Lenses

People with both near- and farsightedness need help seeing clearly at different distances.

One of the more unusual solutions to help them do so, without switching between glasses, is adjustable focus eyeglasses. These nifty glasses, as the name suggests, allow you to adjust the focus, so you can read a book or look off into the distance with equal clarity. Pretty cool, huh?

Whilst they aren't for everyone, they're interesting to explore. Let's look at what they are, how they function, and their advantages.

How do adjustable focus eyeglasses work?

Adjustable focus eyeglasses provide a smooth transition between focusing on near and far distances. Source: Hammacher Schlemmer

Adjustable focus eyeglasses allow you to easily adjust the focus to suit your changing visual needs.

How? Well, these glasses typically use fluid-filled lens technology that lets wearers adjust the lens power to see clearer.

These glasses have a special membrane in each lens that responds to the fluid they contain. By using a small syringe in each arm of the glasses, the amount of fluid in the lens can be changed to adjust its refractive power.

When correcting hyperopia (farsightedness), it pumps fluid into the lens to increase its power for close-up vision. Alternatively for myopia (nearsightedness), pumping fluid out decreases the lens power for clearer distance vision.

This makes adjustable focus eyeglasses an excellent option for people who need clear vision at various distances, whether for reading, computer work, or just taking in the scenery.

Adjustable focus eyeglasses change refractive power by allowing fluid to be pumped in or out of each lens. Source: Wired

While progressive lenses can also correct vision at multiple distances, they require the user to shift their gaze to adjust the focus. Adjustable focus eyeglasses, on the other hand, have a single focal point that doesn't require the user to change their eye position.

There are two main types of adjustable focus eyeglasses: electronic and mechanical.

Electronically adjustable glasses automatically adjust the lens position to achieve clearer vision. Source: ABC News

Electronically adjustable focus glasses use advanced technology to adjust the lenses' focus. These glasses are equipped with small motors and sensors that work together to change the focal length of the lenses.

The sensors detect the distance between the wearer's eyes and the object they are looking at, then send this information to the motors. The motors then adjust the position of the lenses to achieve the optimal focal length for the wearer's vision.

Mechanically adjustable focus glasses use a simple lever or dial to adjust the focus. Source: Walmart

Mechanically adjustable focus glasses have a simple lever or dial mechanism to adjust the lenses' focus. These glasses typically have two lenses with different focal lengths that can be adjusted independently. The wearer can then use the lever or dial to move the lenses closer or farther apart, changing the focal length and enabling them to see more clearly at different distances.

Adjustable focus eyeglasses have one focal length that you can adjust without shifting your gaze. Source: The New York Times

Overall, adjustable focus eyeglasses are a versatile and practical solution for people who need to see clearly at different distances. They offer a natural and comfortable viewing experience by providing an easier way for you to see the world in focus at any distance.

Why do some people choose adjustable focus eyeglasses?

Convenience

With adjustable focus eyeglasses, you no longer need to carry multiple pairs of glasses or switch between them.

Cost-effectiveness

In the long run, adjustable focus eyeglasses can be more cost-effective since they eliminate the need for multiple glasses.

Versatility

You can easily switch between distances, making them ideal for people who need to see clearly at different distances throughout the day.

Comfort

Adjustable focus eyeglasses provide a comfortable viewing experience by enabling the wearer to see clearly from any distance without tilting their head or shifting their gaze.

Do I need adjustable focus eyeglasses?

At the end of the day, adjustable focus eyeglasses aren't going to replace regular progressive or bifocal glasses. After all, they tend to be less comfortable and come with very limited 'style' options. However, they can be suitable in a pinch, especially if you have one of the following conditions:

Presbyopia

This age-related condition makes it more difficult to see up close as one gets older. Adjustable focus eyeglasses can help you see near and far distances clearly and comfortably, making them an excellent choice for people with presbyopia.

Myopia and Hyperopia

Myopia and hyperopia are also known as nearsightedness and farsightedness, respectively. Adjustable focus eyeglasses are an excellent option for people who struggle with both nearsightedness and farsightedness since they can improve vision for near and far distances. In contrast, those with only one single vision condition can opt for single-vision lenses.

