Blog - Reglaze my glasses - LensXpress.co.uk

22nd January 2026 Amy Nelson

The 3 Best Types of Prescription Glasses for Eye Strain

A man in a smart, white shirt, leaning on an office wall, holding his glasses and looking at the floor, as if suffering from eye strain.

The best glasses for eye strain should match your prescription, reduce glare and support clear vision at each distance. (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.)

Are your eyes tired after work or school? Long periods of intense focus and screen use can cause digital eye strain (asthenopia). Wearing the correct prescription, along with the right type of lens, helps reduce this visual fatigue. So what are the best glasses for eye strain?

1. Regular single vision lenses

These glasses are made to match one prescription across the entire lens. If you’re still experiencing eye strain when wearing single vision glasses, it could be a sign you need to update your prescription. Once this has been ruled out, add-ons such as anti-reflective coatings or an anti-fatigue upgrade may reduce visual fatigue further.

Best for:

Under-40s
People with myopia (short-sightedness)
People with no problems reading things close-up

2. Anti-fatigue lenses

These enhanced single vision lenses have a small extra magnification area, to help you with close-up work like reading. The rest of the lens matches your normal prescription.

Best for:

Under-45s
People with myopia (short-sightedness)
People with pre-presbyopia (early long-sightedness)
People who experience mild visual fatigue from close-up work

3. Occupational lenses

If you normally need varifocal lenses to help you with both close-up and distance vision, occupational lenses could be for you. These lenses offer a wider field of intermediate vision, reducing the dizziness and eye strain sometimes caused by standard varifocals.

Best for:

Over-40s
People with presbyopia (long-sightedness)
People who experience dizziness, eye strain or discomfort when using normal varifocals at work

Other lens features to consider when buying glasses for eye strain

AR coating

Also called anti-glare coating, anti-reflective (AR) coating reduces glare from light reflecting off other surfaces. It also makes the surface of your lenses less reflective – perfect for selfies!

Anti-reflective coating is available for most types of lenses.

For drivers, the upgraded DRIVE coating is designed to reduce glare and the “halo” effect from oncoming headlights, which causes discomfort for some drivers when driving at night.

Best for:

People who work in bright environments with lots of horizontal glare from screens, lights or reflective surfaces
People who wear high-index lenses
People who experience glare when driving

Blue light filters

Time for some myth-busting! Blue light doesn’t actually damage your eyes. However, some people worry it affects their sleep. Whilst this isn’t proven, there’s no harm in adding a blue light filter if you dislike being exposed to bright lights from screens in the evening.

Best for:

Evening screen users

LED lenses

A new alternative to blue light filters is LED lenses. Available as both single vision and varifocal lenses, these are designed to reduce discomfort from LED lights. They contain dyes that block out very specific wavelengths of light, targeting the wavelengths that make LED lights feel uncomfortably bright for some people.

Best for:

People who spend time in very bright, LED-lit environments, such as floodlit sports pitches, brightly lit offices and warehouses.
People who experience discomfort from the glare of LED headlights

Tinted lenses

If you are sensitive to light and feel it’s causing you a headache, you might find tinted lenses more comfortable. Bear in mind, some types of tinted lenses aren’t suitable for night driving.

Best for:

Light-sensitive wearers
Daytime use

Tips for preventing eye strain

Choosing the right glasses isn’t the only way to prevent eye strain. Here are some other tips:

20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds.
Take breaks from staring at screens or documents.
Blink regularly and consider using eye drops if your eyes are dry.
Check lighting isn’t too dark or too bright.
Get your eyes tested by a medical professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

Do you need glasses for eye strain?

Headaches and eye strain are often the first clues that someone needs prescription glasses. An accurate prescription is your first port of call. Beyond this, enhancements like coatings and bespoke lenses can help. The best advice is to think about what could be causing your eye strain and choose lenses that help solve these problems.

Think you might need glasses for eye strain?

We can advise you on the best lenses for your situation. By replacing the lenses in your existing frames, you can spend your glasses budget where it counts: on helping you see better, without eye strain. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

thin index lenses

16th January 2026 Amy Nelson

High Index Lenses: The Powerful Secret to Thin Glasses for High Prescriptions

A woman in front of a red background using a magnifying glass to make her eye look bigger. This represents how high index lenses can magnify your eyes.

Unlike standard index lenses, high index lenses don’t magnify your eyes. Photo by cottonbro studio.

Having a strong prescription doesn’t always mean you need thick lenses. High index lenses help people with a high prescription see well without awkward, heavy lenses that are thicker than their frames. Find out why high index lenses are the subtle, streamlined superheroes of the glasses world, and whether they’re right for you.

What are high index lenses?

High index lenses are thin lenses that still work well for high prescriptions. These slim yet powerful lenses correct your vision effectively, without compromising on style or comfort.

Why are thin lenses called high index?

