Singlevision

Single-vision is a term used for a type of ophthalmic lens that has a single focal power across the entire lens surface. This simple design is used in both eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct refractive errors and provide a uniform level of focus at all distances, depending on the prescription.

In eyeglasses, a single-vision lens corrects a single distance—typically myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Some people with astigmatism may use single-vision toric lenses that provide a uniform correction across the lens. For presbyopia, which reduces the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, single-vision lenses can be prescribed for distance or for near tasks only; many patients opt for multifocal options (bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses) to span multiple distances.

Materials and coatings vary, with common lens substrates including plastic and polycarbonate, and high-index options for thinner lenses. Coatings such as anti-reflective, scratch resistance, and UV protection are frequently applied to improve comfort and durability.

Advantages of single-vision lenses include their straightforward prescription, broad availability, typically lower cost, and simpler manufacturing compared with multifocal designs. They are also suitable for people who require correction for only one distance or who prefer a single visual task, such as distance viewing.

Limitations include the lack of intermediate vision correction, which can be problematic for activities like computer use. For many people with presbyopia or a need to see clearly at multiple distances, multifocal or progressive lenses may provide a more convenient solution. In contact lenses, single-vision variants offer a comparable single-power correction across the lens surface.