Trustpilot

How to choose the right frames for your prescription?



Glasses frame lying on top of a written eye prescription Glasses frame lying on top of a written eye prescription


It is crucial that you find an ideal frame to suit your prescription. After all, you'll want to make sure your glasses look good and most of all that they’re comfortable to wear. If you have a low prescription, it's much easier to find a suitable design, however with higher prescriptions, there can be some limitations to the frame you choose. Yet, this does not mean you’re totally restricted to bulky, outdated-looking glasses. You can easily find stylish designs that make you feel and look good. We will talk you through the various options you have based on how strong your current prescription is.

Suitable eyewear for long and short-sightedness

Lenses are not flat but are either concave (thin in the middle, thick around the edges) or convex (thick in the middle, thin around the edges). This can affect how well they fit in the frame. It is worth considering this when shopping for new glasses.

Short-sightedness means you require a concave lens. The type of lens options you need with this will depend on the strength of your prescription. Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing the perfect frame, here is what we suggest:

Prescriptions from 0 to -2.50

Prescriptions from -2.75 to -4.25

  • We recommend that you select a frame with a lens diameter no larger than 52mm so your lenses are not too thick or heavy - you can use our Best Fit Machine to filter frames by lens diameter
  • All frame types will work for this prescription

Prescriptions of -4.50 to -6.00

  • A plastic-rimmed frame will hide the thickness of each lens and distribute the weight of the lenses more evenly
  • Lenses will appear thicker in rimless and semi-rimless frames
  • Select a frame with a lens diameter no larger than 52mm

Prescriptions over -6.00

  • Not suitable for rimless frames
  • Semi-rimless frames will make the lenses appear thicker because they have less of a rim around the edges
  • A smaller-sized frame will be lightweight and will also disguise a higher prescription well, as the lenses will fit better and not stick out at the sides
  • Plastic-rimmed glasses tend to be thicker than metal ones. This will distract attention away from the thickness of your lenses and spread out the weight of the lenses more evenly
  • Round-shaped frames are ideal as they tend to have a smaller lens width and so will not poke out at the sides

Close-up of the front and hinges of a round tortoiseshell frame Close-up of the front and hinges of a round tortoiseshell frame

If you are long-sighted, you’ll need a convex lens. As mentioned previously, the kind of lens options required will vary according to how strong your prescription is. As for choosing the ideal frame, this is what we recommend:

Prescriptions from 0 to +2.00

Prescriptions of +2.25 to +4.00

  • Fully-rimmed frames are ideal
  • Semi-rimmed and rimless glasses are suitable, however, the centre thickness will be more noticeable in these frames as the edge thickness has to be a minimum of 2mm to glaze them successfully, which has a knock-on effect for the centre thickness

Prescriptions of +4.25 to +6.00

  • A plastic frame will hide the lens thickness better
  • Select a frame with a lens diamter no larger diameter than 52mm - remember, you can use our Best Fit Machine to filter frames by lens diameter
  • Lenses will appear thicker in rimless and semi-rimless frames

Prescriptions over +6.00

  • Not available with rimless frames
  • Semi-rimless frames are at risk of making the lenses seem thicker due to the lack of a full-rim and also because the thickness has to be a minimum of 2mm to glaze them successfully, which has a resulting impact on the centre thickness
  • Try to go for as small a frame as possible so that it is lightweight and disguises the higher prescription, and also so the lenses fit better and do not protrude out
  • Plastic frames are thicker than classic metal designs. This will help draw attention away from the thickness of your lenses
  • Round glasses are ideal as they tend to have a smaller lens width and so will not stick out at the sides



3 pairs of semi-transparent acetate frames in vibrant colours 3 pairs of semi-transparent acetate frames in vibrant colours

What shape and size frames are best for varifocals?

Varifocal glasses enable you to see at all distances with a single pair of glasses. They provide a clear, continual view from distance to intermediate to near vision. When selecting the ideal frame for your varifocal lenses, you will need to make sure that it is large enough to allow complete visual clarity whether you're focused on reading a book or driving your car. We would therefore recommend that the height of each lens be no less than 30 millimetres. This will ensure there is ample space for you to see clearly out of the different areas of the lens.

Rimless glasses are subtle and stylish. They are ideal for varifocal wearers who find larger frames uncomfortable and want a lightweight alternative. They also tend to have soft, adjustable nose pads which promise a cosy and bespoke fit.

Metal-rimmed frames are highly durable and easy to adjust, often made of materials like titanium and stainless steel, they come in various shapes and are very versatile. We would recommend designs with thinner rims so that you can see clearly out of your varifocal lenses.

Glasses made of sturdy acetate are very trendy and come in a plethora of bright colours. Stand out from the crowd or go for a simple design. Ideally, you want to make sure the frame isn’t too thick so that you can still enjoy a clear view out of your varifocals. If you have a wide nose, choose a style with a keyhole nose bridge to allow extra space for a comfortable fit.

Stay away from pilot-style frames with teardrop-shaped lenses. Also, very dramatic cat-eye designs. Both of these designs will cut off the lower part of the lens. Try to choose rounded or more squared-off designs. There are lots of contemporary alternatives to these very traditional shapes. You can find all of our varifocal-compatible frames here.