“High index” refers to the refractive index of the lens. The job of a lens is to bend, or refract, light rays to focus images on your retina. Lenses with a high refractive index bend light more efficiently, allowing you to see more clearly with thinner lenses – even if you have a strong prescription. Who needs high index lenses? People with a high prescription who prefer thin lenses will benefit the most from high index lenses, which also work for astigmatism.

High index lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are a durable type of plastic lens. They have a higher index than some other types of plastic lens but are not as thin as a true high index lens. Polycarbonate lenses are ideal if you need strong lenses, while high index lenses are best for achieving the thinnest lenses possible with a strong prescription.

What are the advantages of high index lenses?

So, why do people bother with high index lenses? Ordinary lenses for a strong prescription are thick, which is a problem for some people. Here are some reasons why you might prefer thinner, high index lenses.

They have a more streamlined, less noticeable appearance and magnify your eyes less
They can fit in thin frames, giving you more choice of style
They are often lighter and stay in place more comfortably

What are the disadvantages of high index lenses?

There are some disadvantages of high index lenses.

They cost more than standard lenses for the same prescription – it’s expensive to craft a thin lens that works well
They are not as strong as polycarbonate lenses

Which type of high index lens is best?

The most suitable refractive index for your lens depends on your prescription and how thin you want the lenses to be. We offer high index lenses in thin, thinner and thinnest at different price points.

What do the numbers mean?

A standard index glasses lens has a refractive index number of 1.50. Lenses with a higher number are classed as “high index”. The lenses with the highest index numbers will be the most effective at refracting light, despite being thin. For the same prescription, a 1.74 lens will be thinner than a 1.67 lens.

Are high index lenses worth the cost?

If you have a high prescription but don’t want a thick lens, high index lenses are worth the cost. Our high index lenses start at £60. See our price guide. Can you get sunglasses with high index lenses? Yes! High index lenses are fully customisable and available as sunglasses, or even polarised lenses.

Which lens coatings are recommended for high index lenses?

Did you know high index lenses reflect a lot of light? For this reason, we recommend anti-reflective (AR) coatings on high index lenses. Since high index lenses aren’t as strong as polycarbonate lenses, you might also consider an anti-scratch coating.

Stylish, light and versatile: High index lenses let you take centre stage

For a subtle pair of glasses that feel light on your face, you can’t beat thin but mighty high index lenses.

Ready for high index?

We can replace the lenses in your glasses with slim but strong high index lenses that still serve your prescription well. Reglaze your glasses with high index lenses now.

8th January 2026 Amy Nelson

Is it Worth Replacing Your Sunglasses Lenses? 5 Eye-Popping Reasons to Reglaze Those Shades

Three pairs of sunglasses, two with tortoiseshell frames, on a pale orange background.

Replacing your sunglasses lenses lets you keep the frames. (Photo by Amar Preciado.)

You’ve done your research, saved up and splurged on a quality pair of sunglasses. Within a day… you’ve dropped them on the floor and scratched the lenses. There’s no way you’re getting a new pair, so what do you do? One option is replacing your sunglasses lenses, also called “reglazing”. But is it worth it? Here are five reasons why reglazing your sunnies can be a smart move. Nothing shady here!

1. Keep your favourite frames by replacing your sunglasses lenses.

Already invested in designer Ray-Bans or high-performance Oakley sunglasses? Signature sunnies don’t come cheap. Or perhaps you just have a favourite pair of frames you’re not ready to let go of yet. If there’s nothing wrong with the frames, there’s no reason for you to buy a completely new pair of shades. By simply replacing the lenses, you can keep the technology, style and fit of your original frames intact.

2. Reglazing makes it easy to update your prescription.

Just because your prescription has changed, doesn’t mean you need to throw out your sunglasses. Reglazing allows you to match your most recent prescription, whether you use distance, varifocal or specialist lenses.

3. Reglazing is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your lenses.

Even if you haven’t damaged your lenses, they might need an upgrade. Reglazing your sunglasses gives you the opportunity to add new features. Here are some that we can include:

High-index lenses: Don’t let your prescription dictate your style! We can replace thick prescription lenses with thinner, high-index lenses.
Lens coatings: We offer scratch-resistant coatings, anti-reflective / anti-glare coatings, UV protection and more.
Polarised lenses: Beyond UV protection, polarised lenses reduce glare.
Photochromic lenses: These lenses get darker or lighter in response to the conditions. Perfect if you want to wear the same pair of glasses all day!

4. Replacing your sunglasses lenses saves you money.

Prescription sunglasses can be expensive – especially designer brands. Reglazing is nearly always a cheaper option than buying a new pair of the same quality. Our single vision tinted lenses start at £50. By saving money on the frames, you can focus your budget on better quality lenses – all the better for protecting your precious eyes from the sun.

5. Reusing your frames is better for the environment.

As they are made from a combination of different materials, sunglasses can be difficult to recycle. There is also wastage in the manufacturing process. Reglazing your sunglasses reduces some of this waste as you reuse your frames for longer. Read more about reglazing glasses.

Replacing your sunglasses lenses: FAQs

Can you replace the lenses in Meta glasses?

Yes, we can replace Meta glasses and sunglasses lenses, preserving the tech you’ve already paid for.

