When it comes to improving your vision, not all lenses are created equal. Whether you wear glasses or contacts, the type of lens you choose can make a meaningful difference in clarity, comfort, and long-term eye health. At Patel Vision Group, we help patients understand their options so they can feel confident choosing lenses that match their visual needs and lifestyle.

 

What Are Standard Lenses?

Standard lenses are the most common lens option and are ideal for people with typical refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They correct vision effectively for most prescriptions and are generally more affordable.

Examples of Standard Lenses:

•          Single-vision lenses: Correct one field of vision (distance or near).

•          Bifocals/trifocals: Offer two or three distinct viewing zones.

•          Basic progressive lenses: Provide a seamless transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision.

Benefits of Standard Lenses:

•          Cost-effective

•          Widely available

•          Suitable for most prescriptions

•          Offer numerous material and coating options

Standard lenses work well for the average patient with routine visual needs. However, they may not be ideal if you have more complex vision challenges or specific lifestyle demands.

 

What Are Specialty Lenses?

Specialty lenses are designed for patients whose vision needs go beyond what standard lenses can correct. These lenses provide customized solutions for unique eye conditions, irregular corneas, high prescriptions, or specialized activities like computer work or nighttime driving.

Common Types of Specialty Lenses:

•          Scleral lenses: Large-diameter contact lenses ideal for keratoconus, dry eye, or irregular corneas.

•          Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea to correct vision temporarily.

•          Custom soft contacts: Tailored for high astigmatism or complex prescriptions.

Benefits of Specialty Lenses:

•          Customized visual correction

•          Enhanced comfort for patients with corneal irregularities

•          Larger, clearer visual fields

•          Solutions for conditions standard lenses can’t adequately address

•          Often improve symptoms like eye strain, glare, or ghosting

Specialty lenses are measured, mapped, and designed specifically for your eyes.

 

Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between standard and specialty lenses depends on your eye health, lifestyle, and vision goals. You may benefit from specialty lenses if you experience:

•          Chronic dry eye

•          Irregular corneas

•          Keratoconus

•          High or complex prescriptions

•          Sensitivity to glare

•          Headaches from digital device use

•          Difficulty adapting to standard progressives

During your comprehensive eye exam at Patel Vision Group, our team evaluates the structure of your eyes, your visual demands, and your comfort needs to determine which lenses will serve you best.

 

Discover the Best Lenses for Your Eyes at Patel Vision Group

Both standard and specialty lenses play an important role in helping patients see clearly, but they address different needs. Standard lenses are effective for most people, while specialty lenses offer advanced solutions for more complex or unique vision conditions. Whatever your visual challenges may be, our optometrists are here to guide you toward the right lens choice for optimal clarity and comfort.

Schedule your eye exam at Patel Vision Group to find the lenses that fit your vision and lifestyle. Visit our office in Visalia, Redding, Roseville, Monterey, Salinas, Sacramento, Fresno, or Fair Oaks, California. Call (559) 739-8550, (530) 221-6557, (916) 788-2960, (831) 375-7755, (831) 443-5250, (916) 629-8033, (559) 538-1567, (916) 966-4700, or (559) 500-7685 to book your appointment today.