Best Size Frames for High Prescription: My Guide

I have a -7.00 prescription, which means thick lenses if I choose the wrong frames. Learning about the best size frames for high prescription helped me avoid heavy, unflattering glasses and find options that look good and feel comfortable.

The High Prescription Challenge

With strong prescriptions, lens thickness becomes a major issue. My first pair of glasses had:

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• Thick edges that protruded from the frames
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• Heavy weight that caused nose marks
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• Distortion at the edges
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• Unflattering appearance
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I didn't realize frame size directly affects lens thickness.

Why Smaller Frames Are Better

For high prescriptions, smaller frames mean:

Thinner lenses: Less lens material needed, especially at the edges.

Lighter weight: Smaller lenses weigh less, even with high index material.

Better appearance: Thick edges are less visible in smaller frames.

Lower cost: Less lens material can mean lower prices.

My Ideal Size Range

Through trial and error, I learned that for my -7.00 prescription, I need:

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• Lens width: 48-50mm (not the 54mm I initially chose)
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• Lens height: 35mm or less
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• Round or oval shapes (minimize edge thickness)
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This is smaller than I'd choose for a low prescription, but it's necessary for managing lens thickness.

Frame Shape Matters

Shape affects lens thickness as much as size:

Best shapes for high prescriptions:

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• Round frames (even thickness all around)
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• Oval frames (minimize extreme edges)
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• Small rectangular frames
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Worst shapes:

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• Large rectangular frames (thick at corners)
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• Cat-eye styles (extreme thickness at outer edges)
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• Rimless frames (exposed thick edges)
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The Optical Center Principle

I learned that lenses are thinnest at the optical center. For high prescriptions, you want your pupils as close to this center as possible.

This means:

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• Frames should be well-centered on your face
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• Pupillary distance must match frame width
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• Avoid oversized frames where pupils sit far from center
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What Other High-Prescription Wearers Shared

Reading forums for people with strong prescriptions, I found valuable advice:

One person with -8.00 prescription shared that they only buy frames under 50mm lens width now, after years of thick, heavy glasses.

Another mentioned that they combine small frames with high-index lenses for the thinnest possible result.

Someone else noted that full-rim frames hide lens thickness better than semi-rimless or rimless styles.

Material Considerations

For high prescriptions, frame material matters:

Best materials:

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• Titanium (strong enough to hold heavy lenses)
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• Thick acetate (hides lens edges)
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• Memory metal (flexible for adjustments)
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Avoid:

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• Thin metal (can't support heavy lenses)
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• Rimless (exposes lens edges)
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• Delicate materials (may break under lens weight)
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Combining Size with Lens Technology

I learned that frame size works with lens technology:

Small frames + high-index lenses: The best combination for minimizing thickness.

Small frames + standard lenses: Still better than large frames with high-index.

Large frames + any lens: Will always be thicker and heavier with high prescriptions.

My Current Strategy

For my -7.00 prescription, I now:

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2. Only consider frames with 48-50mm lens width
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4. Choose round or oval shapes
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6. Ensure my pupils align with optical centers
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8. Use high-index lenses (1.67 or 1.74)
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10. Choose full-rim frames to hide edges
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12. Prioritize lightweight frame materials
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The Difference It Makes

My current glasses with 48mm lenses are dramatically thinner and lighter than my old 54mm frames. The difference is:

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• About 30% less lens thickness at edges
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• Significantly lighter weight
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• Better appearance
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• More comfortable all-day wear
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If you have a high prescription, don't make the mistake of choosing large frames. Smaller is better for managing lens thickness, weight, and appearance. The right size frames can make a strong prescription much more wearable.