Can you replace the lenses in Ray-Ban and Oakley sunglasses?

Yes, we can replace Ray-Ban and Oakley sunglasses lenses. Upgrade your vision and protect your eyes without compromising on style.

How long does it take to replace the lenses in your sunglasses?

Standard, stockable lenses can be replaced within days. For more complex prescriptions and varifocal lenses, we aim for a 2-week turnaround.

How often should you replace your sunglasses lenses?

Not only do prescriptions change, but some types of UV coating can degrade over time, making your sunglasses less effective. Reglazing your sunglasses every few years ensures they’re fit for purpose.

When replacing might be better than reglazing

In these situations, replacing your sunglasses might be a better option than reglazing:

Your frames are also damaged
You want to change your style
You want a full tech upgrade to your AI smart glasses

Reglazing sunglasses: A bright eye-dea

Sunglasses aren’t just for looking cool. They protect our eyes from UV light. Reglazing your sunglasses is cost-effective and environmental. It makes sense to prioritise the quality of the lenses, which are the parts that protect your eyes. So, is it worth replacing your sunglasses lenses? We say, yes!

Reglaze your shades today!

Need a better glaze for catching those rays? We offer a wide range of colour tints and coatings for prescription sunglass lenses. We also reglaze Ray-Bans, Oakley and new Meta glasses. Send us your sunglasses to reglaze today.

Types of Lenses

1st January 2026 Amy Nelson

Types of lenses for glasses: A guide for those perplexed by specs

Black-and-white image of various glasses and sunglasses scattered on a desk, representing the different types of lenses for glasses.

With so many different types of lenses for glasses, how do you know which to choose? Photo by Paul Espinoza.

You’re shopping for glasses or replacement lenses, and you’re faced with a bewildering array of choices. Single vision, bifocals, varifocals, thin-index, photochromic lenses… You need some kind of dictionary to understand all this! Well, here it is. Your handy guide to the many different types of lenses for glasses.

How do you know which type of lens to choose?

The type of lens you need depends on your prescription, your preferences and your daily life. Using the right prescription is a safety concern for some activities, like driving. Other features solve problems for you, like reducing scratches or glare. The type of lens you should choose depends on how you spend your time and which issues with glasses affect you the most.

The three main types of prescription lenses for glasses

Single vision lenses

These lenses correct your vision and match your prescription. They’re your basic glasses. Distance glasses have single-vision lenses to help you see far away if you’re short-sighted. Reading glasses have single-vision lenses to help you see close-up if you’re long-sighted. See our single-vision lens prices.

Bifocal lenses

These have two zones: a long-distance zone at the top and a near distance zone at the bottom. There’s a line in the glass between them.

Varifocal lenses

Also called “multifocal” and “progressive” lenses, varifocals blend multiple prescriptions in the lens. Typically, the top of the lens helps you see distant objects more clearly, the middle lets you see well at arm’s length and the bottom lets you see close-up. There’s no line between the zones. Read more on bifocals vs. varifocals.

Specialist varifocal lenses

Occupational lenses

These optimise the different zones in a varifocal lens for specific tasks, such as working in an office.

Office glasses

Office glasses have a wide close-up and intermediate zone in the lens to help you with reading and working on a computer. See our Digital Office Lens prices.

Anti-fatigue lenses

Anti-fatigue lenses are distance lenses with a small magnification zone for close-up reading. Read more about anti-fatigue lenses. Read more about occupational lenses.

Driving lenses

Some brands offer varifocal lenses that balance the near, distant and intermediate zones to be best for driving. Read our driving glasses guide.

Tinted lenses

Prescription sunglasses

These are sunglasses, made to match your prescription.

Photochromic lenses

These change colour based on the light conditions. They turn dark like sunglasses in bright light. They turn clear like normal glasses in dim light. Transitions lenses are a brand of photochromic lenses. Read more about photochromic lenses.

Polarised lenses

These reduce glare by filtering horizontally polarised light that reflects off surfaces such as water.

Other tinted lenses

You can buy lenses in almost any colour. Some are more for fashion; others work as sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. See our range of tinted lenses.

Lens thicknesses

Usually, a stronger prescription will need a thicker lens. But you can buy thinner lenses that still manage to match a stronger prescription because they bend the light more efficiently. These are called “high index” lenses.

Lens coatings

These are usually add-ons you can pay for on top of your lenses.

Anti-scratch lens coatings

These protect your lenses from scratches.

Blue-light filtering lens coatings

These limit blue light, including from screens.

Anti-reflective coating

Anti-reflective and anti-glare coatings stop you being dazzled by light reflected off surfaces or car headlights.

Hydrophobic / oleophobic coatings

These reduce smears on your lenses from water and oil.

Mirror coatings

These give your lenses a shiny, reflective look (in case you want to dazzle others).

