problem.
Glasses with a magnified, or prescription lens, are found in a range of places such as supermarkets, discount shops, optical retailers and fashion retailers. Glasses that you buy from an optometry store like Oscar Wylee, will have a personalised prescription that an optometrist has determined after performing an eye test. Glasses that are found in retailers that are not optometry focused are called over-the counter glasses. Over-the-counter glasses will have a preset magnification strength with the same magnification or prescription over both lenses. Over-the-counter glasses are generally cheaper than glasses that you are prescribed by an optometrist, but will not be personalised. Over-the-counter glasses will not account for the fact that each eye may need a different prescription, nor that frames will sit differently on different faces. Prescription glasses may be more expensive than over-the-counter glasses, however, they are generally more effective in correcting your vision issue.
At Oscar Wylee, we have a range of stylish and affordable glasses that we add your prescription to after an eye test, including Serge. Serge is one of our most popular frames for prescription glasses as the unisex frame is a modern shape, with vintage inspirations. The price of Serge begins at $169.
3. Non-prescription Glasses
Non-prescription glasses are glasses that do not have a powered or magnified lens. The lenses in a pair of non-prescription glasses are sometimes referred to as a plano lens and will not provide vision correction. Non-prescription glasses are an important piece of eyewear even if they do not provide vision correction as non-prescription glasses help protect your eyes.
The types of non-prescription glasses include sunglasses, safety glasses and digital protection glasses. Sunglasses are used to protect your eyes from the sun. Sunglasses can include tinted, polarised or mirrored sunglasses. Non-prescription glasses also include safety glasses. Safety glasses, such as safety goggles, are used when people are engaging in activity or work that may harm the eyes. If there is a risk for hazardous material including chemicals, steam or other debris to enter the eye, safety glasses will protect your eyes from potential damage. Non-prescription glasses also include blue light filter glasses, which aim to protect the eye from blue light.
Non-prescription glasses are available in a range of places from optical retailers, supermarkets, discount stores, fashion retailers, trade stores and chemists.Non-prescription glasses from optical retailers may be more expensive than those found in supermarkets, but are generally of a higher quality and will protect the eyes better. At Oscar Wylee, we have a range of glasses available to purchase as non-prescription glasses, including Billy. Billy is a simple frame, with a keyhole nose bridge and double bolt details.
4. Glasses for Digital Protection
Glasses for digital protection can be defined as glasses that aim to protect the eyes from the effects of looking at digital screens for prolonged periods of time. It has been theorised that extended periods of screen time can cause eye fatigue and sleep disruption, which glasses for digital protection aim to stop by taking some of the strain off of the eyes.
Glasses for digital protection refer mainly to blue light glasses. Blue light is a type of high-energy light that is found naturally in the sun and artificially in digital screens. Blue light has not yet been scientifically proven to be damaging to eyes, but research has suggested that it can cause some negative effects on the eyes, such as disruption to sleeping patterns, eye fatigue and dry eyes. Blue light glasses aim to stop the amount of blue light entering the eye and reduce some of these symptoms.
Glasses for digital protection are found at a range of optical retailers and some fashion retailers. At Oscar Wylee, you can add a blue light filter to non-prescription glasses, or optical prescription glasses, up to 1.67 index, for an additional $80.
What are Examples of Prescription Glasses?
Examples of prescription glasses are glasses that have a powered or magnified lens. At Oscar Wylee, prescriptions are added to our lenses, which are then put into a frame, making a pair of prescription glasses. Examples of Oscar Wylee frames that can be made into prescription include Serge, Parker and Francis.
What are Examples of Sunglasses?
Examples of sunglasses are glasses that have a protective layer or film added to the lens with the aim of protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and other debris that pose a risk to the eye. Examples of sunglasses include tinted sunglasses, polarised sunglasses, mirrored sunglasses and photochromic glasses. At Oscar Wylee, we have plenty of sunglasses styles available including Peggy, Marco and Cody.
Are Sunglasses Considered Non-prescription Glasses?
Yes, sunglasses can be considered non-prescription glasses as many styles of sunglasses do not have the power or magnification over the lens that makes them prescription glasses. At Oscar Wylee, you can get your sunglasses as prescription or non-prescription.
