If you have a strong prescription – whether it is high myopia (nearsightedness) or high hyperopia (farsightedness) – you know the struggle of thick, heavy lenses. The edges bulge out of the frame. The glasses feel heavy on your nose. People might comment on how strong your lenses look, or you might feel self-conscious about the way the lenses distort your eyes when seen from the side.
The good news is that modern lens technology and smart frame choices can dramatically improve the appearance and comfort of high prescription glasses. You do not have to settle for coke-bottle lenses anymore. In this guide, we will explain what causes thick lenses, how to minimize thickness, and how to choose frames that work with your prescription instead of against it.
Lens thickness is determined by how much the lens material needs to bend (refract) light to correct your vision. The stronger your prescription, the more the lens has to curve, which means more material is needed.
In both cases, standard plastic lens material (CR-39) can result in lenses that are noticeably thick and heavy, especially if you choose large frames.
The single most effective way to reduce lens thickness is to upgrade to high-index lens material. High-index lenses bend light more efficiently than standard plastic, so less material is needed to achieve the same correction.
Here is how different lens materials compare:
Yes, high-index lenses cost more. But the difference in thickness, weight, and appearance is dramatic. For anyone with a strong prescription, high-index lenses are worth every penny.
Lens material is only part of the equation. The frame you choose has a huge impact on lens thickness, especially at the edges.