How to choose the best types of lenses for your glasses

If you are simply short- or long-sighted, you might choose single-vision lenses. If you need both distance and reading glasses, then bifocals or varifocals might be a better option. Photochromic lenses are useful for people who don’t want to buy both prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses. Other upgrades, like polarisation, tints or coatings, depend on your preference. Some people will be more likely to scratch or smudge their lenses than others – people who wear glasses for sports, for example. Ultimately, the combination you choose depends on your lifestyle and how much money you are prepared to spend on optional add-ons. Think about how you use glasses now and the sorts of situations that cause problems for you. Would changing your lenses help?

Ready to choose your lenses?

Now you’re a bit better informed, you can reglaze your glasses (fit new lenses into your existing frames)! Still confused? Our friendly expert opticians will contact you to help you choose. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

Anti-fatigue lenses

25th December 2025 Amy Nelson

What Are Anti-Fatigue Lenses and Are They Worth It?

A young woman in glasses sitting at a computer massages her tired eyes, representing the need for anti-fatigue lenses.

Anti-fatigue lenses can reduce eye strain from working at a computer. Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels.

Do you have tired eyes from staring at a computer screen all day? Or perhaps from doomscrolling on your phone? Fear not, my friend. There’s a lens for that – and it’s here to give those sensitive eyes a rest. Enter: anti-fatigue lenses.

What are anti-fatigue lenses?

This type of lens matches your usual prescription but with one small tweak: it has a focus zone at the bottom that supports your eyes with close-up vision. This zone provides a gentle magnification, helping you to see close-up work more clearly. This is useful if you read or use digital devices a lot.

Signs you might need anti-fatigue lenses

Here are some common signs of visual fatigue:

Headaches
Tired eyes
Dry eyes
Eye strain

Whilst anti-fatigue lenses can help with these symptoms, it’s also important to take care of your eyes by keeping your prescription up-to-date, wearing sunglasses and giving yourself breaks from screen time and close-up work. Always seek medical advice as eye problems can be signs of other conditions.

What age are anti-fatigue lenses for?

These lenses are designed for younger people aged 18-45, who spend a lot of time reading or using screens. Ours come in three powers:

0.50D for serious screen scrollers.
0.75D for avid readers.
1.00D for early middle-aged folks who don’t quite need reading glasses yet. (AKA “pre-presbyopics” – yes, it sounds like a dinosaur.)

Anti-fatigue lenses vs bifocals and varifocals

In our 40s, we start to develop presbyopia, or long-sightedness. This makes it more difficult for our eyes to focus on close-up objects. At this stage, the boost offered by anti-fatigue lenses might not be enough anymore. Bifocals and varifocals offer a stronger, wider close-up vision zone. They’re good all-purpose alternatives for people who need reading glasses. Read more about bifocals vs varifocals.

Anti-fatigue lenses vs blue light lenses

Blue light lenses filter out blue light emitted by screens, whereas anti-fatigue lenses include a mini magnification zone for close up work, such as reading. It’s possible to have both features in one lens but may cost more.

Can you wear anti-fatigue lenses all day?

Since the magnification zone of an anti-fatigue lens is small, most people will be able to wear them comfortably all day. But it might take time to get used to the slight prescription change at the bottom of the lens.

Do anti-fatigue lenses really work?

The slight magnification at the bottom of the lens makes close-up objects, such as words in a book, appear slightly larger, reducing eye strain.

Are anti-fatigue lenses worth it?

If eye strain is a problem for you, and you’ve tried other fixes like taking breaks, it might be worth giving your prescription glasses an anti-fatigue power-up. To get the most out of these lenses, you’ll need an accurate prescription.

Ready to invest in your vision?

We replace the lenses in your frames, saving you money and letting you keep your eye-conic style. We sell a wide range of customisable lenses, including anti-fatigue and blue light lenses. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

Driving glasses

18th December 2025 Amy Nelson

Driving Glasses: A No-Nonsense Guide

A man in clear-framed glasses, seen in a rearview mirror, in front of a blurred windscreen.

Some people use driving glasses to see the road ahead, car dashboard and mirrors more clearly. Photo by Joshua Wordel on Unsplash.

Not to alarm you, but driving is one of the most dangerous things we do in our day-to-day lives. Making sure we can see properly is a must! So, do you need driving glasses? We’ll look at safe driving with different types of glasses, including glasses designed specifically for driving.

Do you need glasses for driving?

Let’s start with the basic legal and safety requirements. In the UK, you must meet the standards of vision for driving set out by the government. These state that you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, you must wear them when driving. It’s also important that your glasses don’t interfere with your ability to see clearly.

What kind of glasses are good for driving?

Driving with single vision prescription glasses

Do you wear glasses to see things that are far away? It’s safe to wear your normal prescription glasses for driving if you can read a number plate from 20 metres away and still see your dashboard display. This might change in middle-age as you begin to develop presbyopia, or long-sightedness. You might find that you can’t see close-up things like your speedometer easily with a single prescription.

