Prescription Glasses Lenses Explained | Lens Types, Materials & Coatings
Learn more about prescription glasses lenses, lens materials, coatings and vision options at Ilkeston Factory Specs. Our independent optical laboratory in Ilkeston provides professionally fitted single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses with a wide range of lens upgrades designed for comfort, clarity and everyday visual performance.
Why Choosing the Right Prescription Lenses Matters
Choosing the correct prescription lenses affects far more than simply improving your eyesight. The right lens design, material and coatings can improve comfort, reduce eye strain, enhance clarity, minimise glare and make your glasses lighter and more durable.
At Ilkeston Factory Specs, our experienced dispensing team will recommend the most suitable lenses based on your prescription, lifestyle, occupation and budget, ensuring you achieve the best possible vision.
Our Advice
There isn't one "best" prescription lens. The right choice depends on your prescription, how you use your glasses every day, your frame choice and your budget. During your visit we'll explain the advantages of each lens type so you can make an informed decision.
At a Glance
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Lens Materials
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Lens Coatings
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High-Index Lenses
Types of Glasses Lenses
We supply many types of glasses lenses and give expert lens advice in-store including:
👁️ Single Vision Lenses
Designed for one field of vision—distance or reading.
👓 Varifocal Lenses
(also known as progressive lenses) provide seamless vision at all distances without the visible dividing line found on bifocals. Multiple prescriptions in one lens for seamless vision at all distances.
Blue anti-reflection coatings reduce eye strain from screens.
Reading Lenses
Reading lenses are designed specifically for close-up tasks such as reading books, newspapers, using a smartphone, sewing or hobbies that require detailed vision. They contain a single prescription optimised for near vision and are ideal for people with presbyopia who only need help focusing at reading distance.
Reading lenses can be supplied in standard, thin and lightweight materials with optional anti-reflection coatings, scratch-resistant and blue light coatings for improved comfort and durability.
Distance Lenses
Distance lenses provide clear vision for everyday activities such as driving, watching television, shopping and recognising faces from a distance. They use a single prescription across the entire lens and are ideal for people who don't require reading correction.
Distance prescription lenses can be customised with thinner lens materials, anti-reflection coatings, UV protection and photochromic or tinted options to suit your lifestyle.
Occupational Lenses
Occupational lenses are designed for people who spend long periods working indoors and regularly switch focus between a computer screen, desk work and colleagues across an office. They provide a wider intermediate and near viewing area than standard varifocal lenses, helping to reduce neck strain and improve visual comfort throughout the working day.
Occupational lenses are particularly popular with office workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, receptionists and anyone who spends several hours using digital screens.
Office Lenses
Office lenses, sometimes called computer lenses or indoor lenses, are specifically designed for working environments where clear vision is needed at close and intermediate distances. Unlike standard reading glasses, they allow comfortable viewing of computer monitors, paperwork and people across a room without constantly removing your glasses.
Office lenses are an excellent choice for anyone who spends long hours at a desk and wants improved posture, reduced eye strain and more comfortable vision throughout the day.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses combine two different prescriptions within a single lens. The upper section is used for distance vision, while the lower segment provides clear vision for reading and other close work. A visible line separates the two prescription areas.
Bifocal lenses remain a popular option for people who want both distance and reading correction without changing between two pairs of glasses. They offer a straightforward alternative to varifocal lenses and can be supplied in a wide range of lens materials and coatings.
Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses automatically darken when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and return to clear indoors. Often known as transition lenses, they provide the convenience of everyday glasses and sunglasses in a single pair.
Photochromic prescription lenses help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while reducing glare and improving comfort outdoors. They are ideal for people who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments and are available in a variety of lens materials, including thin and lightweight options.
Polarised Prescription Lenses
Polarised prescription lenses are specially designed to reduce glare reflected from flat surfaces such as wet roads, water, snow and vehicle bonnets. Unlike standard tinted sunglasses, polarised lenses improve contrast, reduce eye strain and provide clearer, more comfortable vision without simply making everything darker.
They are particularly popular with drivers, cyclists, anglers, golfers, sailors, skiers and anyone who spends time outdoors in bright conditions. We supply prescription polarised lenses in Grey and Brown, making them ideal for driving, holidays, watersports and everyday outdoor use.
High Index Lenses
High-index lenses are thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses, making them an excellent choice for stronger prescriptions. Their advanced material bends light more efficiently, allowing less material to be used while maintaining the same optical performance.
