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How to Choose the Right Lenses for Your Lifestyle

Blue Light, eyewear, glasses, lenses

How to Choose the Right Lenses for Your Lifestyle

A quick guide to the different lens types — and how to choose the right pair for your lifestyle.

The right pair of lenses can make everyday life clearer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. But with so many options available — single vision, varifocal, blue light, Transitions and more — it can be hard to know where to start.

This simple guide breaks down the lens types available in the UK and helps you choose the best option for your lifestyle, whether you’re reading, driving, working on screens or juggling it all.

Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses have one prescription power across the whole lens — giving clear vision at a single distance.

They can be made for:

  • Distance (driving, watching TV, daily wear)

  • Intermediate (computer work)

  • Near (reading or close-up tasks)

Best for:
Reading, driving, screens or everyday clarity.

Varifocal (Progressive) Lenses

Varifocals combine three viewing zones — near, intermediate and distance — in one seamless lens.
You can look down to read, straight ahead for daily tasks and up for far distance, without swapping pairs or using bifocal “lines”.

Best for:
Anyone 40+ noticing close-up blur, or anyone wanting one pair for everything.

Blue Light Lenses

These lenses have a coating that reduces exposure to blue-violet light from screens.
They don’t change your prescription — they simply help with comfort, especially if you spend long hours at a computer.

Benefits:

  • Reduced glare

  • Less visual fatigue

  • More comfort for extended screen time

Best for:
Office work, studying, or evening screen use.

Transitions / Light-Adaptive Lenses

Transitions lenses stay clear indoors and darken automatically in sunlight.
They provide UV protection, reduce glare outdoors and adjust quickly as you move between different light levels.

Best for:
Commuters, people with light sensitivity, and anyone wanting glasses that adapt to their day.

Driving Lenses

Driving lenses use specialised coatings to improve clarity on the road.
They reduce glare from headlights, streetlights and reflections, while boosting contrast in low or changing light.

Best for:
Regular or night-time drivers, and anyone who struggles with glare or dim conditions.

Reading & Near-Work Lenses

These lenses are designed specifically for close-up clarity.
Perfect if you don’t need distance correction but want crisp, comfortable focus for near tasks.

Best for:
Reading, crafting, sewing, DIY and hobbies.

Helpful Lens Add-Ons

A few extras can make your lenses even better:

Anti-glare — clearer vision in bright or low light

Scratch-resistant coating — longer-lasting clarity

UV protection — essential for eye health

Anti-smudge / easy-clean coating — less wiping, more comfort

We’re Here to Help You Choose

Everyone’s daily routine is different — and your lenses should support the things you do most. Our team will take the time to understand your vision needs and recommend lenses that suit your lifestyle, comfort and budget.

We partner with trusted lens specialists HOYA and ZEISS to ensure you get high-quality, precision-crafted lenses designed for clarity, comfort and long-lasting performance.

Visit us for expert guidance — we’ll help you find your perfect lenses.

Checked by
Sarah Bartlett FBDO
Dispensing Optician Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the optical profession, Sarah is Eye Emporium’s dispensing optician manger at our Faversham store in Kent. With a strong focus on personalised eyecare and eyewear solutions for patients of all ages and expertise in paediatric eyecare, Sarah is also skilled in fitting advanced lens technology, progressive lenses and speciality eyewear for digital device use. Passionate about providing high quality care, Sarah always stays up-to-date on the latest trends in eyewear fashion and innovations in lens design to offer the best options for individual needs.
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