What Are Single Vision Lenses and How Much Do They Cost?

Reviewed by: Dr. Matthew Miller, OD on May 19th, 2022

Single vision lenses are a type of glasses lens that correct vision for a single distance. That means, in general, that they work for people that are nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not for those who are both.

If you’re curious about the many different types of single vision lenses out there, what makes them different from bifocal lenses and more, read on below.

Single Vision Meaning

The meaning of “single vision” applies to lenses. In short, single vision lenses are glasses lenses that only offer ONE type of vision correction. This means that they are crafted to help people see better at farther or shorter distances (nearsighted or farsightedness), but never both.

Difference Between Single Vision and Bifocal Lenses

The difference between single vision and bifocal lenses lies in how they correct your sight at different distances.

Single vision lenses generally help you see clearer at a single distance. Bifocal lenses are split into two sections to accommodate both near and far visual needs, and are ONLY necessary for people who have both of those needs. Traditionally, single vision lenses cost much less than bifocal lenses. Single vision lenses can be customized with a wider variety of coating options.

Single Vision vs Progressive

Both lens types are important, but serve very different purposes. Like their name implies, single vision lenses correct vision for only one distance — near or far, but never both. On the other hand, progressive lenses seamlessly correct vision for all distances — for those who are both nearsighted and farsighted at the same time.

How Much Do Single Vision Lenses Cost?

Depending on where you buy them, glasses with single vision lenses can cost an average of $700! However, at EyeBuyDirect, single vision lenses are much more reasonably priced, with most pairs totalling an affordable $70. Shop from our trendy collection of over 1000+ styles here, and find your perfect pair.

Now that you’re all brushed up on what single vision lenses are, it’s time to learn about what kinds are available out there. Here are a couple of our most popular types:

What is 1.59 Polycarbonate Single Vision?

Lenses in this index are made out of a special polycarbonate material. They’re massively popular for their price AND their function. Why? Because not only are they durable and impact-resistant, they’re also scratch-resistant and can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They’re perfect for everyone, active people and children included.

1.57 Mid Index Single Vision

This lens option is for people with somewhat stronger prescriptions. These lenses are one of the most thin and lightweight out there, and can handle prescriptions with SPH corrections between +/-5.00 and +/-4.00 and below, and CYL corrections of +/-3.00 and below.

1.50 Polarized Single Vision

These lenses are thicker than most, but only accommodate weaker prescriptions. However, they are so affordable they come included with every EyeBuyDirect frame. Free of charge!

We hope we’ve answered some of the questions you had about single vision lenses! If you want to learn more about topics such as lens index and lens coatings, you can check out our FAQ and guides page here.