Computer and reading-intensive work

If you spend long hours in front of a computer screen or have a job that requires a lot of reading, you might want to consider adjustable focus glasses. These glasses offer clear vision at different distances, which means you won't have to switch between multiple pairs of glasses or strain your eyes to see clearly.

What to consider when choosing adjustable focus eyeglasses

To make sure your adjustable focus eyeglasses are right for you, it's important to update your prescription if you have multiple eye conditions.

Prescription requirements

Before you choose your adjustable focus eyeglasses, it's best to go for an eye exam and get an updated prescription from your optometrist first. This will ensure that you get the correct lens power to see as clearly as possible.

Lens materials

The most common types are glass and plastic, which are more popular options due to their lighter weight and durability. You can also opt for lenses with coatings that reduce glare or provide protection from harmful UV radiation.

Frame materials

When choosing your adjustable focus eyeglasses, consider factors such as the comfort and durability of the material of the frames. Metal alloy frames (titanium, stainless steel, aluminum) are durable and flexible. On the other hand, synthetic frames (acetate, TR-90) offer lightweight comfort and versatility.

Simplifying your vision needs

Adjustable focus eyeglasses are a versatile and cost-effective solution for some people with multiple vision needs. They also offer convenience for those with computer- or reading-intensive tasks. However, they're unlikely to replace regular glasses anytime soon!

To make sure you find the right adjustable focus eyeglasses that best fit your needs and lifestyle, consider your prescription requirements, lens materials, and frame styles.

Learn all about different types of eyewear and eye care tips by visiting our blog!

Are you tired of squinting to read your favorite book, or finding it harder to see road signs? Or, do both of these apply to you?

If you answered yes to all of the above, bifocals could be what you're looking for. But before that, what are bifocals, and are they the right type of glasses for you? Read on to find out.

What are bifocals?

Let's start with the basics. Bifocals are a type of glasses or contact lenses that have two prescriptions in the same lens. 'Bi' means two, and 'focals' refers to the focus of the lens.

Typically, bifocals have two zones. The bottom half is for near vision. Think reading, writing, knitting – any kind of close, focused viewing.

The top half or outer ring of your lenses is dedicated to distance vision. That means road signs, movie screens and identifying approaching blobs as actual people with faces!

Apart from differing prescriptions, each segment of the lenses are shaped differently as well.

If you need two prescriptions for your glasses, you most likely have presbyopia. Common in older adults, the condition is caused by your eyes' natural aging process. As we grow older, our lenses inside our eyes begin to thicken and harden, making them less flexible and impairing our near vision.

Luckily, bifocals have been around for centuries. In fact, the Founding Father of the US, Benjamin Franklin himself is credited with the invention of bifocal lenses in the 1800s.

Other than that, people like athletes and medical professionals are also great candidates for bifocals. These are called occupational bifocals and specifically tailored to suit the wearer's designated tasks.

Now, let's dive a little deeper.

Types of bifocal lenses

In the previous section, we mentioned that the top half of your bifocals is for distance vision and the bottom half is for near vision. However, that's kind of a half-truth. There are a few types of bifocals that are defined by how the two sections of the lenses are shaped. Confused? Let's break it down:

Executive/Franklin/straight bifocal

The bifocals we described earlier are specifically known as executive bifocals. These have a clear line straight across the lens dividing the two prescriptions. The top half helps you to see far away and the bottom half helps you see up close.

Half moon/flat-top/D segment

For these bifocals, the near vision segment looks like a capital D with the straight side pointing upwards. This segment is located towards the bottom of the lens but doesn't take up the entire bottom half like in executive bifocals. Instead, it floats. The distance vision part of the lens takes up the half-moon segment.

Round segment

A round segment bifocal appears like a circle within the lens. The circle houses the near vision segment of the lens. Like in the half-moon bifocals, the near vision/round segment floats toward the lower center of the lens.

Ribbon segment

A ribbon segment bifocal lens has a center band straight across the lens for the near vision prescription. The distance vision segment is housed above and below the ribbon.

What's the difference between bifocals and progressives?

