Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Eyeglass Lenses: Types, Materials, Coatings, and Frame Compatibility
Choosing the right eyeglass lenses is just as important as choosing the right frames. Different prescriptions, lifestyles, and frame styles all play a role in what will work best for you. Below is a simple guide to lens types, materials, coatings — and which lenses are best suited for rimless frames.
All About Lenses
What types of Eyeglass Lenses do you have?
Single Vision Lenses
Bifocal Lenses
Progressive Lenses
Lens Materials
Polycarbonate
Trivex
High Index Lenses
Lens Coating & Treatments
What does single vision lenses mean?
Single vision lenses correct one viewing distance - near, distance, or intermediate. The prescription is consistent across the entire lens, making them lightweight and easy to adapt to.They are commonly used for:
• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Reading or computer use
What does bifocal lenses mean?
Bifocal LensesBifocal lenses contain two distinct vision zones in one lens—typically distance on top and near vision at the bottom. The separation between the two areas is visible.Bifocals are often chosen by people who:
• Need distance and reading correction
• Prefer clearly defined viewing zones
What does progressive mean?
Progressive lenses provide multiple vision corrections in one lens—distance, intermediate, and near—without visible lines. The transition between zones is smooth and natural.They are ideal for:
• All-day wear
• A modern, line-free appearance
• Seamless vision at all distances
What are the lens material options?
CR-39 (Standard Plastic)
CR-39 lenses offer good optical clarity and are an affordable option for lower prescriptions. However, due to their structure, they are not recommended for rimless or drill-mounted frames, as they are more prone to cracking around mounting points.
CR-39 lenses are the traditional plastic lenses many people are familiar with. They offer good optical clarity and affordability, making them a solid choice for lower prescriptions and full-rim frames.In terms of thickness:
• CR-39 serves as the baseline and is generally the thickest option
• Best suited for mild prescriptions where thickness is less noticeable
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Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant, and include built-in UV protection. They are a good option for rimless frames, offering better durability than standard plastic, especially for moderate prescriptions.
Polycarbonate lenses are lighter and significantly more impact-resistant than standard plastic. They also include built-in UV protection, making them popular for children, safety glasses, and active lifestyles.Compared to CR-39:
• Polycarbonate lenses are approximately 20–25% thinner
This reduction makes lenses lighter and more comfortable without sacrificing durability.
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Trivex
Trivex lenses combine excellent clarity with high impact resistance and a lightweight feel. They are the most highly recommended material for rimless frames, as they hold up extremely well to drilling and mounting while maintaining optical quality.
Trivex lenses combine excellent clarity with high strength and flexibility. While similar in thickness to polycarbonate, Trivex stands out for its durability and optical performance.Compared to polycarbonate:
• Trivex lenses are about the same thickness or slightly thicker
• The difference is minimal and usually not noticeable
Trivex is often chosen for its strength rather than thinness, especially for rimless or drill-mounted frames.
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High-Index Lenses
High-index lenses are designed for stronger prescriptions and help reduce lens thickness.
• 1.67 High-Index: A good choice for rimless frames when a thinner lens is needed for higher prescriptions.
1.67 high-index lenses are designed for stronger prescriptions where lens thickness becomes more noticeable. They bend light more efficiently, allowing lenses to be thinner and lighter.Compared to polycarbonate or Trivex:
• 1.67 lenses are approximately 15–20% thinnerCompared to CR-39:
• About 35–40% thinner overallThis material offers a good balance between thinness, appearance, and durability.
• 1.74 High-Index: While very thin, 1.74 lenses are generally not recommended for rimless frames due to their increased brittleness and reduced durability around drill points.
1.74 lenses are the thinnest commonly available eyeglass lenses and are typically reserved for very strong prescriptions.Compared to 1.67 high-index:
• 1.74 lenses are approximately 10–15% thinnerCompared to CR-39:
• Up to 45–50% thinnerWhile extremely thin, this material can be more brittle and is not ideal for every frame style.
What about lens coating & treatment?
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Reduces glare from screens, lighting, and headlights while improving clarity and lens appearance.
Scratch-Resistant Coating
Helps protect lenses from everyday wear and extends their lifespan.
UV Protection
Protects eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Many lenses include this by default.
Blue Light Filtering
Designed to reduce exposure from digital screens, helping improve comfort during extended screen use.
Water & Smudge-Resistant Coatings
Repel dust, oil, and moisture, making lenses easier to clean and maintain.
