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Distance Glasses Explained
See the World Clearly Again.
Published by Direct Sight | Lens Centre
What Are Distance Glasses?
Distance glasses also referred to as long distance glasses or distance vision glasses. Are prescription eyeglasses designed to correct blurred vision for objects more than six metres away. They are most commonly prescribed for myopia (short-sightedness), one of the most widespread vision conditions in the UK.
A short-sighted (myopic) eye bends light too much. This causes the image to come into focus in front of the back of the eye (the retina) instead of right on it. This causes blurry vision for things far away, while nearby objects are usually clear.
The corrective prescription lenses in distance prescription glasses or contact lenses, gently redirect incoming light. Allowing your eyes to form a sharp, clear image focusing on objects from road signs to cinema screens.
At Direct Sight, every pair of distance glasses is glazed by skilled technicians using your exact prescription values. Ensuring you receive accurate, comfortable vision correction from day one.
Who Needs Distance Glasses?
Millions of people across the UK live with uncorrected distance vision problems. Recognise any of these situations?
Driving
Struggling to read road signs, number plates, or motorway gantries clearly, particularly in low light conditions.
Cinema & TV
Blurry images on a large screen, or squinting to follow subtitles from the back of the room.
Classroom or Office
Difficulty reading a whiteboard, presentation screen, or display board from your seat.
Sport & Outdoors
Missing the detail of a ball in flight, a scoreboard, or scenic vistas when walking or hiking.
Headaches & Eye Strain
Frequent headaches, tired eyes, or a habit of squinting when looking at anything in the distance.
Updating Your Glasses
Your prescription has changed since your last eye test, or your current frames need replacing.
Choose the Right Lens for Your Distance Prescription Glasses
We offer a full range of lens types for distance vision glasses, so you can match your optical needs with your lifestyle and budget.
Buying Distance Glasses Online in the UK
Ordering distance glasses online UK has never been easier. Forget lengthy high-street appointments and inflated retail prices. Direct Sight delivers distance prescription glasses glazed to your exact requirements, directly to your door.
How to Order Distance Prescription Glasses
All you need is a valid prescription from your optician, issued within the last two years. During checkout you'll enter your sphere, cylinder, axis, and pupillary distance values. Our dispensing team checks every order before it leaves our lab to make sure you have a perfect pair of glasses.
Long Distance Glasses vs Varifocals
Single vision long distance glasses provide one focal zone across the entire lens, clarity for everything beyond arm's reach. If you also need help reading at arms length, varifocal lenses (multifocal glasses) maybe the solution. They combine both a distance and near correction in one pair.
Far Sighted Glasses UK, understanding the Terminology
In the UK, the term far sighted glasses is sometimes used loosely to describe glasses for seeing at distance. Technically, farsightedness (hyperopia) means struggling with close vision. The opposite of myopia.
Your prescription from your optician will clearly indicate whether you need a minus (myopia) or plus (hyperopia) correction. Always follow your prescription when ordering online.
Distance Glasses for Driving
UK law requires that drivers meet the legal eyesight standard, reading a number plate from 20 metres. If you're relying on outdated or no distance glasses, you could be breaking the law and putting yourself and others at risk. Our anti-reflective coated lenses are particularly popular for driving, cutting headlight glare on night-time journeys.
How Often Should I Update My Distance Glasses?
The College of Optometrists recommends that most adults have an eye test every two years. Although some people may need more frequent examinations depending on their eye health and risk factors.
If your distance vision has changed noticeably or your current glasses are scratched or misaligned. It's probably time for a new pair of distance glasses online from Direct Sight.
Why Choose Direct Sight for Distance Vision Glasses?
Direct Sight has been supplying distance glasses online UK customers trust for years. We are one of the UK’s most recommended online eyewear retailers. Offering great quality glasses at affordable prices with expert customer support.
Every order is backed by our 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
Order Distance Glasses Online in 4 Easy Steps
Choose Your Frames
Browse hundreds of styles from classic to contemporary in our full distance glasses collection.
Select Your Lenses
Pick your preferred lens index, coatings, and any upgrades such as anti-reflection or photochromic treatment.