Can these Glasses Block Blue Light from Devices?
Yes, there are glasses, such as blue light glasses and glasses for digital protection, that are designed to block blue light from devices. Blue light is the light emitted from digital screens such as computers and mobile phones. There is little scientific evidence to prove that blue light harms the eyes and long term effects of blue light on the health of the eyes is not yet clear, as it is a newer technology. Some have theorised however, that spending long periods of time looking at digital screens can cause eye strain, eye fatigue and dry eyes. Prolonged blue light exposure from digital devices may also disrupt sleeping patterns.
Blue light glasses are designed to combat the negative effects of prolonged blue light exposure by reducing the amount of blue light entering the eyes. According to the study ‘‘Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses: Optical and Clinical Performances’ by Tsz Wing Leung, Roger Wing-hong Li, Chea-su Kee, blue light filtering lenses are effective in reducing blue light transmission to a degree. The 2017 study deduced that blue light blocking lenses can theoretically reduce the phototoxicity, the irritation caused by blue light, by around 10 to 20%.
What are the Different Types of Eyeglasses Frames?
The different types of eyeglasses frames are separated by material and style. Frames refer to the structure in which the lenses of a pair of glasses will sit. Glasses frames have a nose bridge and two arms that rest on the ears that help the glasses sit on the face. There are many different types of glasses frames, ranging in size, material and design. The different types of glasses frames are wire frames, rimless frames, low bridge fit frames, full-rimmed frames and semi-rimless frames. The features of the different types of glasses frames are listed below.
- Wire Frames: Wire frames are glasses frames made from a metal material, with a thin nose bridge and arms.
- Rimless Frames: Rimless frames are glasses frames that have the lenses connected to the nose bridge and the arms, without any frame or rims surrounding the lenses.
- Low Bridge Fit Frames: Low bridge fit frames are glasses frames that have a nose bridge that fits for those with noses that sit lower on the face. Low nose bridge frames are designed so they will not slide down the face or rest on the cheeks.
- Full-Rimmed Frames: Full-rimmed frames are glasses that have a rim, or frame, around the entirety of the lenses.
- Semi-Rimless Frames: Semi-rimless frames, also known as half-rim frames, are glasses frames that have a rim or frame around the top half of the lenses only.
1. Wire Frames
Wire frames describe a glasses frame that is made out of a metal material such as titanium or stainless steel. Wire frames are distinguishable by their delicate and dainty look. Wire frames have nose bridges and arms that are thin in design, resembling a piece of wire. Wire frames are designed for a minimalist, yet sleek look.
The pros of wire frames are their vintage styling. Wire frames are an old design that have endured as a popular eyewear style in the fashion world, meaning you will be on trend if you wear these frames. The cons of wire frames are that the thin frames are more susceptible to bending or breakage.
At Oscar Wylee, we have several options for wire-like frames, including Kato. Kato is made from stainless steel and is a sleek, minimal, yet modern design. Kato comes in several colours including brown ribbon, with pricing starting at $169.
2. Rimless Frames
Rimless frames refer to a glasses frame that has no rim around the lenses. The lenses of rimless glasses attach to the nose bridge and the arms of the glasses only. Rimless frames are a minimalist style with the lenses blending into the face.
The pros of rimless frames are that they do not have a frame around the lenses, which means that they are less obvious on the face. The cons of rimless frames are that they are prone to breakage as they do not have a rim or frame to connect them.
At Oscar Wylee, we do not sell rimless frames.
3. Low Bridge Fit Frames
Low bridge fit frames are glasses frames with a nose bridge that is lower than other frames, designed to accommodate for people with noses further down on the face. A nose bridge is the section of the glasses frame that sits over the nose, holding the glasses on the face. Low bridge frames are designed for people with low nose bridges, who may find that frames with other bridges, such as double bridges, keyhole bridges or nose pads, slide down the face. Low bridge fit frames aim to keep glasses on the nose and off of the cheeks.
A pro of low bridge fit frames is that they accommodate those who have low nose bridges, allowing them to have comfortable glasses that fit. Another pro of low bridge fit frames is that they come in a range of styles, colours and materials, making them a perfect frame for any occasion. A con of low bridge fit frames is that they work the best on faces with low nose bridges and may not be as suitable for those without a low nose bridge.
