An Expert's Guide to Choosing Your Eyeglass Lenses
From Prescription Type to Lens Upgrades, We'll Make It Simple
You’ve hand-picked the perfect frame—now it's time for the most important part: the lenses.
This can feel like the most technical step, but as SF-based eyewear experts with over 20+ years of experience, our job is to make it simple.
The great news: Every frame we sell includes free, high-quality clear single-vision lenses. This guide will help you understand all the powerful upgrades you can choose to perfectly match your vision and lifestyle.
Part 1: Your Prescription Type (The "How You See")
This is the non-negotiable first step, based on your doctor's prescription.
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Single Vision This is the most common lens. It's a single, all-purpose lens designed to correct for one field of vision—either Distance (for driving, watching TV) or Reading (for close-up tasks).
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Included for free in all of our eyeglasses.
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Bifocals These lenses correct for both distance and reading in one. They have a visible, D-shaped or round line on the bottom half of the lens that holds the reading power.
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Progressives (No-Line Bifocals) This is the modern, premium solution for multifocal vision. Progressives offer a smooth, seamless transition between distance, intermediate (computer), and reading zones with no visible line. They look just like a single-vision lens and are our top recommendation for anyone who needs multifocal correction.
Part 2: Your Lens Material (The "Fit & Feel")
The material determines your lens's weight, thickness, and durability.
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Standard 1.56 Index (Our Free Lens) This high-quality material is perfect for most common, mild-to-moderate prescriptions and is included for free.
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Polycarbonate (Impact-Resistant) This is our "tough" lens. It's significantly lighter and more impact-resistant than standard plastic, making it the perfect choice for kids, sports, or safety. It is required for all rimless and half-rim frames.
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High-Index (Thinner & Lighter) If you have a stronger prescription (typically over ±4.00 SPH), a high-index lens (like 1.61, 1.67, or 1.74) is a fantastic upgrade. This premium material is designed to be thinner, lighter, and more attractive, reducing that "coke bottle" look.
Part 3: Your Lens Upgrades (The "Lifestyle")
This is where you customize your lenses for your daily life.
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Photochromic (Transition) Lenses This is the ultimate 2-in-1 convenience. These lenses are clear indoors and automatically darken to become sunglasses when you step outside.
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Blue Light Filtering A must-have for the modern world. This special coating filters out harsh blue light from digital screens (computers, phones) to help reduce digital eye strain and improve sleep.
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Tints & Polarization (for Sunglasses) Want to turn your favorite frame into prescription sunglasses?
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Standard Tint: A permanent, non-polarized tint (solid or gradient) for sun protection.
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Polarized Tint: A high-performance upgrade that eliminates harsh, reflective glare from roads, water, and snow. This is our #1 expert recommendation for driving and outdoor activities.
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Still Not Sure? That's What We're Here For.
Lenses are complicated, but you don't have to be the expert—we are. As a passionate, SF-based small business, our greatest value is our support. If you're confused by your prescription or not sure which lens is for you, just ask.
