How to Choose Your Lenses: A Lens Selector Walkthrough
Choosing lenses online is easy in four steps: use, prescription, thickness and extras. Here is how to answer each question with confidence at home.
5 min di letturaDi IGIOO Optical
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Our lens selector walks you through four choices after you pick a frame: what you need the lenses for, your prescription, the lens thickness and any extras. Answer them in that order and you will end up with a lens setup that fits how you actually use your glasses.
Step 1: Tell us what the glasses are for
The first screen asks about your main use. This matters more than any technical detail, because it decides the lens type.
- Distance: one prescription across the whole lens, for driving, the street, the classroom or general wear.
- Reading: a prescription meant for close work such as books, menus and phones.
- Intermediate or computer: tuned for arm's length, like a desk screen.
- Progressive: several zones in one lens, for people who need help at more than one distance.
If you are unsure, think about the situation where you reach for your glasses most often and choose for that. You can always order a second pair later for a different task.
Step 2: Add your prescription
Next you enter the numbers from your eye test. Have the paper or PDF in front of you. Our prescription guide explains each column, and most people only need to copy values across line by line.
| Field | What it means | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| SPH | Main lens power | OD (right) and OS (left) rows |
| CYL and AXIS | Astigmatism correction, always entered as a pair | Same rows, next columns |
| ADD | Extra power for near vision | Only on reading or progressive prescriptions |
| PD | Distance between your pupils in mm | Often listed separately, or measure it yourself |
Leave blank any field that your prescription leaves blank. Do not guess a value to fill a gap.
Step 3: Choose your lens thickness
Lens thickness is called the index. A higher index makes a thinner, lighter lens for the same power. As a rule of thumb, low prescriptions are comfortable in a standard index, while stronger prescriptions benefit from a thinner option, especially in full-rim frames with wide lenses.
The selector shows your options based on the numbers you entered, so you do not need to calculate anything. If you want the detail, our lens index guide compares 1.56, 1.61 and 1.67 side by side.
Step 4: Pick your extras
The last screen is where you add optional features. Common choices include:
- Anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from lights and screens.
- Blue-light filtering for long screen sessions, designed to cut some of the blue light from displays.
- Tints or photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight, useful if you want one pair for indoors and out.
- Polarized lenses on sunglasses, to reduce reflected glare.
Not every extra is right for every person. Choose the ones that match what you do in a normal day rather than adding everything.
A quick example from start to finish
Say you work at a desk, drive at weekends and have a mild astigmatism. You would pick a frame, choose distance in step 1 if you wear the glasses all day, or intermediate if they are mainly for the monitor. In step 2 you copy your SPH, CYL, AXIS and PD from the eye test. In step 3 the selector suggests a thickness that suits your numbers and the frame you chose. In step 4 you might add an anti-reflective coating because it helps with headlights and screen glare.
The whole process usually takes only a few minutes. If you get stuck on any screen, you can stop, check your prescription paper and carry on where you left off.
How frame choice affects your lenses
Frame size and shape change the lens you end up with. A large, wide frame needs a bigger piece of lens, which can mean thicker edges on stronger prescriptions. A smaller or rounder frame keeps the lens compact. Our frame size guide shows how to read the numbers on a frame so you can match width to your face before you choose lenses.
Metal and titanium frames are often chosen for a light feel, while acetate gives more colour and a bolder look. Both work with the full range of lens options, so pick the frame you enjoy wearing and let the selector handle the lens side.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering the right and left eye the wrong way round. OD is right, OS is left.
- Using an old prescription. If your vision has changed, book a new eye test first.
- Skipping PD. A correct pupillary distance helps the lens centre sit in front of your pupil.
- Choosing reading lenses and expecting to see far away. Reading power is built for close work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a prescription from my optician?
Yes. Enter the values exactly as written on it. If anything is unclear, check our FAQ page or ask your optician which column is which.
What if I only need glasses for the computer?
Choose the intermediate or computer option in step 1, then consider an anti-reflective coating in step 4.
Do I need a PD to order?
You do. If it is not on your prescription, you can measure it at home with a ruler and a mirror using our guide.
Can I change my mind about the frame?
Our 14-day fit and style guarantee is explained on the returns page.
Are prescription lenses made to order?
Yes, every pair is made to your numbers, so delivery takes a little longer than a ready-made frame. Free shipping applies on orders over €99.
Shop this guide
Ready to choose your lenses?
Browse prescription glasses or our full range of eyeglasses, pick the frame you like and add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.
