When it comes to choosing the right frame for your prescription glasses, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure comfort, style, and optimal vision. Whether you're selecting frames for eyeglasses or sunglasses, understanding the differences and limitations of each type can help you make an informed decision. Albeit those with lighter prescriptions aren't necessarily limited to certain frames and can often enjoy a wider variety of styles; here’s what you need to know to find your perfect frame.

Differences Between Sunglass Frames and Eyeglass Frames

While sunglass frames and eyeglass frames might look similar, they serve different purposes and have unique design considerations. Sunglass frames are typically larger to provide more coverage and protection against the sun. They often come with thicker rims and are designed to hold tinted or polarized lenses, which don't require the same precision in curvature and thickness as prescription lenses.

On the other hand, eyeglass frames are crafted to hold lenses that correct vision, which means they need to accommodate the specific measurements of your prescription. This difference in design means that not all sunglass frames can be converted into prescription glasses without compromising on comfort or lens quality.

Popular Frame Shapes

Here are some popular frame shapes and how they might suit your prescription needs:

• Classic Timeless and versatile, classic frames work well with most prescriptions. They provide a balanced look that suits various face shapes.
• Aviator Originally designed for pilots, aviator frames are now a fashion staple. However, their large size can be problematic for heavy prescriptions.
• Round Round frames provide a vintage look but may require upgraded lenses to avoid excessive thickness for strong prescriptions.
• Rectangle These frames are practical and can be a good choice for higher prescriptions, as their shape supports a wide range of lens thicknesses.
• Cat Eye Cat eye frames are fashionable and can accommodate a variety of prescriptions. Their upward sweep can help balance thicker lenses, making them a stylish yet functional choice.
• Shield: These frames offer extensive coverage and are more common in sunglasses. In their original form they aren't ideal for prescriptions due to their size, curvature and nature of a single lens.

Why Smaller Size Frames Are Better for Stronger Prescriptions

If you have a strong prescription, opting for smaller frames can be beneficial. Smaller frames reduce the overall thickness and weight of the lenses, leading to a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing result. Large lenses can become excessively thick at the edges, especially for high prescriptions, causing distortion and discomfort.

Wire Frames...Cool, But Not for Every Prescription

Wire frames, such as our Hudson aviator or MHC round frames, are stylish and lightweight, making them a popular choice for many. However, they can pose challenges for those with stronger prescriptions. The thinness of wire frames may not adequately support thicker lenses required for higher prescriptions. This can lead to lenses protruding from the frame or even instability in the frame itself.

While wire frames may not support your prescription, there are TR90 frame alternatives such as our Masha aviator or Bondi round frames.

Still Want That Frame?

Good news! Depending on the strength of your prescription, you may be able to still get that frame you want. Choosing materials like polycarbonate (impact resistant) and high-index lenses can significantly reduce lens thickness. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact-resistant, making them an excellent choice for higher prescriptions. High-index lenses have a higher refractive index, meaning they can bend light more efficiently, allowing the lenses to be thinner even for strong prescriptions.

Even better news! Neven offers the ability to easily upgrade to either Polycarbonate or High Index during your prescription eyewear selection and configuration.

'But How Do I Know If I Need To Upgrade?'

Not sure if you need to upgrade the lens on your chosen frame? Don't worry, we have you covered. If it's not already on your prescription, feel free to select the lens you think you need when presented with lens options. If you have a strong prescription, we recommend you select Impact Resistant (Polycarbonate); most of the time this will suffice. As part of the checkout process, you will need to provide us with your current up-to-date prescription. Our system will check your prescription against the selected frame(s) and prompt you when an upgrade to High Index is necessary. But wait... there's more! Our team of qualified eyewear technicians review each and every prescription order. If there's ever any question or recommendation, one of our customer service representatives will personally reach out to you with information and/or clarification. We want to make sure that you get the right eyewear; not only to help you see well, but to help you look and feel your best.

What You Should Leave With

Choosing the right frame for your prescription is crucial not only for comfort and style, but for your vision. By considering the differences between sunglass and eyeglass frames, the limitations of wire frames, the benefits of smaller frames for strong prescriptions, and matching frame shapes to your facial size and shape, you can find the perfect pair that meets your needs. Explore a wide range of options at Neven Eyewear to discover frames that suit your style and prescription.