How to Avoid the Coke Bottle Glasses Look with High Prescription Glasses

Author: Autumn Sprabary

Wearing glasses can be a great way to improve your vision. But for people with strong prescriptions, the lenses of their glasses can sometimes have a thick, unflattering appearance. This is often referred to as having “Coke bottle glasses” and it can give the eyes an unnatural look.

Below, we explore what it means to have Coke bottle glasses, what causes the look, and how to choose the right frames and lenses to avoid it.

What Are Coke Bottle Glasses?

The term “Coke bottle glasses” is used to describe frames with thick, heavy eyeglass lenses. The name comes from the resemblance of these lenses to the thick bottom of a Coca-Cola bottle.

TWhen someone has a high (or strong) vision prescription, standard plastic lenses have to be thicker to compensate for and meet the person’s vision needs. If the lenses are extremely thick, they can make a person's eyes appear magnified or distorted, which can create a generally unflattering look. Thick lenses may also cause glasses to feel heavy and uncomfortable to wear.

Lenses correct refractive errors by bending light as it enters the eye so that the light lands directly on the retina at the back of the eye. The higher (stronger) the vision prescription, the more “light bending” the lenses must do to achieve clear vision.

As a person’s vision prescription gets stronger, a higher degree of light bending is needed to correct their eyesight. It takes more lens material to do this, which often translates to thicker lenses.

What Causes the Coke Bottle Look on Lenses?

The Coke bottle look results from the fuller lens thickness typically needed to accommodate strong vision prescriptions.

Lenses to correct myopia (nearsightedness) are thinner in the center and gradually get thicker at the edges. These are called concave lenses. High prescriptions can make it difficult to find a frame style that can fit the lenses’ thick edges.

Hyperopia (farsightedness) is corrected using convex lenses. These are thicker in the center of the lens, which can create a magnifying effect on the eyes.

If you have a high vision prescription, several factors can contribute to the Coke bottle look:

• Lens material – Standard plastic lenses are thicker with higher prescriptions. This look can be avoided with high-index lenses, which are designed to be lighter and thinner.
• Frame size – A larger frame size can increase the chance of distortions in thick Coke bottle lenses and add weight to the glasses. Semi-rimless or rimless frames can also emphasize the thickness of the lens.
• Lens shape – Certain lens shapes can make the thickness more noticeable. For example, round and oval lenses can accentuate the lens thickness rather than flat, angular shapes, like rectangle and square lenses.

Choosing the Right Frames for High Prescriptions

Choosing the right frames can make a significant difference in how your glasses look and feel. You can avoid the Coke bottle look, even with high-prescription lenses, if you:

• Consult with an optician – This type of eye care professional can help you find frames that flatter your face shape and fit your prescription for a better overall look and experience.
• Opt for smaller frames – Smaller frames can help minimize the appearance of thick lenses. They require less material and seem less bulky.
• Choose lightweight frame materials – Look for frames made from a material like acetate, which is both lightweight and durable.
• Consider frame style – Avoid overly large or thick frames that can draw attention to the lenses. Instead, go for a style that balances the thickness of the lenses, such as a medium-sized, full-rimmed rectangular frame.

Don’t hesitate to ask your optician questions about what frames and lenses will work best with your prescription and features.

Custom Lens Solutions for High Prescription Wearers

If you have a high prescription, ask your eye doctor or optician which lens options can help you achieve a more flattering look. Depending on your needs, they may recommend:

• High-index lenses – Designed specifically for high prescriptions, these eyeglass lenses are made with a much thinner and lighter material than standard lenses. Using high-index lenses can improve the overall appearance of your glasses by reducing the Coke bottle look.
• Aspheric lenses – These lenses have a flatter profile to help minimize distortion and thickness. They tend to provide a sleeker look than other options.
• Anti-reflective lens coating – This coating can help reduce glare and reflections, which can be even more distracting and obvious with thick lenses that reflect more light.
• Contact lenses – If glasses aren’t your style, contact lenses may be able to provide you with clear and comfortable sight without altering your appearance.

By understanding what causes the Coke bottle look and how to avoid it, you can enjoy clear vision without worrying about the appearance of your specs. With the right choices, you can find glasses that flatter your features as well as they correct your vision.