Glasses for Thick Lenses

How to Choose Glasses for Thick Lenses

Look at the numbers on your eyeglass prescription.

If you have a prescription in your glasses of -4.00 and higher or +2.00 and higher, you must be more selective about your frame and lens material choice.

Choose a lens material

You will need to pay more for your lenses in order for them to be made thinner. Keep in mind, thick lenses will change the eye’s appearance and they will be much heavier on your nose and behind the ears. They will be more likely to slide down your nose when you look down. Plus lenses are thickest in the middle of the lens, whereas, minus lenses are thickest at the edges of the frame. Any prescription over a -5.00 or a +2.50 is going to look best in high-index lenses. If you do not order thinner lenses, your eyes may look enlarged or minified through your eyeglass frame. The good news is that our ordering form automatically adjusts for higher prescriptions and will match you with lens materials that will look and fit great. For more information on what type of lens material to order, please see our blog on lens materials.

Select a frame

If you have thick lenses, you must consider frame size, shape, color and frame material. Selecting a properly fitting frame can be helpful in distributing the weight of the lenses and improving the appearance of the thick lenses. If you have a small, flat nose bridge, consider a frame with nose pads to hold up the frame and weight of the lenses

Frames to Avoid when you have Thick Lenses

In general, large frames and metal frames are best to avoid if you have thick lenses. Metal frames have a thin-edge profile called a bevel. When you have a distance prescription, there will be a significant chunk of lens visible from the side of the frame, if you have a prescription for near, the lens may not fit as well inside the frame. Larger frames will have a larger lens size, and the lens will increase in weight proportionally. Rimless and semi-rimless frames are best to avoid if you have thick lenses.

Best Frames for Thick Lenses

Frame Material

The best frame material for thick lenses is called cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate is a hypoallergenic, plant-based material from which eyeglass frames can be made. An acetate frame is stronger, more flexible, and more durable than a regular plastic frame. Acetate frames tend to be thicker on edge and will hide more of the thick lens edge. Our plastic frames are made from this material among other hypoallergenic materials such as TR90 and polycarbonate.

Frame Color

Translucent color frames can be a great choice for patients with thick lenses. Luckily, translucent colors like blush pink, clear, gray, and tea colors are on trend! Translucent colorways are classic, go with everything, and are ideal for hiding the edge of the lens, creating a seamless blend of the lens and frame.

Frame Size

Smaller frames with smaller widths and heights are best for thick lenses. Frame width measurements can range from 40 to 60mm. Most adult frames are around 50 to 54 mm in width. The height or vertical measurement of the lens should also be considered. A smaller frame has a smaller height measurement.

Frame Shape

Oval or round frame shapes are best for thick lenses. The rounded contour of the frame matches the contour of the lens. It can be difficult to cut thick lenses to fit sharp, angular frames. It is best to avoid big rectangles or square shapes if your lenses are thick.

Get Your Glasses for Thick Lenses Tomorrow

Overnight glasses can send your single-vision glasses by tomorrow, even if you have a high prescription with thick lenses. Progressive and multifocal glasses can be received within 3 days. Emergencies can happen, and we know what it's like to be unable to work, drive or see the world if our glasses break or we forget them at home while on vacation. If you order before 12PM PST, you will be able to wear your glasses tomorrow. You can count on the same quality lenses to be completed and delivered in only 24 hours.