At Oscar Wylee, we have a range of low bridge fit frames for people who have lower nose bridges. Alya is a low bridge fit frame that is durable, lightweight and flexible, perfect for those with a lower nose bridge. The price of the Oscar Wylee Alya frame starts at $169.
4. Full-Rimmed Frames
Full-rimmed frames are glasses with the lenses completely surrounded by the frame. The rim of a pair of glasses is the same thing as the frame, and it helps to hold the glasses together and give them structure. If a pair of glasses have a full-rim, this means that the rim goes around the whole lens, unlike sem-rimmed glasses or browline glasses, where the rim only covers the top half of the lens.
The pros of full-rimmed glasses are that they are sturdier and harder to break than glasses that are half-rims or rimless. Full-rimmed glasses have a frame surrounding the whole lens meaning that the lens is protected. The cons of full-rimmed glasses are that they are a bold look, which are not to everyone’s fashion taste. Full-rimmed glasses are also not likely to suit all face shapes.
At Oscar Wylee we have a range of full-rimmed glasses, including Benny. Benny is a thick, rectangular frame, perfect for those who want a full-rimmed frame. The price of a Benny frame begins at $169.
5. Semi-Rimless Frames
Semi-rimless frames, also known as half frames, are glasses frames that have a rim around the top half of the lenses only. Semi-rimmed glasses are designed to be a lightweight alternative to full-rimmed frames. With no frame at the bottom of the lenses, the weight of the frame is reduced, making for a more comfortable wear. Semi-rimmed frames first became a popular eyewear piece in the 40s and 50s. Though the demand for semi-rimmed frames has fluctuated over time, they are currently an in style glasses frame, giving a sophisticated edge to a look.
The pro of semi-rimless frames is that they are lightweight, yet sturdy. The frame at the top of sem-rimmed glasses ensures that the lenses are secure and protected, with the lack of frame at the bottom of the lenses giving a lighter feeling than that of full-rimmed frames. The con of semi-rimless frames is that they are not as study or durable as full-rimmed glasses, that give the lenses full protection.
At Oscar Wylee, we have several semi-rimmed, half-frame and browline glasses available if you are looking for a lighter frame, including Hunter. Hunter is a classic half frame, inspired by vintage fashion. The price of the Hunter frame starts at $169.
How to Choose the Correct Glasses Frame for You?
Choosing the correct glasses frame for you is a personal choice. There is no correct glasses frame, it is up to the wearer to decide what frames they like best. There are, however, several criteria that someone may consider when choosing glasses frames. You should consider glasses frames that compliment your face shape and accentuate your facial features, so the glasses look as good. Different face shapes suit different glasses. Round faces for example suit rectangle glasses well. You should also pick a colour and a style that you like, as glasses are a good accessory to show off your personality and give you confidence. Choosing the correct glasses frame should also involve considering what material they are. If you want a more lightweight frame, you would not choose a full-rim frame as they are heavier compared to semi-rimmed frames.
Why is it Important to Choose the Correct Glasses Frame?
It is important to choose the correct glasses frame so that you are as comfortable and confident as possible. Picking a style and colour of glasses frames that you like is important to show off your personality and feel comfortable when wearing them out. It is also important to choose the correct frames so that they are as comfortable as possible. Everyone has different faces so not every frame will work for you. Those with low nose bridges for instance, will find that low nose bridge frames are a better choice than other frames, such as keyhole nose bridges, as a lower nose bridge frame will stay on their face better. It is also important to pick a frame that is the right weight for your daily lifestyle, if you want something lightweight, then you would choose a semi-rimmed frame as they are lighter and more comfortable than a full-rim frame.
Which Type of Glasses Frame is Best for a Round Shape Face?
The type of glasses frames that are best for a round face shape are rectangle glasses, square glasses, cat-eye glasses and full-rimmed glasses, as these glasses bring structure and definition to a round face. A round face is described as a face that is circular in nature, with fuller cheeks, wide cheekbones and smooth lines. A round face will be as wide and it is long. The best glasses frame for a round face are ones that break up the fullness of the face and bring new dimension to the face.
