The Guide to Lens Upgrades: Are They Worth It?

What Are Anti-Reflective, High-Index, and Anti-Scratch Lenses?

You’ve found the perfect, hand-picked frame. Now it's time for the most important part: the lenses.

At Choice Eyewear, we believe in transparent, incredible value. That's why every pair of our curated frames comes with a premium lens package, absolutely free.

What You Get for FREE (Our Standard)

As a passionate, SF-based small business, our "standard" is what others call an upgrade. Every pair of glasses you buy from us includes:

• Free High-Quality Single-Vision Lenses

• Free Anti-Scratch Coating (to protect your investment from daily wear)

• Free 100% UV Protection (to keep your eyes safe and healthy)

From this amazing starting point, you can choose a few powerful optional upgrades to make your glasses truly perfect for your lifestyle. Here is our honest breakdown of the upgrades we recommend most.

1. Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating (The "Clarity" Upgrade)

• What it is: An AR coating is an ultra-thin, invisible layer that eliminates distracting reflections from the front and back of your lenses.

• Why it matters:

  1. Clearer Vision: It cuts down on glare, especially from computer screens and headlights while driving at night.

  2. Looks Better: It makes your lenses look nearly invisible, so people see your eyes, not a distracting reflection.

  3. Less Eye Strain: By reducing glare, it helps your eyes relax, reducing digital eye strain.

Our Expert Verdict: Is it Worth It? Yes, 100%. This is the single best upgrade you can get. It dramatically improves your visual clarity and how your glasses look.

2. High-Index Lenses (The "Aesthetic" Upgrade)

• What it is: High-index lenses are made from a special material that bends light more efficiently. In plain English, it means we can make your lenses significantly thinner and lighter.

• Who needs it? This upgrade is specifically for those with stronger prescriptions (typically an SPH of ±4.00 or higher).

• Why it matters:

  1. Thinner: It eliminates that "coke bottle" look.

  2. Lighter: It makes your glasses far more comfortable to wear all day, reducing pressure on your nose.

  3. Better Looking: It reduces the eye-distorting "bug-eye" or "tiny-eye" effect that strong prescriptions can cause.

Our Expert Verdict: Is it Worth It? If your prescription is strong, yes. It is a game-changer for your comfort and confidence. If your prescription is mild (between -2.00 and +2.00), our free standard lenses are already perfect.

3. Specialty Lenses (The "Lifestyle" Upgrades)

These aren't just "upgrades"; they are "specializations" for your daily life.

• Blue Light Lenses: A must-have for anyone who spends hours on a computer or phone.

• Photochromic Lenses: The 2-in-1 "transition" lenses that are clear indoors and darken in the sun.

• Polarized Lenses: The best choice for prescription sunglasses, as they cut harsh, reflective glare.

The Choice is Yours

The best part is, you don't have to guess. You can start with our fantastic free lens package (with Anti-Scratch & UV Protection!) and then add only the upgrades that truly serve your lifestyle.

Shop Our Eyeglass Collection