How do I know the right lenses for me?
Not all lenses work equally well with every frame style. Rimless and drill-mounted frames require stronger, more flexible materials to ensure durability and long-term performance.
Selecting the right lens material ensures better comfort, clarity, and longevity-especially for specialized frame designs.
Lens material plays a major role in how your glasses look and feel. Thickness, weight, durability, and comfort all vary depending on the material you choose.
Thinner lenses can improve appearance and comfort, but the thinnest option is not always the best choice for every prescription or frame. Strength, weight, and how the lenses are mounted all matter just as much as thickness.Selecting the right lens material helps ensure your glasses look great, feel comfortable, and hold up well over time
If you’re unsure which lenses are best for your prescription or frame style, our team is always happy to help guide you to the right choice.
How to Measure Your Pupillary Distance (PD) at Home
Before measuring your PD at home, it’s worth checking your eyeglass prescription. Sometimes your optometrist will include your PD on the prescription, or you can simply ask them to write it down during your exam. If you already have your prescription but don’t see the PD listed, or if you’ve missed it during your visit, don’t worry - you can easily measure it yourself using the steps below.
Option 1: The Fastest Way – Using a Smartphone App
Smartphone apps and online tools make PD measurement quick and simple:
1. Get a trusted app or tool from your app store or an eyewear website.
2. Follow the instructions carefully – most will ask you to take a selfie while holding a standard object (like a credit card) near your eyes for scale.
3. Snap the photo as directed.
4. The app automatically calculates your PD in millimeters.
Why this works best: You don’t need a second person or a ruler, and it’s usually accurate enough for ordering glasses online.
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Option 2: Mirror + Ruler Method
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can measure your PD with a mirror and a ruler:
1. Stand about 8 inches (20 cm) from a mirror in a well-lit room.
2. Place a millimeter ruler across your brow.
3. Close your left eye and align the 0 mm mark with the center of your right pupil.
4. Without moving the ruler, close your right eye and open your left.
5. The number that lines up with your left pupil is your PD.
Pro tip: Take the measurement a few times and use the average to be sure it’s accurate.
Quick Tips for Accuracy
• Ask a friend to help for a steadier measurement.
• Always measure in millimeters.
• Avoid using soft surfaces like paper towels or your hand for scale.
• If your PD is slightly off, most online eyewear tools allow minor adjustments during ordering.
How to read my prescription
Ever stared at your eyewear prescription and thought, "What does this all mean?"
You're not alone!
Let's break it down,
The Basics
Your prescription includes:
- OD: Right eye
- OS: Left eye
Key Numbers
- Sphere (SPH): Nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+)
- Cylinder (CYL): Astigmatism correction (if needed)
- Axis: Position of astigmatism (0-180°)
- ADD: Reading correction for presbyopia (if needed)
Example Prescriptions
OD: -2.00 SPH, -0.50 CYL, Axis 90°
OS: -1.50 SPH, -0.25 CYL, Axis 180°
Or
OD: -1.75 SPH
OS: -1.25 SPH
(Sphere only - no astigmatism correction needed)
Ordering & Shipping
We use all major carriers, and local courier partners. You’ll be asked to select a delivery method during checkout.
How long does an order take?
Our order processing times vary depending on the type of lenses selected:
• Frames with demo (non-prescription) lensesShip within 24–48 business hours.
• Single vision prescription lensesPlease allow an additional 2–3 business days for processing.
• Custom prescription lenses(Including progressives, bifocals, prism, and other specialty lenses). Require several additional business days, depending on the customization
Returns & Refunds
What is the return policy?
We offer a 14-day return window for refunds and a 30-day return window for store credit, starting from the day your order is delivered.
Are all items eligible for return?
No. prescription lenses and used items are considered final sale and are not eligible for return or refund, unless the item arrives with a confirmed defect.
How do I start a return?
To initiate a return, please complete our Return Authorization Form (link provided). Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps.
What condition must items be returned in?
Returned items must be brand new, unused, and undamaged, and include the original packaging, along with all accessories, cases, and certificates.
Who covers return shipping costs?
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs. If an item is found to be defective, we will cover the return shipping.
When will I receive my refund?
Once we receive and inspect your return, refunds are issued to the original payment method. Please allow 3–5 business days for the refund to be processed.
What happens if my return does not meet the requirements?
Items returned outside the allowed timeframe or without original packaging and accessories may be declined and returned to the customer
Get in touch
Have questions about your order, or a general enquiry?
