Lens Recommendations Help & Frequently Asked Questions

Lens Recommendations

Lens thickness chart
Frame restrictions
Age recommendations
Activity recommendations
Comfort recommendations
Color recommendations

Lens thickness chart

Considerations:

Choosing a smaller frame may reduce lens mass & thickness.
Plastic frames are effective in hiding thicker-edged lenses.

The lens index determines the lens thickness, with higher indexes offering thinner, flatter, and lighter lenses, ideal for stronger prescriptions. Consider the recommended prescription ranges for each index to ensure suitability. Choose the right index for your prescription to optimize thickness and visual aesthetics.

Benefits of Thin Lenses:

Lighter Weight: Reducing pressure on the nose and ears, making glasses more comfortable for longer periods of wear.
More Attractive, Less Bulky Appearance: Reduces the "coke-bottle", "bug-eye" or "tiny eyes" effect often caused by thick lenses.
Better Optical Clarity at the Edges: Thinner lenses tend to reduce peripheral distortions that thicker lenses can cause, improving overall visual experience.
Wider Frame Style Options: Thicker lenses might not physically fit into certain frames.

Lens Thickness Chart:

Plus (+) prescriptions may have a thicker center, while minus (-) prescriptions have a thinner center, influenced by the lens index. Examples shown below:

Lens Material Specifications:

Lens thickness & clarity related details. Visit the Lens Material Comparison Chart to see all the features.
Material	Index	Abbe	Thickness ¹	Best for Rx's ²
CR-39 Plastic	1.50	58	Standard	SPH: `0.00` to `2.50` CYL: `0.00` to `2.00`
Trivex	1.53	43	10% Thinner	SPH: `0.00` to `2.50` CYL: `0.00` to `2.00`
Polycarbonate	1.58	30	20% Thinner	SPH: `0.00` to `4.00` CYL: `0.00` to `2.00`
Mid-Index 1.56	1.56	39	15% Thinner	SPH: `0.00` to `3.00` CYL: `0.00` to `2.00`
Hi-Index 1.60	1.60	37	25% Thinner	SPH: `2.00` to `4.00` CYL: `0.00` to `2.00`
Hi-Index 1.67	1.67	32	40% Thinner	SPH: `4.00` to `8.00` CYL: `0.00` to `4.00`
Hi-Index 1.74	1.74	33	50% Thinner	SPH: `6.00` and above CYL: `0.00` to `4.00`

Aberration (Abbe) Values:

The ABBE or Aberration value describes the amount of chromatic aberration of an ophthalmic lens. The higher the number, the less amount of aberration and better visual performance and peripheral vision. Standard CR-39 plastic has the highest ABBE value and offers the best visual performance. Meanwhile, the Polycarbonate material has the lowest ABBE value and offers the least. The ABBE values are fairly similar or the same across the different lens brands offered.

¹ Thinner up to the advertised amount when compared to standard plastic CR-39 (1.50) index lenses. The maximum thinness amount may vary based on prescription strength.

² Lenses outside of the recommended range (plus or minus powers) may be subject to custom surfacing delays and additional costs.

Frame restrictions

Options and eligibility for adding prescription lenses to ophthalmic glasses may vary based on the frame type. The following displays the different types of frames and what to consider when ordering lenses.

Prescription frame eligibility:

Any prescription
Lighter prescriptions only
Uneligible

Plastic

Plastic full-rimmed frames are well-suited for stronger prescriptions that may necessitate thicker-edged lenses, as they effectively conceal the lens thickness. This not only enhances the cosmetic appearance but also provides a more aesthetically pleasing result compared to other frame materials.

Metal

Opting for thin-edged lenses is advisable, particularly with metal frames, as metal frames tend to expose the lens edge more than plastic frames. Thin edges contribute to a sleeker and more refined appearance in such cases.

Semi-Rim

Semi-rim glasses, also known as nylor or half-rim frames, necessitate lens edge grooving to accommodate the rim notch and wire for stability and reinforcement. Adequate space is crucial to facilitate wire grooving without compromising the thickness of the lens edge. Opting for durable materials like polycarbonate or Trivex is recommended to enhance durability and minimize chipping.
Given that a portion of the lens is exposed without the protection of a full rim, there is an increased susceptibility to chipping. Therefore, handling these lenses with extra care is essential. Additionally, implementing edge polishing can contribute to improved cosmetic appearance and overall lens aesthetics.

Rimless

Lightweight rimless glasses feature lenses that are drilled and mounted onto the nosepiece and hinge. To ensure durability, it is essential to use lenses made of Polycarbonate, Trivex, or Hi-Index (1.67+). Please note that an additional fee for the drilling and mounting process will be applied when placing a lens order.
Given that lenses in rimless glasses are fully exposed, they are more susceptible to chipping and damage. Therefore, it is crucial to handle them with extra care. In cases where screw-in mounting is used, occasional tightening may be necessary if they become loose. Additionally, the application of edge polishing can enhance the overall cosmetic appearance of these glasses.

