Single Vision Lenses

One prescription, total clarity — the simplest and most popular lens type for distance or reading.

Book Appointment 3-for-1 from $199

What Are Single Vision Lenses?

Single vision lenses have one prescription power across the entire lens surface. Unlike progressive or bifocal lenses, which split the lens into multiple zones, a single vision lens is dedicated entirely to one focal distance — either far or near.

This makes single vision the simplest, lightest, and most versatile lens type available. Because the full surface is used for one purpose, single vision lenses can be made thinner and lighter than any multifocal, and they work in virtually every frame style — from bold full-rim acetate frames to minimalist rimless designs.

Single vision lenses are the most commonly prescribed lens in the world. If you are under 40 and need glasses, there is a very good chance single vision is what you need. If you are over 40 and noticing that reading is getting harder, you may need to add a separate reading pair or upgrade to progressives.

Two Types of Single Vision

  • Distance single vision — corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism for driving, sports, TV, and everyday use
  • Near single vision (reading glasses) — optimized for close-up work like reading, crafts, cooking, or phone use
Single vision lenses — clear distance and reading correction at Fantastic Glasses

Who Needs Single Vision Lenses?

Single vision lenses are the right choice if you need correction at one distance. Here is a quick guide:

  • Children and teenagers — almost always wear single vision. In Alberta, annual eye tests are free for children under 19. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, ask about our myopia control lenses designed to slow progression.
  • Adults under 40 — most people in this age group only need distance correction, which makes single vision the default.
  • Adults over 40 (distance only) — if you already have a separate reading solution (or do not do much close-up work), a distance-only single vision pair is still practical.
  • Dedicated reading glasses — many progressive wearers keep a dedicated reading pair for extended close-up tasks like books, crafts, or needlework. Single vision reading glasses offer a wider field of near vision than the reading zone of a progressive lens.
  • Safety glasses — single vision is the standard for prescription safety eyewear in workplaces and labs.

Not sure whether you need single vision or progressives? Our opticians can advise after your free eye test.

Single vision vs multifocal lenses — which do you need?

Lens Materials & High-Index Options

Thinner, lighter, and more comfortable — especially for stronger prescriptions

Standard single vision lenses are made from CR-39 plastic (index 1.50) — lightweight, optically clear, and cost-effective. For stronger prescriptions, high-index materials reduce edge thickness and overall weight:

  • 1.56 / 1.59 index — slightly thinner than standard, good for mild-to-moderate prescriptions (+/− 2.00 to 4.00)
  • 1.60 index — noticeably thinner, ideal for medium prescriptions
  • 1.67 index — significantly thinner and lighter, recommended for prescriptions above +/− 4.00
  • 1.74 index — the thinnest lens available, best for strong prescriptions above +/− 6.00

High-index lenses look better in your frames (less "bug-eye" or "Coke bottle" effect), weigh less, and are more comfortable for all-day wear. Our opticians will recommend the right index based on your prescription and frame choice.

Coatings & Add-Ons

Every single vision lens can be upgraded with:

  • Anti-reflective (AR) coating — reduces glare from screens and headlights, makes your lenses nearly invisible. Available in Standard, Premium, and Premium Blue tiers.
  • Blue light filtering — reduces digital eye strain and may improve sleep quality
  • Scratch-resistant coating — hardens the lens surface to resist everyday wear
  • Transitions (photochromic) — automatically darkens outdoors and clears indoors, eliminating the need for separate sunglasses
  • Polarized tint — for dedicated prescription sunglasses

3 Pairs of Single Vision Glasses from $199

Three frames with single vision lenses — distance, reading, sunglasses, or any combination. Free eye test included.

Learn About the 3-for-1 Deal Book Appointment

Your Prescription Starts Here

Every pair of glasses is only as good as the prescription behind it. At Fantastic Glasses, your eye test is performed with the Essilor Vision-R 800 — the most advanced digital phoropter available. It measures in 0.01 diopter steps, five times finer than a traditional phoropter, which means your single vision lenses are built on the most precise prescription possible.

Your eye test is completely free with any eyewear purchase. No referral needed, no hidden fees. Eye tests are also free for children under 19 and adults 65+.

  • 0.01 diopter precision — the finest measurement available
  • Faster and more comfortable than manual phoropters
  • Critical for sharp, accurate single vision lenses
Learn About Our Free Eye Test
Essilor R800 eye test — precision prescription for single vision lenses

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Vision Lenses

What are single vision lenses?

Single vision lenses have one prescription power across the entire lens surface. They correct vision at a single distance — either far (for driving, sports, and everyday use) or near (for reading, crafts, and close-up work). They are the most commonly prescribed lens type in the world.

Who needs single vision lenses?

Anyone with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism who needs correction at one distance. Single vision lenses are most common for people under 40, though they are also used as dedicated reading glasses or distance glasses at any age. Children and teenagers almost always wear single vision lenses.

What is the difference between single vision and progressive lenses?

Single vision lenses correct vision at one distance only — either far or near. Progressive lenses correct vision at all distances (far, intermediate, and near) in one lens with no visible lines. If you are over 40 and need help with both distance and reading, progressive lenses are usually the better choice. Under 40, single vision is almost always sufficient.

What are high-index lenses?

High-index lenses use a denser material that bends light more efficiently, so the lens can be made thinner and lighter. Common indices are 1.56, 1.59, 1.60, 1.67, and 1.74. The higher the number, the thinner the lens. High-index is recommended for prescriptions above +/− 3.00 to reduce edge thickness and weight, and they look much better in your frames.

Can I get single vision lenses with blue light protection?

Yes. Blue light filtering can be added to any single vision lens as a coating or embedded in the lens material. It reduces digital eye strain from screens and may improve sleep quality. At Fantastic Glasses, blue light protection is available as an add-on to any single vision pair.

How much do single vision lenses cost?

Three pairs of single vision glasses start at $199 with our 3-for-1 deal. That includes frames, lenses, and a free eye test with the Essilor R800. Add-ons like anti-reflective coatings, blue light filtering, and high-index materials are available at additional cost. We offer direct insurance billing so you can use your benefits with no paperwork.

Do children need single vision lenses?

If a child has been diagnosed with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, single vision lenses are the standard correction. In Alberta, children under 19 receive a free annual eye test. If your child has progressive myopia, we also offer myopia control lenses designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness.

Single Vision Lenses Near You

Fantastic Glasses is located at Unit 401, 235 Milligan Dr, Okotoks, AB — serving patients from Calgary, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, De Winton, and surrounding communities in southern Alberta. South Calgary communities like Shawnessy, Cranston, and McKenzie Towne are just a 20-minute drive.

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead guarantees your time slot. We carry thousands of frames and can have most single vision lenses ready the same week.

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Fantastic Glasses storefront — single vision lenses in Okotoks near Calgary

Ready for Clear, Comfortable Vision?

Book your free eye test and let our opticians match you with the perfect single vision lenses for your prescription and lifestyle. Call (587) 997-3937 or book online.

Book Appointment 3-for-1 from $199
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