Enter Your Prescription
Type in the values from your optician's prescription slip, or upload a photo and we'll do it for you.
We Glaze & Deliver
Our UK lab glazes your lenses to your exact prescription and dispatches via tracked Royal Mail delivery.
Distance Glasses Online UK
Your Clearest Distance Vision Starts Here
Browse hundreds of frames, enter your prescription, and receive premium distance glasses expertly glazed to your exact needs. Shop our full range from just £9, with fast UK delivery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are distance glasses?
Distance glasses are prescription eyeglasses designed to help you see clearly at longer distances, typically beyond 6 metres. They are most commonly prescribed for people with myopia (short-sightedness). Those who need correction for activities like driving, watching television, or viewing a classroom board.
How do I know if I need distance prescription glasses?
You may need distance prescription glasses if you struggle to focus on the TV or see clearly while driving. Symptoms such as squinting, frequent headaches, and eye strain when looking at faraway objects are also common indicators. An up-to-date eye test from a registered optometrist will confirm whether you require distance glasses.
What is the difference between distance glasses and reading glasses?
Distance glasses (sometimes called long distance glasses) are prescribed to correct poor distance vision. Typically a minus (−) prescription for short-sighted (myopic) people.
Reading glasses have a plus (+) prescription and help with close-up tasks such as reading text or using a smartphone.
You can have single vision glasses for distance or reading. Varifocal and bifocal lenses combine both prescriptions in a single pair if you need both near and far correction.
Are far sighted glasses the same as distance glasses?
Far-sighted glasses (hyperopia correction) are designed for people who struggle to focus on close objects clearly. Whereas traditional distance glasses typically correct short-sightedness (myopia), helping wearers see objects far away.
However, the term far sighted glasses UK is often used informally to mean glasses for seeing at a distance. Always refer to your optician's prescription to choose the correct lens type.
Can I order distance glasses online in the UK?
Yes, Direct Sight makes it straightforward to buy distance glasses online in the UK.
Simply choose your frames, enter your distance prescription (including sphere, cylinder, axis, and pupillary distance). We'll glaze your lenses to your exact specification. All distance prescription glasses are checked by our qualified dispensing team before dispatch. We offer fast Royal Mail tracked delivery across the UK.
How do I read my distance glasses prescription?
A distance glasses prescription may contain:
Sphere (SPH) the main correction strength
Cylinder (CYL) for astigmatism
Axis the orientation of any astigmatism correction
Prism value
A minus (−) SPH value indicates short-sightedness (myopia). Read our full guide how to understand your glasses prescription.
Your prescription may also includes a Pupillary Distance (PD) measurement, which we need to centre your lenses correctly. Don't have a PD? follow our guide how to measure your PD.
How much do distance prescription glasses cost at Direct Sight?
Distance prescription glasses start from as little as £9.00 for a complete pair including standard single-vision lenses. Prices vary depending on your chosen frame style and any lens upgrades. Options such as anti-reflection coating, thin lenses, or photochromic treatments are available.
We believe clear distance vision should be affordable for everyone. Which is why we keep our prices highly competitive without compromising on optical quality.
What lens options are available for distance vision glasses?
When ordering distance vision glasses from Direct Sight you can choose from: Standard CR-39 plastic lenses (1.5 index), thinner mid-index lenses (1.6), high-index lenses (1.67) for stronger prescriptions, anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare, UV400 protection, blue light filtering coatings, and photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight.
Our lens guide will provide you with details on each of the lens option.
How long does delivery take for distance glasses online UK orders?
Most orders are dispatched within 5 to 7 working days once your prescription has been verified and your lenses are glazed. Standard Royal Mail tracked delivery takes 1 to 2 working days after dispatch. Express options are available at checkout for faster turnaround. You'll receive email updates at every stage of your order.
Can I use my NHS glasses prescription for distance glasses at Direct Sight?
You can use any valid UK glasses prescription to order distance glasses from Direct Sight. Whether issued by an NHS optician, high-street chain, or independent optometrist.
Please note that we do not accept NHS vouchers.