Many people who have high amounts of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) struggle with the thickness of their lenses.
Thick lenses:
-Give a “coke bottle” appearance and make many people self-conscious
-Make glasses uncomfortably heavy
-Limit the types of frames you can wear
-Are more likely to chip, as the thick edges are not protected by the frame
Luckily, there is a SOLUTION!
When you sit down with one of our experienced frame stylists, they will address any concerns you have over how your glasses will fit, feel, and look. Then, they will recommend ways to eliminate these problems. Here are a few ways that we can minimize the negative impact of thick lenses:
-Choose the right material. Most standard glasses lenses are made from a material called CR39. However, there are MANY other materials that we can make your lenses out of that are MUCH thinner and weigh less! As a bonus, these materials make the lenses more shatter-resistant!
Traditional CR39 on the left compared to the same prescription in a thinner material on the right
-Rolled and Polished edges. The edge of the lens often doesn’t get much attention. But we can make that chalky, noticeable edge as clear as a diamond, making it much less noticeable.
unpolished edge
Polished Edge
-Picking the right frame. Thick lenses don’t have to limit your options. But, with a little guidance, we can help you select a frame in the style you like that will hide thicker lenses.
-Anti-reflective lenses. This is a big one. Thicker lenses lead to more reflections, making them much more noticeable. By using a lens that minimizes reflections, the lens becomes virtually invisible, showcasing the frame and your eyes much better!
No Antireflective vs Antireflective
There you have it! There are many ways to hide those thicker lenses. We can’t wait to see you in the optical and help design your new style!
-Rebecca Montgomery
Rebecca Montgomery is a frame stylist and optical manager at West End Eye Care in Paducah, KY. She helps patients select frames and lenses that complement their personal style and tastes.