Driving with bifocals and varifocals

If you struggle to see things that are close-up, like your dashboard, and far away, like a distant road sign, you might be prescribed bifocals or varifocals. These lenses have zones for seeing clearly at different distances. You can wear bifocals and varifocals all day, so they’re a good option if you only want one pair of glasses. Even if you’re only long-sighted, bifocals and varifocals can still be useful because reading glasses can distort your distance vision.

Specialist varifocal driving glasses

A problem with varifocal glasses is that creating that lovely, smooth transition between the different zones creates distortion at the sides of the lens. This can be a problem for driving, where it’s important to have a wide field of vision. You want to see those hazards in your peripheral vision, like someone opening a car door. The distorted “soft-focus” zones also take time to get used to, and can cause dizziness, or make your vision “swim” at first. Driving varifocals solve this problem by reducing the distortion, creating a wider field of vision. They also optimise the lens for distance and intermediate vision, as this is what you need most when you are driving. See our prices for varifocal driving glasses here.

Driving with sunglasses

Driving off into the sunset isn’t as romantic as it sounds. Nobody wants to drive with the sun shining in their eyes! But did you know it’s only safe to drive with certain types of sunglasses? Sunglasses with extremely dark tints block out too much light to see clearly enough for safe driving, even on a sunny day. The good news is, there are sunglasses with tints in every shade of the rainbow these days, so you can still choose a cool tint for cruising along a sunlit highway. The best sunglass category for driving is Category 2, which transmits 18-43% of light. This AA guide explains the different classifications. Sunglasses are not recommended for night driving.

Are photochromic lenses (e.g. Transitions^®) good for driving?

We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, singing “We’re all going on a summer holiday”, when suddenly the sky goes dark and a rainstorm appears out of nowhere. Your prescription sunglasses are too dark but it’s not safe to take them off while driving. Photochromic lenses (like the popular Transitions^®brand) adjust to the light conditions. If it gets dark, the lenses become transparent. When the sun comes out again, the lenses darken. However, some types don’t work well in cars because windscreens block some UV light. They also take time to change, which can leave them too dark or too light for a few seconds – not ideal when driving. Luckily, some newer photochromic lenses address these problems. For example, Transitions Xtra Active lenses are designed to work behind a car windscreen and to respond quickly to light changes, including very bright light. They’re also available as a polarised lens in grey.

Are polarised lenses good for driving?

Polarised lenses solve a specific problem: glare. Polarised lenses aim to reduce dazzling reflections by filtering horizontally polarised light. They work well for daytime driving but can affect LCD screen viewing. Since polarised lenses filter out some light, anti-glare or anti-reflective (AR) coatings are a safer option for night driving.

Are graduated tint lenses good for driving?

Graduated lenses are darkest at the top and lightest at the bottom. This can work well to block out sunlight at certain times of day while allowing you to see the road and your dashboard. It’s still important to make sure the tint at the top isn’t too dark to obscure your vision in dim conditions.

Can you drive with reading glasses?

Standard reading glasses help you to see things close up, like your book or your insect collection. However, they distort your distance vision, even if you can normally see distance well. This means they aren’t safe for driving, when you need to see developments ahead of you on the road. Try bifocals, varifocals or varifocal driving glasses instead.

Can I wear driving glasses all the time?

Most types of glasses you use to drive can be worn all the time, especially single vision, bifocal and varifocal glasses. Some people also feel comfortable wearing specialist varifocal driving lenses all day. However, they may not be as comfortable for long periods of close-up work.

Do driving glasses really work?

Are you thinking of buying a pair of glasses specifically for driving? Or replacing your lenses to better meet your driving needs? Driving glasses work well if they meet these conditions:

They match your prescription
They allow you to see clearly at a range of distances
They let you read a number plate 20 metres away
They don’t obscure your vision

Tip: get the right measurements. As well as an up-to-date prescription, you’ll need to give your pupil height and pupillary distance for varifocal driving lenses. This is to make sure your pupil is in the best place for the different distance zones.

Need a reglaze for the road?

To drive safely, you need to update your prescription regularly – but this can be pricey. We replace the lenses in your existing glasses frames, saving you money and allowing you to choose the best lenses for your needs. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

Photochromic lenses Sunglasses Transitions lenses

12th December 2025 Amy Nelson

What Are Photochromic Lenses? The Mystery Solved…

Sunglasses on a white table in dim light, demonstrating photochromic lenses in transition.

Photochromic lenses adapt to different light conditions. Photo by Redowan Dhrubo on Unsplash

Picture this: you’re on holiday somewhere nice and sunny. Naturally, to protect your eyes, you’re wearing your prescription sunglasses. But it’s so hot, your friends decide to escape indoors – into a cool, dark museum or café. That’s when you realise… you’ve left your glasses behind. You’ll be forced to suffer the indignity of wearing your sunglasses inside. How embarrassing! Maybe it’s time you tried photochromic lenses. Also known as light-adaptive lenses, photochromic lenses get darker when conditions get brighter. In dark places, they turn clear, like normal glasses. It sounds like sorcery, but it’s science: the lenses contain molecules that change when they’re exposed to UV rays. So, prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses combined in one handy pair.

What’s the difference between photochromic and transition lenses?

