Choosing the right type of glasses

Distance — single vision

Single vision lenses have one correction across the entire lens, which makes them ideal for simple prescriptions. Choose distance for seeing things far away, or at arm's length — which also relieves eyestrain when you are using a computer or other screens.

Reading — single vision

Choose reading if you have difficulty reading without your glasses, or seeing things close to your face.

Your prescription may carry a near ADD (addition) value, or more commonly just ADD — for example ADD +1.50. That figure is only relevant if you want multifocal lenses.

Freeform progressive

Progressive, or varifocal, lenses are an alternative to traditional bifocals. They move smoothly from a distance correction at the top to a reading correction at the bottom, with no visible dividing line. The central area gives clear vision at arm's length, ideal for computer screens, with less peripheral distortion than traditional bifocal or trifocal lenses.

There may be a period of adaptation for someone used to traditional bifocals or trifocals. Ideally, customers buying progressive lenses online should already have worn similar lenses before.

Bifocal

Bifocal lenses contain two distinct corrections in the same lens, for a wearer who has difficulty both focusing on distant objects and reading small print — essentially combining the distance and reading prescriptions into one lens. The upper part is used for distance and the lower part for reading up close.

Readers — over the counter

Readers are non-prescription glasses with a simple power correction added, for example +1.00. Ideal for people who, typically over the age of 40, need help reading a newspaper or a book but do not need prescription glasses for anything else.

Frame only

If you just want the frame — perhaps because you would rather have lenses fitted by your local optician — choose frame only.