Why Wear Aspheric Lenses?

What are aspheric lenses and why might you want to use them? Using the same revolutionary technology that has changed the way photographers choose their camera lenses, many reading glasses feature thinner and lighter lenses than ever. They’re called aspheric lenses, and increasingly more eyeglass wearers are making the switch. Let’s dive in to learn more about this lens technology and the benefits of this lens type.

Traditional lenses have a spherical curvature. Imagine the shape of a ball. In contrast, an aspheric lens is designed with varying curvature across the surface of the lens, allowing it to be flatter and thinner. In both farsighted and nearsighted prescriptions, aspheric lenses provide a slimmer profile and minimize eye distortion without compromising optical quality. Let’s look at how conventional lenses are designed for far and nearsighted prescriptions: 

• Lenses for farsightedness have a convex curve, meaning they are thicker in the center and thinner at the edges. The stronger the prescription, the more the middle of the lens bulges outwards creating what is often referred to as the “coke bottle effect.” 
• Lenses for nearsighted prescriptions have a concave curve, meaning they are thinnest at the center of the lens and thickest at the edge. 

For both types of prescriptions, aspheric lenses vary the curvature of the lens, so it is flatter. This results in reduced thickness of the center or edges of the lens. 

• Less bulging of the lens at the center or edges, giving you a sleeker profile 
• More frame options for individuals with strong eyeglass prescriptions or reading powers 
• A more natural appearance of the eye (reduces the eye magnification that occurs with farsightedness and the smaller appearance of the eye that occurs with nearsightedness) 
• Lightweight (less material is used to make the lens) 
• Better peripheral vision 
• Higher image quality (less image distortion throughout the lens) 

With aspheric lenses, individuals with strong prescriptions do not have to worry as much about the thickness of the lens in the frame. This opens their options when it comes to selecting a frame shape and size. 

With aspheric lenses, it is important to ensure that the center of the eye is lined up with the middle of the lens for maximum visual clarity. 

You’ll find that aspheric lenses can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic. However, they’re often made from a high-index material. Aspheric lenses tend to have more reflections, so an anti-reflective coating is recommended! Learn more about lens materials and coatings. 

The short answer: Anyone. 

The long answer: Individuals with strong farsighted prescriptions should choose aspheric lenses if they are concerned about the bulging appearance of the lens or the magnification of their eyes. But aspheric lenses aren’t just in prescription eyeglasses, they are available in reading glasses, too! Aspheric reading glasses provide all the benefits mentioned above and are a particularly excellent choice for those with high reading powers (+4.00 and higher). 

It’s best to talk to your eye doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of aspheric lenses. They can make recommendations based on your vision needs to ensure your glasses are the perfect fit. 

Never purchased reading glasses before? No problem! You can easily find your reading glasses power by using our free Power Finder tool. 

SOURCES 

1. Aspheric Lenses for Better Vision and Appearance. All About Vision. February 2019.* 

2. What Are Aspheric Lenses & How Do They Work? Vision Center. May 2024. 

3. What Are Aspheric Lenses? WebMD. May 2024. 

4. Eyeglasses. Cleveland Clinic. February 2024. 

The sources listed here have been provided for informational purposes only. The citation of a particular source does not constitute an endorsement or approval of EssilorLuxottica products, services, or opinions by such source.  

*Like Foster Grant, All About Vision and AAV Media, LLC are affiliates of EssilorLuxottica.