What Are the Best Frames for Lenses with High Prescription?
Did you ever try on your grandparentโs glasses when you were a kid and see your eyes distorted up to five times their usual size? Those now-vintage glasses likely had extremely thick lenses and a high prescription.
Luckily, times have really come through for us spec-wearers, as newer technology means that a high prescription no longer requires ultra-thick lenses.
Today, weโll dive into the best frames for high prescriptions, specifically high index lenses.
What are your options if you need a high prescription?
Your eyeglass prescription can affect the types of glasses youโre able to wear. This is especially the case if your optometrist has given you a high prescription – which means that your glasses will need to work a little harder to correct your vision.
However, eyewear advancements have opened up many more options available for you. When picking glasses for higher prescriptions, your two main options are:
- You opt for thinner, high-index lenses.
- You opt for regular lenses and simply choose a frame design thatโs suitable for higher prescriptions.
Weโll be explaining both options in more detail.
What are the thinnest lenses for high prescriptions?
The thinnest lenses for high prescriptions are generally high-index lenses.
The key word when it comes to high index lenses is efficient. These lenses are made from a more sophisticated material thatโs designed to bend the light more efficiently to accommodate a high prescription, which allows lenses to be far thinner than regular index lenses. Itโs kind of like the optometry version of โwork smarter not harderโ.
This means that having a high prescription doesnโt mean you are doomed to carry the load of super heavy lenses. High index lenses come to the rescue for anyone with high prescriptions, astigmatism, and both high near and farsightedness.
There are many of reasons why people opt for high-index lenses:
- Theyโre more comfortableThick lenses housed in full frames can be taxing on the nose and ears. That extra weight can cause dents in the nose and achy ears after a long day of wear. High-index lenses, on the other hand, feel weightless and wonโt cause those annoying red marks.
- They look greatWhile oversized eyes are beautiful, we donโt always want our facial features to be distorted by our glasses. Older prescription lenses tend to magnify or minify the eyes and result in an inaccurate view of the wearerโs face. High index lenses tell it like it is! Due to their super-thin construction, they wonโt magnify or distort the eyes as much, providing a clear window to your peepers.
- Theyโre very versatileHigh index lenses and their fabulously thin constructions can saunter into almost any frame. If youโve been dreaming of that ultra sleek, lightweight rimless aesthetic, you and your high prescription are in luck.
Here at Mouqy, we offer a range of high-index lenses that we can add to almost any frame you desire.
What frames can you wear with high-index lenses?
Traditionally, high prescriptions meant thick lenses, which meant rimless and semi-rimless frames were out of the question. Semi-rimless frames were simply not strong enough to securely hold a thick lens.
High praise to the inventors of high index lenses, as they allow high prescription users to rock almost any frame style. The thin nature of high index lenses means rimless and semi-rimless glasses can be a viable option. With trends moving toward lightweight, delicate options, this is great news.
So, since there are almost no restrictions on the frames you can wear, the next step is to find the right ones. More on that at the end of this article!
The best frames for high prescriptions (with regular lenses)
Despite their many benefits, high index lenses are not for everyone. Your budget may not allow for high index glasses, or you may have been recommended to go for a lower index. Never fear, there are options out there for you.
Here are some top tips to follow which will help you find the most flattering frames to accommodate your thicker lenses.
1. Opt for plastic or acetate over metal
Metal frames are thin, meaning a thicker frame wonโt be entirely encased by the frame, further accentuating the thickness.
Plastic and acetate frames, however, are naturally thicker and fully conceal the edge of the thicker lens. In fact, thick plastic frames give the opportunity for bold pops of color or interesting patterns.
2. Full frames are best
Rimless and semi-rimless frames donโt really go hand-in-hand with thick lenses for high prescriptions. The thickness of the lens is far more obvious when the edges are left exposed. Plus, the lightweight nature of a rimless or semi-rimless style is lost on the thicker frame.
Play to the strength of the lens and go with a full frame that conceals the thick edges of the lens. This is a good thing! It means you can explore unique colors and patterns to enhance your features or even make a statement.
3. Try smaller frames with a smaller lens area
The smaller the frame, the smaller the lens area will be, minimizing the look of a thicker lens. This helps to reduce the chance of distorting the eye and upper cheek area of the face. We love small, round frames with thicker lenses as they sit neatly on the face and especially flatter more angular face shapes.
Whatโs more, the lack of angles and edges of round glasses reduces the opportunity for the lens thickness to be visible from the outside.
How to always choose a frame style youโll love
Whatever option you go for – youโll always want to make sure you find a frame that you love. Glasses are perched upon your face for most of the day so itโs important youโre happy with your choice.
Here are two fail-safe tips to help you.
1. Consider your face shape
Face shape is one of the key considerations when finding frames, as some flatter and some may detract from your features.
The right pair of glasses will balance out your features, adding angles to roundness, and roundness to angles (to put it simply). For example, rounder faces suit geometric or square frames. Triangular faces, on the other hand, look great in wide, large frames that balance a smaller forehead with a bolder jawline.
To find a fit for your face shape, check our guide.
2. Whatโs your overall daily aesthetic?
Now that youโve found the right silhouette, itโs time to consider the overall aesthetic in terms of color, pattern, and material.
What makes you feel most like you? While bold neon plastic frames may be fun for a weekend night out, you may feel overpowered by them during the work week. To compromise, you could try a sweet pastel shade that adds color without the intensity. Or, a pair of amber tortoiseshell full frames could be ideal for bringing out the warmth in your complexion while going with any eye makeup look.
Have a look through our curated collection at Mouqy and play around with our Virtual Try-On to see what you love most. Your new favorites are waiting!
Written by:
Danielle Willatt
Reviewed by:
Dr. Melody Huang