Transitions® lenses are a well-known brand of photochromic lens. You know how some people call a vacuum cleaner a hoover? Well, Transitions® lenses have become the Hoover of the photochromic world: the market leader. (It helps that the word “transitions” is much easier to understand than “photochromic”.) Transitions® photochromic lenses solve some of the problems of other types of photochromic lens. For example, unlike some other brands, Transitions® lenses still get darker in bright light when you’re in the car, even though the windscreen blocks out much of the UV light. Transitions® have also developed technology to make their lenses work well at different temperatures, solving another common issue.

Photochromic lenses vs. polarised lenses

Photochromic lenses get darker or lighter in different light conditions to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Polarised lenses solve a slightly different problem: glare. Sorry, they don’t stop people giving you evil looks. But they do stop light reflecting off other surfaces (including the glasses lens itself) and dazzling you. Think rabbit in the headlights. To understand the equally dazzling science behind this, check out this SciShow video. So, if switching between prescription glasses and sunglasses is a pain for you, choose photochromic lenses. If being dazzled by the ghostly halo of polarised light reflected in your glasses is more of a problem, choose polarised lenses. Or you can have your cake and eat it by getting both.

Photochromic lenses pros and cons

Let’s weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of photochromic lenses.

Advantages:

No need to constantly switch between glasses and sunglasses, meaning you’re less likely to lose them.
Protects your eyes from UV rays. You might not think to bring your sunglasses with you on a cold winter’s day, but with photochromic lenses you don’t need to. It’s like wearing sunscreen all the time.
You don’t need to buy separate pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses. Spend money on your holiday, not on your sunnies.

Disadvantages:

It can take time for the lenses to get darker or lighter, meaning you may have a short period of time when the lenses are too dark or too clear.
Some photochromic lenses don’t work well inside a car because the windscreen filters out the type of light that activates the photochromic molecules.
Some photochromic lenses don’t work as efficiently in very hot or very cold weather conditions, as these also affect the way the molecules change shape.

How much do photochromic lenses cost?

Photochromic lenses are an add-on to your usual prescription lenses. Ours start at £60 (in addition to your overall lens price). You can make your prescription glasses photochromic whether you use single-vision, bifocal or varifocal lenses. So, it’s an added cost – but it’s cheaper than buying a new pair of prescription sunglasses. We sell Transitions® brand or the more budget-friendly Sun-X Speed. See our prices for single vision photochromic lenses.

Time to upgrade your glasses?

LensXpress replaces the lenses in your glasses with new ones. This way, you save money by keeping your old frames. Choose upgrades including photochromic lenses, polarising lenses and anti-reflective filters. Invest in your eyes with clearer vision and protection in all light conditions. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

varifocal lenses

4th December 2025 Amy Nelson

Types of Varifocal Lenses: A Guide to Choosing the Best Varifocals

Three pairs of glasses representing the different types of varifocal lenses.

With so many types of varifocal lenses, how do you know which to choose? Photo by che madelar on Unsplash

Do you have a different pair of glasses for every situation? Varifocals replace multiple pairs of glasses by combining long, intermediate and near vision in one lens. But which type is best for you? Don’t worry, help is at hand with our guide to the different types of varifocal lenses.

Why are there so many types of varifocal lenses?

Varifocals were invented in 1959. Since then, lens technology has progressed, leading to a wide range of improved varifocal lenses on the market. When varifocals first appeared, standard moulds meant opticians could only offer limited customisation. These days, freeform digital technology can customise lenses precisely to your prescription.

Freeform varifocal lenses: not your grandpa’s varifocals

Modern computers can shape bespoke lenses for different people with different needs. These “freeform” lenses solve some of the problems of earlier varifocals. For example, they offer smoother transitions between the viewing zones and less distortion at the sides of the lens. In the same way a TV from 1959 wouldn’t be as clear as a modern HD TV, varifocals continue to get better and better. Read about getting used to varifocals here.

Occupational varifocals

Of course, “better” depends on what you need from your glasses. Standard freeform varifocals provide a good balance of near, intermediate and distance vision for daily life. They should also give you a clearer and wider field of vision than Grandpa’s varifocals from 1959. But if you spend a lot of time working at a computer (for example), you may need glasses that prioritise the intermediate distance more. That’s what occupational lenses offer. Read more about occupational lenses here.

Specialist varifocals and driving glasses

You can now buy varifocals optimised for a range of activities. Driving lenses are a popular option. They have wider long distance and intermediate zones for long hours on the road while still helping you see your dashboard.

Varifocal sunglasses

Yes, you can get varifocal sunglasses! You can even buy photochromic (colour-changing) lenses or polarised options that limit glare. The combination you choose depends on your needs and budget.

How much do varifocal lenses cost?

