The lens guide. Honest advice, no upselling.
The frame gets the compliments, but the lenses decide how well you see. Here is how we think about materials, designs and coatings, plus two tools to help you figure out what you need before you come in.
Lens finder
Four questions. One recommendation.
Answer for how you actually live. We will suggest a design, material and coatings to talk through with Vince or Tara.
Lens thickness tool
How thick will my lenses be?
Slide to your prescription strength (the SPH number on your Rx). Edge thickness is estimated for a medium 52 mm frame.
Estimates for illustration. Real thickness depends on your frame, pupillary distance and astigmatism. How to choose between 1.67 and 1.74.
Materials
Lens materials, compared.
| Material | Index | The honest take | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (CR-39) | 1.50 | Excellent optics and scratch resistance. Thicker and heavier in strong prescriptions. | Mild prescriptions |
| Polycarbonate | 1.59 | Ten times more impact resistant than plastic, light and UV blocking. Slightly less crisp at the edges. | Kids, sports, safety |
| Trivex | 1.53 | Impact resistant like polycarbonate with sharper optics. Very light, 100% UV blocking. | Active people, rimless frames |
| High-index 1.67 | 1.67 | Noticeably thinner and lighter for stronger prescriptions. | About -4.00 to -8.00 |
| High-index 1.74 | 1.74 | The thinnest plastic lens made. | Past about -8.00 |
| Glass | 1.52+ | Best scratch resistance and clarity, but heavy and can shatter. Rarely recommended now. | Special cases |
Designs
Single vision, bifocal or progressive.
- 01
Single vision
One prescription across the whole lens, for distance or reading.
- 02
Bifocal
Distance on top, reading on the bottom, with a visible line. No middle zone.
- 03
Progressive
Distance, intermediate and reading with no line. Needs precise fitting.
Learn more - 04
Office and computer
Built for desk distance and screens with a wide middle zone.
Learn more
FAQ
Good questions
Do I need anti-reflective coating?
We recommend it on almost every pair. Without it, lenses can lose up to about 12% of light to reflections, show glare and halos around headlights at night, and hide your eyes in photos and on video calls.
Is blue light coating worth it?
If you spend long days on screens and like the feel, it can help with comfort. It is not a medical necessity, and we will not push it on you.
What lens is best for kids?
Polycarbonate or Trivex, for impact resistance. Both block UV.
Get started
Send us your prescription.
Text us a photo, or leave your number and we will call you. We will check it, suggest lenses and let you know what to expect before you come in.