Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Eyeglass Lenses: Types, Materials, Coatings & Frame Compatibility
Choosing the right eyeglass lenses is just as important as choosing the right frames. Your prescription, lifestyle, and frame style all play a role in determining which lenses are best for you. This guide explains the different lens types, materials, and coatings available, along with important frame compatibility considerations especially for rimless and semi-rimless designs.
All About Lenses
What types of Eyeglass Lenses do you have?
Single Vision Lenses
For distance, reading, or computer use with one prescription throughout the entire lens.
Bifocal Lenses (Lined or Round)
Feature a visible segment that separates distance vision on top from reading vision on the bottom.
Progressive Lenses
No-line multifocal lenses that provide seamless vision correction for distance, intermediate, and reading.
What does single vision lenses mean?
Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses correct one viewing distance near, distance, or intermediate with the same prescription throughout the entire lens.
They are commonly used for:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Reading
- Computer use
- General everyday distance vision
What does bifocal lenses mean?
Bifocal Lenses (Lined or Round)
Bifocal lenses contain two distinct vision zones in a single lens—typically distance vision on top and near vision on the bottom. The separation between the two areas is visible, making it easy to switch between distance and reading tasks.
Bifocals are often chosen by people who:
- Need both distance and reading correction
- Prefer clearly defined viewing zones
- Want a dedicated reading area with minimal distortion
What does progressive mean?
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses provide multiple vision corrections in a single lens—distance, intermediate, and near—without visible lines. The transition between viewing zones is smooth and natural, allowing clear vision at all distances.
They are ideal for:
- All-day wear
- A modern, line-free appearance
- Seamless vision at all distances
- Everyday activities such as driving, computer use, and reading
What are the lens material options?
CR-39 Standard Plastic
CR-39 lenses are traditional plastic lenses known for good optical clarity and affordability. They are best suited for lower prescriptions and full-rim frames.
Because CR-39 is more prone to cracking around drill points, it is not recommended for rimless or drill-mounted frames.
Thickness: CR-39 is the baseline lens material and is generally the thickest option, making it best for mild prescriptions where lens thickness is less noticeable.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant, and include built-in UV protection. Their exceptional durability makes them an excellent choice for rimless frames, children's eyewear, safety glasses, and active lifestyles.
Thickness: Approximately 20–25% thinner than CR-39, making lenses lighter, more comfortable, and a good choice for moderate prescriptions while maintaining superior impact resistance.
Trivex lenses combine excellent clarity with high impact resistance and a lightweight feel, making them one of the best choices for rimless and drill-mounted frames due to their exceptional strength and durability during drilling and mounting.
Thickness: Approximately 5% thicker than polycarbonate, though the difference is minimal and usually not noticeable in everyday wear.
High-Index Lenses
1.67 High-Index
1.67 high-index lenses are designed for stronger prescriptions where lens thickness becomes more noticeable. By bending light more efficiently, they can be made thinner and lighter than polycarbonate or Trivex lenses. They are also a good choice for rimless frames when a thinner lens is desired for higher prescriptions.
Thickness: Approximately 15–20% thinner than polycarbonate, offering a good balance of thinness, appearance, and durability.
1.74 High-Index
1.74 high-index lenses are the thinnest commonly available eyeglass lenses and are typically recommended for very strong prescriptions where minimizing lens thickness is a priority.
Thickness: Approximately 10–15% thinner than 1.67 high-index lenses, providing the slimmest possible appearance for high prescriptions. While extremely thin, this material is more brittle than other lens materials and is generally not recommended for rimless or semi-rimless frames due to reduced durability around mounting and drill points.
What about lens coating & treatment?
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Reduces glare and reflections from screens, indoor lighting, and headlights while improving visual clarity and the overall appearance of your lenses.
Super Hydrophobic Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Combines the benefits of AR coating with an advanced surface treatment that repels dust, oil, fingerprints, and moisture, making lenses easier to clean and maintain.
Scratch-Resistant Coating
Adds an extra layer of protection to help reduce everyday scratches and extend the life of your lenses.
UV Protection
Helps protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many lens materials include UV protection by default.
Blue Light Filtering
Designed to reduce exposure to blue light emitted by digital screens, helping improve visual comfort during extended computer, tablet, and smartphone use.
How do I know the right lenses for me?
Lens material affects the thickness, weight, durability, and comfort of your glasses. While thinner lenses can improve appearance, the best choice depends on both your prescription and frame style.
Some frames—especially rimless, drill-mounted, and semi-rimless designs—require stronger lens materials such as Trivex or polycarbonate for long-term durability and performance. For children's eyewear, impact-resistant materials such as polycarbonate or Trivex are required for safety.
If you have any questions or need help choosing the right lenses, we're always happy to assist. Contact us at help@blickoptical.com or by text message or WhatsApp at 845-444-3080 for personalized guidance.
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 from your app store.
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 accurate enough for ordering glasses online.
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.
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) lenses Ship within 24–48 business hours.
• Single vision prescription lenses Please 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 frames 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. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps. Click here to start a return.
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 time frame 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?
