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Lenses

Select a Lenses topic below for details.

How to Order Lenses

Add lenses to your frames using the self-help online lens ordering tool. The following information explains the steps for adding lenses to the order using the online self-help tool: 

Step 1
Select Frame
Step 2
Select Lenses
Step 3
Select Lens Options
Step 4
Provide Prescription
 

Step 1: Select Frame

Click the "Add Lenses" button on the frame order page to get started with adding lenses to the order. This option is only available for Rx Eligible Eyewear.

Adding lenses to glasses

Step 2: Select Lenses

 Note: Lens options may vary based on the frame type selected. Lenses added will not inherit the features or colors of the default stock/demo lenses that are included with the frame. A sun tinted lens will need to be selected if intending to order sunglasses.

Navigate through the lens types available, then select the lens package desired from the results to continue to the lens options page. Alternatively, select the "No Thanks" option at the bottom if you do not want to add lenses.

Related: How to Choose the Best Lenses
1. Select Lens Type

View the Lens Type Guide for details.

Lens Type Example

2. Select Clear or Sun Option

View the Sun Option Guide for details.

Sun Option Example

3. Select Lens Package

Packaged by brand and material.

Select Lens Package Example

Step 3: Lens Options

Enhance the selected lens package by adding optional lens coating options or color tinting. Lens options and coatings may vary based on the lens package selected. Color tinting is only available for eligible clear lenses.

Related: Lens Coating Options
1. Standard Coatings

Scratch guard and UV protection are included or may be added.

Lens Type Example

2. Anti-Glare Coatings

Compare the different coatings available by their features.

Sun Option Example

3. Color Tinting

Customize the lens color using the interactive tinting screen.

Select Lens Package Example

Step 4: Prescription Details

Note: This step does not apply when ordering non-prescription lenses. 

Provide the patient and prescription verification details to proceed to the shopping cart. Alternatively, click the link shown at the top of the page if ordering readers.

1. Patient Verification or Readers

Enter the patient's name and select the verification option for the prescription or click the link at the top for ordering readers. View the Prescription Verifications Page for details.

Patient Example

2. Prescription Parameters

Input the eyeglass prescription if desired, but it's not necessary. Any errors, empty fields will be corrected upon verification of the prescription. A PD measurement is required for all lens orders to ensure accuracy. Provide any special instructions such as the 'Seg Height' in the Additional Comments section.

Rx Example

Readers Example

 

Proceed to the checkout page from the shopping cart to complete the lens order.

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General Recommendations
General recommendations are based on the common lens wearer but may vary by each individual. It is always suggested for wearers to consult with an eye doctor for the best possible recommendation.
 
Age Recommendations
Children Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials are generally required for all children and minors aged 16 and younger. Visit the Lens Material Comparison Guide for details.
 
Activity Recommendations
Sports Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials are recommended for their impact-resistant properties which make them great for sports and physical activities. Visit the Lens Material Comparison Guide for details.
Water & Snow Polarized lenses are recommended for outdoor water & snow activities because they help reduce glare off surfaces like the water or the snow.
Flying Non-Polarized lenses like a traditional custom color tint or sun-sensitive lenses are recommended due to the effects of polarization on computer screens.
Protective (PPE) Safety & Protective (PPE) eyewear are made from Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials for their impact-resistant properties. Visit the Lens Material Comparison Guide for details.
Night-Time Driving Anti-Glare coating is recommended to help reduce glare from headlights and oncoming traffic.
Reading 10% Rose tint helps against eye-fatigue.
Phones & Tablets Blue-light protection and yellow color tint help protect against harmful blue light.
Gaming Blue-light protection and yellow color tint help protect against harmful blue-light.
Shooting Yellow or brown tinted lenses enhance contrast.
 
