Have you ever wondered what the difference is between all the types of glasses out there? With so many frame shapes, lens materials, coatings and more to choose from, it can get confusing trying to find the right pair.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the major types of glasses so you can feel confident finding glasses that fit your needs and style. From classic rectangular frames to trendy cat-eye shapes, lens types like progressive or bifocals, and blue light blocking, we’ll cover it all. With a few insider tips and tricks, you’ll be an expert on the different types of glasses in no time.
Types of Glasses
Eyeglasses, “spectacles”, or simply “glasses”, are lenses mounted in a frame that are worn in front of the eyes. Eyeglasses are wearable accessories and medical devices that help you see. They consist of a frame that holds 2 pieces of glass or plastic to correct refractive errors.
They can help correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Glasses work by refracting light in a way that compensates for irregularities in the eye’s focusing ability. This allows the light to properly focus on the retina for clear vision.
The lenses in glasses come in different materials, like plastic or glass. They can also have varying designs like bifocals (for close and distant vision) or progressives (a gradual transition between prescriptions).
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are tinted eyewear designed to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays. They reduce glare and block a percentage of ultraviolet (UV) light.
Protecting your eyes from UV damage can prevent conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium. Sunglasses also help you see better in bright conditions.
Popular Sunglass Types
- Aviators – Iconic teardrop shape originally designed for pilots.
- Wraparounds – Curved for enhanced coverage and side protection.
- Oversized – Large lenses that provide maximum sun blockage.
- Mirrored – Reflective coating reduces glare from water or snow.
- Polarized – Special filter eliminates glare from flat surfaces.
Sunglass lenses absorb certain light wavelengths while letting others through. Different tints filter different amounts and colors of visible light. The darker the lens, the more light it blocks.
Prescription Glasses
Prescription glasses are eyeglasses customized to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and more. They are designed with prescription lenses that refract light to focus images clearly on your retina.
Prescription lenses bend light rays to compensate for refractive errors in your eyes. This allows the light to properly focus on your retina, improving blurry vision.
Common Types of prescription glasses include:
- Single Vision Lenses: These provide clear vision at one distance, near for reading or far for driving. They’re the most basic type of prescription lenses.
- Bifocal Lenses: These lenses have two prescriptions, the top for distance vision and the bottom for near vision, separated by a visible line. Great for those who need vision correction for both distances.
- Progressive Lenses: Unlike bifocals, these seamlessly transition between all distances, near, intermediate and far, with no visible lines. Convenient but can take some adjustment.
- Occupational Lenses: Optimized for specific working distances like computer use or other tasks. Provide the sharpest vision within that range.
- High-Index Lenses: Thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses while providing the same prescription power. Ideal for stronger prescriptions.
- Photochromic Lenses: These transition from clear indoors to tinted outdoors, acting like sunglasses. Convenient for light sensitivity or frequent transitions between bright and dim lighting.
Beyond correcting vision, prescription glasses protect eyes from UV rays, blue light, and eye strain. They enhance vision for activities like driving, reading, computer use, and sports.
Non-prescription Glasses
Non-prescription glasses, also known as ‘Plano’ or ‘Clear’ glasses, are eyeglasses without any corrective lenses. They don’t have any added magnification or vision correction. They are ready to wear and can either be worn as a fashion accessory or can be taken to a local optician to be changed for prescription lenses.
These glasses are designed for fashion, protection, or blue light filtering purposes rather than vision correction. The lenses are simply tinted, polarized, or treated to block certain light wavelengths.
Popular Types of Non-Prescription Glasses
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Computer Glasses
- Sunglasses
- Safety Glasses
- Fashion Frames
Non-rx glasses offer style, UV protection for outdoor activities, reduced eye strain from digital screens, and enhanced contrast/clarity. They’re perfect for looking good while shielding your eyes.
Ultimately, non-prescription eyewear serves to protect your eyes, reduce glare/reflections, filter harsh lighting, and allow you to make a bold fashion statement, all without any vision correction.
Digital Protection Glasses
Digital protection glasses, also called computer glasses or blue light-blocking glasses, are specialized eyewear designed to filter out harmful blue light emitted from digital screens. They offer relief from digital eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns caused by prolonged screen time.
These glasses have lenses treated with a special coating that selectively blocks or filters out the blue-violet portion of the visible light spectrum emitted by digital devices. This reduces glare and brightness while improving contrast and visual comfort.
Types of Digital Glasses
- Blue light filter lenses
- Anti-reflective (AR) lenses
- Photochromic lenses
- Progressive lenses
- Computer bifocals
Digital protection glasses are widely used by professionals who spend long hours staring at computer screens, tablets or smartphones. They help reduce eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches associated with digital eye strain.
What are Eyeglasses Lenses?