At Ilkeston Factory Specs, we supply 1.6 thin lenses, 1.67 super-thin lenses and 1.74 ultra-thin lenses to reduce lens thickness, improve comfort and create a more attractive appearance. High-index lenses are particularly beneficial for rimless frames, lightweight glasses and designer eyewear, helping to minimise edge thickness while providing excellent visual clarity.
👉 Need new lenses? → Replace Lenses in Glasses
Prescription Glasses Lens Materials Explained
We offer a wide range of prescription lens materials to suit every prescription, frame style and budget. Choosing the right lens material can improve comfort, reduce lens thickness and weight, and provide greater durability.
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Standard Plastic Lenses
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Polycarbonate Lenses
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Trivex Lenses
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1.6 Thin High-Index Lenses
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1.67 Super Thin High-Index Lenses
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1.74 Ultra Thin High-Index Lenses
Choosing the right prescription lens material is just as important as selecting the right frames. Different materials offer varying levels of thickness, weight, impact resistance and optical performance. At Ilkeston Factory Specs, we'll help you choose the most suitable option based on your prescription, lifestyle and budget.
Standard Plastic Lenses
Standard plastic lenses are an excellent choice for many everyday prescriptions. They provide clear vision, are lightweight compared to traditional glass lenses, and offer an affordable solution for single vision and many varifocal prescriptions. They are suitable for most frame styles and everyday wear.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter and significantly more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses. They provide excellent durability, making them ideal for children, sports glasses, safety eyewear and anyone with an active lifestyle. Polycarbonate lenses also include built-in UV protection to help shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Trivex Lenses
Trivex lenses combine exceptional optical clarity with outstanding strength and lightweight comfort. They offer similar impact resistance to polycarbonate while providing sharper vision and less distortion, particularly around the edges of the lens. Trivex is an excellent premium choice for rimless glasses, sports eyewear and everyday wear where both durability and visual performance are important.
1.6 Thin High-Index Lenses
1.6 high-index lenses are designed to reduce the thickness and weight of stronger prescriptions. They produce a slimmer, more attractive appearance than standard plastic lenses while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. These lenses are suitable for many medium to high prescriptions and work well with most frame styles.
1.67 Super Thin High-Index Lenses
1.67 super thin lenses are recommended for higher prescriptions where reducing lens thickness becomes increasingly important. They create noticeably thinner and lighter lenses than 1.6 materials, improving both comfort and appearance. They are particularly well suited to stronger prescriptions and fashionable frames where thinner lenses provide a more balanced cosmetic finish.
1.74 Ultra Thin High-Index Lenses
1.74 ultra thin lenses are the thinnest and lightest prescription lenses currently available for very strong prescriptions. They significantly reduce lens thickness and edge weight, making high prescriptions more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. These premium lenses are ideal for customers who want the slimmest possible lenses without compromising visual quality.
1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 Glass Lenses
These glass lenses are the thinnest lenses available for very strong prescriptions.
Expert Advice
Our experienced dispensing team will recommend the most appropriate glasses lens material after considering your prescription, frame choice, lifestyle and visual needs. We'll explain the benefits of each option, helping you choose lenses that provide the ideal combination of comfort, durability, appearance and value.
Lens Coatings & Upgrades
At Ilkeston Factory Specs near Nottingham and Derby we can supply all your thinner lenses and lens coatings including:
✔ Anti-glare coatings/Blue light coatings
✔ Scratch-resistant coatings
✔ Thinner, lightweight lenses
✔ UV protection
✔ Transition lenses
Hydrophobic Coating
A hydrophobic coating repels water from the surface of your lenses, helping rain, condensation and moisture roll away more easily. This improves vision in wet weather and makes your lenses easier to keep clean.
Oleophobic Coating
An oleophobic coating helps resist grease, fingerprints and smudges from everyday handling. It makes your glasses easier to clean and helps keep your lenses clearer for longer.
UV Coating
A UV coating blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching your eyes, helping protect against long-term sun damage. Most modern prescription lenses include built-in UV protection, making them suitable for everyday wear.
Blue Light Coating
A blue light anti-reflection coating is designed to filter a proportion of blue light emitted by digital devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones. Many people who spend long hours using screens find blue light lenses help improve visual comfort and reduce screen glare, particularly during extended computer use.
Anti-reflection coatings stop glare, especially when driving & using screens. They also improve how your lenses look cosmetically making the lenses less visible. Easy clean anti reflective coatings help keep your lenses grease free and sparkling.
Scratch-resistant coatings help protect your prescription lenses from everyday wear, keeping your vision clearer for longer and extending the life of your glasses. Anti glare coatings also have a hydrophobic coating preventing moisture forming on the lenses when conditions are humid.
