The right lenses for optimum vision

Single vision lenses are equally powerful across the entire lens surface, i.e. the prescription power is identical across the entire lens. They are used in distance and reading glasses – the two most common vision devices. What’s the difference? With reading glasses, single vision lenses are optimised for vision in the near zone and fitted to the long-sighted wearer’s standard reading distance. These lenses are great not only for books, but also for reading smaller fonts on a smartphone or tablet.

Astigmatism can be corrected with  single vision lenses.  
To achieve this, an additional prescription power is incorporated into the lens, which balances out the astigmatism: this is known as cylinder correction (“cyl” on the lens certificate). These are called toric lenses.

Bifocal lenses consist of two lenses, which enable the wearer to see objects clearly both close up and at a distance. This is evident from the dividing line between the two lenses; the lower one is distinctly smaller and looks like a small window. This is the “reading zone” for near vision, and the rest of the lens ensures optimum vision at a distance. The dual prescription gives the lens its name: in Latin, bi means “two” and focal means “focal point.” In the past, bifocal lenses were commonly used to correct presbyopia. These days, they’re not the lens of choice. Many wearers find the clearly visible dividing line unappealing or even irritating, for instance when climbing stairs. What’s the solution? Modern progressive lenses. They offer a seamless transition between the vision zones and thus greater visual comfort.

Progressive lenses have clear benefits compared to bifocal and trifocal lenses. Progressive lenses have a power for the near, intermediate and distance zones – and all of this in a lens with a seamless transition and no dividing line. The power is smooth from top to bottom and moves from distance to near vision. Progressive lenses enable clear, relaxed vision at all distances and are the perfect choice for correcting myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia. They’re great for reading, working at a computer or with your hands, or for simply gazing into the distance.

Thanks to state-of-the-art production methods with exceptional visual comfort, progressive lenses by ZEISS are precisely fitted to the wearer’s individual needs using a range of factors. Some relevant aspects are the interpupillary distance, the pantoscopic angle and the back vertex distance – to name but a few individual face parameters taken into account during production at ZEISS.

Being able to see well is a prerequisite for safe driving because on the road our eyes are working overtime: we constantly have to shift our focus between the street, the GPS, and the rear-view and wing mirrors. Unpleasant weather and adverse light conditions often make it difficult to see. Lenses specially optimised for particular situations faced while driving (e.g.  ZEISS DriveSafe Lenses, available as single vision and progressive lenses) reduce the visual stress when driving, making it easier for drivers to see. For people who are sensitive to reflections, DriveSafe lenses can help combat perceived glare.

Whether you’re at work or at home, special sun lenses can step up your visual comfort in many situations. Did you know that all lenses can be made self-tinting? They offer perfect UV protection and optimum vision in one lens – thus eliminating the hassle of switching glasses. And these lenses come with everything you’d expect: improved contrast perception, less glare and an anti-reflective coating to top it all off. The lenses will tint depending on the intensity of the UV rays – from slightly tinted through to the intense shading you get from a pair of sunglasses. They darken in seconds and clear in just a few minutes.