What does the term ‘aspheric lens’ mean?

The term 'aspheric lens' refers to a lens whose surface profile does not conform to the shape of a simple sphere. This design is specifically created to minimize optical distortions and aberrations that can occur with traditional spherical lenses. By varying the curvature of the lens, aspheric lenses can provide clearer vision across a wider field of view and improve the overall quality of the image, making them particularly beneficial for high prescription glasses or camera lenses.

In contrast, tinted lenses or lenses intended solely for bifocals focus on different aspects of lens usage, such as aesthetics or functionality for reading. Lenses with multiple thicknesses might refer to various designs, but do not encapsulate the defining characteristic of aspheric lenses, which is their specific surface contour to enhance optical performance.