How the Shape of the Frame Affects Your Prescription?

A frame shape is one of the primary aspects of our fashion-conscious choices when we go for vision correction. However, what we tend to forget is the technicality behind the frame shapes and how they affect our vision in the long run. Most of us are not even aware that the shape of our frames can have a significant impact on our prescription.

This blog will cover the various ways in which your frame shape might impact your prescription. It will also help you know the various frame shapes that will significantly benefit the different types of lenses. Let’s uncover all of the above in detail!

How does the shape of the frame affect your prescription or vision?

Overall, there are a variety of factors impacting your prescription glasses, such as their material, shape, and size. The frame shape determines the positioning of your lenses in front of your eyes. For instance, if your frame shape is too small or if they aren’t appropriate for your face shape, it could eventually result in visual distortion or reduced vision field.

In earlier times, it was quite a challenge to choose specific frames based on your prescriptions due to the various limitations, one of them being the thickness of lenses. However, lens technology has developed over the years, allowing you to try out more frame types. One of the crucial reasons for being selective of your frame type is if you have a higher prescription, you will need thicker lenses. It is quite challenging to fit thicker lenses in certain types of frames. Hence, one can rely on high-index lenses because they ensure that your lenses remain thin even with higher prescriptions. You don’t have to adhere to any limitations regarding your frame shapes if you are ready to upgrade to high-index lenses. Conversely, if you want to choose basic lenses due to a limited budget or any other reason, you will need to select the right frame based on your prescription.

Let’s get into the details of different prescriptions and frame shapes.

Choosing the right glasses for myopia or nearsightedness

Typically, people with myopic eyes will need concave lenses for vision correction, which means that the lenses will be thinner in the middle, while they will be thicker on the edges. Therefore, these individuals should avoid choosing oversized frames because larger-sized frames will eventually display the thicker edges of the lenses compared to smaller and round frame shapes. In addition, you must ensure that your eyes have their main focal point in the centre of the lenses and they don’t extend to the external sides of your face to avoid distortion. Being a myopic individual, you would be prone to wearing your glasses almost all the time, making it more vital for you to have increased protection.

People with myopia need vision correction to view distant objects. If you have power above 3 diopters, you will fall under the high prescription category. So, it is best to wear higher-index lenses because choosing basic lenses would make your lenses thick, resulting in an aesthetically unpleasant look. If you want to go with the basic lenses, it is best to avoid rimless glasses.

Overall, from a fashion perspective, your frame shape is crucial as it helps you express your style in the most unique way possible. Frames are one of the primary fashion accessories that help you boost your confidence significantly.

Best frame shapes for hyperopia or farsightedness

Hyperopia or farsightedness is an eye condition in which an individual is unable to see near objects clearly, while they can view distant objects. Having above 3 dioptres implies you have a higher prescription, so you must choose smaller frames to avoid visual distortion. In Hyperopia, the centre of the lens will be thick, while the edges will be thin, so rimless or half-rimmed glasses are not a good choice if you don’t wish to upgrade to high-index lenses.

Choosing the right frame shapes for varifocal lenses

Varifocal lenses are essential for individuals who need multiple prescriptions in one pair including near, far and intermediate vision correction. In varifocal lenses, the top area is for distance vision, the bottom area is for reading, and the centre is for intermediate distance.

So, you should opt for frame options which have a greater height for different vision zones. This is because you will need to switch from one zone to another and taller lenses will ensure a seamless transition. It’s best to avoid smaller frames and choose those which tend to offer an adequate surface area, allowing you to get the proper positioning of glasses essential for different focal zones in varifocal lenses. Ideally, you should avoid frames with lens height of less than 28 mm.

Although you can choose any frame shape, square and round glasses are best for you. It’s because there will be no reduced scope for peripheral distortion due to the sufficient space for the lens design. You will also get a deeper lens area with square or round frame shapes, allowing you to switch seamlessly between different viewing distances. Although these are the preferred frame shapes for varifocal lenses, you must understand the right frame size that would fit perfectly well according to your face, enabling you to attain the essential lens area for a comfortable view.

Protect your eyes with the right frames and lenses

The most crucial part is to protect your eyes by choosing the right frames, be it the size or the shape, you can’t go wrong with your prescription. Overall, you can go for any frame shape if your single-vision prescription is below 4 dioptres and even choose basic lenses. You may need to upgrade to thin lenses in case of rimless in this case to ensure better aesthetics. However, once you get a power, that is between 4 to 6 dioptres, you should go for higher-index lenses. Typically, the recommended lens index is 1.67, while those with a refractive error of 8 or above will need to get lenses with a 1.74 index which is one of the thinnest lens options. Keeping these small points in mind can significantly improve your eyewear journey regardless of your prescription. If you have any doubts choosing the right frame for your prescription, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team.