Having thick lenses simply means you have a high prescription, you’ve likely noticed that the edges of your lenses look thick. This happens because concave lenses (used to correct nearsightedness) are naturally thinner in the center and thicker at the edges. The higher your power, the more noticeable that thickness becomes.
At Ottico Eyecare, we believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for clarity. Here are four professional ways we can help you achieve a thinner, more “normal” look for your eyewear.
Choose Smaller Frames
The physics of a lens is simple: the further you go from the center, the thicker the material becomes.
- The Strategy: By choosing a frame with a smaller lens diameter, we cut away the thickest part of the lens before it ever reaches your face.
- The Benefit: A smaller frame significantly reduces the overall weight and “bulky” appearance of your glasses.
Opt for Round Shapes
The shape of your frame matters just as much as the size.
- Why Round? Round or oval lenses keep the distance from the center to the edge at a minimum across the entire circumference.
- The Result: Square or rectangular frames often have very thick corners. Choosing a rounder style helps maintain a more uniform, thin edge.
Upgrade to High-Index Lens Materials
In the past, high prescriptions required thick glass or plastic. Today, we use High-Index materials.
- How it works: These lenses are made from a specialized material that bends light more efficiently. This means they can achieve your prescription using much less physical material.
- The Ottico Edge: High-index lenses at our Nairobi store almost always come with an Anti-Reflective (AR) coating. While this increases the cost, it eliminates distracting reflections and makes the lens look nearly invisible.
Ask for Aspheric Lens Technology
Standard lenses are “spherical,” meaning they have a consistent curve like a ball. Aspheric lenses are different.
- The Design: Aspheric lenses feature a complex, flatter curve that deviates from a perfect sphere.
- The Cosmetic Advantage: This allows the edges to be thinned down significantly. While the center portion provides your crisp 20/20 vision, the edges are tapered for a sleek, aesthetic look.
- The Feel: It offers a similar visual experience to wearing small round frames but allows you to wear larger, more modern frame styles without the weight.
A Value-Worthy Investment in Your Vision
Because these lenses are fully customized and tailor-made for your specific eye needs, the price is slightly higher than standard lenses. However, the benefits are undeniable:
- Reduced Eye “Shrinkage”: Thinner lenses reduce the “small eye” look often caused by high-power nearsighted prescriptions.
- Superior Comfort: Lighter lenses mean no more painful red marks on your nose.
- Confidence: Your glasses look stylish and “normal” to everyone else.
At Ottico Eyecare, we specialize in precision lens fitting. Visit our Nairobi clinic, and let our opticians calculate the perfect combination of frame size and lens material for your unique prescription.