Clarity & Comfort Recommendations
High-Definition Digital lenses are considered High-Definition The surfacing process for Digital lenses makes them more precise than traditional non-digitally surfaced lenses.
Lightweight Polycarbonate or Trivex materials are considered lightweight. Visit the Lens Material Comparison Guide for details.
Distortion Anti-Glare coating is recommended to help reduce lens edge distortion.
Thinnest Lenses Hi-Index 1.74 lenses are recommended for maximum thinness. Visit the Lens Thickness & Prescription Range section for details.
 
Color Recommendations Great for:
Green (G15) Great for traditional sunglass use. Offers even color perception and provides good contrast for low-light conditions while dimming glare and brightening shadows. Along with grey, these are the darkest lenses available.
  • General Sunglasses 
  • Dark Tint
Grey Great for traditional sunglass use. Darkest option available. Provides true color perception while dimming light in brighter-than-normal conditions.
  • General Sunglasses
  • Darkest Tint
  • Privacy
Brown Great for traditional sunglass use. Enhances contrast which improves depth perception.
  • General Sunglasses
  • Driving
  • Shooting
Rose Great contrast. Helps reduce eye-strain and increases visual depth.
  • Snow
  • Driving
  • Reading
Yellow Great for low-light conditions like fog and haze. Helps filter out blue light which makes them great for gaming and looking at screens for extended periods of time.
  • Gaming
  • Computers
  • Shooting
Purple Fashion color also helps against high glare conditions.
  • Fashion
  • High-Glare
Blue Helps reduce glare and eye fatigue. Offering enhanced definition and color perception. Great for reading.
  • Snow
  • Reading


Prescription Recommendations
Lens thickness & prescription strength


Lens Material Guide
Compare lens material qualities


Lens Type Guide
Compare prescription lens types


Contact a Lens Specialist
Additional lens assistance
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Frame Restrictions

Options and eligibility for adding prescription lenses to ophthalmic glasses may vary based on the frame type. The following diagram displays the different types of frames and what to consider when ordering lenses.

 
Frame Types & Lens Eligibility
Standard Ophthalmic Frame
Plastic Rim

Plastic frames are ideal for stronger prescriptions which may require thicker-edged lenses due to the fact they can hide a thicker lens edge and improve cosmetic appearance better than other frame types.
Metal Ophthalmic Frame
Metal Rim

Thin edged lenses are recommended due to the fact metal frames reveal the lens edge more than plastic frames.
Nylor Ophthalmic Frame
Semi-Rim (Nylor)

Semi-rim (nylor or half-rim) glasses require lens edge grooving with enough space to fit the rim notch and wire for stability and lens enforcement. The edge of the lens should not be too thin due to the necessary edge space required for wire grooving. Polycarbonate or Trivex lens materials are recommended to improve durability and reduce chipping. Since part of the lens is not covered by a protective rim, the lenses may be prone to chipping and should be handled with additional care. Edge polishing may improve cosmetics.  
Rimless Ophthalmic Frame
Rimless

Light-weight rimless glasses have lenses drilled & mounted onto the nosepiece and hinge. Polycarbonate, Trivex, or Hi-Index (1.67+) lenses are required for durability reasons, and an additional fee for drilling & mounting will be applied during a lens order. Due to the fact lenses in rimless glasses are fully exposed are more prone to chipping and damage, they should be handled with extra care. Screw-in mounting may need to be tightened from time-to-time should they get loose. Edge polishing may improve cosmetics.
Flat Base Ophthalmic Frame
Flat Base

Flat-based sunglasses have a base curve of 4 (lowest) and are suitable for all, especially stronger, prescription strengths. Flatter lenses offer the least distortion and reduce the "coke-bottle" effect. This frame type is ideal for aspheric lenses.
Mid Wrap Frame
Wrap-Around (Mid)

Mid-wrap frames have a base-curve of 6, which are a bit more curved than normal frames with a base-curve of 4. Mid wrap-around frames can support prescriptions up to 4.00. The maximum strength supported is based on the PD measurement.
Steep Wrap-Around Frame
Wrap-Around (Steep)

