Multifocal lenses
Reviewed by Dr. Justin Asgarpour
One pair for working, reading, driving, watching TV, and walking. Multifocal lenses help you see multiple distances, so you don’t always have to switch glasses for different tasks.
Multifocal Lenses
What is an ADD power?
A number in the ADD or 'addition' section of your prescription means you need different vision correction for different distances. This includes near (40cm away), intermediate (60cm away), and far (2m away and further).
Lens options if you have an ADD power
From multifocal lenses to task-specific glasses, there are many lens options to suit your prescription, lifestyle, and budget.
Progressive lenses
Smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision. Modern multifocal design, with no visible line. Some peripheral distortion at the sides of your lenses.
Suitable for routine activities (working, reading, driving, watching TV, and walking)
Premium Progressive lenses
Smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision. Modern multifocal design, with no visible line. Some peripheral distortion at the sides of your lenses.
Suitable for routine activities (working, reading, driving, watching TV, and walking)
Computer Progressive lenses
Designed for screen-time use. Correction for intermediate and near distance (no far distance correction). Larger field of intermediate vision for better clarity when working at your desk.
Suitable for screen time on a computer or laptop
Reading glasses (near only)
Clear near vision at a typical reading distance (approximately 45cm to 55cm). Not suitable for viewing objects at an intermediate or far distance (unlike progressive lenses).
Suitable for reading (both print and phone/tablet screens)
Single vision glasses (distance only)
Provide vision correction for one prescription across the entire lens. Designed for distance correction, or if you have an ADD power and prefer to switch between pairs for task-specific purposes (such as playing sports).
Suitable for seeing 2m and further
Bifocal lenses
Traditional multifocal lens with visible line across the lens surface. Only provide near (about 40cm) and far (2m and further) vision correction. Bottom part of the lens (the near prescription) is usually a semi-circle shape.
Suitable for those who are unable to wear progressives. Please note: we do not currently offer bifocal lenses.
Lens Feature comparison
Lens | Distance Vision | Intermediate/computer vision | Reading vision |
Premium Progressive Lenses |
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Standard Progressive lenses |
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Computer Progressive lenses |
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Reading glasses |
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Distance vision only |
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Bifocal lenses |
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How to buy multifocal glasses online
Add progressive lenses to create a custom pair of multifocal glasses.
1. Select your favourite frames
2. Select Progressives as your vision need
3. Enter your valid prescription
4. Select your lens type and coating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADD power in my glasses prescription?
If you see an ADD power in your glasses prescription, you require more than one prescription to see clearly at different distances. You can either choose to wear progressive lenses, which provide near, intermediate, and far vision correction within the same lens, or change glasses depending on whether you’re looking at objects that are near or far away.
What’s the difference between ADD power and reading glasses?
Your 'reading prescription' and the 'ADD power' on your prescription are two different things. The 'ADD power' is the amount of magnification that is added to your distance correction that’s needed for reading up close. The 'reading power' is the total corrective strength needed for you to see something clearly at 45 to 55cm. Ask your eye doctor about it on your next visit.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia typically begins to affect people in their 40s. It impacts your ability to focus on near objects, making it difficult to clearly see things that are near (like a book or phone), at arm’s length (like a computer screen), and objects that are further away at the same time. That’s where multifocal lenses come in.
The internal lenses in your eyes become less elastic, making it harder for the muscles in your eyes to pull on these stiffer lenses to focus on nearby things like fine print. This causes images at near distance to appear out of focus.
If you require distance correction when you develop presbyopia, a pair of progressive lenses will provide vision at both near, intermediate, and far distances.