Which Type of Glasses Frame is Best for an Oval Face?
The type of glasses frames that are the best for an oval face are rectangle glasses, square glasses, geometric glasses and cat-eye glasses as these frames contrast the face’s circular appearance and bring more contrast and depth to the face. An oval face is described as a face that is oval or egg shaped, longer than it is wide. The best glasses for oval faces are ones that cut the circle nature on an oval face and bring more definition and contrast to the features.
Which Type of Glasses Frame is Best for a Square Face?
The type of glasses frames that are best for a square face are round glasses, browline glasses, aviator glasses, and cat-eye glasses as these glasses provide contrast for the angular features of a square face. A square face is defined as a face that is as wide as it is long, with flat cheekbones and a flat chin, with the facial features measuring the same width. The best glasses frames for a square face are ones that soften the sharp, angular shape of a square face and give it contrast.
What is the Most Common Eyeglasses Frame?
The most common eyeglasses frame changes from year to year, depending on what is fashionable and what is in demand. The criteria for deciding the most common eyeglasses frame includes materials, price, shape of the frame, such as oval frames or square frames, and colour of the frames. One of the most common eyeglasses frames or the frames that are most popular and in fashion at the current moment are acetate frames, as these are sturdy and reliable. Frame shapes that are most common are those that have wide wearability such as square, oval and rectangular frames.
What are the Different Materials Used to Make Glasses Frames?
The different materials used to make glasses frames include acetate, titanium and stainless steel. The different materials used to make glasses frames and their best features are listed below.
- Acetate: Acetate is a semi-synthetic, plastic type material generally made from cellulose. Glasses frames made from acetate are stronger, more flexible and more durable than normal plastic frames and can be hypoallergenic.
- Titanium: Titanium is a type of metal. Glasses frames made from titanium are strong, yet lightweight, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a type of alloy metal. Glasses frames made from stainless steel are lightweight, making them comfortable, and long lasting.
What are the Different Types of Eyeglasses Lenses?
The different types of eyeglasses lenses are progressive lenses, toric lenses, prism lenses, bifocal lenses, single vision lenses and trifocal lenses. Eyeglasses lenses are the two pieces of material, usually glass or plastic, that are mounted in a frame. The lenses of glasses rest over the eyes and are what provide vision assistance, or help to protect the eyes. Eyeglasses lenses are either prescription, meaning they have a magnification power to correct a vision issue, or non-prescription, or plano lenses, with no power, often used in eyewear such as sunglasses. The different types of eyeglasses lenses are listed below.
- Progressive Lenses: Progressive lenses, also known as multifocal lenses, are lenses that have three prescriptions or powers over the one lens, helping people see objects at near, far and intermediate distances. The three prescriptions in progressive lenses are not separated by a visible line.
- Toric lenses: Toric lenses are a type of contact lens that corrects astigmatism. We do not sell toric lenses or contact lenses at Oscar Wylee.
- Prism lenses: Prism lenses are a type of lens that are designed to correct double vision.
- Bifocal lenses: Bifocal lenses are lenses that have two prescriptions over the one lens, one for near vision correction and one for distance vision correction.
- Single vision lenses: Single vision lenses are glasses lenses with one prescription or magnification power over the one lens. Single vision lenses are used for either near, far, or intermediate vision correction.
- Trifocal lenses: Trifocal lenses are glasses lenses that have three prescriptions or powers over the one lens, separated by a visible line. We do not provide trifocal lenses at Oscar Wylee.
1. Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses, or multifocal lenses, are glasses lenses that have three prescriptions or magnification powers, within the one lens. Progressive lenses combine the prescriptions needed for near, far and intermediate vision correction, into the one lens. Progressive lenses mean that a person is able to check their texts (close-up work), do computer work (middle-distance work) and drive to the shops (far distance work), all with the same pair of glasses. The prescriptions in progressive lenses are not separated by a visible line, with the shift from one prescription to another smooth and gradual.
The pro of progressive lenses is that you do not have to switch between glasses to see at different distances. Progressive lenses correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as middle distance vision issues, all within the same lens. Progressive lenses are convenient and cost effective as you don’t need separate pairs of glasses for each distance. The con of progressive lenses is that it may take the eyes some time to adjust to progressive lenses, as having multiple prescriptions over one lens and knowing where to look, takes some getting used to. Another con of progressive or multifocal lenses is that they may be more expensive than bifocals, or single vision lenses.