Steep wrap-around frames have a base-curve of 8+ and can only tolerate light prescriptions. Steep wrap-around frames can support prescriptions up to 2.00. The maximum strength supported is based on the PD measurement.
Oversized Glasses
Oversized

Oversized prescription lenses must be specially surfaced and may incur additional delays. The maximum blank lens width is 70 millimeters. Therefore, any frame larger than 65 millimeters cannot support additional lenses. It's recommended to go thinner for thick edged (minus) lenses due to the fact that lenses are thicker the wider they get. Therefore, light prescriptions - up to 2.00, are more suitable for oversized frames.
Sun Shields
Shields

Single or Double lensed shields are not eligible for prescription lenses at this time. Blank prescription lenses are conventionally available in a maximum width of 70 millimeters in a round shape and a per lens/eye basis. Shields are not suitable for conventional prescription lenses. Certain shield manufacturers may offer adapters or inserts which may fit behind the shield. However, in this case, lenses must be added to the insert or adapter separately.
Goggles
Goggles

Goggles are not eligible for prescription lenses at this time. Please see the Shields section for further details.
High-performance Eyewear
Active Sport

High-performance or active sport styles are not eligible for prescription lenses at this time due to the unconventional nature of the frame and the way the lens is attached and enforced to the frame. These types of frames cannot support the common format of traditional prescription lenses. Please also see the Shields section for further details.
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Lens Thickness

Lenses are offered in various indexes that impact the overall thickness of the lens. Higher lens indexes are thinner, flatter, and lighter and are intended to tolerate stronger prescriptions. Generally, the stronger the prescription or, the larger the lens, the thicker the lens. And the higher the index, the thinner the lens. Therefore, it is important to consider the prescription ranges recommended for the lens indexes offered to help ensure the thickness is suitable for the strength of the prescription.

Thicker lenses may be heavier and have an undesirable "coke-bottle" effect which can cause unnecessary vision distortion and degrade the overall cosmetic appearance of the lenses. Prescriptions in plus (+) ranges (for near vision) may have a thicker center and thinner edge, whereas prescriptions in minus (-) ranges (for distance vision) have a thinner center and thicker edge. In both instances, the lens index affects the thickness of the center and edge thickness of the lens.

 

Lens Thickness by Index:

Compare the lens thickness based on the prescription strength and lens material index.

Lens Material Index and Prescription Strength

 

Recommended Prescription Range:

Lens material index recommendations by prescription strength. 
Material Index Design Abbe Thickness 1 Range 2
CR-39 Plastic 1.50 Spheric 58 Standard SPH: 0.00 to 2.50
CYL: 0.00 to 2.00
Trivex 1.53 Spheric 43 10% Thinner SPH: 0.00 to 2.50
CYL: 0.00 to 2.00
Polycarbonate 1.58 Spheric 30 20% Thinner SPH: 0.00 to 4.00
CYL: 0.00 to 2.00
Hi-Index 1.56 Spheric 39 15% Thinner SPH: 0.00 to 3.00
CYL: 0.00 to 2.00
  1.60 Spheric 37 25% Thinner SPH: 2.00 to 4.00
CYL: 0.00 to 2.00
  1.67 Aspheric 32 40% Thinner SPH: 4.00 to 8.00
CYL: 0.00 to 4.00
  1.70 Aspheric 36 45% Thinner SPH: 4.00 to 8.00
CYL: 0.00 to 4.00
  1.74 Aspheric 33 50% Thinner SPH: 6.00 and above
CYL: 0.00 to 4.00
 
Visit the Lens Material Comparison Guide for further details about lens materials.

Lens Designs:
Spheric Standard conventional spherical design with curvature based on the prescription strength.
Aspheric The aspheric design offers gradual flattening of the lens that helps reduce distortion. Suitable for higher prescriptions, especially strong astigmatism, and higher (CYL) powers. Anti-glare coating is recommended to help reduce distortion.
 