Upgrade stronger prescription lenses with thinner lenses. 1.6 thin, 1.67 super thin and 1.74 ultra thin lenses are available with all our single vision and varifocal lenses at Ilkeston.
Upgrade your lenses with our Reglaze Glasses service or buy new glasses complete.
Which Lens is Right For Me ?
Lens Type | Available In | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Bifocal | All Coatings | Reading and Distance |
Distance Lenses | All Coatings | Driving and Everyday Wear |
Single Vision | All Coatings | Reading or Distance |
Reading Lenses | All Coatings | Close Work |
Varifocal | All Coatings | All Distances |
Occupational | Blue anti-reflection coating | Office Work |
Photochromic | Brown/Grey Light Reactive | Indoors and Outdoors |
Polarised | Brown/Grey Permanent | Driving and Glare |
Which Lens Material is Right For Me ?
Lens Material | Lens Thickness | Lens Weight | Best For | Power Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1.74 High Index | Ultra Thin | Lightest Appearance | Very Strong Prescriptions | 8 - 10 Dioptres |
1.67 High Index | Very Thin | Very Light | Strong Prescriptions | 6 - 8 Dioptres |
1.6 High Index | Thin | Light | Medium Prescriptions | 4 - 5 Dioptres |
Trivex | Thin & Strong | Very Light | Rimless Frames | Up to 4 Dioptres |
Polycarbonate | Thin & Strong | Very Light | Children/Safety/Sports | Up to 6 Dioptres |
1.5 Plastic/CR39 | Standard Thickness | Good | Every Day Prescriptions | Up to 4 Dioptres |
Which Lens Coating is Right For Me ?
Coating | Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Blue light | Reduces screen glare | Computer users |
UV Protection | Blocks UV rays | Everyday protection |
Oleophobic | Resists fingerprints | Easy cleaning |
Hydrophobic | Repels water | Outdoor use |
Scratch Resistant | Protects lenses | Everyday wear |
Anti-Reflection | Reduces glare | Driving, Screens |
Why Our Onsite Optical Laboratory Gives You Better Lenses
Unlike many optical practices that send prescription lenses to external laboratories, we manufacture and finish many lenses in our own onsite optical laboratory. This allows us to maintain exceptional quality standards, carefully inspect every pair of glasses and, where possible, provide much faster turnaround times. It also means greater precision, improved communication and a more personalised service from start to finish.
Precision Lens Edging
Every prescription lens is precisely edged and shaped to fit your chosen frames accurately. Careful lens finishing helps ensure an excellent fit, improved appearance and comfortable everyday wear.
Thorough Quality Control
Each pair of glasses undergoes comprehensive quality checks throughout the manufacturing process. We inspect lens accuracy, frame alignment, optical measurements and the finished fit to help ensure your glasses meet our high standards before they leave the laboratory.
Experienced Optical Technicians
Our skilled optical technicians have many years of experience manufacturing, fitting and finishing prescription lenses. Their expertise helps ensure every pair of glasses is produced with accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.
Same-Day Lens Production
Because many lenses are produced in-house, we can often offer same-day glasses and rapid replacement lens services for suitable prescriptions. This reduces waiting times and allows many customers to collect their glasses much sooner than practices relying on external laboratories.
Custom Lens Fitting
Every pair of lenses is individually fitted to your chosen frames. Whether you're reglazing your existing glasses, choosing new designer frames or ordering specialist prescription lenses, we ensure your lenses are professionally fitted for the best possible visual performance and comfort.
Faster Turnaround Times
Having an onsite optical laboratory removes the delays associated with sending glasses to external manufacturers. In many cases, we can complete new prescription glasses, replacement lenses and reglazing services considerably faster, helping you get back to clear vision as quickly as possible.
Why Choose Ilkeston Factory Specs?
Every pair of lenses is professionally measured, checked and fitted by our experienced dispensing team before leaving our onsite optical laboratory.
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✔ Independent Optical Specialists – Personal, expert advice tailored to your prescription, lifestyle and budget.
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✔ Established Since 1991 – Over three decades of experience supplying quality prescription glasses and lenses.
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✔ Onsite Optical Laboratory – Many lenses are manufactured, glazed and fitted in-house for greater quality control and faster turnaround.
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✔ Same-Day Lens Services – Selected single vision lenses and emergency replacements available in as little as one hour.
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✔ Expert Dispensing Advice – Professional guidance on lens types, materials, coatings and frame selection.
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✔ Thousands of Glasses Frames – Choose from one of the largest selections of designer and everyday eyewear in the East Midlands.
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✔ Professional Measuring & Fitting – Accurate lens measurements and careful fitting for clear, comfortable vision.
