Questions & Answers

Frames & Lenses

How to read eyeglasses frame size?

Typically, there will be two or three numbers imprinted on either the bridge (nose area) or one of the temples (arm of the frame) indicating the frames size. All sizes are measured in millimeters.

An example would be either 53-18 or 53-18-142.


a. Lens Width: The first number 54 represents the lens width. It is important to differentiate it from lens height. A large lens for a big guy usually has big sizes at both dimensions. Lens size typically ranges from 44 to 58. 

b. Bridge Distance: The second number 16 represents the bridge distance. It is the minimum horizontal distance between the lenses. It's the size of the 'bridge' of the frame, the part that rests on the nose. This size varies only slightly because an adult's nose will hardly alter in size as they age. The size ranges from 14mm to 24mm.

c. Temple Length: The third number 140 describes the length of the arm or temple. This is the whole length from the screw to its ear tip, consisting of the length of the bend and the length of the drop. The average size for most people is around 140, however some may need either a shorter or a longer temple length.

Can I buy frames only?

Yes. Just choose "Non-Prescription" in the "GLASSES TYPE" section when selecting all the free lens choices.
Please note that we will still offer lenses with your frame in case the frame deformed in transit. You can remove the lenses yourself after you receive your glasses. 

Lens Thickness/ Lens Index

A specific example is shown below on the indexing of a -4.00-lens prescription on how thin the lens could be.


To fully comprehend what a high index lens is, it is best to first gain some understanding of what we mean by lens index. A lens index is a group of numbers or values that refers to the ability of a lens to refract light. As light passes through a lens, the lens will refract or bend this light, allowing your eyes to focus clearly.

Generally, the higher the lens index value, the thinner and lighter a lens will be. We provide several indexes for your lenses. The prescription recommendations and lens thicknesses in this article are a general guide.
High index lenses are available for most lens types, including single vision lenses, bifocal lenses and multifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses.

What coatings do you offer?
  • Anti-reflective/Anti-radiation :An Anti-reflective coating reduces the reflection of light and enhances the light transmission through the lenses. It is particularly good for driving and extended periods of work in front of computers. Anti-radiation coating blocks harmful radiation from various sources. Please note the lens with anti-reflective coating does not mean there is no reflection on the surface of the lens. Its main purpose is to reduce the reflection the wearer will see.
  • Water-Resistant Coating:  Enjoy all the features of a standard anti-reflective coating alongside the added benefit of water resistance. It repels dirt and water, making your lenses easier to clean.

Prescription

What is PD?

Pupillary distance is short for PD. It is the distance between the center of your two pupils in millimeters. Your eye care provider will usually measure your PD during an eye exam. 
PD measurement determines where you will look through the lenses and should be as accurate as possible.
The average adult's PD is between 54-74 mm; kids' are between 43-58 mm.
You can get your PD from your eye care provider, or you can measure it yourself.

How to measure PD myself?

Eye care providers usually list the PD when filling out a prescription for you. If it's not there, you can still measure it on your own. Prepare yourself a mirror, a millimeter ruler, and follow the steps below.

Get a printable millimeter ruler if you don't have one.

Step 1: Stand 8 inches (20 cm) away from the mirror.

Step 2: Hold the ruler against your eyebrows, with your face straight.

Step 3: Close your right eye and align the ruler's 0 mm to the center of your left pupil.

Step 4: Look straight. Close your left eye and open your right one.

Step 5: Read the mm line that lines up with the center of your right pupil. This number is your PD.

Note: 
• Repeat three times for accuracy
• Range of Adult PD: 54-74 mm
• Range of Child PD: 43-58 mm

What is ADD?

The ADD—short for Reading Addition—is the additional correction required for reading. It can be used to make either reading glasses, bifocal glasses or multifocal glasses. If you wish to choose bifocal/progressive lenses, the ADD number should be included in your prescription.

The "addition" is only required if the glasses are going to be used for reading or close work. Please kindly note that if you have ADD and choose distance glasses, the glasses can only be used for seeing far, not available for reading. Sometimes opticians use the word "Add" or "Near" instead of "addition". They may only write it once, but it normally applies to both eyes and is almost always the same value for both eyes (e.g. 'Add' +2.50 - should be entered for both eyes).

Here is a reference:

Age        Add Power
35-39     Plano
40-44     +1.00
45-49     +1.50
50-54     +2.00
55-59     +2.50
60-64     +3.00

How to read my prescription?

Reading an eyeglass prescription can be tricky work to do. To get you a pleasant and easy online shopping at Eyecueshop, we provide a prescription help service. You can upload your prescription photo and select your PD number when ordering the glasses. We will read your prescription once we receive your order information.


If you are interested in decoding your eyeglass prescription, here are some optical abbreviations that you should know first.
*If you have a prism prescription, please upload it to your order in case of any production faults.

OD, OS, OU
OD refers to Oculus Dexter, which is a Latin term for the right eye.
OS represents Oculus Sinister, which is a Latin term for the left eye.
OU refers to Oculus Uterque, which means both eyes.
On an eyeglasses prescription, your right eye (OD) always comes before the information for your left eye (OS). Eye doctors write prescriptions this way.

Sphere/Spherical (SPH)
It indicates the value of lens power prescribed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. If the numbers in this section appear with a minus sign (-), it means you are nearsighted; if it has a plus sign (+), then you are farsighted.
These signs are essential when you fill in the RX form, so make sure you select the correct numbers. Most values will be 0.00 to +/-10.00.
Several abbreviations under this heading mean no power for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
1.The SPH field is blank.
2.There is a "PLANO/PL", "INFINITY/∞", "NONE/00", "SPH", "DS", "BALANCE/BAL" in SPH field.