Aberration (Abbe) Values:

The ABBE or Aberration value describes the amount of chromatic aberration of an ophthalmic lens. The higher the number, the less amount of aberration and better visual performance and peripheral vision. Standard CR-39 plastic has the highest ABBE value and offers the best visual performance. Meanwhile, the Polycarbonate material has the lowest ABBE value and offers the least. The ABBE values are fairly similar or the same across the different lens brands offered.


Considerations:
  • Lenses made for smaller frames may reduce lens mass and thickness.
  • Blank lenses are 65 to 75 millimeters wide.
  • Thick lens edges are less revealing in plastic frames than in metal or rimless frames.
  • Lenses for semi-rimless and full-rimless frames should be thick enough to preserve the lens integrity.
 

1 Thinner up to the advertised amount when compared to standard plastic CR-39 (1.50) index lenses. The maximum thinness amount may vary based on prescription strength.

2 Lenses outside of the recommended range (plus or minus powers) may be subject to custom surfacing delays and additional costs.

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Progressive Lenses
Important Notice:
  • First-time progressive lens wearers may require training, practice, and adaptation. For details, please see the Progressive Lens Adaption section.
  • Progressive lenses are generally recommended for frames taller than 22 mm lens height (B measurement). A taller frame generally allows for a bigger focus area and ideally makes the lenses easier to use and adapt to.
  • Our lab will use an in-house formula to determine the Seg Height (reading height) unless the measurement is provided by the customer in the order. For details, please see the Supported Parameters section.

A wide selection of progressive lenses is available for different budgets and quality expectations. Standard or Traditional progressive lenses are available, as well as premium digital, advanced, or elite options. Generally, the higher-quality progressive lenses will come with a higher price tag but will also provide a greater lens experience.

 
Progressive Lens Qualities

Some qualities to consider for the different progressive lens designs that will greatly influence the overall lens-wearing experience and adaptability include the following:

  • Larger/Broader reading area or corridor
  • Greater eye rotation flexibility (less neck rotation)
  • Smooth transition from Near to Far
  • Reduce or Eliminate off-balance ("Seasick") feelings
  • Less distortion in soft (out-of-focus) areas
  • Sharp and Extended vision
  • Traditional (legacy) designs or Digital
 
Choosing Progressive Lenses

It is suggested first to select the desired Lens Material, then select the desired Lens Grade (or Lens Series / Brand) from the options available.

Lens manufacturers usually offer different grades (or designs) of progressive lenses and label them as different Lens Series or names. Lenses are grouped by separate lens series names as well as four separate grades of quality from least to best, as shown in the rating table below.

 
Progressive Lens Quality Grades

Standard  		 Traditional (legacy) progressive lens designs or value brands generally offer the least quality but the most affordable.

Advanced  		 Partially digital progressive name-brand lenses are better quality than standard options.

Premium  		 Fully digital and premium name brands for greater quality and lens experience.

Elite  		 The most high-end digital options available from premium name brands for those seeking the best quality and lens experience.

 

Progressive Lenses

Progressive Lens Manufacturer resources and websites:

More information regarding the different progressive lens brands and designs may be found directly on the manufacturer's websites below.

 

Our lab has over 40 years of optical experience crafting progressive lenses. We use an advanced progressive formula that is precisely calculated to the frames you select with your order. If you would like to use a custom Seg Height Measurement for the progressive lenses, it may be provided in the "Comments Section" of the lens order.

Progressive or multifocal lenses are advanced prescription lenses that offer distance, intermediate, and near distance in one lens without the traditional bifocal window. Learn more about progressive lenses in the Lens Type Guide.

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Lens Coatings

Customize your lenses with additional coating options if they are not already included. Options may vary or are included based on the lens selected. Please select a lens through the lens ordering wizard to view the current options and pricing available. All coating options are available or included with prescription lenses.


Standard Coatings

Standard coating options are included in most lens materials (except for CR-39 Plastic) or may be added for an extra cost.

