Choosing the right lenses

Choosing lenses doesn't have to be complicated. Once you've selected the right type of lens for your prescription, the remaining decisions are simply about improving comfort, durability and how your glasses suit your lifestyle.

Whether you only need glasses for driving, reading, or you're looking for one pair to wear all day, this guide will explain the different lens types and optional upgrades available on LuxNorth so you can choose with confidence.

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What type of lenses do i need?

Before looking at coatings and upgrades, the first decision is choosing the right type of lens.

The good news is that this is usually very straightforward. Your prescription will normally tell you exactly which type of lenses you'll need.

Single Vision Distance Lenses

If your prescription only contains a distance prescription and doesn't include a reading ADD, you'll normally choose Single Vision lenses.

These contain one prescription across the entire lens and are designed to help you see clearly in the distance.

Some people wear them all day, while others use them for specific activities such as:

  • Driving
  • Watching television
  • Going to the theatre or cinema
  • Sporting activities
  • Seeing road signs and faces clearly

If you only need help seeing into the distance, these are almost certainly the right choice.

Single Vision Reading Lenses

If your prescription includes a reading prescription or a reading ADD, you may prefer a dedicated pair of reading glasses.

Like distance lenses, they contain one prescription throughout the lens, but this prescription is set for close work rather than distance vision.

They're ideal if you mainly want glasses for:

  • Reading books
  • Menus
  • Crafts and hobbies
  • Sewing
  • Using your phone

Because they're focused for one distance, you'll normally remove them when looking across the room or walking around.

Varifocal Lenses

If you'd rather avoid changing between different pairs of glasses, a varifocal lens combines your distance, intermediate and reading prescriptions into a single lens.

That means one pair of glasses can comfortably take you from driving, to using a computer, to reading a menu.

Most people who need both distance and reading correction choose varifocals because they're convenient enough to wear throughout the day.

Unlike bifocals, there's no visible line across the lens, giving them a much more natural appearance.

Do varifocals take time to get used to?

Usually, yes.

Because several prescriptions are blended into one lens, you'll naturally move your head slightly differently to find the clearest part of the lens for different tasks.

Most people adapt within a few days, although some take a couple of weeks.

Why are some varifocals more expensive?

All varifocals contain areas around the edges where vision becomes slightly blurred. This is completely normal and simply results from fitting multiple prescriptions into one lens.

Higher quality lens designs reduce these blurred areas, providing:

  • A wider reading area
  • A wider distance area
  • Easier computer vision
  • Less distortion around the edges
  • More natural eye movements

We'll cover the different types of varifocal lenses in much more detail in a dedicated guide.

Should I add any upgrades?

Once you've chosen your lens type, you'll have the option to add a few upgrades.

Not everyone needs every option, but understanding what they do makes it much easier to decide what's worthwhile.

Anti-Reflection Coating

If we could recommend just one upgrade, this would be it.

An anti-reflection coating reduces reflections from the front and back of your lenses, allowing more light to reach your eyes.

The result is:

  • Clearer vision
  • Less distracting reflections
  • A cleaner, more cosmetic appearance
  • Other people can see your eyes more easily

We recommend anti-reflection coatings on virtually every pair of glasses.

Scratch Guarantee

No lens is completely scratch-proof.

Instead, this option gives your lenses a tougher surface and, more importantly, includes a free replacement if they become scratched within 12 months.

It's particularly worthwhile if you:

  • Keep your glasses in a pocket or handbag
  • Have small children who pull at your glasses
  • Have pets who occasionally knock them off
  • Lead an active lifestyle
  • Simply want extra peace of mind

Blue Light Lenses

Blue light lenses remain one of the most talked-about lens options.

Current research doesn't show that they prevent eye strain or protect long-term eye health, so it's important not to overstate what they can do.

However, many people who spend long periods on computers enjoy using them, particularly in the evening, as reducing blue light exposure may help support your body's natural sleep-wake rhythm.

If you spend much of your day in front of screens, they're an option worth considering.

Would thinner lenses benefit me?

If your prescription is stronger, around +/- 2.00 or above, choosing a thinner lens can make a noticeable difference.

This means your glasses can be:

  • Lighter
  • Thinner
  • More comfortable
  • Better balanced on your face

Thinner lenses can also improve the appearance of rimless or fine metal frames by reducing visible edge thickness.

For many people they're as much about comfort and aesthetics as they are about reducing weight.

Do I want sun options?


If you spend time outdoors, drive regularly or simply enjoy being outside, you may want to consider adding sun protection to your glasses. Whether you choose photochromic or polarised lenses, you'll enjoy more comfortable, relaxed vision in bright conditions while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. And because you're not constantly squinting against the sun, the skin around your eyes will probably appreciate them too.

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic lenses are clear indoors and automatically darken when exposed to sunlight, giving you the convenience of everyday glasses and sunglasses in a single pair.

They're a great choice if you don't want to carry multiple pairs of glasses and frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments.

There are a couple of things worth knowing:

  • They don't darken quite as much inside a car because the windscreen blocks much of the UV light that activates the lenses.
  • In very hot weather they may not become quite as dark, as higher temperatures can reduce the amount of tint they develop.

For many people, they're an excellent everyday solution that offers comfort and convenience throughout the year.

Polarised Sunglasses

If you already have a dedicated pair of sunglasses in mind, we'd usually recommend polarised lenses.

Unlike a standard tinted lens, polarised lenses also reduce glare by filtering reflections from flat surfaces such as water, roads and snow. The result is more comfortable vision with improved contrast and less eye fatigue in bright conditions.

They're particularly popular for:

  • Driving, especially on wet roads
  • Walking near water
  • Fishing and watersports
  • Skiing and snow sports
  • Holidays and everyday outdoor wear

Because they're permanently tinted, polarised lenses provide the best sun protection and glare reduction for bright outdoor conditions.

Choosing a Lens Colour

Both photochromic and polarised lenses are available in three colours:

Brown – A warm tint that enhances contrast and depth perception, making it a popular choice for driving and everyday outdoor use.

Grey – A neutral tint that reduces brightness while maintaining natural colour perception. A versatile option for general use.

Green – Offers a balance between contrast and natural colour perception, making it a comfortable choice for prolonged outdoor wear.

Can any frame become sunglasses?

Yes! Almost every frame on LuxNorth can be fitted with sun lenses.

So if you've found an optical frame you love, you don't need to limit yourself to our sunglasses collection. We can fit it with polarised or photochromic lenses to create your perfect pair of prescription sunglasses.

This gives you far more choice and means you can wear the frames you love, whatever the weather.

Need some extra help?

Choosing lenses can feel like the hardest part of buying glasses online, but it doesn't have to be.

If you're unsure which options would suit your prescription or lifestyle, we're always happy to help. A quick conversation can often save money by recommending the upgrades you'll genuinely benefit from—and avoiding the ones you won't.

If your prescription or visual needs are a little more specialist, we can help with those too. Whether you're looking for premium varifocal designs, lenses for night driving, occupational lenses for computer use, or another bespoke solution, simply get in touch and we'll help you find the option that's right for you.

Speak to our Opticians

Ready to find your perfect pair?


Now that you've chosen your lenses, it's time to find the frames you'll love wearing every day.

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