If you've discussed bifocals with your optometrist, you may have heard of the term 'progressive lenses'. Are they the same thing? Not quite.

Bifocals have a definite demarcation between the near vision and distance vision segments of the lens. You can even see the line clearly on the glasses.

Progressives or multifocal lenses have a smoother transition between multiple prescriptions. There are more degrees of vision within the glasses, enabling you to switch between different visions more seamlessly.

Progressive lenses combine distance vision, intermediate vision, and near vision, going in that order from top to bottom. Intermediate vision is necessary for computer usage, watching TV and conducting other day-to-day activities that are neither close up nor far away.

Some people prefer progressives as they are easier to adjust to, compared to bifocals where the switch is more apparent. For others, the defined lines in bifocals make it easier to know where to look through the lens for the type of vision correction you need.

Pros and cons of bifocals

To help you decide, let's discuss the pros and cons of bifocal lenses.

Pros of bifocals

• You can tackle nearsightedness and farsightedness at the same time without changing glasses. They're perfect when you're on the go.
• Bifocals' near vision segment helps you to read, thus reducing eye strain.
• Bifocals can correct your vision overall. If you have myopia (nearsightedness), the specialized lenses will reduce any stress or strain on your eye muscles that may worsen your vision.
• Depending on your preference, you may find the distinction between the near vision and distance vision segments easier to navigate than progressives. This is because your eyes can adapt to looking through a specific section subconsciously according to your needs.

Cons of bifocals

• You might not enjoy the look of the line between the two prescriptions on your glasses.
• The transition from the distance vision segment to the near vision segment and vice versa can be overly obvious and disorienting for some, especially at the beginning.
• The image you see through one part of the lens and the other are vastly different, which can cause image distortion until you get used to it. This is called image jump or image displacement.
• Unlike with progressives, there is no intermediate vision section in bifocal lenses. If you want an intermediate part in your glasses to bridge the gap between the near vision and distance vision segments, trifocals or progressives may be a better fit for you.

How do bifocals compare to reading glasses?

It's easy to get reading glasses and bifocals mixed up. Bifocals are often described as lenses to help you read better since the near vision segment of your glasses do exactly that.

Nonetheless, there are a few key differences between reading glasses and bifocals:

• Reading glasses can only help with presbyopia as they are used to magnify text on a page or device. Their lenses are known as single vision lenses. Bifocal lenses can correct both near vision and distance vision.
• You can wear bifocals all day. Reading glasses are generally only worn during tasks in need of near vision like reading and sewing.
• Some ready-made reading glasses are available at drugstores and not just specialist eye care stores. Bifocals, on the other hand, require a prescription.
• Beyond glasses, bifocal lenses can be applied to contact lenses too.

So, are bifocals right for you?

If you find that both your near vision and distance vision are deteriorating and want to avoid the hassle of switching glasses throughout your day, bifocals could be the right fit for you.

However, if you want a more seamless transition between different corrective prescriptions on your lenses, you might prefer multifocal or progressive lenses.

To weigh your options, it's best to book a consultation with an optometrist so you can try both on for yourself and get expert advice.

Not totally sure if you need glasses in the first place? Check out this guide to see if you have any of the nine signs that indicate yes.

Have you ever wondered how your eyeglasses or contact lenses are prescribed? Enter the diopter, a unit of measurement used in the optic world.

In this article, let's explore what a diopter is, how it relates to your vision, and why understanding this unit of measurement is crucial in achieving visual correction.

Definition and history of the diopter

Hipparchus' invention of the dioptra was significant for the history of optics. Source: Studious Guy

Diopters are a unit of measurement used to measure the optical power of a lens. This refers to how well the eye can focus light onto the retina.

The optical instrument dioptra was invented by the Greek astronomer Hipparchus in approximately 150 BC. However, the modern use of the term 'diopter' as a unit of measurement in optics is credited to Ferdinand Monoyer, a French ophthalmologist who proposed it in 1872.

Monoyer was responsible for the diopter, a unit of measurement used to assess lenses and vision. By building on the work of Heinrich Küchler and Herman Snellen, Monoyer introduced a decimal system in 1875 that measured the power of a lens needed to focus light on a person's retina.