Freeform varifocals are the new standard, and most brands offer a range of price points. Typically, you pay more for a higher quality lens, and for customisations such as tints and lens coatings. We use high-quality freeform digital varifocals, which come in Digital Silver, Digital Gold and Digital Platinum options. Our prices for Digital Silver lenses (our cheapest varifocal) start at £90. We pass savings onto our customers by replacing the lenses in their existing frames, and by doing most of our work in-house or locally. See our prices here. So, is it worth paying more for premium varifocals? That depends on your budget and needs. Premium varifocals offer a wider intermediate vision zone, with smoother transitions between distances and less distortion.

Which are the best types of varifocal lenses?

There’s a huge range of high-quality varifocal lenses on the market today, which are much better than the lenses available in the past. Different brands offer different selling points, so it’s best to consider what you actually need. Premium lenses with less distortion are easier to get used to but cost more. Specialist lenses reduce eye strain for certain tasks but aren’t designed to be worn all day.

Top tips:

Customisation is only as good as the measurements provided. Make sure you get an accurate prescription plus pupil height and distance measurements for your varifocals.
As prescriptions change and technology improves, it’s worth renewing your varifocals every few years.

FAQs

What is the average age for varifocals?

Most people won’t need to consider varifocals until they are in their 40s. This is because varifocals correct long-sightedness that begins in middle age (presbyopia).

Can you adapt the corridor length of varifocals for a customer?

Yes. Freeform varifocals come in different corridor lengths, and we can recommend the option that best suits your needs. Accurate measurements, especially your pupil height, help ensure the right fit.

Do office lenses have distorted soft-focus areas like in varifocal lenses?

Office lenses are designed to reduce distortion at the edges of the intermediate zone, giving you a wider field of view.

Voracious for varifocals?

You can save money by replacing the lenses in your existing frames. We’ll just need your prescription, pupil height and pupillary distance measurements. We can advise you on the different types of varifocal lenses and help you choose the best ones for you. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

varifocal lenses

27th November 2025 Amy Nelson

How to Get Used to Varifocals: Practical Tips From Real People

A man in a white shirt rubbing his tired eyes while holding his glasses, illustrating the discomfort people can feel when trying to get used to varifocals.

Tired eyes? It takes time to get used to varifocals. Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash.

Are your varifocals making you dizzy or giving you a headache? You’re not alone. Getting used to varifocals can take some time. So how do you know whether there’s a problem with your new varifocal lenses or if you just need time to adjust? We asked some varifocal wearers – and our in-house expert, Mr Patel – for their tips on how to get used to varifocals.

Common problems with varifocal glasses

Adjusting to any new pair of glasses takes time, but getting used to varifocals can be particularly tricky. Your eyes need time to get used to refocusing as they switch between different prescription strengths within the same lens. The soft-focus zones at the sides of varifocal lenses narrow your peripheral vision slightly, meaning you need to move your head more. Common teething problems with varifocal lenses include:

Dizziness
Headaches
Tired eyes
Trouble with balance and depth perception

Luckily, most people fully adjust, and these problems are only temporary.

How long does it take to get used to varifocals?

Many people get used to new varifocal lenses within a week. For others, it may take longer. Richard, from Wiltshire, has been wearing varifocal glasses for 12 years. He doesn’t remember any issues with his first pair of varifocals, but his most recent pair took about a week to “bed in”. He sometimes felt a bit dizzy at first. Now, he wears them all day and barely notices them. “Once your eyes know what they’re doing, you don’t know you’re wearing them.” Andrea, from Yorkshire, has been wearing varifocals for 10 years. When she first started, she noticed a bit of fuzziness when walking and looking at the ground. It just took her a few days to get used to this, but closer to a month to get used to the soft-focus zones at the sides of the lenses. These experiences are typical of many varifocal first-time wearers.

Are varifocals worth it?

If you’re willing to go through the adjustment period, varifocal lenses have some great benefits. You can see a range of distances without needing to change your glasses. Andrea says she wouldn’t go back to single-vision lenses, even though they’re cheaper. With varifocals, she doesn’t have to remove her glasses constantly to see papers and the computer screen at work. Richard tried varifocals after realising he was balancing his reading glasses on the end of his nose while driving. Now, he can switch between the dashboard and the road ahead safely, without having to peer over the top of his glasses. He’s also found varifocals useful for other activities where he switches between close-up and mid- to long-distance vision, such as fly fishing. Not sure if varifocals are right for you? Check out our guide to Bifocal Vs. Varifocal lenses.

Expert tips on how to get used to varifocals

So, maybe you’ve decided to commit to varifocals, but how can you speed up the process of getting used to them? Mr Patel from LensXpress offers this advice: "Wear your varifocals regularly, move your head to focus, not your eyes, and give yourself time to adjust." The more you wear your new varifocals the first few days after you get them, the quicker you’ll adjust. However, if varifocals affect your depth perception, avoid wearing them for risky activities until your eyes have adapted. If you still struggle after a few weeks, speak with your optician to check that your prescription or lens fitting is correct.