At Oscar Wylee, we offer three types of multifocal lenses, these are the Multifocal Standard lens, the Multifocal Premium lens and the Multifocal Elite lens. You can choose one of these multifocals for your glasses, at an additional cost on top of your Standard Optical Glasses selection. Our Oscar Wylee multifocal lenses are not available to purchase online. Come into one of our stores for your multifocal needs.
2. Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are a type of contact lenses that are specifically designed to help with astigmatism. A contact lens is a small, thin lens that sits on the surface of the eye, providing vision correction. Astigmatism is a refractive error in which the curvature of the lens or the cornea is abnormal, misshapen, or imperfect, causing blurred vision. A normal contact lens is shaped like a sphere. A toric lens is shaped more geometrically, like a cross section of a slice of a donut. Toric lenses aim to correct astigmatism by having a middle axis that helps to keep your eyes focused.
The pros of toric lenses are that they may be better for long-term eye health as they are softer than normal contact lenses. The con of toric lenses is that they can be a higher cost than other contact lenses.
Oscar Wylee does not sell toric lenses or contact lenses of any kind.
3. Prism Lenses
Prism Lenses are glasses lenses that are used to correct double vision, also known as Diplopia. Double vision refers to a person seeing two images of the same object. Normally a person will have binocular vision, in which the brain is able to transform the images from both eyes into one, according to the National Library of Medicine. Double vision can be caused by issues such as strabismus or binocular vision disruption. Double vision can also be a sign of another medical issue. If you have double vision, it is important to seek medical advice, from a doctor or an optometrist as soon as possible.
When light enters the eye, it hits the retina, a structure at the back of your eye. Photoreceptors in the eye then turn this light into signals that the optic nerve takes to the brain. The light hits the same part of the retina over each eye, which means the images in each eye are fused together into one. Double vision can occur when this light hits different areas of the retina, meaning your eyes aren't working together, causing two images. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, prism lenses help to correct double vision by bending light before it hits the retina, directing it to the areas it should be hitting. This in turn helps the eye put these images together and create one single image.
The pro of prism lenses is that they help to combat double vision and help to alleviate symptoms associated with this vision issue such as eye discomfort. The con of prism lenses is that they have a very specific purpose and will not correct refractive errors such as hyperopia, making them suitable for only some people.
At Oscar Wylee, we have prism lenses available. To find out if you need prism lenses, it is best to book an eye test with an Oscar Wylee optometrist, so they can give the appropriate lens advice.
4. Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses are glasses lenses that have two prescriptions, or magnifications, within the one lens. Bifocal lenses are designed to provide correction for nearsightedness, in which the eye struggles to see things far away and farsightedness, in which the eye struggles to focus on nearby objects. Bifocal lenses will have the lens that corrects distance vision at the top half of the lens and the prescription that corrects near vision in the bottom half of the lens. The prescriptions in bifocal lenses are separated by a visible line.
The pro of bifocal lenses is that they are convenient, as you do not have to change glasses to see at different distances clearly. The con of bifocal glasses is that it may take some time to adjust to bifocal lenses as the eye has to learn where to look for each distance, something that can be disorientating at first. Another con of bifocal lenses is that they can be more expensive than single vision lenses. An additional con of bifocal lenses is that some people do not like the look of the visible line that separates the different prescriptions.
At Oscar Wylee, we have bifocal lenses available. The cost of our bifocal lenses starts at $269.
5. Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses are glasses lenses that have one prescription or magnification power over the whole lens. Single vision lenses provide vision correction for one vision issue, be it nearsightedness, or farsightedness. Single vision lenses will help a person see objects at one distance at a time. If someone has trouble reading small text for example, they may be prescribed single vision lenses in the form of reading glasses, which have one single prescription to correct that issue over the whole lens.
The pro of single vision lenses is that they may be cheaper than multifocal or bifocal lenses, that have several prescriptions over one lens and may be more readily available. The con of single vision lenses is that only having one prescription over the lens means that if you also have trouble seeing at another distance, you will need another pair of glasses.