Aside from the diopter, Monoyer also invented the Monoyer Chart which tests visual acuity. Source: Le Progrès

It opened up a new world of possibility for optics in general by making it much easier to accurately measure the optical power of any given lens—providing scientists with an invaluable tool still widely used today when measuring lenses with diopters.

Today, it allows optometrists and ophthalmologists to precisely measure the refractive errors of their patients' eyes and prescribe the appropriate lenses for visual acuity.

Aside from its role in corrective lenses, the diopter is also crucial in other areas of optics, such as camera lenses and telescope lenses.

How a diopter is measured

The unit of measurement gauges the strength of a lens needed to help someone see clearly. Source: Wikipedia

The diopter is calculated by determining the refractive power needed to focus light onto the retina of someone with normal eyesight. The measurement is based on the distance in meters between the lens and the point where the light converges. It measures the distance from the text that must be read clearly.

Nearsighted people range from -1.50 to -7.00 diopters, while longsighted people require +1.00 or higher lenses for clear vision at any distance. As the number increases, the severity of the refractive error also increases.

Compared to other units of measurement in optics, such as the focal length or curvature of the lens, the diopter measurement is considered more straightforward and easier to use.

What have diopters got to do with prescription lenses?

Diopter values in the phoropter determine the right glasses or contacts prescription to fix vision problems.

When you need glasses, the diopter measurement is important because it helps the eye doctor figure out how strong the lenses need to be to improve your vision.

A phoropter is an instrument used by eye doctors during an eye exam to measure a patient's refractive error and determine their eyeglass or contact lens prescription. The phoropter contains lenses with different diopter values that can be adjusted to find the best correction for a patient's vision.

The diopter measurement is used to figure out how strong a lens needs to be for a person's eyes. This is converted into a prescription that tells the lens maker what power to make the lens.

Your eyeglass lenses are crafted to adjust for any refractive errors in your vision and to redirect the light entering your eyes so that it can focus properly on the retina.

Why it's important to understand diopters in vision care

Diopters are essential in vision care as they determine the correct prescription needed to fix a patient's refractive error.

Understanding diopters is important since they help to diagnose and correct various vision problems.

Knowing the measurement of diopters helps eye care professionals to determine the correct prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Precision is crucial when measuring diopters, as even a small error can greatly affect the accuracy of the correction.

Even a small miscalculation in lens power can result in blurry vision, eye strain, and headaches. This is why it's essential to have regular eye exams and update your prescription as needed. Inaccurate diopter measurements can lead to incorrect prescriptions, which can cause headaches, eye strain, and other vision problems.

Knowing about diopters can aid in identifying and tracking specific eye conditions, like presbyopia, that impact the eyes' capability to focus on nearby objects.

Some common misconceptions about diopters

While diopters are an important aspect of vision care, some common misconceptions can lead to confusion. One example is that diopters are a measure of the sharpness of vision.

The diopter measurement does not indicate the quality of a person's vision, but rather the severity of their nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. So, having a higher diopter measurement doesn't always mean the person's vision is worse than someone with a lower diopter measurement.

Diopters are not an indicator of the quality of a person's vision or eye health.

It's also important to note that diopters do not measure eye health. While an eye doctor may use diopters to diagnose specific vision problems, other tests, and examinations are necessary to assess the eyes' overall health.

Understanding these common misconceptions is important for proper vision care. Accurate information can help individuals make informed decisions about their eye health and take the necessary steps to maintain good vision. It's always best to consult a qualified eye care professional with questions or concerns about diopters or your vision.

Diopters are essential in the world of optics

Diopters are an important part of the optical world. They are used to measure the refractive abilities of materials and lenses, as well as provide a way to calculate optical power to evaluate the quality of vision.

Using diopters in optics helps us understand light and its properties and can help us improve our ability to see better by understanding refraction, lens properties, and vision correction. This also helps keeps your eyes healthy and catch any vision problems early.

If you are experiencing vision-related issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help from an eye doctor or optometrist. With accurate measurements and the right prescription lenses, you can enjoy clear and healthy vision for years.