Standard Coating Options:
Scratch Guard
A hard, durable resin coat helps prevent minor scratches
UV Protection
100% UVA / UVB Protection - Blocks sun rays

Anti-Glare Coating

Anti-glare (anti-reflective) coating is an additional option that can offer a variety of benefits for the wearer. In order to help reduce glare, this coating inherently appears like a film coated on the lens, usually in a greenish/purplish hue.

 

Benefits may include:
Anti-Glare Coating Benefits
  • Less eye-strain & fatigue
  • Improves cosmetic appearance
  • Reduces annoying lens glare
  • Reduce headlight glare
  • Reduces lens distortion (for aspheric & progressive lenses)
  • Easy cleaning properties
  • Anti-water and anti-dust (hydrophobic)
  • Anti-oil and smudging (oleophobic)
  • Enhanced scratch durability
  • UV protection
  • Blue-light protection
 
Premium Anti-Glare coatings:

Crizal Anti-Glare Coating

Options and pricing may vary based on the lenses selected.

Example:
Without Anti-Glare Coating

Without Anti-Glare Coating

With Anti-Glare Coating

With Anti-Glare Coating

Blue-Light Protection

Blue-light protection filters out blue-light emitted from computer screens, smartphones, tablets, and television screens. Long-term exposure to blue-light can be harmful to the eyes. 

Blue-light protection is included in select lenses and anti-glare coatings. Lenses and anti-glare coatings with both including blue-light protection may be combined for added layers of protection.

Shop Blue-Filter Lenses

Essilor Eyezen

 

For all other lenses, consider adding an anti-glare coating that includes blue-light protection.

Anti-Glare Coatings with Blue-Light Protection:

 

  • Crizal® Prevencia - Available for most lenses
  • DuraVision BlueProtect® - Only available for Zeiss® Lenses
  • Hoya® Recharge EX3 - Only available for Hoya® Lenses

Visit the manufacturer's websites for further information about these options:

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Sun Lens Options

A variety of different sun or color tint options are available for prescription lenses. Traditional color tinting sun options are available, as well as advanced sun options like Sen-Sensitive, Photochromic, and Mirror coating. These sun options are additional treatments to the lens. Traditional options can be customized, while the more premium options are included in the lens. 

 

Compare Sun Options

The comparison table below explains the differences between the different sun options, whether it's Standard tinting, Sun-sensitive, or Polarized.

Standard Tinting
(Solid & Gradient)		 Sun-Sensitive
(Photochromic)		 Polarized
(Advanced Sun)
  • Fully customizable standard UV-protected sun lenses.
  • Must be added as a lens option during the lens order.
  • Available only on Clear (tintable) lenses
  • Available in Solid, Gradient, or Double Gradient tint types.
  • Available in most standard colors.
  • Customize darkness from 10-80%
  • Maximum darkness available may vary based on the lens material.
  • The lens's darkness or color changes or adapts to the current lighting conditions.
  • Makes it possible to utilize regular eyeglasses also as sunglasses when necessary.
  • Comes as an included option in select lens packages.
  • Colors and darkness may vary based on the brand of Sun-Sensitive coating.
  • Commonly available in neutral colors like Grey or Brown.
  • Full-time sun lenses help reduce glare off surfaces and objects.
  • Comes as an included option in select lens packages.
  • Colors may vary based on the brand of the polarized lens. Generally available in neutral colors like Grey or Brown.
  • Color darkness is usually the same for all polarized lens options (around 70-80% darkness)
  • Mirror coating is only available on select polarized lenses at this time.
See details See details See details


 

Standard Color Tinting

Traditional custom color tinting is available for fashion or sun protection.

 
Tint Types Available:

Prices may vary based on the tint type selected.

Solid Color Tinting
Solid Tint
One solid color
Gradient Color Tinting
Gradient Tint
Top color faded to clear
Double Gradient Color Tinting
Double Gradient Tint
Top color faded to bottom color
Tint Colors:

Available for all tint types.

