MICHAEL / Lens & Coating Guides
High Prescription & Astigmatism Glasses Guide (1.67 & 1.74 Ultra-Thin)
How to order thin, lightweight glasses for strong nearsightedness (down to -20.00 D), farsightedness (up to +16.00 D) and high astigmatism (CYL down to -6.00 D at US$0 extra fee) at MICHAEL Optical.
Zero astigmatism surcharge (US$0 CYL fee) up to -6.00 D
Many optical retailers add a hidden “high cylinder surcharge” whenever your astigmatism correction exceeds -2.00 D. At MICHAEL Optical, astigmatism correction (negative CYL from -0.25 to -6.00 D) is included at US$0 extra across every eligible lens tier:
- Standard CYL Range (
0.00to-4.00 D): Supported across all prescription functions—including Standard Clear, Blue-Light Filtering, Photochromic, Photochromic + Blue-Light, Dedicated Driving, Colored Sun Tints and Polarized Sunglasses. - Extended High-CYL Custom Range (
-4.25to-6.00 D): Supported on custom-surfaced Standard Clear, Blue-Light Filtering and Colored Sun Tint lenses in 1.56, 1.61, 1.61 Pro, 1.67 and 1.74 (1.56–1.67 for Sun Tints). Remember that any non-zero CYL requires a valid Axis between 1° and 180°.
Comparing 1.67 Thin vs. 1.74 Ultra High-Index for strong powers
| Lens Package | 1.67 Thin High-Index Pair | 1.74 Ultra High-Index Pair | Max Custom SPH Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Vision Standard Clear | US$55 (US$5 base + US$50 index) | US$100 (US$5 base + US$95 index) | Stock: up to -15.00 · Custom 1.67/1.74: -20.00 to +16.00 (1.74 stock ≤ -3.00) |
| Single Vision Blue-Light Filtering | US$65 (US$15 base + US$50 index) | US$110 (US$15 base + US$95 index) | Stock: up to -15.00 · Custom 1.67/1.74: -20.00 to +16.00 (1.74 stock ≤ -3.00) |
| Single Vision Photochromic | US$85 (US$35 base + US$50 index) | US$130 (US$35 base + US$95 index) | Stock up to -15.00 · Custom up to -20.00 to +16.00 (CYL down to -4.00 D) |
| Single Vision Polarized / Sun Tint | US$90 (US$40 base + US$50 index) | Not offered in 1.74 (use 1.67) | 1.67 Stock: -15.00 to +6.00 · Custom: -20.00 to +16.00 |
| Progressive Multifocal Clear | US$95 (US$35 base + US$60 index) | US$144 (US$35 base + US$109 index) | 1.67: up to -12.00 to +10.00 · 1.74: up to -14.00 to +12.00 |
| Progressive Multifocal Blue-Light | US$110 (US$50 base + US$60 index) | US$159 (US$50 base + US$109 index) | 1.67: up to -12.00 to +10.00 · 1.74: up to -14.00 to +12.00 |
4 optician rules for thinner, lighter high-prescription glasses
- Select a 40–45 mm Full-Rim Acetate Frame: Smaller lens diameters dramatically reduce edge thickness on strong minus prescriptions. Top picks include EM23107 (40 mm), EM23218 (42 mm), EM23105 (42 mm) and 2406 (45 mm).
- Choose Rounded or Oval Corners: Frames without sharp outer corners—such as EM23103 or FT2403 (44 mm)—cut away the thickest diagonal edge of the lens.
- Enter Exact Dual (Monocular) PD: On powers stronger than
±4.00 D, entering separate right-eye (OD) and left-eye (OS) PD values (17.5–41.0 mmper eye, up to80 mmtotal on standard packages) keeps the thinnest optical center aligned directly in front of each pupil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MICHAEL charge an extra fee for high astigmatism (CYL between -2.25 and -6.00 D)?
No. Unlike retailers that add US$15–US$40 high-cylinder surcharges, MICHAEL includes astigmatism correction down to -6.00 D at US$0 extra across all eligible packages.
Which lens functions support CYL stronger than -4.00 D (from -4.25 to -6.00 D)?
In our confirmed optical rules, CYL from -4.25 to -6.00 D is supported on Standard Clear, Blue-Light Filtering and Colored Sun Tint packages. Photochromic, Polarized and Dedicated Driving packages support CYL from 0.00 to -4.00 D.
How much do 1.67 and 1.74 Clear Single Vision lenses cost for strong prescriptions?
Complete 1.67 Thin High-Index Clear Single Vision lenses cost US$55/pair (US$5 function + US$50 index), and 1.74 Ultra High-Index Clear Single Vision lenses cost US$100/pair (US$5 function + US$95 index), plus US$16.90 for an Everyday Picks / SSBC-T frame, US$25.70 for an EM frame or US$38.90 for a ZA frame.