Which Frame to Choose for Each Type of Vision Problem? A Complete Guide
Choosing the right pair of glasses is not only a question of style. To achieve optimal visual comfort, each type of prescription – myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia –requires a specific type of lens and a frame shape perfectly adapted to your vision needs.
In this expert guide, discover which style of eyewear matches each type of vision correction, and benefit from the centuries-old know-how of L’Ingénieur Chevallier to combine high-definition vision and uncompromising style.
Understanding Refractive Errors: the basics
Before choosing a frame, it is essential to understand the four main types of refractive errors:
Myopia (Near-sightedness)
You see well up close but struggle to see clearly at a distance.
Cause: The image forms in front of the retina.
Hyperopia (Far-sightedness)
You may see clearly, but your eyes must work extra hard, often leading to eye fatigue or headaches.
Cause: The image forms behind the retina.
Astigmatism
Vision is blurred or distorted at all distances due to an irregular corneal shape.
Cause: The eye resembles a rugby ball rather than a sphere.
Presbyopia
Difficulty seeing close up due to the natural aging of the lens.
Often humorously referred to as “the long-arm syndrome.”
Choosing the Best Frame for Each Type of Refractive Error
1. Glasses for Myopia: prioritize thin lenses
Recommended Lenses
Myopic lenses are concave, thin in the centre and thicker at the edges. To avoid the impression of thick lenses and improve comfort, choose thin, high-index lenses, adapted to your prescription.
Best Frame Shapes for Myopia
- Small frames reduce visible lens thickness.
- They also minimize the “small eye” effect.
- Ensure that the rims are thick enough to prevent the lens from protruding.
Recommended materials: titanium, acetate, horn – everything is possible depending on your personal style.
Possible frames : Arch, Bene, Ariel, Alain, Ego, Yin, Louvre, Louvre bold, Jude …
2. Glasses for Hyperopia: choose balanced, comfortable frames
Recommended Lenses
Hyperopic lenses are convex – thicker in the centre. They may slightly magnify the eyes or feel heavy with strong prescriptions.
Best Frame Shapes for Hyperopia
- Medium-sized frames, perfectly adjusted to the measurements of the face can mitigate the optical effect and provide a perfect fit for the lenses
Recommended materials: cellulose acetate, buffalo horn, or metal.
Possible frames : Bene, Augustin, Louis, Alter, Edouard, Nicky …
3. Glasses for Astigmatism: precision first
Recommended Lenses
Astigmatism is corrected with cylindrical lenses, customized with precise axes. Accuracy in mounting is essential: the optical centre must align perfectly with the pupil.
Best Frame Shapes for Astigmatism
- Avoid perfectly round frames: lenses tend to rotate during cleaning, disturbing the axis and reducing clarity.
- Choose stable, well-structured designs.
Material: Any material you like – choose based on comfort and aesthetics.
Possible frames : Alma, Abel, Pretty, Nigel, Montana, Augustin …
4. Glasses for Presbyopia: opt for progressive lenses
Recommended Lenses
Progressive lenses offer seamless vision at near, intermediate, and far distances – ideal in order to avoid switching glasses constantly.
Best Frame Shapes for Presbyopia
- Avoid very small frames: they reduce the usable area of the progressive corridor.
- Proper fit is essential: slipping frames can cause headaches or even motion discomfort.
This is where the bespoke adjustment service at L’Ingénieur Chevallier makes all the difference.
Finding the Perfect Balance: Aesthetics & Comfort
Your refractive error is only one part of the equation. The shape of your face also plays a key role in choosing the perfect frame.
Discover our complete guide: “How to Choose Glasses According to Your Facial Shape?”
Or simply come experience Prêt-à-Porter Sur Mesure, and let our experts effortlessly help you find the perfect match.
The Little Extras That Make All the Difference
Essential Lens Coatings
Depending on your lifestyle, consider:
- Anti-reflective coating
- Blue-light filtering
- Anti-scratch hard coating
- Transition (photochromic) lenses
- Hydrophobic filters
- Oleophobic filters (ideal for cooking enthusiasts)
These treatments significantly enhance comfort and lens durability.
Your Personalised Eyewear Experience
Choosing glasses doesn’t have to be complicated.
At L’Ingénieur Chevallier, you benefit from:
- Centuries of craftsmanship
- Expertise passed down through the bespoke eyewear tradition
- Personalised advice from our in-house optometrist or our passionate eyewear specialists
Just relax and enjoy the process at the Workshop
Ready to Transform Your Vision?
Book your appointment here or call +33 1 42 60 74 64 to discover exclusive eyewear designs, unmatched precision, and a uniquely refined experience.
In Summary
Whatever your prescription, we have the glasses to meet your visual needs as well as your style preferences.
At L’Ingénieur Chevallier, you’ll never have to choose between science and aesthetics.