Cylinder/Cylindrical (CYL)
It indicates the amount of lens power for astigmatism. The power of value appears with a plus or a minus sign in most cases and will be between +/-0.25 to +/-4.00.
Several abbreviations under this heading mean no power for astigmatism.
1.The CYL field is blank.
2.There is a "PLANO/PL", "INFINITY/∞", "NONE/00", "SPH", "DS", "BALANCE/BAL" in CYL field.

Axis
This value will be appearing as a degree number from 1 to 180. The numbers only describe the position of astigmatism, so an Axis cannot be present if there is no CYL value.

PD
PD stands for Pupillary Distance measured in millimeters. It is the distance between the centers of your pupils. This measurement is necessary for glasses production, so make sure you measure it as accurately as possible.
*Click here to know how to measure your PD.

Addition (ADD/NV/near)
It stands for the additional magnifying power applied to correct presbyopia (people who are over 40 years old may get it). The number under this heading always has a plus sign, even if there is no plus sign. Generally, it will be the same power for both eyes and range from +1.00 to +3.00.

Do you have bifocals or progressive?

Yes, we offer high-quality bifocals and progressives. You can choose the glasses type you need after you select the frame you like.

What is the weakest and strongest prescription can you fill?

For negative SPH power, we can process a prescription range from -0.25 to -18.00.
For positive SPH power, we can process a prescription range from +0.25 to +10.00.
For CYL power, we can process a range from 0.00 to +4.50 and 0.00 to -4.50.
For ADD power, we can process a range from +1.00 to +3.50.

For the other prescriptions beyond these ranges of the power, please contact our customer service for more information (including prism correction, high cylinder prescription).

Eyewear Care & Eye Health

How to clean the eyeglasses?

Cleaning your eyeglasses is a daily ritual. Correct cleaning steps can help you see clearly all day long.

  • Wash your hands

Wash your hands with a little dish-washing liquid or mild soap before you clean your eyeglasses.

  • Rinse your glasses

1. Run your glasses under a gentle stream of tap water that's approximately room temperature or a little warmer.

2. Apply only a few drops of gentle, lotion-free cleaning solution to avoid leaving any soap residue. Rub your glasses for a minute then.

3. For metal frames: Pay extra attention to the arms of the nose pads and the pads themselves.

4. For plastic frames: Clean the portion of the bridge in contact with your nose to remove built-up oil and sweat.

5. After that, rinse the glasses off thoroughly under the faucet.

  • Dry your glasses and clean the lenses

1. Use a dryer cotton towel to remove the majority of the water from the lenses and frame by patting dry. The dryer cotton towel should not come into contact with fabric softener or dryer sheets, or the debris can scratch your lenses.

2. After patting dry, clean the lenses with our microfiber cloth. Make sure the lenses aren't dry when you're cleaning them to prevent dirt or debris from being dragged across the surface.

What are the good habits for wearing my glasses?

Establish good habits for wearing your glasses, especially if they have a prescription.

  • Avoid putting your glasses on your head
    When you take your glasses off, do not simply push them up on top of your head. The top of the head is generally wider than the face and setting your glasses there can widen the frames.
  • Use both hands
    When you remove and put on your glasses, use both hands, one on either temple arm. This motion encourages correct alignment and minimizes changes to the fit of your frames over time.
My eyes feel tired after using a computer for a long time. What can I do?

If you spend most of your day on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, all this screen time can make your eyes feel tired and dry. There are some solutions to this.

  • Take frequent breaks from your computer screen
    You can reduce computer eye strain by following the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for at least 20 seconds. When you look away, focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away from you.
  • Use non-medicated eye drops when taking a break if needed
    Non-medicated eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and focus properly. But it cannot be a substitute for the 20/20/20 rule and cannot be used very often.
  • Invest in computer glasses/blue light blocker
    Computer glasses (blue-light blocking glasses) can help decrease blue light, especially when working on the computer all day. You can have a pair of that even if you don't wear prescription glasses.

  • Sleep well and eat healthier
    After a long-time day of work, a good rest can help relax your brain and eyes. Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients are good for the eyes like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E.
What bad habits do harm to my vision?

• Not Wearing Your Sunglasses
Sun's harmful UV and high-energy visible (HEV) rays can prematurely age and damage your eyes and eyelids. To protect your eyes, make sure you wear sunglasses to block the sun's UV rays when outside the door.

• Smoking
Smoking harms almost every part of your body, including your eyes. Studies have linked smoking to eye diseases. The good news is that quitting, no matter how old you are, can help reduce the risk of developing a severe eye condition.


• Rubbing Your Eyes
The skin around your eyes is very delicate. Rubbing your eyes can break the tiny blood vessels that are under the skin's surface. Regular eye rubbing over an extended time can lead to Keratoconus, which causes a thinning of the cornea and results in the cornea losing its shape.


• Not Getting Enough Sleep
Not getting enough rest can cause red eyes and dark circles, eye twitches, dry eyes, and blurry vision. It cannot only affect your vision but your overall health as well.


• Not Eating Properly
Colorful fruits and vegetables have essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids contributing to your optimum eye health.


• Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking little water and eating a high-sodium diet every day can cause your body dehydrated. It will result in dry eyes, red eyes, and puffy eyelids.


• Not Having Regular Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems, eye diseases before you even realize that they exist. Regular eye exams are necessary even though for those who don't have vision issues.

How often should I get an eye exam?

Most eye doctors will recommend adults complete eye exams at least once every two to three years. Having your baby's vision tested at six months of age is recommended as well.