It's always helpful to understand your glasses prescription.

Whilst the numbers and abbreviations can get confusing – it's an important bit of paper that helps you get high-quality lenses with the right fit and corrective features.

In this post, we look closely at one section of a prescription lens – the Axis – and what the values mean.

What does the Axis refer to?

The Axis tells us where the astigmatism is found on the cornea.

The Axis of a cornea tells us the location of distortion that causes astigmatism.

When listed on a prescription, the Axis reads somewhere between 0 to 180.

This value helps your optometrist determine how to position a unique cylindrical lens in your glasses to correct this issue.

What does a 'normal' eye Axis look like?

Since the eye Axis refers to the angle at which the eye's cornea and lens are oriented relative to each other, there won't be a specific Axis number for individuals without astigmatism.

This is because an irregular cornea or lens curvature defines astigmatism.

For those without astigmatism, the typical cylinder power is zero, and the Axis number is blank.

Your eyes are perfectly aligned if you have a 'normal' eye Axis.

This means light travels straight through your pupils and lands exactly where it should on your retina, making for sharp, detailed vision and allowing you to see even the tiniest little details easily.

You don't have to worry about blurred or distorted images or squinting to determine what you're looking at.

Of course, this doesn't mean you won't ever need glasses or contacts for other vision issues, but having a normal eye Axis means you don't have astigmatism.

Learning more about astigmatism

Have you ever noticed that your vision seems slightly off, even with your glasses or contact lenses?

It might be because you have astigmatism.

This condition means the shape of your cornea or lens curves irregularly.

The cornea is the clear part of the eye covering the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil (surrounded by the iris), and it allows light to enter inside.

On the other hand, the lens is the clear, curved structure behind the pupil and focuses the light on the retina (transforms light into electrical signals to send to the brain to create the image we see).

Since the shape of the cornea or lens isn't normal, light doesn't bend correctly as it enters your eye, causing blurry or distorted vision.

Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent astigmatism, and doctors still have no idea what causes it.

But don't worry; there are plenty of options for correcting your vision.

On the left is what people with astigmatism see, while on the right is what people with normal vision see. Source: IndiaTimes

Glasses or contact lenses are the most common astigmatism treatments.

By prescribing the right lenses, your eye doctor can help you see as clearly as possible.

But surgery is also an option if that doesn't do the trick. This procedure changes the shape of your cornea, allowing it to focus light correctly.

Remember that if your astigmatism is only mild, you may not need any treatment.

The best way to determine what you need is to visit an eye doctor and get their expert opinion.

Other values you may see in glasses prescriptions

Aside from the Axis, a typical glasses prescription can include a sphere and prism/base, among others.

Aside from the Axis value, you can see if not all, these other values on your eye prescription.

• OD and OSOD are for the right eye, while OS is for the left eye.
• Sphere (SPH)How much lens power is needed to fix nearsightedness or farsightedness?
• Cylinder (CYL)How much lens power is needed to correct astigmatism? If a CYL is included, the Axis will also need to be specified.
• AddIt means the additional lens power required to help the eye focus when reading.
• Prism/baseOpticians sometimes suggest a prism for people with double vision to correct the condition. You can place it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally in the lenses of your glasses. The 'base' of the prism is the thickest edge, where light is redirected.
• Pupillary Distance (PD)PD is measured in millimeters, it's the distance between the centers of your pupils. It indicates where each eyeglasses lens's optical center should be.

Regular eye checkups can help you maintain good vision

Caring for our eyes is crucial for maintaining good vision and overall eye health.

Regular eye checkups are vital to this process. Not only do eye exams help detect any problems early on, but they can also prevent potential future issues from arising.

For more eye care tips and guides, check out the rest of Door2USA Prescription Glasses' blog!

Have you ever put on your glasses and thought, 'Why are these lenses so thick?' If that sounds familiar, then you're not alone. However, this question has no simple answer, as several factors are involved.

Let's examine the reasons behind prescription lens thicknesses and see how to choose the right lenses and frames.

What factors contribute to lens thickness?

Your prescription strength can affect your lens thickness, as can the material used, and the size of your frames.

