How to Make Thick High Minus Glasses Look Thinner: Frame Shape, Size & Lens Beveling Hacks

Minus lenses are thinnest at the optical center and get exponentially thicker toward the periphery according to the square of the distance ($y^2$):

$$t_e \approx t_c + \frac{F \cdot y^2}{2000 \cdot (n - 1)} \implies \mathbf{\text{Edge thickness doubles if you double lens radius!}}$$

Choosing a frame with an eye size of $48\ \text{mm}$ instead of $54\ \text{mm}$ reduces edge thickness by up to $35\%$ instantly, regardless of the lens material! Small frames cut away the thickest outer regions before the lens is mounted.

Rectangular and square frames have distant sharp corners. The distance from the center to a corner is called the Effective Diameter (ED):

$$\text{Rectangular Frame: } \quad ED = \sqrt{A^2 + B^2} \gg \text{Round Frame Diameter}$$

In a rectangular frame, the temporal corners become massive thick wedges. In a round, oval, or soft panto frame, the perimeter distance from center is constant, eliminating unsightly corner spikes.

Thin wire metal frames have a rim thickness of only $1.2\text{ to } 1.8\ \text{mm}$. If your lens edge is $5.5\ \text{mm}$, over $3.5\ \text{mm}$ of raw edge will poke out front and back. Choosing a bold Italian acetate frame with a rim depth of $4.0\text{ to } 5.0\ \text{mm}$ completely conceals the edge inside the frame walls, making high minus powers look completely normal.