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✔ Lens Replacement & Reglazing Specialists – Keep your favourite frames while upgrading to new prescription lenses.
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✔ Serving Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire & Beyond – Trusted by customers from Derby, Nottingham, Long Eaton, Beeston, Heanor, Ripley, Mansfield, Leicester and across the UK through our online lens replacement service.
What Do You Need?
🟢 OPTION 1
Keep Your Frames, Replace Your Lenses
👉 Best if your frames are still in good condition
➡️ Go to: Replace Lenses
🔵 OPTION 2
Keep Your Frames & Upgrade Your Lenses
👉 Best if your prescription has changed
➡️ Go to: Reglaze Glasses
🟡 OPTION 3
Glasses while you wait
👉 Best for emergencies
➡️ Go to: Same Day Glasses
🟣 OPTION 4
Keep Your Lenses, Choose New Frames
👉 Want a new look without new lenses
➡️ Go to: Reframes
Need Lenses Fast?
Discover our Laboratory and Boutique store for quality, affordable branded and unbranded prescription glasses lenses.
We offer same day lens replacement, with many prescriptions ready in as little as 1 hour.
Alternatively we can replace broken glasses frames to keep you going till your next eye test is due!
👉 Visit our Same Day Glasses service for urgent needs
Lenses & Glasses Services in Ilkeston
At Ilkeston Factory Specs in Derbyshire we offer many lens types including Single Vision, Bifocal, Office Reading/Computer and Varifocal lenses. Our lenses fully comply with the directives required.
Our Ilkeston optical laboratory regularly supplies prescription lenses for customers from Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Long Eaton, Beeston, Heanor, Ripley, Mansfield and throughout the East Midlands and UK wide online.
We can take all the measurements needed to make the perfect pair of lenses and glasses with great vision.
How to Choose the Right Prescription Lenses
Choosing the right prescription lenses involves more than simply matching your prescription. The best lenses for you depend on how you use your glasses every day, your lifestyle, your frame choice and your budget. At Ilkeston Factory Specs, we'll explain the available options and recommend lenses that provide the best combination of comfort, performance and value.
Your Prescription Strength
Your prescription is one of the biggest factors when selecting lenses. Lower prescriptions are suitable for standard plastic lenses, while stronger prescriptions often benefit from thinner, high-index materials that reduce lens thickness and weight. Choosing the right lens material can make your glasses more comfortable to wear and improve their overall appearance, particularly with stronger prescriptions.
Your Occupation
The type of work you do can influence which lenses are most suitable. Office workers and people who spend long hours at a desk often benefit from occupational or office lenses, while those who regularly switch between different viewing distances may find varifocal lenses more convenient. We'll recommend lenses that match the visual demands of your working day.
Your Hobbies
Your hobbies are equally important when choosing prescription lenses. Reading, sewing, photography, DIY, gardening, music and crafts all place different demands on your vision. Whether you need sharper close-up vision, improved intermediate focus or reduced glare outdoors, we can recommend lenses designed to suit your favourite activities.
Driving
If you spend a lot of time driving, specialist lens options can improve comfort and safety. Anti-reflection coatings help reduce glare from headlights during night driving, while prescription polarised sunglasses reduce reflected glare from wet roads and bright sunlight during the day. Photochromic lenses are also a convenient option for drivers who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments.
Computer Use
People who spend several hours each day using computers, tablets or multiple digital screens often benefit from office lenses, occupational lenses or dedicated computer glasses. Anti-reflection coatings and blue light filtering can also improve visual comfort by reducing reflections and screen glare during prolonged digital device use.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
Different sports require different visual solutions. Prescription polarised lenses are popular for fishing, golf, sailing and cycling because they reduce glare and improve contrast. Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses are often recommended for sports eyewear, while photochromic lenses are ideal for people who regularly move between indoor and outdoor activities.
Your Budget
There are prescription lenses available to suit almost every budget. Standard lenses provide excellent everyday vision, while premium upgrades such as thinner high-index materials, anti-reflection coatings, photochromic lenses and polarised prescription sunglasses offer additional comfort, convenience and durability. We'll explain the benefits of each option so you can choose the upgrades that matter most to you.
Your Frame Choice
The style of your glasses frame also affects which lenses are most suitable. Stronger prescriptions often look better in smaller frames or with high-index thin lenses, while rimless and semi-rimless frames may require specific lens materials for strength and durability. We'll ensure your chosen lenses complement both your prescription and your frames for the best cosmetic appearance and performance.