1. Higher prescriptions can require thicker lenses

If you wear glasses with a strong prescription, chances are they have thicker and heavier lenses than those with a weaker prescription.

That's because – if you've opted for regular index lenses – a thicker lens is required to bend the light to the amount that's needed.

This bending is needed to correct high refractive errors effectively. We'll explain more about a solution for this later.

A higher prescription can mean thicker lenses.

2. Thickness also depends on the actual material used

The two most common materials used in spectacle lenses are glass and plastic. Lenses made of glass will almost always be thinner than their plastic counterparts.

However, they come with a pesky tradeoff: glass lenses tend to be heavier.

3. Your frame size and shape can also affect lens thickness

Lastly – larger frames usually require thicker lenses because the lenses occupy space to fit into the frame.

When frames are wider, the lenses become slightly thicker due to the additional volume needed to fit inside.

Also, rounded or oval frames are generally more suitable for thicker lenses.

How to choose the right lenses and frames

With so many options, picking the perfect eyewear can get overwhelming. However, you can get started by looking at these:

Type of lenses

Tip: Pay attention to the lens index!

Single-vision, multifocal, and specialty lenses are the most common types.

Single-vision lenses are the go-to for most prescription glasses, as they're designed to correct either astigmatism or near or far-sightedness.

Here's how some lens types help adjust vision;

• Multifocal lenses have more than one viewing area.
• Bifocal glasses lenses help you see distant and nearby objects.
• Trifocals have three viewing areas.
• Progressive glasses lenses have all the distances covered without visible lines.
• Specialty lenses offer the perfect vision solution for those with special requirements, lifestyle preferences, or hobbies. For example, Trivex lenses are ideal for those with an active lifestyle.

You might think, 'Why are my glasses lenses so thick when I wear single-vision glasses?' That's because of the lens index.

A low index number means a thicker lens. Also, if your prescription is high, your lenses will be thicker.

Even if you have a high prescription, you can still opt for thinner lenses by choosing high-index lenses rather than standard lenses.

Due to their unique material that bends light more effectively, high-index lenses provide the same level of vision correction with a slimmer profile.

High-index lenses are a great option for those with strong prescriptions who want thinner lenses.

That also means your eyewear will also be more lightweight. Talk to your ophthalmologist about your options.

Type of frames

As frames get bigger, lenses become thicker exponentially – capitalizing on the side of the lens, which is naturally the thickest.

Going large with your frame will bring you thicker lenses, even if they're the same prescriptions and indexes. Therefore, choose smaller frames so you won't need thick lenses.

For example, Door2USA Prescription Glasses' Mate frames are sleek and minimalistic. The small round black frame can downplay the thickness of the lenses, and these glasses can be a style statement.

Other considerations for reducing lens thickness

Aside from the lens and frame types, you should consider these things to get thinner lenses:

1. Proper position and fit of lenses

That is key for ensuring you see clearly and have options when deciding what index lens to get.

To have glasses with correctly fitted lenses, your eye doctor may take these measurements:

• Pupillary Distance (PD)How far the centers of your pupils are to each other in millimeters. Manufacturers use PD to ensure the lenses are placed at the optical center (horizontally). Incorrect PD measurements can lead to blurred or distorted vision, eyestrain, and headaches.
• Optical center height your pupils' vertical positioning about the lenses of your glasses.
• Pantoscopic angle how much the top of your frames angles away from your face compared to the bottom? Most glasses have some tilt.
• Vertex distanceThe distance between your cornea and the back surface of the eyeglass lens. It ensures lenses are tailored to fit each person, as a different distance from the eye can affect their power; moving them farther away makes them more plus (less minus). That explains why sliding glasses down our noses helps us read the small print on labels.
• Frame wrap (panoramic angle)How curved your glasses are, from the center to the edges.

PD is how far the centers of your pupils are to each other in millimeters.

2. Anti-reflective coatings can help lenses appear thinner

Thicker lenses can make your eyes look more prominent than usual. If you don't want this effect, opt for an anti-reflective coating.

This coating helps to reduce blindness by bouncing off reflected light from the lens. It also helps less of the light to pass through it, making the lenses appear much thinner in comparison.

