Glasses Frames
Most eye glasses frames work with most lenses. There are some exceptions, however, at Eyeglasses.com we will not make lenses for glasses frames that we do not think will work well. You are better off not studying the exceptions, and just looking for the frame you want.
Frame and Lens Combinations
However, if you are interested to learn more about eyeglass frames, and some of the frame/lens combinations that do not work, then read on. If your prescription is under +/-4.00 sphere, your lenses will work in almost any pair of glasses frames. If your prescription is stronger than +/-4.00 sphere, or if you want multifocal lenses, there are some additional considerations to make.
Mild Minus Lenses
If your prescription has a minus sphere (like -4.00, -4.25, or more), hard resin lenses will be noticeably thicker. In this case, you can go to a thinner, more expensive lens material. If you prefer hard resin, you should look for thicker eyeglass frames in order to cover up some of the edge of the thick lens, and avoid thin metal frames that will accentuate thick lenses. Thick lenses are also thicker when wider or taller: you should stick to smaller eye sizes because the bigger the lens size, the thicker it gets at the edge.
Strong Minus Lenses
If you do have a strong minus correction, you should also consider purchasing a thinner lens product, like a high index lens and/or one with aspheric design. Also, rimless eyeglass frames constructions are not recommended for thick lenses because the heavy lenses often cause the frames to be top-heavy and can slide down your nose more readily, and can loosen up over time.
Plus Sphere Lenses
If your prescription has a plus sphere (like +4.00, +4.25 or more) you do not need to avoid thin frames since plus sphere lenses are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edge.
Multifocal Lenses
For multifocal lenses (progressive, bifocal, and trifocal), there needs to be enough height to the frame (known as the B measurement) so that the viewing areas are large enough to see through. We recommend that the B measurement be at least 30mm for any frame that will be getting multifocal lenses. If you have fallen in love with frames for glasses that has a B measurement of 27mm to 29mm, there are some new short corridor lens choices that may work for you.
Author of this article:
Mark Agnew
CEO of Eyeglasses.com, which he founded in 1999. For over twenty years, he has educated consumers, improved their vision choices, and reduced costs in eyewear. Mark authored The Eyeglasses Buying Guide, the most comprehensive and best-selling glasses buying guide in the world.
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