Your guide to glasses lenses

Modern glasses lenses are primarily made from high-tech plastics rather than glass. Common materials include CR-39 plastic, polycarbonate, Trivex, and various high-index plastics. Each material offers different benefits in terms of weight, durability, and optical clarity.

Using a specialist lens cleaner and lens cloth is the best way to clean your glasses lenses. Even though it’s sometimes more convenient, you should avoid using paper towels, dish towels or your clothing to clean your glasses as this can cause micro scratches. For more information, read our guide on how to clean your glasses.

Changing lenses in glasses is a specialised task that should always be performed by a qualified optician. If you think you need new glasses lenses, book an eye test or pop into your local specsavers store.

Glasses lenses are typically made through two main processes: moulding or surfacing. Plastic lenses are often moulded, where liquid monomer is poured into moulds and cured. Glass and some plastic lenses are made by surfacing, which involves grinding and polishing blanks to the precise curvature required by the prescription. After the basic shape is formed, various coatings (like anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV protection, or blue light filters) are then applied in layers to enhance their performance and durability.

At specsavers, our single vision glasses lenses come as standard. Our varifocal, bifocal and occupational glasses lenses have an extra charge, starting from £40-£80, depending on the lenses you have been prescribed.