Types of lenses

There are 3 main lens families: uni-focal lenses, progressive lenses and progressive lenses. Mymonture.com explains the characteristics of these different corrective lenses below.

Single vision lenses

The best-selling lenses on the market, uni-focal lenses (or "single vision lenses") correct all visual defects such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia.

These lenses feature a single correction zone, enabling them to treat just one visual defect at a time. If the person is short-sighted, the lens will be concave, narrower in the center and thicker at the edges, to improve distance vision. If the wearer is hypermetropic, the lens will be convex, thicker at the center, and will magnify images seen at close range, as if the wearer were using a magnifying glass.

Uni-focal lenses adapt perfectly to all shapes and types of frame, whether Eyeglasses or sunglasses. Often very thin, these lenses are quite light and help to improve visual comfort.

Two types are available:

- Spherical lenses, which are a classic version of uni-focal lenses.
Aspheric lenses, which are much thinner and flatter than the

Progressive lenses

Before the advent of progressive lenses, there was already a type of lens that could treat several optical disorders at the same time: bifocal lenses. However, these were not very attractive and were soon replaced by progressive lenses. Indeed, the surface of the lens was not flat: a small raised disc was present on the lower part of the lens.

Unlike uni-focal lenses, Eyeglasses with progressive lenses can treat several vision disorders at once. Ideal for people suffering from presbyopia, progressive lenses can also be used to treat other visual defects, such as myopia or hyperopia. Depending on the degree of correction, the power of the lenses varies progressively between distance and near vision. Generally speaking, the upper part of the lens is less corrective than the lower part.

These lenses are composed of three zones, each corresponding to different needs:

- The lower part of the lens is for near vision
- The central part of the lens is the corridor that enables you to switch from long-distance to near vision. This corridor also corresponds to mid-distance vision.
- The upper part of the lens is for distance vision

Offering clear vision at all distances, progressive lenses require a longer adaptation time than conventional lenses. There are different ranges of progressive lenses to suit different needs (traditional, standardized or individualized).

Thanks to advances in technology, they are now thinner and can be easily adapted to all types of frames, even the thinnest, and can even be customized to meet individual needs.

Degressive or half-distance lenses

Eyeglasses with degressive or half-distance lenses are transparent lenses designed to improve near vision while facilitating intermediate vision, enabling the wearer to see everything around him or her perfectly. As a result, near vision is clear, sharp, wide and comfortable, as is vision at medium distance. What's more, adaptation to the correction is instantaneous. For example, when working on a computer, you'll be able to see the screen display while also seeing what's behind it.

Eyeglasses and sunglasses with tapering lenses are ideal for young presbyopes, for people who already have a frame fitted with uni-focal lenses to correct near vision, or simply for progressive lens wearers who want an extra pair of glasses for activities requiring close-up vision (DIY, reading, drawing, etc.).