Guide
Choosing your lenses
Lenses matter as much as the frame. Here's what the options mean, in plain English. Not sure what you need? Send us your prescription and we'll suggest the right lens for your power and budget.
1. Lens type
Single visionMost common
One power across the whole lens — for distance (short-sight) or reading (long-sight). Most people need this.
Bifocal
Two powers in one lens, with a visible line: distance on top, reading at the bottom.
ProgressiveNo line
Distance, middle and reading powers that blend smoothly, with no visible line. Usually for 40+.
Zero power
Clear lenses with no power — for style, or with blue-cut for screen time.
2. Coatings & add-ons
- Anti-glare (ARC)
- Cuts reflections from lights and screens, so you see clearly and people see your eyes, not glare. Recommended for everyone.
- Blue-cut
- Filters part of the blue light from phones and laptops. Popular for long screen hours.
- Photochromic
- Clear indoors, darkens in sunlight — glasses and sunglasses in one pair.
- UV protection
- Blocks harmful UV rays from the sun.
- Hard coat
- A scratch-resistant layer that keeps lenses clear for longer.
3. Lens thickness
Higher powers make lenses thicker. A higher "index" bends light more, so the lens can be thinner and lighter. A rough guide:
| Index | Thickness | Suits powers |
|---|---|---|
| 1.56 | Standard | Up to about ±3.00 |
| 1.61 | Thin | About ±3.00 to ±5.00 |
| 1.67 | Extra thin | About ±5.00 to ±8.00 |
| 1.74 | Ultra thin | Above ±8.00 |
4. Reading your prescription
- RE / LE (OD / OS)
- Right eye and left eye.
- SPH
- Sphere — your main power. Minus (−) for short-sight, plus (+) for long-sight.
- CYL
- Cylinder — corrects astigmatism. Blank means you don't have it.
- AXIS
- The angle of the cylinder, from 0 to 180. Only appears with CYL.
- ADD
- Extra reading power, used for bifocal and progressive lenses.
- PD
- Pupillary distance — the gap between your pupils, in millimetres.
Still not sure?
Send your prescription, or get your eyes tested free.