Expert Advice You Can Trust
There isn't one "best" prescription lens for everyone. The ideal choice depends on your eyesight, lifestyle, occupation, hobbies and budget. Our experienced dispensing team will explain the advantages of each lens type, material and coating, helping you choose prescription lenses that provide the clearest, most comfortable vision for everyday life.
Glasses Lenses FAQs
What lenses are best for me?
It depends on your prescription, lifestyle, and budget.
Can I upgrade my lenses without new frames?
Yes – use our reglaze service.
How long does it take to replace lenses?
Many jobs are completed same day.
Do you offer thin lenses?
Yes – we provide lightweight and high-index options.
What are single vision lenses?
Single vision lenses contain one prescription across the entire lens and are designed to correct a single field of vision. They are commonly used for distance vision, reading glasses or computer work, depending on your prescription.
What are varifocal lenses?
Varifocal lenses also known as progressive lenses provide seamless vision at multiple distances without the visible lines found on bifocal lenses. They combine distance, intermediate and reading prescriptions into one lens, allowing you to see clearly whether you're driving, working on a computer or reading.
What are bifocal lenses?
Bifocal lenses contain two separate prescription areas within one lens. The upper section is usually for distance vision, while the lower segment is designed for reading or close work. They are a popular alternative for people who need both distance and reading correction.
What are high-index lenses?
High-index lenses are specially designed to be thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses. They are ideal for stronger prescriptions, helping to reduce lens thickness while improving comfort and appearance. We offer a range of thin and ultra-thin high-index lenses to suit different prescriptions.
What are photochromic lenses?
Photochromic lenses automatically darken in sunlight and return to clear indoors. Often known as transition lenses, they provide convenient UV protection and are ideal for people who regularly move between indoor and outdoor environments.
What lens coatings are available?
We offer a wide range of lens coatings to improve the performance and durability of your glasses, including anti-reflection coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, UV protection, blue light filtering, easy-clean coatings and hydrophobic coatings that help repel water and dirt.
Are blue light lenses worth it?
Blue light lenses can be beneficial for people who spend long periods using computers, tablets or smartphones. While they won't improve your eyesight, many people find they help reduce screen glare and improve visual comfort during prolonged digital device use.
Can I replace just my lenses?
Yes. Our prescription lens replacement and reglazing service allows you to keep your existing glasses frames while replacing scratched, damaged or outdated lenses with brand new prescription lenses. It's often a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to buying new glasses.
Can I upgrade my existing glasses?
Yes. If your frames are in good condition, we can often upgrade your glasses with thinner lenses, anti-reflection coatings, photochromic lenses, prescription sunglasses, polarised lenses or a new prescription without replacing your favourite frames.
Which lenses are best for driving?
The best lenses for driving depend on when you drive. Anti-reflection coated lenses help reduce glare from headlights during night driving, while prescription polarised sunglasses can reduce glare from wet roads and bright sunlight during the day. Brown and grey tinted prescription sunglasses are popular choices for daytime driving.
How thin can my lenses be?
We supply several thin lens options, including 1.6 thin lenses, 1.67 super-thin lenses and 1.74 ultra-thin lenses for stronger prescriptions. Our dispensing team will recommend the most suitable lens thickness based on your prescription, frame choice and lifestyle.
Which lenses are best for computer use?
For computer users, occupational lenses, office lenses or dedicated single vision computer lenses often provide the most comfortable vision. Adding an anti-reflection coating or blue light filtering can also improve visual comfort during prolonged screen use. We'll recommend the most suitable option based on how you use your computer and your prescription.
Find the Right Prescription Lenses for Your Glasses
Whether you need single vision, bifocal or varifocal lenses, thinner high-index lenses, premium lens coatings or a complete prescription lens replacement, our experienced dispensing team is here to help. At Ilkeston Factory Specs, we don't just supply glasses—we help you choose the best prescription lenses for your eyesight, lifestyle and budget. With our onsite optical laboratory, many single vision lenses can be manufactured and fitted the very same day, while our expert reglazing service allows you to upgrade the lenses in your existing frames without buying new glasses.
Visit us today to:
✔ Receive expert advice on the best prescription lenses for your needs
✔ Compare lens materials, coatings and thin lens options
✔ Replace scratched or outdated prescription lenses
✔ Update your existing glasses with new prescription lenses
✔ Explore same-day glasses and lens replacement services
✔ Enjoy professional fitting and personalised aftercare
No appointment is necessary. Simply bring your current glasses or prescription to our Ilkeston eyewear boutique, and we'll help you find the perfect prescription lenses for clearer, more comfortable vision.
Better vision starts with the right lenses—and we're here to help you choose them.