Lens Thickness Calculator
Calculate your eyeglass lens thickness based on prescription, material, and frame size.
Prescription Information
Frame & Lens Details
Lens Thickness Results
Your lens thickness results will appear here
Lens Thickness Guide
Your lens thickness guide will appear here
Lens Selection Tips
Lens Material Matters
Thin lenses with higher prescriptions are constructed using higher index lenses (1.67, 1.74).
Frame Size Effect
Smaller frames reduce edge thickness for nearsighted prescriptions.
Edge Polishing
For thick lenses, employ edge polishing to minimize apparent thickness.
Lens Thickness Calculator: A Guide to Eyeglass Lens Thickness Understanding
When you buy prescription glasses, something to consider is lens thickness. Lenses that are thicker are heavier and not as stylish, whereas thinner lenses are less fatiguing and are more stylish. A lens thickness calculator estimates how thick your lenses will be based upon your prescription and frame selection.
Why Is Lens Thickness Important?
Lens thickness depends on several factors:
- Prescription strength – More powerful prescriptions (especially for hyperopia or myopia) require thicker lenses.
- Lens material – Different lens materials (plastic, polycarbonate, high-index) have different refractive indices, which affect thickness.
- Frame width and size – Broader frames or rounder shapes may create thicker edges for minus prescriptions.
- Pupillary distance (PD) – Proper positioning reduces excessive lens thickness.
How a Lens Thickness Calculator Functions
A lens thickness calculator uses your prescription data and calculates center and edge lens thicknesses from it. Some of the simple inputs are:
- Sphere (SPH), Cylinder (CYL), and Axis values (to correct astigmatism).
- Pupillary Distance (PD) – The distance between your pupils.
- Material of lens (i.e., 1.50 standard plastic, 1.67 high-index).
- Frame size (lens width, bridge width, temple length).
Example Calculation
For a patient with:
- Prescription: -5.00 (near sightedness)
- Lens Material: 1.60 High-Index
- Frame Size: 50mm width
- PD: 62mm
A lens thickness calculator can give a rough figure of about 5-6mm for edge thickness, and a standard plastic lens (1.50 index) would typically be about 7-8mm thick.
Minimizing the thickness of the lens
- Choose a high-index material for the lens (e.g., 1.67 or 1.74 for high prescriptions).
- Select a smaller frame – Larger lenses make edge thickness more noticeable in myopic prescriptions.
- Opt for aspheric lenses – Thinner profiles reduce bulk.
- Keep accurate PD measurements – Centering saves excess material.
Where to Obtain a Lens Thickness Calculator
All the internet eyeglass sites and websites have free lens thickness calculators. Plug in your prescription information, frame size, and your preferred lens material and you will have an estimate.
Final Thoughts
It is helpful to know the lens thickness in order to make the right choices when buying glasses. With a lens thickness calculator of Calculator Pro Tool, you are able to pick the optimal combination of lens material and frame type for maximum comfort and appearance.