What are aspheric lenses?

Aspheric lenses are a type of lens for glasses. They are made with flatter curves that gradually change from the centre of the lens out to the edge to give them a slim, flat profile. These lenses can be used for most prescriptions; however, they are particularly beneficial for those who have a high prescription and are worried about the bulge of a standard lens.

Who needs aspheric lenses?

Aspheric lenses are more likely to benefit those with a high refractive error (+/-4.00 diopters or more). This is because they offer vision correction for conditions such as myopia, hypermetropia and presbyopia, without the thickness of a standard lens. Aspheric lenses may also benefit patients with astigmatism.

If you have a strong prescription, your optician may recommend both aspheric and high index lenses for your glasses. A high index lens performs two roles:

1. Allows light to travel through the material faster
2. Bends light more efficiently to correct high-refractive errors

Lenses over a 1.67 refractive index are often aspheric. This allows optimal vision correction along with a slim lens profile.

If you’re unsure about whether aspheric contact lenses are right for you, consult with your optician who will be able to provide personalised advice.

What are the advantages of aspheric eyeglass lenses?

Aspheric lenses offer many benefits to wearers, for example:

• You won’t be short on choice as they fit into most frames
• They can be used by those with strong prescriptions
• They are ideal for those who suffer from myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism
• Unlike spherical glasses, they do not distort the appearance of your eyes
• They are deemed better/more natural-looking than thicker eyeglasses
• They are lightweight and comfortable
• They improve overall image quality and provide brighter, sharper vision
• They improve your peripheral vision by eliminating distortion

What are the downsides of aspheric lenses?

Whilst there are plenty of advantages of aspheric lenses, you should also take these considerations into account before making the switch:

• The cost is usually higher due to the complexity of the manufacturing process
• Aspheric lenses are thinner than spherical lenses, making them more fragile

Aspheric lenses vs traditional spherical lenses

Aspheric means ‘not spherical’, so the main difference between aspheric lenses and spherical lenses is the shape. However, there are other differences between these types of lenses:

• Traditional lenses tend to be heavier in weight (due to the spherical curvature)
• Aspherical lenses deflect light rays to avoid spherical errors that cause blurring
• With aspheric lenses, you’ll need an anti-reflective coating as they are more likely to have reflections

Where can I get aspheric lenses?

Look no further as you can get your new lightweight, comfortable pair of glasses with aspheric lenses right here at Feel Good Contacts. As well as consulting with your optician beforehand, we also recommend reading our guide on our glasses lens options for a full understanding of what each lens offers.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.