Having a high prescription can make finding the right glasses more challenging, but it does not mean you have to settle for thick, heavy or aesthetically unappealing lenses. At CristalesGafas, we specialise in high-prescription lenses and we explain everything you need to know to get comfortable, attractive glasses even with a strong correction.
What Is Considered a High Prescription?
In general terms, a prescription is considered high when the sphere value exceeds ±6 dioptres. However, some specialists use different thresholds:
- Mild myopia or hyperopia: Up to ±3 dioptres
- Moderate: Between ±3 and ±6 dioptres
- High: Above ±6 dioptres
- Very high: Above ±10 dioptres
High prescriptions can involve myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or a combination of these.
Challenges of High Prescriptions
The main challenge of high prescriptions is lens thickness. The higher the prescription, the thicker standard lenses become — which can make them heavy, aesthetically unflattering, and uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
Additionally, with high myopia, lenses tend to have a “magnifying glass” appearance with concentric circles visible from the side. With high hyperopia, lenses can look like thick domes. These effects can be minimised with the right lens index.
The Solution: High-Index Lenses
The most effective solution for high prescriptions is using high-index lenses. The higher the refractive index, the thinner and lighter the lens for the same prescription:
- Index 1.67: Significantly thinner — suitable for prescriptions between ±4 and ±6 dioptres
- Index 1.74: The thinnest available — ideal for prescriptions above ±6 dioptres
Tips for Choosing Frames with a High Prescription
- Choose smaller frames: Smaller lenses require less material, resulting in a thinner edge.
- Avoid very curved frames: Strongly curved frames can distort vision in the peripheral zones of the lens.
- Consider full-rim frames: These hide the lens edge better than half-rim or rimless frames.
- Centre your pupils: With high prescriptions it is particularly important to have precise centration measurements to minimise optical aberrations.
High-Prescription Lenses at CristalesGafas
At CristalesGafas, we specialise in high-prescription lenses. We manufacture lenses up to index 1.74, with anti-scratch coating included as standard, and our optometrists verify each lens individually. Whether you need single vision, progressive or bifocal lenses with a high prescription, we have the ideal solution for you at a competitive price.