There are many options available to reduce the appearance of thick eyeglass lenses. Thick lenses not only are cosmetically unappealing but they also add to the weight of the glasses, making the eyeglasses uncomfortable. Here we discuss tricks of the trade (like using high index lenses) to make your eyeglasses appear less bulky and feel lighter.

High Index Lenses
Eyeglass lenses are able to correct vision because they refract, or bend, light as it passes through the lens. The amount of refraction that is needed to provide good vision is determined by your eyeglass prescription. The stronger your prescription, the thicker the lens required. Fortunately, there is a variety of plastic lens material that has been created to bend light more efficiently than conventional plastic lenses. This means less material is required to correct your vision. Less material means thinner and lighter lenses for you.

There are many choices when it comes to high index lenses. Conventional plastic has an index of refraction of 1.50. The choices for high index lenses range from 1.53 to 1.76, the latter being the thinnest and lightest lens. Your eyeglass prescription determines what kind of material is the best choice for you. It is best to rely on the professional advice from your eye doctor and your optician as to which index is ideal for you.

Eye Glass Frame Choice
Eyeglass frames come in all shapes and sizes. There are two important measurements, the “A” and the “B” measurements, to consider when selecting eyeglass frames to reduce lens thickness.

The “A” measurement is a measurement of the horizontal distance of each lens from temple to bridge.
The “B” measurement is of the vertical distance of each lens from top to bottom.
As the lens power increases, the curve and thickness is increased, specifically as you move toward the edge of the lens. By selecting a frame with reduced “A”, “B” or both measurements, lens edge thickness is reduced. It is also a good idea to get a frame made of thicker metal or plastic. The frame thickness can hide some of the lens edge. The resulting appearance is less edge apparent from the side view of the frame.