Additionally, an anti-reflective coating can prove beneficial to your visual clarity.

It increases contrast as more light can reach the lens without obstruction; this will help provide better vision and make your glasses appear much more flattering on your face.

3. Damaged lenses can look thicker

Taking care of your eyeglass lenses is essential to keep them looking clear. Always use both hands when removing your glasses from your face to reduce the risk of scratches.

Keep them away from dust and dirt by storing them in a protective case and cleaning them with a soft microfiber cloth rather than paper towels or rough fabrics.

Before placing your glasses on any surface – like a countertop, desk, or table – make sure they are debris-free. Otherwise, the abrasive particles can cause scratches.

Finally, avoid chemicals and solvents which can damage the lenses' coating or discolor them.

How to cope with thick glasses lenses

' Seriously – Why are my glasses lenses so thick?'

If this question keeps bugging you, you're not alone.

Whilst there are plenty of ways to slim down your lenses if you wish, finding the confidence to wear thicker lenses can sometimes mean simply finding the right frames and accessories that complement them.

Don't forget that all face shapes and facial features are beautiful, so it's essential to accept and embrace your style first!

Start by knowing what you want regarding lens size, frame shape, color, pattern, or material. Explore fashionable eyeglasses that flatter your best features while being comfortable at the same time.

Look into cool-toned colors such as blues, purple hues, black accents, or clear frames to pair with your lenses. Let the possibilities be endless when finding frames that make you feel amazing while wearing them.

Your choice of eyewear affects lens thickness

Remember that our choice of eyewear can have a significant impact on both our appearance and our health. We should strive to make informed decisions when selecting glasses that fit our lifestyle and health needs.

Understanding our options and speaking with a qualified eye doctor can help us find the perfect eyewear and ensure we are protecting our sight.

We've all been there — it's another seemingly normal day of wearing eyeglasses, when you suddenly sit on them by accident or sense a distortion in your vision. Next thing you know, you realize your lenses have cracked.

It's a frustrating and all-too-common problem, but don't despair just yet. In this post, we're going to get to the bottom of why eyeglass lenses crack and give you some practical tips to prevent it from happening in the future.

Common reasons why lenses crack

Before we get into ways how to prevent lens cracking, it's important to know what causes it in the first place. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes.

1. Stress fractures

They occur when a lens is subjected to constant pressure, such as when we squeeze our glasses too tightly or if the glasses are improperly fitted. This kind of pressure can cause small cracks to form in the lens, which eventually grows and lead to a visible fracture.

Also, if your glasses are hit by sudden impact or exposed to a drastic change in temperature, that could worsen an existing stress fracture, which may lead to significant damage.

While stress fractures can be hard to detect, they result in lasting damage to the glasses and could ultimately cause the lenses to shatter.

2. Accidents

We all have moments where we forget our glasses are atop our heads and they fall off, or we accidentally sit on them, causing several fractures on the lenses.

While your glasses may seem like they've survived when you accidentally sit on them, a few undetectable cracks may have formed on the lenses.

Dropping your glasses can also lead to cracks, and it's not just the dramatic and high-impact drops that you should watch out for.

Even those seemingly harmless knocks on soft surfaces can sometimes do more damage than expected. The force of the impact can cause small cracks in the lens or dislodge the frame, which may result in visible cracks after some time.

3. Heat-induced warping

Leaving your glasses out in the sun or a hot car for too long can cause the lenses to expand and contract too quickly, resulting in fine cracks that will show up more prominently later. This can be especially problematic during hotter months when glasses have greater exposure to heat.

Notably, warping can also occur if you expose your glasses to extreme changes in temperature, for instance going into an air-conditioned room from hot, humid outdoors. Doing this causes your lenses to expand or contract at a rapid pace, resulting in small fractures that could also worsen later.

Ways to keep lenses from cracking

Eyeglass lens cracks are never a pleasant experience, and lenses can be costly to repair or replace. Here are some ways to protect your lenses and keep them from cracking:

Doing this protects your glasses from accidental impact and scratches, which can cause microfractures to develop and eventually lead to the lens cracking.

