Single vision, bifocal or multifocal lenses: which do you need?
By See Better · Updated · 4 min read
The short answer
Single vision lenses have one power and correct one distance. Bifocals have two powers, distance at the top and reading at the bottom, separated by a visible line. Multifocals change power gradually from distance through computer range to reading, with no line. Under about 40, most people need single vision. After that, multifocals are the most popular choice.
Key points
- Single vision: one distance, the simplest and cheapest lens.
- Bifocal: distance and reading in one lens, with a visible line.
- Multifocal: distance, middle and reading, with no line and a short adjustment period.
- Your prescription decides what you need. An ADD value means you need help with reading.
The three lens types compared
| Single vision | Bifocal | Multifocal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powers in the lens | One | Two | Many, changing gradually |
| What it corrects | One distance: far, or near | Far and near | Far, middle and near |
| Visible line | No | Yes | No |
| Getting used to them | Almost immediate | A few days | A few days to two weeks |
| Best for | People under 40, or a dedicated pair for one task | People who want a wide, simple reading area | Most people over 40 who want one pair for everything |
| See Better price, with test, frame and tint | R1199 | R1699 | R2099 |
Single vision lenses
A single vision lens has the same power across its whole surface. It corrects short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism for one distance.
Most people under 40 need nothing more, because their eyes can still change focus from far to near by themselves. Single vision lenses are also used for dedicated reading glasses and for computer glasses. They are the least expensive lenses and the easiest to get used to.
Bifocal lenses
A bifocal has two zones. The main part of the lens is for distance, and a small segment at the bottom is for reading. You can see the edge of the segment as a line on the lens.
Bifocals are simple and the reading area is wide and stable, which some people prefer. The drawbacks are that there is nothing for the in-between distance, such as a computer screen or a car dashboard, and the picture "jumps" as your eye crosses the line. The line is also visible to other people.
Multifocal lenses
Multifocals are also called progressive or varifocal lenses. The power changes smoothly down the lens: distance at the top, intermediate in the middle and reading at the bottom. There is no line, so they look like ordinary lenses.
One pair lets you drive, glance at the dashboard, work on a laptop and read your phone. That is why they are the most popular choice for people over 40.
There are two things to know before you choose them. The edges of the lower part of the lens are soft-focus, so you learn to point your nose at what you want to see. And they take a little practice: most people adjust within a few days to two weeks. Getting used to new glasses has tips that make this easier.
How to choose
Your prescription points the way. If it has no ADD value, you need single vision lenses. If it has an ADD value, your eyes need help at near, and you have a choice:
- One pair for everything: multifocals.
- A simple two-distance lens and you do not mind a line: bifocals.
- Clear distance vision already, and you only struggle to read: single vision reading glasses.
- Long hours at a desk: ask about a dedicated pair set for screen and reading distance.
Think about your day as well. Someone who drives for a living, someone who works at two monitors and someone who mostly reads and sews will each want something slightly different. Tell your optometrist what you do, and how you use your eyes most, before you decide. How to read your glasses prescription explains the ADD value and the other numbers.
What affects the price
Multifocals cost more than bifocals, and bifocals more than single vision, because they are harder to make and must be measured precisely for your eyes and your frame. Beyond the lens type, the price changes with coatings, tints, thinner materials for strong prescriptions, and the frame. See Better's packages include the eye test, a frame and tinted lenses, and all glasses carry a 1-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Are multifocals and varifocals the same thing?
Yes. Multifocal, progressive and varifocal are three names for the same kind of lens: one that changes power gradually from distance to near without a visible line.
Are multifocals hard to get used to?
Most people adjust within a few days to two weeks. Wear them all day from the start, move your head to look at things instead of only your eyes, and take care on stairs for the first few days. Accurate fitting measurements make a big difference.
Do I need multifocals or just reading glasses?
If your distance vision is clear without glasses and you only struggle up close, reading glasses may be enough. If you need correction for distance too, or you are tired of taking glasses on and off, multifocals do both jobs in one pair.
Can I drive with multifocal lenses?
Yes. You look through the top of the lens for the road and through the middle for the dashboard. Give yourself a few days to get used to a new pair before a long drive.
This article is general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes or your sight, see an optometrist or a doctor. Sudden loss of vision, eye injuries and severe eye pain are emergencies.
