A key concern many of our clients have is achieving the thinnest possible lenses without compromising on style. If you have a high prescription or simply want your prescription lenses to look their best, this post is for you.
We'll explore the three main factors that contribute to lens thickness: frame selection, lens materials, and the often-overlooked aspect of lens finishing. By understanding these components, you'll be better equipped to choose eyewear that meets your aesthetic and practical needs.
Frame Selection: The First Step to Thinner Lenses
Choosing the right frame is crucial for achieving minimal lens thickness. Often, people assume that lens thickness is determined solely by the lens material, but that’s not the case. The shape and size of the frame play significant roles. For example, a rectangular frame can exaggerate the thickness of the lenses, while a rounder frame can help reduce it.
To give you an idea, let’s consider a hypothetical prescription of -5 in each eye and a rectangular frame measuring 56 mm wide and 40 mm deep. Because this shape maximises the distance from the eye to the corners of the lens, the thickest part of the lens can measure over 5.9 mm.
On the other hand, if we switch to a narrower, rounder frame like the Reykjavik Eyes Alvar, which is only 47 mm wide, we can reduce the lens thickness to around 4.4 mm. This choice results in nearly a 30% reduction in lens thickness just by changing the frame style!
Lens Material: Choosing the Best Option
Once you have selected a frame, the next critical decision involves lens materials. While many opticians primarily use plastic for lenses, we believe that glass deserves more consideration, especially for high prescriptions. Although glass can be more challenging to work with, it offers significant benefits: it can be denser and bend light more effectively with reduced thickness.
For example, a -5 prescription lens made from our thinnest plastic material may be around 5.9 mm thick, but using a 1.9 index lens made of glass, that thickness can decrease to 3.5 mm—offering another 30% reduction. When dealing with higher prescriptions like -17 or -12, the difference in thickness can be even more pronounced.
It’s not just about thinner lenses; glass also results in a flatter and more harmonious appearance compared to plastic, which tends to be bulkier and rounder.
Finishing Touches: The Art of Hand Finishing
Even after selecting a great frame and choosing the right material, the final step is the finishing touches. Unfortunately, many mass-production opticians apply the same finishing techniques regardless of the prescription, which can compromise the final look.
At The Spectacle Factory, we pride ourselves on our meticulous hand-finishing techniques. For instance, when working with a challenging -17 prescription, we hand-bevel the lens edges to create a smoother transition, reducing the appearance of thickness. Additionally, we polish the lenses to maximise clarity and precision, ensuring they look their best.
This meticulous approach is one of the reasons we are able to produce lenses that are not just thin but exceptional in quality.
Conclusion: Your Path to Perfect Glasses
When it comes to achieving beautifully thin lenses, every detail matters - from the frame shape to lens material and finishing touches. At The Spectacle Factory, we are passionate about providing personalised consultations to help you find the best solution for your prescription glasses. Whether you need stylish eyewear or have specific concerns about minimising lens thickness, we’re here to help!
If you've found this information helpful or if you have any questions about how to achieve the thinner lenses you desire, please feel free to email us or book an online consultation with us.
Let’s work together to find the perfect glasses for you!
