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Choosing the right lenses for your prescription
Published by Direct Sight | Lens Centre
Prescription Ranges and Lens Recommendations
When selecting lenses for your prescription, it’s important to consider a variety of factors to ensure comfort and clarity. This guide simplifies the process, helping you make an informed decision. Simply match the sphere (SPH) value from your prescription to the appropriate lens power ranges. If you have a cylinder (CYL) value, this can affect lens thickness, but for ease, we'll focus on SPH power.
Short-sighted (Myopia)
| Prescription range | Lens index | Benefits | Frame advice | Extra Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 to -2.50 (Mild) |
Standard 1.5 Index | Cost-effective, minimal thickness issues | No restrictions (full, semi-rimless or rimless) | Upgrade for thinner lenses or features like Anti-reflective coating |
|
-2.75 to -4.25 (Moderate) |
1.6 High Index | 25% thinner lenses, improved comfort & appearance | Plastic frames are perfect to hide edges; keep to size ≤52mm | Rimless includes 1.6 index as standard; larger frames may need thinner lenses |
|
-4.50 and above (Strong) |
1.67 High Index | 33% thinner lenses, best for comfort & aesthetics | Smaller or plastic frames reduce edge thickness | Rimless/semi-rimless can make edges more visible; bifocal limited to 1.6 index |
Final tips for short-sighted lenses
To optimise both the look and feel of your glasses, always consider the size of your frames in relation to your prescription. Larger frames typically result in thicker lenses, so choosing the right frame size can significantly impact the overall thickness of your lenses. Additionally, thinner lenses often provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, especially for higher prescriptions.
Long-sighted (Hyperopia)
| Prescription range | Lens index | Benefits | Frame advice | Extra Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0 to +2.00 (Mild) |
Standard 1.5 Index | Cost-effective, minimal thickness issues | No restrictions (full, semi-rimless or rimless) | Upgrade for thinner lenses or features like Anti-reflective coating |
|
+2.25 to +4.00 (Moderate) |
1.6 High Index | 25% thinner lenses, improved comfort & appearance | Fully-rimmed frames best; semi/rimless require ≥2mm edge thickness | Rimless includes 1.6 index as standard; larger frames may need thinner lenses |
|
+4.25 and above (Strong) |
1.67 High Index | 33% thinner lenses, best for comfort & aesthetics | Fully-rimmed frames recommended; keep size ≤52mm; thicker rims help conceal thickness | Semi/rimless make thickness more noticeable; bifocals limited to 1.6 index |
Final tips for long-sighted lenses
When selecting lenses for long-sightedness, it's important to take into account both the refractive index of the lens material and the frame style. For higher prescriptions, opting for smaller, plastic frames can help minimise the lens thickness, while fully-rimmed frames can provide a better aesthetic result by concealing the edges of the lens. For more specific advice on your prescription or frame selection, our opticians are available for personalised consultations.
By understanding how your prescription impacts the thickness of the lenses, you can confidently choose the best lenses for your comfort, style, and vision needs.
The right lenses for your prescription
At Direct Sight, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of high-quality eyewear with an emphasis on lens customisation to suit your specific needs. Whether you're after the thinnest lenses, additional coatings, or specific frame styles, our goal is to provide you with the best vision solution. We offer expert guidance through every step of the process, from selecting the right lenses to choosing the perfect frame.
We understand that choosing the right lenses for your prescription is essential for both comfort and clarity. Whether you're dealing with short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia), our wide range of lens options is designed to meet your specific needs. With our easy-to-navigate website and helpful customer support, you can confidently shop for eyewear tailored to your prescription.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which prescription lenses are right for me?
When ordering glasses at Direct Sight, we make it easy to select the right lenses by matching the lens type to the strength of your prescription. We recommend which lens options best suit your prescription, so you get the right balance between lens thickness and appearance. By choosing the right lens package for your prescription strength, you'll receive lenses that give excellent vision correction and are also lightweight and comfortable to wear. Whether you're after thinner lenses for a higher prescription or a more standard option for a mild prescription, we've got the right fit for you.
What is the refractive index, and why does it matter for my lenses?
The refractive index of a lens material refers to how much light is bent or refracted through the lens. The higher the refractive index, the thinner and lighter the lens will be. For example, our Gold lenses with a 1.6 refractive index are thinner than standard lenses and are ideal for moderate prescriptions, while our Platinum Plus lenses, with a 1.67 refractive index, offer the thinnest and lightest lenses for high prescriptions. A higher refractive index makes your lenses thinner and more comfortable to wear, especially if you have a strong prescription.
Can I choose any frame style to suit my prescription lenses?
Yes, at Direct Sight, you can choose from a variety of frame styles, including fully-rimmed, semi-rimmed, and rimless options. The frame you choose can impact the appearance of your lenses, especially when you have a high prescription. For example, fully-rimmed frames help to hide the thickness of your lenses, while semi-rimless and rimless frames might reveal more of the lens edges. If you’re concerned about lens thickness, selecting a plastic frame or one with a thicker rim can reduce the visual impact of thicker lenses.
How do I reduce the thickness of my prescription lenses?
To reduce the thickness of your prescription lenses, you can select lenses with a higher refractive index. For example, our Gold package uses a 1.6 refractive index to reduce lens thickness by around 20%, while our Platinum Plus package offers even thinner options with 1.67 refractive indices. Additionally, choosing smaller frames and plastic or thicker-rimmed frames will help minimise lens thickness. Our expert team can guide you on the best lens options for reducing thickness based on your specific prescription.
Do I need any special coatings for my prescription lenses?
While special coatings are not mandatory, they can improve the longevity and comfort of your prescription lenses. Direct Sight offers several optional coatings for your lenses, including Anti-UV protection, Anti-Glare (anti-reflective) coatings, and Scratch-Resistant coatings. These coatings can enhance visual clarity, reduce eye strain, and make your lenses more durable. Anti-glare coatings are particularly useful for those who spend long hours in front of screens or drive at night. Anti-UV coatings protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of long-term eye damage.
How can I check if my prescription is accurate before ordering online?
Before ordering glasses online, it's crucial to make sure your prescription is up-to-date and accurate. If you're unsure, schedule an eye test with your optician. Your prescription should include details such as the SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS (for astigmatism), along with your pupillary distance (PD). At Direct Sight, we offer easy guidance on how to enter your prescription details when ordering. If you need assistance, our team is available to help clarify any prescription-related questions before you finalize your order.
Can I order prescription sunglasses or tinted lenses online?
Yes, Direct Sight offers prescription sunglasses and tinted lenses for a variety of frame styles. Whether you need UV protection for outdoor activities or prefer a stylish tinted look, you can choose lenses that match your prescription with the option to add a tint or polarised coating.
How do I know if my lenses will fit my frame?
When ordering prescription glasses online, it's important to match your prescription to the frame size. Larger frames tend to create thicker lenses, so selecting a frame with a diameter of 52mm or smaller is ideal for those with moderate to high prescriptions. Direct Sight provides detailed frame measurements and guidance on how to select the best frame size for your prescription. If you have a high prescription, choosing frames with a thicker rim or plastic material can help conceal lens thickness. Our team is available to help you select the right frame and ensure that your prescription lenses fit perfectly.