What Are Single-Vision Lenses & Why Are They Cheaper?
Single-vision lenses are the most common type of prescription lens — and almost always the most affordable. If you’ve ever wondered why they cost less than varifocals or bifocals, the answer is simple: they’re designed to do one job, and do it well.
At The Glasses Guys, single-vision lenses are also our most popular reglazing option, offering excellent clarity at a fraction of high-street prices.
What Are Single-Vision Lenses?
Single-vision lenses have one consistent prescription across the entire lens. Unlike varifocals or bifocals, there are no multiple focus zones or complex transitions.
They’re ideal for:
👓 Distance vision (driving, everyday wear)
📖 Reading glasses
💻 Computer or screen-specific prescriptions
🧒 Children’s glasses
Because the design is simpler, they’re faster to produce and cheaper to manufacture — which keeps costs down.
How Much Do Single-Vision Lenses Cost in the UK?
Prices vary depending on lens thickness, material, and coatings. Below is a typical UK high-street pricing range for reglazing single-vision lenses.
Basic Single-Vision Lenses
£40–£120
Standard plastic (CR39). Best for light prescriptions and everyday use.
Thin & Light (1.60 High-Index) Lenses
£60–£140
A popular upgrade for moderate prescriptions, offering slimmer, lighter lenses.
Ultra-Thin (1.67–1.74 High-Index) Lenses
£120–£240
Designed for stronger prescriptions (±4.00 and above). Reduces edge thickness and gives a sleeker finish.
Blue-Light Filter Lenses
Add £10–£100
Blue-light lenses, helpful for heavy screen users experiencing eye strain or fatigue.
Transitions® / Light-Reactive Lenses
Add £40–£120
Clear indoors, darken outdoors — a practical two-in-one solution.
Why Do Single-Vision Lens Prices Vary?
Even with single-vision lenses, pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. The main factors are:
1️⃣ Prescription Strength
Higher prescriptions require stronger, thinner materials, increasing cost.
2️⃣ Lens Material
Standard plastic is cheaper; high-index lenses are engineered to be thinner and lighter.
3️⃣ Coatings
Anti-scratch, anti-reflective, blue-light and UV coatings all affect price — but also durability and comfort.
4️⃣ Lens Brand
Premium brands can increase cost, though the visual benefit depends on your needs.
A reglazing service like The Glasses Guys is usually far cheaper than buying new glasses on the high street — because you’re paying only for lenses, not frames.
View our pricing here 👇
Why Reglazing with The Glasses Guys Saves You Money
✔ Keep the frames you love
Designer, vintage or sentimental — no need to replace them.
✔ Pay only for lenses
Online reglazing can be up to 70% cheaper than high-street opticians.
✔ Fast turnaround
Most single-vision orders are completed quickly.
What’s Included in Single-Vision Lens Replacement?
Every reglaze includes:
Optical-grade lenses cut to your frame
Accurate prescription fitting
Scratch-resistant coating as standard
Optional thin, ultra-thin, blue-light or Transitions® upgrades
Quality control checks before return
Who Needs Single-Vision Lenses?
Single-vision lenses are suitable if you have:
Short-sightedness (distance blur)
Long-sightedness (near blur)
A dedicated screen or computer prescription
A reading-only prescription
If you don’t need multiple focus zones, single-vision lenses are usually the clearest, simplest and most affordable option.
Final Thoughts: How Much Should You Expect to Spend at The Glasses Guys?
For most UK customers, single-vision reglazed lenses cost between £18.99 and £99.99, depending on thickness and coatings.
At TheGlassesGuys.co.uk, you get premium-quality lenses at a fraction of high-street prices — with fast service, expert fitting, and scratch-resistant coatings included as standard.
👉 Not sure what to order? Request a free pack via our website and we’ll guide you through it.