At Oscar Wylee, we have several different lenses available, including single vision lenses. The cost of single vision lenses will be dependent upon the frame you pick and any add-ons. For a full quote, visit your nearest Oscar Wylee store.
6. Trifocal Lenses
Trifocal lenses are glasses lenses that have three prescriptions over one lens, separated by clear, distinct lines. Trifocal lenses provide vision correction for those who have trouble seeing at near, far and intermediate distances. Trifocal lenses are similar to progressive or multifocal lenses in that they help people see at three different distances. The difference between trifocals and multifocals is that multifocals combine the prescription in a clouded way, so each prescription blends into the next, whereas trifocals have distinct lines that show where each prescription starts.
The pro of trifocal lenses is that they have distinct lines separating each prescription, meaning that your eyes know exactly where to look to see at each distance. Another pro of trifocal lenses is that the combined prescriptions mean that a person will not be required to switch between different glasses to see at different distances. A con of trifocal lenses is that it may take some time for your eyes to adjust to trifocals, as having many prescriptions in one lens can be often challenging at first for the eyes.
Oscar Wylee does not sell trifocal lenses.
7. Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses are a type of transition or adaptive lens with a chemical coating that causes the lenses to darken in response to contact with ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun. These lenses will even darken on cloudy or rainy days as the reaction is still active. However, the level of darkness will depend on how much UV light is present. Photochromic lenses are a pair of optical glasses and sunglasses in one, perfect for people who need vision correction in their sunnies and for those who frequently change between outdoor and indoor environments. Photochromic lenses offer clear and comfortable vision as well as UV protection. Oscar Wylee offers our own brand of photochromic lenses as well as branded Transitions® GEN S™ lenses. Oscar Wylee's own brand of Adaptive lenses are available for an additional $100 on top of your prescription frames, and Transitions® GEN S™ lenses are available for an additional $160 on top of the price of your prescription frames.
What are the Most Common Eyeglasses Lenses that People Choose?
The most common eyeglasses lenses that people choose are a personal choice, depending upon their individual eye care needs. There is no definitive or common lens that people choose. At Oscar Wylee, our customers choose from a range of lenses, including single vision, bifocal and multifocal lenses, depending on the needs of their eyes.
How do you Choose the Correct Eyeglasses Lenses for You?
There are certain criteria to consider when choosing eyeglasses lenses for your eye care needs, including cost, look, feel and suitability to lifestyle. Someone who has both nearsightedness and farsightedness issues for example, may choose bifocal lenses as they combine the vision correction for both of these issues over the one lens, and is often more convenient than having two different pairs of glasses. Those who have a high prescription could pick a lens with a high index, as high index lenses are thinner, so the glasses are generally more comfortable.
How to Choose the Right Glasses Type?
To choose the right glasses type, consider factors such as your vision requirements, lifestyle and your overall personal taste and preferences. Think about whether you require more than one prescription and don’t want to switch between glasses, you could opt for bifocal or multifocal lenses, which offer vision correction for multiple distances. Consider your lifestyle and whether you may require certain lens specifications to suit you best. If you regularly participate in physical activity, you may need more flexible frames with impact-resistant lenses. If your job involves long hours in front of a computer screen, you may want a blue light filter. If you’ve never had an eye test or haven’t had one in a while, that should be your first step. The optometrist will then be able to inform you whether you need corrective glasses and everything you need to know about your eye and vision health.
What’s the Difference Between Different Frame Types?
The difference between the different frame types can be their material and aesthetic designs. The different frame types can include wire frames, rimless frames, low bridge fit frames, full-rimmed frames and semi-rimless frames. There may not be any performance or aesthetic benefits for each type of frame, as it will depend on your personal preferences and style. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee does not sell rimless or semi-rimless frames. At Oscar Wylee, we provide frames that are all suitable for long-term wear and are available in a wide variety of styles, designs and shapes.
How do Glasses for Work Differ From Those Designed For Casual Use?
Glasses for work may differ from glasses designed for casual use, depending on your prescription and required strength. Glasses for casual use may mean you have a mild refractive error and therefore do not require a high prescription strength. If you rely on corrective lenses for work, then they will have a high prescription strength.
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