What it means and why
A single-vision prescription is intended for one viewing task or distance range, rather than containing a progressive addition from far to near. It can still correct both sphere and cylinder. The term describes the purpose of the lens, not whether it is spherical, tinted or coated.
How many distances feel clear also depends on the wearer’s ability to accommodate. A younger wearer may refocus from the road to a book while wearing distance glasses; someone with presbyopia may need a separate near solution.
Three different questions
- What correction is prescribed?
- SPH describes the spherical power component; read it with any CYL and AXIS.
- How is the surface shaped?
- Spherical and aspheric describe surface geometry, not frame outline.
- Which viewing tasks are covered?
- Single vision and progressive describe different viewing-distance arrangements.
A worked example
A pair made specifically for reading at a desk and a pair made for distance can both be single vision. Swapping them because their category matches would ignore their different prescribed purposes. State the task and its actual working distance before discussing lens upgrades.
What it does not tell you
Single vision does not mean “only myopia” or “no astigmatism”. Nor does it establish whether the wearer can use that pair safely for driving.
THINK IT THROUGHCan reading glasses and distance glasses both be single vision?
Yes. The shared category does not make their prescriptions or working distances interchangeable.
Sources & reading notes
Page updated:
- ABDO · Single vision lens basics ↗ Professional body guidance
Explains terminology and dispensing practice; it is not a head-to-head product trial.