Also, a case is particularly essential when traveling or commuting, as it protects your glasses from being squeezed by the other contents in your bag.

Keep your glasses in a hard case especially while traveling to prevent other things in your bag from squeezing or banging against them.

Hard cases have other benefits, such as keeping your glasses clean and free from dust accumulation, which might cause unwanted smears or scratching over time. By using a hard case, you're not only protecting your eyeglasses from damage and cracks but also prolonging their lifespan and ensuring that they function optimally for longer.

1. Store glasses away from direct sunlight

As mentioned earlier, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the lenses to expand and contract quickly, resulting in small fractures that may eventually lead to visible cracks.

Storing your glasses in a shady or cool place also helps avoid heat-induced warping and lens cracks. This means avoiding leaving your glasses in the car, especially during hot weather.

2. Repair lenses when small scratches surface

Small scratches on your lenses might seem insignificant, but they can impact your glasses' overall structure and lead to visible, larger cracks over time.

Home remedies, such as toothpaste or dish soap, may temporarily remove small scratches, but they can also damage the lens coating. Hence, you should exercise caution while doing this.

To minimize the risk of scratches worsening, it's best to visit an optician who can treat scratches professionally. They have specialized tools and lens polishing agents to restore the surface effectively, thereby reducing the risk of a total lens replacement or worsening an existing defect.

3. Get scratch-resistant coating for lenses

Scratches often pave the way for cracks, but with scratch-resistant coating, there's an added layer of protection, making lenses more durable and resistant to surface wear and tear. The coating prevents scratches caused by incidental ‘normal' use, which reduces the need for frequent repairs or eventual lens replacements.

With a scratch-resistant coating, you also get peace of mind, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or work in an environment where your glasses might be exposed to more wear and tear than usual.

Although some people may shy away from investing in scratch-resistant lenses to keep costs down, ultimately it's worth the investment as it saves you from frequent visits to repair cracks.

P.S. At Door2USA Prescription Glasses, our eyeglass lenses come included with a scratch-resistant coating!

Alternative lenses that are less prone to cracking

Some lenses are more built for durability than others, so here are some alternatives to look into if you're in the market for new glasses:

Polycarbonate lenses

This material is one of the toughest out there and protects well against surface wear and tear. It's also highly resistant to impact, making it ideal for those who lead active lifestyles or often drop their glasses.

Polycarbonate lenses are both more durable and comfortable to wear than the average lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses are generally lighter than traditional glass lenses, so they're comfortable to wear for longer periods. That said, while it's fairly inexpensive compared to other materials, it does scratch more easily over time, so you may need to replace them more frequently if you tend to wear your glasses a lot.

Also, polycarbonate still pales in comparison to Trivex and Tribrid (which we'll talk about next) when it comes to clarity, comfort, and durability. If you're on a strict budget, however, polycarbonate is your best bet.

Tribrid lenses

Tribrid lenses offer superior clarity and comfort without sacrificing durability. The material is made of a unique combination of three different types of plastic, making it more resistant to scratches and impact than polycarbonate or Trivex lenses.

It's also lightweight enough to be worn comfortably for long periods. The downside is that it's slightly more expensive than polycarbonate, though it is cheaper than Trivex.

Trivex lenses

Compared to polycarbonate and Tribrid, Trivex lenses are the best in terms of clarity and durability. A combination of polyurethane and other materials such as resin, Trivex lenses are particularly resistant to impact and scratches. They are lightweight yet strong, offering top-notch comfort and protection from wear and tear.

Due to its characteristics, Trivex is the priciest of the three materials mentioned here. If you're looking for lenses that will go the distance and minimize lens replacements, Trivex is a good call.

P.S. All these lenses are available at Door2USA Prescription Glasses!

Cracked lenses can be prevented!

Eyeglass lenses can crack for various reasons, whether it's just regular wear and tear or sudden impact from falling. While it's not always preventable, you can still take measurements to reduce the risk by getting durable lenses and keeping your glasses stored in hard cases.

For more tips on how to take care of your glasses, head over to our guide here. You can also learn how to clean them at home to help them look good and work well for longer.