Do you have a high glasses prescription? If you do, like many people, you probably have a hard time finding the right fit when it comes to glasses and frames. You may notice that many glasses make your face appear distorted due to your prescription. Because of this, some people decide to wear contact lenses (not by choice). I wanted to write an article on this topic as so many of my patients are in this boat. There are options, but many people just are simply misinformed. Read this week’s article all about how to choose the best lenses for your glasses when you have a higher prescription. I hope you enjoy it!
Why Does My Face Appear Distorted?
So, you have your prescription from your family eye doctor. Now you want a pair of glasses in addition to your contacts. This is a great option and can help prevent you from overwearing your lenses. However, the only problem is the last few pairs of glasses you have, you don’t like and only wear them at home. You don’t like how you appear to be bug-eyed when wearing them. Did you know, the type of frames and lenses you choose makes a difference in your appearance? That’s right, and it’s especially true for those who have a higher prescription.
If you are nearsighted your glasses will need to refract the amount by which your optometrists have identified as a refractive error. Or in other words, your glasses will need to be made so they bend light in such a way that you are able to see clearly. This is done, in the case of those who are nearsighted, by having lenses that are thinner in the middle and thicker at the edge. The higher the prescription, the thicker the overall lens. Those who are farsighted will need lenses that are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edge. Unfortunately, the increased thickness in your lenses can give off a distorted look. A good option to combat this problem is to get a high-index lens.
What Are High-Index Lenses
If you have never heard of the term high-index lenses before and have a high prescription, you will want to know all about this. Typically, in those who have a high prescription, glasses are thicker because more material is needed to correct the refractive error. High-index lenses are more efficient in bending light and correcting for refractive errors, and so the result is a thinner, lighter lens. This is possible because of the more advanced material used.
If you do choose to buy frames with high-index lenses, then you should always pair them with an anti-reflective coating. As the same suggests, this coating helps in reducing excessive reflections and glare. This coating also helps reduce night-time driving glare.
Another important point to consider is cost. High-index lenses are more costly than typical lenses and are not needed for everyone. Those who have a mild prescription of say, -2.00 diopter do not need high index lenses because their lenses will already not be very thick, nor have a distortion issue. However, if you have a higher prescription of say, -7.00 diopter, the high-index lens will not only be thinner, and lighter but cause minimal distortion! And so the extra money spent on high-index lenses, in this case, is worth it.
Other Things To Consider
It is important to consider other things when choosing your glasses. Choosing an appropriate frame for your face is something everyone always considers, but ensuring it pairs well with your lenses is equally important. If you have a higher prescription the best frame shape to choose is generally a smaller, rounded or oval shape. Why? It reduces distortion that is typically seen at the edges. Additionally, if you have a higher prescription choosing a thin frame may not work as your lenses may be too thick, and therefore be visible over the frames.
It is important to also consider how often you will be wearing your eyeglasses and in what setting. If you are wearing your glasses all the time and do a lot of computer work, then you will want to invest in a blue light filter. A blue light filter will help to reduce excessive eye strain by blocking high-energy blue light emitted by digital devices. Choosing a frame requires you to consider your lifestyle, personal style, and prescription.
Ask Questions
Although, at Inner Harbour Optometry we sell eyeglasses and focus on the medical aspect of your eye health. We see many patients each day who can benefit from this article’s knowledge. So now that you are more informed about your options when it comes to your eyeglasses, the next time you go glasses or frame hunting, ask your optician the right questions.
If you need an updated prescription, come in and get a comprehensive eye exam by giving us a call or simply booking online with Dr. Sharma.