Why Do Eyeglass Lenses Thicken with Higher Prescriptions?

Eyeglasses are essential for correcting vision, helping us regain clarity and significantly improving our quality of life. When purchasing eyeglasses, most people prefer lenses that are lightweight and thin, both for aesthetic appeal and comfort. However, it is often the case that lenses are thicker than expected. So, what factors influence the thickness of eyeglass lenses?

Factors Affecting the Thickness of Eyeglass Lenses

1.Lens Prescription

The prescription strength is a major factor affecting lens thickness. For myopic (nearsighted) lenses, higher prescriptions require the lens to scatter light outward more to focus images correctly on the retina. This optical design results in lenses that are thinner at the center and thicker at the edges. Consequently, higher prescriptions lead to thicker edges, which can affect both the appearance and the weight of the glasses, potentially causing discomfort.

2.Astigmatism

Astigmatism often accompanies myopia or hyperopia (farsightedness). It is caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens shape, leading to distorted vision. Correcting astigmatism requires special cylindrical lenses, which can also increase the overall lens thickness.

3.Refractive Index

The refractive index of the lens material significantly impacts its thickness. The refractive index measures how much a material bends light. Materials with a higher refractive index bend light more effectively, allowing lenses to be thinner while providing the same level of vision correction.

What are NextPair High-Index Lenses?

NextPair high-index lenses, also known as ultra-thin lenses, are made from Japanese Mitsui MR resin. This material and its manufacturing process allow for unique light refraction, enabling stronger prescriptions to be encapsulated in thinner lenses. These lenses are ideal for those with high prescriptions, whether nearsighted or farsighted.

If your glasses feel heavy or tend to slip off your nose, high-index lenses are an excellent choice. NextPair offers high-index lenses with a 1.67 index, reducing the weight and pressure on the nose and ears for a more comfortable experience. NextPair also offer 1.74 ultra-high index lenses, suitable for corrections of +/- 9.25 and above, and astigmatism corrections of +/- 4.25 to +/- 6.00. These lenses are not only thin and lightweight but also feature a PRM super hard coating for scratch and drop resistance.

In addition to being lightweight and thin, most high-index lenses have an aspheric design. This enhances the lens's aesthetics and reduces the "bug-eye" effect often seen with traditional lenses. This allows for a wide range of stylish frame choices without worrying about lens thickness.

To Summarize

Lens thickness increases with prescription strength due to optical principles and material properties. NextPair's high-index lenses utilize advanced materials and manufacturing processes to address this issue, offering a vision correction solution that is both lightweight and efficient. Whether you have high myopia or hyperopia or prioritize the appearance and comfort of your glasses, NextPair high-index lenses are an ideal choice.