Green
Grey
Brown
Rose
Yellow
Purple
Blue
 
Tint Darkness:

Light fashion tinting up to maximum darkness tint for sunglasses.

10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
 
Important Information:
  • Only available for "Clear" lenses
  • CR-39 Plastic lens material is recommended for maximum darkness
  • UV Protection is required if not already included in the lens
  • Adding anti-glare coating with custom color tinting may affect darkness
  • Color shades & tones may look different in person than on the screen

Sun-Sensitive / Photochromic

Sun-sensitive (or photochromic) lenses, intended for part-time sunglass use, are clear indoors and get darker under the sun.  Exposing the lens directly to the sun's UV rays turns ordinary lenses into sun lenses when they are needed the most. A variety of high-quality premium photochromic lens options are available and packaged with the lens.

 
Sun-Sensitive / Photochromic options:

Premium sun-sensitive brands for custom prescription lenses. Variety of colors may vary based on lens package.

Photochromic / Sun-Sensitive Lenses

PhotoFusion Lenses
Transitions Lenses
Shop all Sun-Sensitive Lenses

Polarized

Polarized lenses are advanced full-time dark sunglass lenses that reduce glare off surfaces & objects and improve visual acuity, as opposed to traditional color tinting. These lenses are great for fishing, skiing, and outdoor activities.

Note: Polarized lenses are not the same as anti-glare coating. Anti-glare coating helps reduce glare off the lens whereas polarization helps reduce glare off surfaces & objects in the viewfield.

Polarized lens options:

Premium polarized brands for custom prescription lenses. Variety of colors may vary based on lens package.

Polarized Sun Lenses
Shop all Polarized Lenses

Mirror Coating

Enhance the sun protection and appearance of polarized or sun-sensitive sunglass lenses by adding an optional front mirror-finish coating. Lens mirror coatings are available only on select lens brands and coatings.

 
Premium mirror coating options:

The premium mirror coating brands are for custom prescription lenses. The variety of colors may vary based on the lens package.

Lens Mirror Coating

Visit the manufacturer's websites for further information about these options:

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Additional Lens Services

Our optical lab is equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art devices to handle even the most complex lens services.

 

Edge Polishing

Lens-edge polish may improve the cosmetic appearance of the lens, but may also degrade the stability of the lens in the frame which can cause the lens to feel loose in the frames. A polished lens edge can also cause higher glare due to reflective light which can sometimes be bothersome. This feature is usually added for thicker lenses, for rimless frames, or upon special request when the lab feels it will not compromise stability or comfort. There is no extra cost for lens-edge polishing.

Lens edge polishing

Edge Grooving

Lens-edge grooving is processed for semi-rimless, half-rimless or nylor frames. The lens stability is usually supported by a wire fitting inside of the edge groove. It is recommended to consider the lens should have a fair amount of edge thickness to support a stable grooving and preserve lens integrity. Polycarbonate or Trivex materials are recommended for durability. There is no extra cost for lens-edge grooving when lenses are ordered with semi-rimless frames.

Lens edge polishing

Drilling & Mounting

Lens drilling & mounting are for full rimless glasses. Lenses are precisely drilled to the manufacturer coordinations then mounted to the frame to ensure an accurate fitting. Lens options for full rimless glasses are limited to Polycarbonate, Trivex and Hi-Index 1.67 (or higher) materials only for durability reasons. Due to the fragile nature, it is recommended to handle these lenses with greater care than an ordinary pair of glasses. Moreover, further maintenance (tightening) may be needed from time to time. There is an extra cost for drilling & mounting that is usually applied to the lens order when ordering lenses with full rimless glasses. 

Lens edge polishing
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Lens Replacement Service
Customers may send in their own glasses to purchase new lenses from our store. Please visit the Eyeglass Lens Replacement section for more information.
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Still have questions?
Contact a customer support specialist. Email Us