ZEISS glasses lenses explained

A great pair of glasses needs to be unique to you. Depending on your lifestyle, hobbies or career your glasses need to meet a whole range of different needs. We can help select the best lens to suit you.

We partner with ZEISS for high quality lens design.

Do you Need Single Vision, Progressives or Something in Between?

Here is our guide to understanding the different types of lenses. Your choice of lens will be determined by your prescription and the specific distances you would like to focus on.

Plano Lenses

Plano lenses are non-prescription lenses. They are often used in sunglasses with UV protection or as safety eyewear where eye protection is needed.

Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses are for people who are short-sighted (myopic), long-sighted (hyperopic) or have astigmatism – a condition where the eye’s surface is shaped like a football instead of a round shape. These lenses contain one single prescription, correcting either near or distance vision.

While single vision lenses are the most common corrective lenses, ZEISS Single Vision lenses are specially crafted to provide optimised clarity across more of the lens, helping you see more clearly and comfortably.

Digital Lenses

Also known as “anti-fatigue lenses”, digital lenses are single vision lenses with a ‘boost’ at the bottom to ease eye strain. They’re ideal for people in their mid-30s to 40s who experience occasional eye strain, but don’t need progressive lenses yet. Despite their name, these lenses aren’t just for screen users – they also help your eyes transition easily between tasks like reading a book and looking into the distance.

If you wear distance glasses but find it harder to focus up close, you may not need progressives just yet – your eyes might just need a little extra support. ZEISS Digital SmartLife lenses are designed with advanced technology to reduce eye strain and improve visual comfort throughout the day.

With a wide distance zone and an enhanced near zone, ZEISS Digital SmartLife lenses make it easier to shift focus from far away to up close with less effort.

Progressive Lenses

If you’re over 45 and struggling to see up close, far away, and in between, progressive lenses offer a seamless solution. Unlike bifocals or trifocals, they provide three prescriptions in one lens- with no visible lines and no need to switch glasses.

ZEISS SmartLife progressive lenses are your top choice, tailored to your individual activities and needs for maximum comfort. If you drive frequently, ZEISS DriveSafe is an option too.

While progressives may take some adjustment due to different viewing zones, they make focusing effortless, helping you see clearly at all distances without interruption.

With multiple prescriptions in just one pair, they’ll help you switch focus without having to switch glasses. They don’t have any visible lines, but you’ll have to get used to different lens zones.

Multifocal lenses

Before progressives, bifocal and trifocal lenses were the go-to solution for presbyopes (people typically aged 40-45 who find it hard to focus on close objects).

These lenses had distinct sections with visible lines separating each prescription. Unlike progressives, they lacked a smooth transition between viewing zones – and the appearance of this transition was obvious.

Specialised lenses

Some lenses are designed for specific needs and often worn as a second pair, such as  ZEISS Office lenses. Others are specifically designed to help with eye conditions, for example,  ZEISS MyoCare  lenses to help with myopia management.

Your optometrist  will determine the best solution for your vision needs. With the right ZEISS lenses, you’ll enjoy clearer, more comfortable sight, tailored to suit your lifestyle. Whether you need every day eyewear, specialised lenses, or advanced technology to reduce eye strain, we can help you find the perfect solution for your needs.