Things to consider when buying varifocals

Because of the different powers within a varifocal lens, it’s important that the right part of the lens sits over your pupil. For this reason, depending on the type of lens, you may need to give some measurements, such as your pupil height and pupillary distance. According to a recent Which? report, some retailers don’t always take these measurements into account, so check carefully. You can find out your pupillary distance from a registered optician or use our simple guide. It’s also worth thinking carefully about which type of varifocals to choose. Modern digital (freeform) varifocals have a wider field of view than traditional varifocals, making it easier for you to adapt. This is the type we sell at LensXpress. Some varifocals are designed specifically for certain situations, such as the workplace. Read more about occupational lenses.

Ready to give varifocals a try?

Did you know you can replace the lenses in your existing frames with varifocals? At LensXpress, we reglaze glasses, meaning you can get new lenses and keep your old frames, saving you money. Interested? Send us your glasses to reglaze now.

“I’ve been through three sets of varifocals from different providers, and these are the only ones that have worked perfectly for me straight out of the box. The optician clearly took precise measurements, and the glasses fitted perfectly when they arrived - no adjustments needed whatsoever.”—S. Patel

If you're considering upgrading, our post on 3 Reasons Why It's Worth Reglazing Your Glasses explains why replacing the lenses in your current frames can be a smart choice.

lifestyle lenses occupational lenses varifocal lenses

20th November 2025 Amy Nelson

What Are Occupational Lenses (and do you need them)?

Do you need laser-sharp vision to do your best work? Occupational lenses are a special type of varifocal lens. They’re designed to help you see clearly for tasks that rely on having a good balance of near and intermediate vision, like office or lab work.

Silhouette of the side of someone's face and occupational glasses in front of a computer screen.

Specialist lenses can help your eyes to focus when you use a screen. (Photo by Enrique Alarcon on Unsplash.)

What’s the difference between varifocals and occupational lenses?

Both varifocals and occupational lenses include different prescription strengths within the lens. This lets you see clearly at various distances without changing your glasses. Ordinary varifocals are for everyday use, while occupational lenses are for specific tasks. In standard varifocals, the top section helps you see far away, the middle covers intermediate distance, and the bottom is for close-up work. The sides have “soft-focus” areas that help your eyes adjust. These soft-focus zones mean that the intermediate distance view is narrow, so you have to move your head more to see at these distances. Occupational lenses expand the near and intermediate zones because these are the distances you use most often at work.

Imagine you’re a spy…

When you’re out on a mission, you wear varifocals. They help you to see a range of distances, from decoding a secret message, to a high-speed chase, to making eye contact with an undercover agent across the bar. There’s no need for you to carry more than one pair of glasses around (unless it’s for a disguise). But recently, you’ve been put on desk duty. Long hours at the computer are starting to take a toll on your eyes. Suddenly, those versatile varifocals aren’t meeting your needs. You decide to investigate occupational lenses specialising in the types of activities (“occupations”) you now spend most of your time on.

Common types of occupational glasses

Office glasses (AKA computer glasses): ideal for reading, computer work and talking to colleagues/fellow spies. See prices for our office lenses.
Enhanced reading glasses: perfect for coffee chats, as you can see your friends when you look up from your book!
Task-specific lenses: customised lenses for tasks such as dentistry, music, industrial or lab work.

Other types of specialist lenses

As well as occupational lenses, you can buy other types of specialist lenses for particular tasks. For example, we offer a range of driving lenses. These give you a better field of intermediate and distance vision.

Can you wear occupational lenses all the time?

Unlike varifocals, occupational glasses aren’t designed to wear all day. They’re more comfortable for specific tasks, like using a computer, but less comfortable for general use. They also might not be suitable for tasks they aren’t designed for – office glasses aren’t safe for driving.

How long does it take to get used to occupational lenses?

As with varifocals, there’s an adjustment period: a few hours to a few weeks. But since you’ll use occupational lenses for one main task, you may adapt faster.

What’s the difference between bifocal and occupational lenses?

Bifocal lenses have two distinct prescription strengths in the lens, separated by a visible dividing line. Occupational lenses are a type of varifocal, meaning they have a smooth transition between multiple prescription strengths within the same lens. Read more about bifocals vs varifocals here.

Are occupational lenses more expensive than varifocals?

Occupational lenses start at a similar price to varifocals. However, varifocals can replace the need for several pairs of glasses, so can be more cost-effective. See our prices for occupational and lifestyle lenses here.

Occupational lenses vs varifocal lenses: Which should you choose?

Feature	Varifocal Lenses	Occupational Lenses
Purpose	All-round, everyday use	Task-specific (e.g. office)
Comfort	Wear comfortably all day	Optimised for long periods on one task
Best for	Switching between distances	Focusing on one task for hours
Drawbacks	Narrow intermediate zone	Not suitable for all-day wear

Choosing the right occupational lens is all about priorities

Like a spy on a mission, you need the right gear for the job. Occupational lenses reduce eye strain when you’re focusing on one task. But if you complete lots of different tasks throughout your day, you might be better off with varifocals. It all depends on how you spend your day and which activities need your sharpest focus.

Need some occupational lenses for your next mission?

We can replace the lenses in your frames with high-quality occupational lenses. Send us your glasses to reglaze now.