Lens types & technology

The complete guide to lens types and eyewear technology

Lens choices shape how your glasses actually perform. Coatings, tints, transitions, polarization, and specialty lens types all change what a pair does for you day-to-day. This guide breaks down the lens technology worth knowing before you buy, from basic prescription fundamentals to specialty features like photochromic and progressive lenses.

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Featured guide

What lens type is right for you? The complete lens guide

Every lens choice matters, from the base type to the coatings on it. This complete guide walks through the five main lens types Kraywoods offers, the options you can layer on any of them, and the coatings included as standard.

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Polarized & mirrored lenses

Polarization filters horizontal light waves that cause glare from water, snow, roads, and car hoods. The result is sharper contrast and less eye strain in bright conditions. Polarized lenses are especially valuable for driving and outdoor activities.

man wearing Kraywoods polarized sunglasses outdoors

August 21, 2025 · Kraywoods

What Are Polarized Sunglasses? Benefits, Uses & How They Work

May 12, 2022 · Rachad Kabbara

Polarized vs. Non Polarized Sunglasses: What’s the Difference?

April 18, 2022 · Heba Ahmed

6 Benefits of Mirrored Glasses You Should Know in 2026

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Photochromic lenses (including the Transitions brand) darken automatically in sunlight and clear indoors. They're one of the most practical lens technologies for people who don't want to switch between prescription glasses and sunglasses.

January 09, 2026 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Photochromic vs Transition Lenses: What's the Difference?

September 11, 2025 · Rayhan El-Asmar

What Are Photochromic Lenses? The Complete Guide to Light-Adaptive Eyewear

flat lay image of Kraywoods sunglasses and light-adaptive glasses on neutral background

May 09, 2022 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Transition Lenses vs Prescription Sunglasses: Which Is Right for You?

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Progressive & multifocals

For readers who need distance correction plus reading correction, multifocal lenses combine both in a single pair. Bifocals show a visible line between zones; progressives blend the transition invisibly. These guides break down the choices and how to adapt to progressives.

December 20, 2024 · Rachad Kabbara

What Are Progressive Lenses: Benefits and Features

September 18, 2024 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Progressive vs Bifocal Lenses: Pros and Cons Explained

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Lens coatings & Enhancements

Lens coatings turn a basic prescription lens into a genuinely comfortable everyday tool. Anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings are standard on quality lenses. Anti-fatigue features reduce strain during long screen sessions. Kraywoods includes premium coatings on every prescription lens as standard.

flat lat image of Kraywoods anti fatigue lens glasses on a white background

May 10, 2026 · Rayhan El-Asmar

What Are Anti Fatigue Lenses? A Complete Guide

August 07, 2024 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Is Anti-Reflective Coating Worth It? Anti-Reflective Coating Benefits

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Lens tints & colors

Lens tint affects how you perceive light and contrast. Grey tints stay neutral. Brown and amber enhance contrast. Yellow improves low-light visibility. Mirrored coatings add both function and style.

September 04, 2025 · Chelsea Baker

Sunglasses Lens Colour Guide: How to Choose the Best Lens Tint for Your Needs

November 24, 2021 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Tinted Glasses & Their Benefits: Color Lens Guide 2026

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Prescription lenses use standardized measurements to correct vision, and understanding the basics makes every other lens decision easier. Diopters describe prescription strength, high-index materials keep strong prescriptions thin, and reading strength is a distinct calculation.

glasses with antireflective lenses sitting on a white surface

September 14, 2026 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Types of Glasses Lenses: A Complete Guide to Eyeglass Lens Options

January 21, 2026 · Kraywoods

Best Reading Glasses: A Complete Buying Guide to Durable and Stylish Options

Woman wearing generic reading glasses while reading a book

July 09, 2025 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Best Reading Glasses Strength: Find the Right Diopter for Clear Vision

February 10, 2025 · Rayhan El-Asmar

What is a Diopter? Roadmap to Clearer Vision

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Specialty lenses

Some lens features address specific conditions or use cases: FL-41 tints for light sensitivity and ADHD, high-index materials for strong prescriptions, and prescription sunglasses for outdoor comfort. These guides cover the specialty lens options worth knowing about.

woman wearing Trevor prescription sunglasses outdoors

December 18, 2025 · Rayhan El-Asmar

Best Prescription Sunglasses for Outdoor Comfort: What to Look for in 2026

June 24, 2022 · James Sanders

18 Best Glasses for High Prescription & Thick Lenses

April 26, 2022 · Rachad Kabbara

Best Night Driving Glasses: How to Reduce Glare and See Clearly After Dark

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Frequently Asked Questions

What lens coatings are worth paying for?

Anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings are worth having on every prescription lens. Anti-reflective reduces glare from screens and reflective surfaces; anti-scratch extends lens life significantly. Kraywoods includes both as standard on every prescription lens.

What's the difference between photochromic and transition lenses?

Photochromic is the general category of lenses that darken in sunlight and clear indoors. Transitions is a specific brand of photochromic lens. All Transitions lenses are photochromic, but not all photochromic lenses are Transitions brand.

Are polarized lenses worth the extra cost?

For most people, yes. Polarized lenses noticeably reduce glare from water, snow, roads, and car hoods, which improves visibility and reduces eye strain. One caveat: polarization can make some LCD screens harder to read at certain angles.

What are progressive lenses and are they right for me?

Progressive lenses combine distance, intermediate, and reading correction in one lens without visible lines. They're ideal for people over 40 who need reading correction and don't want to switch between multiple pairs. Adaptation typically takes a week or two.

How do I know what lens tint to choose for sunglasses?

Grey lenses work for general use and preserve true colors. Brown or amber lenses enhance contrast, useful for driving. Green lenses reduce glare with minimal color distortion, good for sports. Match tint to your primary use case.