Single vision vs progressive — which do you need?

If you've just been handed a prescription and a dozen lens options, here's the short version: single vision lenses correct one distance, progressives correct several.

Single vision

One uniform power across the whole lens. Ideal if you only need help seeing far away (distance) or only up close (reading). Most people under 40 wear single vision.

Progressive

Three zones — distance at the top, mid-range in the middle, reading at the bottom — blended with no visible line. Perfect once your eyes need help at multiple distances, typically after 40.

How to choose

• • One distance to fix? Single vision.
• • Switching between glasses for reading and distance? Progressive.
• • Replacing bifocals? Progressive, with a wide-corridor design.