Finding Your Perfect Lens: Why Material Matters More Than You Think
“Why are my glasses so heavy?”
“Can you see the thickness of my lenses from the side?”
“Will these lenses work with the frame I love?”
We hear these questions every day at Jacksons Styling Opticians, and they all point to the same thing: the material your lenses are made from matters just as much as your prescription.
Think of it this way – you wouldn’t build a racing car from the same materials as a family SUV, would you? The same principle applies to your spectacle lenses. The right material transforms your glasses from something you tolerate wearing into something you forget you’re wearing at all.
The Challenge: One Prescription, Multiple Solutions
Here’s what most people don’t realise: your prescription can be made in several different materials, each with its own personality. Some are lighter, some are thinner, some are virtually indestructible. The question isn’t “what’s best?” – it’s “what’s best for you?”
Let’s explore your options in a way that actually makes sense.
Orma 1.5: The Reliable Classic
Best for: Lower prescriptions where you want quality without complexity
Remember the revolution when plastic lenses replaced glass? That was Orma. It’s the dependable choice that’s served millions of people brilliantly – affordable, optically excellent, and perfect when your prescription is modest.
The reality check: If your prescription is stronger, Orma lenses start getting noticeably thicker and heavier. Not ideal if you’re drawn to sleek, modern frames or you’re wearing your glasses all day.
You’ll love Orma if: You have a low prescription, prioritise value, and want straightforward, quality lenses that just work.
Ormix 1.6: The Stylish Step-Up
Best for: Medium prescriptions and frame flexibility
Here’s where we start getting into the aesthetics of prescription eyewear. Ormix 1.6 lenses are noticeably thinner and flatter than standard materials – which means they look better and open up your frame options considerably.
Why this matters: That gorgeous rimless frame you’ve been eyeing? The oversized fashion frames? They need thinner lenses to look right. Thicker lenses in delicate frames create unflattering “bug-eye” effects or visible edges that spoil the look.
The bonus: Thinner also means lighter. Your glasses sit more comfortably, don’t slide down your nose as easily, and include full UV protection.
You’ll love Ormix if: You care about how your glasses look on your face, want versatility in frame choice, and have a prescription that would look bulky in standard materials.
Stylis 1.67: The Premium Refinement
Best for: Higher prescriptions where appearance really matters
This is where lens technology gets seriously impressive. Stylis 1.67 is made from exceptionally pure, high-index material that creates lenses up to 40% thinner than you’d expect.
What this looks like in practice: Remember those concerns about thickness visible from the side? Gone. The worry that your lenses will magnify or minimise your eyes unnaturally? Significantly reduced. The limitation on which frames suit your prescription? Largely eliminated.
The confidence factor: There’s something genuinely liberating about choosing frames based on what you love, not what will “work” with your prescription. Stylis 1.67 gives you that freedom.
You’ll love Stylis if: You have a stronger prescription, refuse to compromise on style, and want lenses that look as sophisticated as your frames.
Lineis 1.74: The Ultimate Solution
Best for: High prescriptions where only the thinnest, lightest option will do
Let’s be honest: high prescriptions used to mean accepting certain limitations. Thick lenses, heavy glasses, restricted frame choices. Not anymore.
Lineis 1.74 is the pinnacle of lens technology – the thinnest, lightest material available for prescription lenses. It’s specifically engineered for strong prescriptions that would be impractical in any other material.
The transformation: We’ve seen clients nearly emotional when they try on their first pair of Lineis lenses. After years of thick, heavy glasses, suddenly having thin, elegant lenses in beautiful frames changes how they feel about wearing glasses entirely.
The reality: This is premium technology at a premium price, but for many people with high prescriptions, it’s genuinely life-changing.
You’ll love Lineis if: You have a high prescription, you’ve been frustrated by lens thickness in the past, and you want the absolute best optical performance in the thinnest possible lens.
So, Which Material Is Right for You?
The honest answer? It depends on your unique combination of prescription, lifestyle, frame preferences, and budget.
This is exactly why we don’t just hand you a prescription and send you to a website. At Jacksons Styling Opticians in Nantwich, we take time to understand what matters to you. Are you choosing frames for your wedding? Durability trumps everything for your seven-year-old? Want the thinnest possible lenses for that stunning new frame?
Your prescription is just the starting point. Together, we’ll find the lens material that makes your glasses exactly what they should be: comfortable, clear, and completely you.
Ready to discover which lens material suits you best? Book a consultation at Jacksons Styling Opticians in Nantwich, and let’s find your perfect match.