Lenses for glasses are pieces of material that are placed inside a frame to provide the wearer with good vision while also protecting the eyes. Lenses are typically glass or plastic and can be prescription or non-prescription. Eyeglass lenses are used for vision correction, most typically for refractive defects such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism. Glass lenses come in various materials. The most common are plastic lenses made from lightweight polymers like CR-39 or polycarbonate. These are cost-effective and durable options.
For higher-end lenses, there are hi-index plastics that are thinner and lighter. And for the best visual clarity, many choose glass lenses despite being heavier.
The lens type (single vision, bifocal, progressive) determines how it refracts light to correct your vision. Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and UV coatings can further enhance the lenses. Photochromic lenses automatically darken in sunlight, while polarized lenses reduce glare. There are specialty tints and mirror coatings too.
The most important factor is getting the right prescription power in your lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Precise measurements ensure crisp vision.
Different Types Of Eyeglasses Lenses
These are the types of lenses for glasses:
Prism lenses
Prism lenses are a type of glass lens that refracts light to ensure it enters the eye properly. These lenses are prescribed to treat vision conditions, including double vision.
Tinted lenses
Tinted lenses are commonly used in sunglasses to shield the eyes from ultraviolet rays. There are also tinted lenses in a variety of colours that are used as fashion sunglasses but do not provide eye protection.
High index lenses
High-index lenses are lighter and thinner than conventional lenses, making them appropriate for people with a high prescription.
Polarized lenses
Polarized lenses are a type of eyeglass lens that minimizes glare. Polarisation can be incorporated into the lens material or applied as a coating on the lens.
Blue Light Blocking lenses
These have special lens coatings that filter out blue light wavelengths emitted by digital screens. It can help reduce eye strain, headaches and sleep disruption from prolonged screen use.
Sun Bifocals
Dual-purpose lenses with distance and reading prescriptions combined. The top is for seeing far away, while the bottom segment magnifies for reading up close in bright sunlight.
Multifocal lenses
Advanced multifocal lenses provide a gradual transition between distance, intermediate and near vision zones, eliminating harsh lines. Great for all-day wear.
Polarized lenses
Lenses with a special filter that blocks intense reflected glare from surfaces like water, snow or glass. Enhances visual clarity and reduces squinting in bright conditions.
Eyeglasses Lens Coating Types
Lens coatings are microscopic layers applied to eyeglass lenses to improve vision and protect your eyes. There are several types:
Anti-Reflective Coating
Reduces glare from lights and screens for sharper vision. Great for driving at night or working on computers.
UV Protection
Blocks harmful ultraviolet rays to prevent eye damage and cataracts. Essential for spending time outdoors.
Scratch-Resistant
Hardens the lens surface to prevent scratches from keys, sand, and everyday wear and tear. Ideal for active lifestyles.
Anti-Fog
Prevents lenses from fogging up in humid conditions or when going from cold to warm temperatures. Perfect for athletes or workers in steamy environments.
Mirror Coating
Reflects light for enhanced visual performance in bright sunlight. Popular for sports and outdoor activities.
Photochromic
Automatically darkens in sunlight and lightens indoors for optimal vision in any lighting condition. Convenient for everyday wear.
Types of Eyeglasses Lens Materials
Lens materials are the different types of plastics and compounds used to manufacture eyeglass lenses. The material impacts the lens’ weight, clarity, UV protection, scratch resistance, and cost.
Common Lens Materials are:
- Plastic (CR-39) – The most common and affordable plastic lenses. Lightweight but prone to scratching.
- Polycarbonate – Impact-resistant plastic lenses ideal for kids and sports. Blocks 100% UV rays.
- Trivex – A newer plastic material that is lightweight, thin, impact-resistant and optically pure.
- High-Index Plastic – Thinner and lighter than regular plastic while still being affordable.
- Photochromic – Lenses that automatically darken in sunlight to reduce glare. Perfect for outdoors.
- Glass – The oldest lens material offers superior optics but is heavier and more fragrance.
Discuss your vision needs and lifestyle with an optician to select the ideal lens material.
What are Eyeglasses Frames?
Frames are the foundation that holds your lenses in place on your face. They come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own advantages. Eyeglass frames come in various materials like plastic, metal, or a combination. Plastic frames are lightweight and durable, while metal ones offer strength and adjustability. Some frames even use unique materials like wood or buffalo horn for a distinct look.
Frames aren’t just functional; they’re fashionable, too. Popular styles include classic rectangular shapes, trendy cat-eye designs, or bold, oversized frames that make a statement. The right frame can complement your face shape and personal style.
Getting the perfect fit is crucial for comfort. Frames are sized by key measurements like lens width, bridge width (between the lenses), and temple arm length. Proper measurements ensure your frames sit perfectly on your face without sliding or pinching.
What are the Different Types of Eyeglasses Frames?
These are the different types of Eyeglasses Frames:
Plastic Frames
Plastic eyeglass frames are lightweight, durable, and affordable. They come in endless colors and patterns for style versatility. However, plastic can be prone to scratches and cracks over time.
