Multifocal lenses are yesterday's bifocals and trifocals. As the name implies, multifocals have multiple focusing abilities and are commonly prescribed for activities such as reading and computer work. These lenses still have the telltale lines or curves that delineate the different prescriptions which is why more people are making the switch to progressive lenses. Bifocals offer near vision and distance vision correction, while trifocals include near, far and intermediate correction. Multifocal lenses are often prescribed when needed for specific job functions. As such, they're not generally designed to be worn daily - only when performing the specific task for which they were designed.

Polarized lenses block out damaging ultraviolet rays and enhance color, making these eyeglass lenses a good choice when driving. Colors are crisp and defined because they're not obstructed by the sun. Polarized lenses help reduce glare and haze, making visibility much better.

Polycarbonate lenses are perfect when you need eyeglass lenses that are durable and offer built-in protection from damaging ultraviolet rays. Even though they are great at resisting impact, these eyeglass lenses are amazingly thin and weigh less that regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses get their strength from the manufacturing process which helps make the lens more flexible and less brittle. The material is not scratch-resistant however, and most manufacturers apply a coating to protect the lenses from this type of damage. Many parents choose this type of lens for their children as do those who participate in sports.

Tinted lenses are popular and are preferred by many for the fashion statement these eyeglass lenses make. Others choose tinted lenses to do double-duty as sunglasses. Once a tint is in place, it's there all the time, which is one way these lenses differ from photochromatic lenses. The tint can be solid or it can gradate from darker to light or vice versa. Tinting lenses involves submerging the eyeglass lenses into warm water that's been colored. In a process similar to dying Easter eggs, the longer the lenses remain in the colored water, the more enhanced the tint becomes. A tint can also be applied as a lens top coating.