Lens Guide
Frames are the fun part. Lenses are the part that actually lets you see. Here's everything you need to choose, in plain English — no jargon, no upsells.
Step 1 — What are you using them for?
Single-vision
One prescription across the whole lens. The standard choice for distance, or for reading. If you've got one number to correct, this is you.
Progressive
Distance, middle and reading all in one lens, blended top to bottom with no visible line. The modern replacement for bifocals — great if you're over ~40 and need help both far and near. There's a short adjustment period; that's normal, and it's covered by our free remakes.
Reading
Single-vision lenses set for close-up only — books, phones, screens at arm's length.
Non-prescription
Just want the frames, or blue-light protection without a script? Choose "frame only" or a plano (zero-power) lens.
Step 2 — Pick your lens add-ons
Blue-light filter
Cuts the blue light from screens. Worth it if you're on a laptop or phone all day and evenings.
Sun & tint
Turn any frame into prescription sunglasses. Choose a tint depth; polarized cuts glare off roads and water.
Transitions (light-adaptive)
Clear indoors, darkening in sunlight. One pair that does both jobs.
Step 3 — Choose your lens thickness
The stronger your prescription, the thicker a standard lens gets. A higher "index" bends light more efficiently, so the lens stays thin and light. Rough guide:
| Your prescription | We'd suggest |
|---|---|
| Up to ±2.00 | Standard (1.50) is fine |
| ±2.00 to ±4.00 | Thin (1.59–1.60) |
| ±4.00 and up | Extra-thin high-index (1.67–1.74) |
Step 4 — Coatings worth having
- Anti-glare (AR): cuts reflections so people see your eyes, not your lenses — and helps night driving. The one upgrade we'd almost always recommend.
- Scratch-resistant: a harder surface that survives daily life.
- UV protection: shields your eyes from UV; usually built into higher-index and sun lenses.
Sending us your prescription
We make lenses to order, so we need a valid, current prescription from your eye doctor. You can enter it at checkout or send it after — we won't cut a single lens until we've received and checked it.
Your prescription will list sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL), axis and, for progressives, an add power. You'll also need your pupillary distance (PD) — the gap between your pupils in millimetres. Your optician can give you this, or see our size & fit guide to measure it yourself.
We're a retailer, not your eye doctor. If your prescription is expired or it's been a while, get an eye exam first — your eyes are worth more than a pair of frames.
Still not sure?
Add the frame to your bag, choose "send prescription later," and email us your script. We'll sanity-check it and recommend the right lens for you before we make anything.