Metal Frames
Metals like titanium, aluminium, and stainless steel offer unbeatable strength and flexibility. Metal frames are hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant. However, they can be more expensive.
Semi-Rimless Frames
These have a partial frame around the lenses, providing a lightweight and modern look. The rimless style near your eyes reduces obstruction of your vision.
Rimless Frames
Rimless or drill-mount frames have no frame around the lenses, resulting in an extremely lightweight and sleek design. The lenses are held in place by small drill holes.
Combination Frames
Combining metals and plastics offers the best of both worlds: durability from metals and style versatility from plastics. They are unique and individualized.
Wood Frames
For an eco-friendly, warm, natural look, wood frames are handcrafted, and each pair is one-of-a-kind. However, they require special care to maintain.
Wireframes
Wireframes are glass frames made from a metal material with a thin nose bridge and arms.
Types of Eyeglasses Frame Styles
These are some of the types of Eyeglasses frame styles:
Classic Frames
Timeless and sophisticated. These traditional frame styles feature clean lines and simple shapes, often in classic colors like black, tortoiseshell or metal tones. Perfect for a polished, professional look.
Retro/Vintage Frames
Throw it back with retro-inspired shapes and details. Cat-eye frames and browline styles channel nostalgic vibes. Vibrant colors and unique patterns make these frames fun statement pieces.
Rimless Frames
Minimalist chic. Rimless frames have a lightweight, barely-there look with just the lenses and sleek temples or browline. An ultra-modern aesthetic.
Semi-Rimless Frames
A hybrid style combining full rims on top with rimless bottoms. Semi-rimless frames offer a balanced look between classic and contemporary styles.
Geometric Frames
Angular, linear shapes create bold, eye-catching looks. Rectangle, square, hexagon and other geometric frame shapes make modern style statements.
Round/Oval Frames
Soft, curved contours give these frames a laid-back, casual vibe. Round or oval shapes complement rounder face shapes beautifully.
Oversized Frames
Go big or go home! Exaggerated proportions make oversized frames a dramatic, high-fashion statement. Perfect for those who love standing out.
Browline Frames
Retro meets modern cool. Browline styles have a contrasting hue or material on the top “brow” portion of the frame. Flattering and face-framing.
What Type Of Glasses Fits My Face?
The shape of your face plays a crucial role in determining the perfect pair of frames. Glasses that complement your features can enhance your overall look and boost confidence.
Are you oval, round, square or heart-shaped? Identifying your face shape is step one. Oval faces suit most frames, while round faces look best with angular styles to add definition.
Square faces rock curved frames to soften angles, and heart-shaped faces shine with wider frames balancing a narrower chin. With some expert tricks, you’ll nail glasses made for your mug!
What to Consider When Choosing Frame Types and Styles
These are some of the things to consider when choosing glass frame types and styles:
Shape and Fit
The shape and fit of frames are crucial for comfort and style. Consider your face shape and choose frames that complement your features. Oval faces suit most styles, while round faces benefit from angular frames.
Material
Frames come in various materials like plastic, metal, or a combination. Plastic is lightweight and durable, while metal offers strength and adjustability. Consider your lifestyle and preferences.
Color and Pattern
Frame colors and patterns can express your personality. Neutral hues are versatile, while bold shades make a statement. Tortoiseshell and patterned frames add flair.
Lens Type
Decide if you need single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses based on your vision needs. Lens type affects frame choice and fit.
Adjustability
Adjustable nose pads and temples ensure a customized, comfortable fit. This feature is vital for active lifestyles or those with higher prescriptions.
Size
Frame size impacts both style and functionality. Oversized frames suit larger faces, while petite frames flatter smaller features. Ensure proper coverage and vision.
Brand and Style
Designer brands offer trendy styles, while budget-friendly options can still look great. Consider your fashion sense and budget when choosing a brand.
Purpose
Determine if you need frames for everyday wear, specific activities like sports or computer use, or a combination of uses. This guides the right frame choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some frequently asked questions and answers about the types of glasses.
What’s the difference between single-vision and multifocal lenses?
Single-vision lenses have just one corrective prescription across the entire lens. Multifocal (progressive) lenses have two or more prescriptions, allowing you to see clearly at multiple distances through different areas of the lens.
How do I know which frame size to choose?
The general rule is that your frames should be wider than the widest part of your face. But don’t worry – the optician will help you find frames that suit your features, lifestyle and preferences perfectly.
How often should I get a new eye exam?
It’s recommended to get a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years or more frequently if you have an eye condition or notice vision changes. Getting regular exams helps detect issues early.
Conclusion
This is a quick overview of the main types of glasses, frames, and lenses available today. Hopefully, this guide has given you a good foundation for finding the perfect pair of glasses that complements your style and vision needs. Just remember to think about your prescription strength, lifestyle, and facial features when choosing frames. And don’t forget, it may take trying on a few different pairs before you find “the one”! But with so many stylish options for frames and lenses these days, you’re bound to find a pair you love.