Flat Base

Flat-based sunglasses, characterized by a base curve of 4 (the lowest), are well-suited for individuals with all prescription strengths, including stronger prescriptions. The flatter lens design minimizes distortion and effectively reduces the "coke-bottle" effect often associated with stronger prescriptions. This frame type is particularly advantageous when paired with aspheric lenses, offering an ideal combination for clear vision and enhanced aesthetics.

Mid Base (Wrap-Around)

Mid-wrap frames, featuring a base curve of 6, exhibit a slightly greater curvature compared to standard frames with a base curve of 4. These mid-wrap-around frames are capable of accommodating prescriptions up to ± 4.00. The increased curvature is designed to provide a subtle wrap-around effect, offering both style and support for a range of prescriptions. The maximum prescription strength is contingent on the pupillary distance PD measurement, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurements for optimal lens fitting in these frames.

Steep Base (Wrap-Around)

Steep wrap-around frames, characterized by a base curve of 8+, are specifically designed for a pronounced wrap-around effect. However, these frames are suitable only for light prescriptions, supporting strengths up to ± 2.00. The maximum prescription strength is contingent on the pupillary distance PD measurement, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurements for optimal lens fitting in these frames.

Oversized

The maximum width for blank lenses is 70 millimeters, meaning frames larger than 65 millimeters cannot accommodate additional lenses; this may be based on the PD measurement. For thick-edged (minus) lenses, opting for a thinner design is advised, as wider lenses tend to be thicker. Therefore, oversized frames are more suitable for lighter prescriptions, up to ± 2.00, ensuring optimal aesthetics and performance.

Shields

As of now, single or double-lensed shields are not currently eligible for prescription lenses. Blank prescription lenses are typically available conventionally in a round shape with a maximum width of 70 millimeters per lens/eye. Shields, due to their specific design, are not suitable for conventional prescription lenses. Some shield manufacturers may provide adapters or inserts that can fit behind the shield, but in such cases, lenses must be added separately to the insert or adapter.

Goggles

Goggles are not eligible for prescription lenses at this time. Please see the Shields section for further details.

Active Sports

High-performance or active sports styles are currently not eligible for prescription lenses due to the unconventional nature of the frame and the unique method by which the lens is attached and reinforced to the frame. These frames are not designed to support the standard format of traditional prescription lenses. For additional information, please refer to the Shields section.

Age recommendations

Children & Minors

Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials are suggested and, in some cases, required for children and younger adults under 16.

Activity recommendations

Ball Sports

Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials are impact-resistant, which makes them great for sports and physical activities.

Water

Polarized lenses are recommended for outdoor water activities because they help reduce glare off water surfaces.

Snow

Polarized lenses are recommended for outdoor snow activities because they help reduce glare off surfaces and objects like ice and snow.

Flying / Aviation

Non-Polarized lenses like a traditional custom color tint or sun-sensitive lenses are recommended since polarized lenses may make all screens being viewed blacked out.

Protective (PPE)

Safety & Protective (PPE) eyewear is made from Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials for their impact-resistant properties.

Night-time Driving

Anti-Glare coating is recommended to help reduce glare from headlights and oncoming traffic.

Reading

Adding 10% Rose tint helps reduce eye strain and fatigue.

Phones & Tablets

Blue-light protection helps block harmful blue-light emitted from phones, tablets and screens that can lead to tired eyes.

Gaming

Blue-light protection helps block harmful blue-light emitted from phones, tablets and screens that can lead to tired eyes.

Shooting

Yellow or brown tinted lenses enhance contrast.

Comfort recommendations

Lightweight

Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials are lightweight in almost any prescription.

Distortion

Anti-Glare coating is recommended to help reduce lens edge distortion.

Thickness

Hi-index lenses (1.67 or 1.74) are suggested to minimize thickness.

Color recommendations

Green / Grey (G-15)

Great for traditional sunglass use. Offers even color perception and provides good contrast for low-light conditions while dimming glare and brightening shadows. Along with grey, these are the darkest lenses available.

Suggested for: General dark-tinted sunglasses

Grey

Great for traditional sunglass use. Darkest option available. Provides true color perception while dimming light in brighter-than-normal conditions.

Suggested for: Privacy General dark-tinted sunglasses

Brown

Great for traditional sunglass use. Enhances contrast which improves depth perception.

Suggested for: Driving Shooting General sunglasses

Rose

Great contrast. Helps reduce eye-strain and increases visual depth.

Suggested for: Reading Snow Driving

Yellow

Great for low-light conditions like fog and haze. Helps filter out blue light which makes them great for gaming and looking at screens for extended periods of time.

Suggested for: Gaming Computers Shooting

Purple

Fashion color also helps against high glare conditions.

Suggested for: Fashion High-glare

Blue

Helps reduce glare and eye fatigue. Offering enhanced definition and color perception. Great for reading.

Suggested for: Reading Snow

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