Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here is a list of some optical abbreviations that will help you order your glasses from Zenni Optical:

ADD (also NV-ADD): the Near Vision (NV) Reading ADDition correction on a multifocal Rx. Can be used for bifocal or progressive glasses, or for single-vision reading or computer (intermediate) vision glasses.

AR: Anti-Reflective. A coating that reduces reflection on the lenses.

AXIS: the angle at which the Cylinder (CYL) is placed on a lens to correct an astigmatism. It ranges from 1 to 180.

BAL: the Rx calls for balance lenses, meaning the same Rx for each eye. Often used when a person has no sight in one eye, so both lenses will have the same thickness.

BD, BI, BO, BU: a prism correction on your Rx (may be indicated with Δ, and one of these four abbreviations. The B stands for base, and it could be base down (BD), base in (BI), base out (BO), or base up (BU).

CYL: the Cylinder. Combined with the AXIS, the CYL corrects an astigmatism.

DS: the abbreviation for diopter simplex. An eye dr. may write DS on an Rx in the Cylinder (CYL) field if no astigmatism correction is needed.

DV: distance vision.

FT: flat-top bifocal.

NV: near vision.

NV-ADD (also ADD): the Near Vision (NV) Reading ADDition correction on a multifocal Rx. Can be used for bifocal or progressive glasses, or for single-vision reading or computer (intermediate) vision glasses.

OD: Latin for Oculus Dexter, meaning the right eye.

OS: Latin for Oculus Sinister, meaning the left eye.

OU: Latin for Oculus Uterque, meaning each eye.

PAL: Progressive Addition (or Adjustment) Lens: sometimes on a Progressive Rx an eye dr. will write two different numbers for the NV-ADD, perhaps +2.25 and +2.50, to increase the reading power in the NV-ADD for Progressive lenses.

PD (Pupillary Distance): the PD is the measurement of the distance between your pupils. This is needed for the manufacturer of the eyeglasses to know where to place the optical center on each lens, so you can see well with the glasses.

PL: Plano. Latin for "flat." If this is in the SPH section of an Rx, it means no nearsighted or farsighted correction is needed.

RX: a prescription.

SPH: the first section on an Rx. It corrects nearsighted or farsighted vision.

UV: the abbreviation of ultraviolet. UV light is invisible to the human eye, but it is UV light that gives us a sunburn, and too much exposure to it can damage the eye. All of the lenses Zenni Optical offers come with 100 percent UV protection, for free.

VA: Visual acuity: how well the eye can see. Sometimes this may be written on an Rx, with a number such as 20/20. This would indicate that with eyeglasses made to this Rx, the vision would be corrected to 20/20 vision.

You bet we can!

Single-vision Rx:

Up to -20.00 or +12.00 on the Sphere (SPH

Up to + or - 6.00 on the Cylinder (CYL).

Bifocal Rx:

Up to -9.00 or +6.00 on the SPH.

Up to + or - 6.00 on the CYL.

Up to +3.50 on the NV-ADD.

Progressive Rx:

Up to -10.00 or +8.00 on the SPH.

Up to + or - 6.00 on the CYL.

Up to +3.50 on the NV-ADD.

Prism (single-vision only):

Up to 5.00 in any base direction.

Ordering single vision distance glasses through Zenni is easy! Once you have selected a frame, click “Order Glasses” and follow the below steps:

1. First, indicate that you would like distance glasses by selecting “Single Vision” from the Prescription Type dropdown.

2. Next, you’ll need to input a Single or Dual PD (pupillary distance) under the Pupillary Distance dropdown. Check your prescription to see if your doctor measured it and wrote it down. If not, you’ll need to measure it yourself. You can learn more here.

3. The last step is to enter the distance prescription for the right eye(OD) and left eye(OS). Most glasses prescriptions are considered distance single vision unless your doctor noted it was for reading or computer.

Ordering reading glasses through Zenni is easy! Once you have selected a frame, click “Order Glasses” and follow the below steps:

1. First, indicate that you would like reading glasses by selecting “Single vision” from the Prescription Type drop-down.

2. Next, you’ll need to input a Near Single or Dual PD (pupillary distance) under the Pupillary Distance dropdown. For a Single PD, if you were only given one PD measurement, it is most likely for distance so you will need to subtract 3 to calculate your near single PD. If you were given a dual PD, two numbers - one for the right and left eye, you’ll need to subtract 1.5mm from each number to calculate the near dual PD. Ex. If given PD= 63mm then Near PD= 60mm.

3. The last step is to enter the reading prescription for the right eye and left eye. If your doctor didn’t write out a separate reading prescription then you’ll need to calculate it yourself. You can do this by adding the ADD value to the SPH value and keeping the remaining values the same, as in the example below:

For more information about reading glasses, check out our Zenni Blog.

Browse our large selection of frames offered as readers here.

Learn more about our lens options for reading glasses.

To order Readers:

1. Once you find the perfect frame, click "Select Lenses" to begin checkout.
2. Under Lens Type, select "Reader".
3. Choose your preferred reader power, for example, +1.00, +2.50 ,etc.
4. If you are unsure what power to select, use this chart to find your ideal magnification strength.
5. Proceed to preferred lens options such as Blokz (blue light blocking lenses) to provide more comfort when using screens.
6. Readers come with anti-glare coating.
7. Proceed to preferred lens options (standard lenses, Blokz blue-blocking lenses, or photochromic lenses for indoor/outdoor use).
8. Complete check-out and get ready to receive your new pair of readers!

Advisory for Readers

Readers are not intended to be a substitute for corrective lenses; only a professional eye examination can determine your eye health status and vision needs.

• Consult an eye care professional for regular eye exams.
• Not for use as eye protection.
• For near-vision and reading use only.
• Not for driving or vehicle operation.
• Not for distance vision.
• Not for direct observation of the sun.

You bet you can! Divide the NV-ADD in half. Add one of the halves to your SPHs. Leave the other half in the NV-ADD. This creates computer vision in the top of your lens, and reading vision in the bottom!

Yes, we can fill prescriptions with prism correction in single-vision lenses only. You will enter in the values for each eye in Step 1 of the order process according to the script given by your doctor. After you fill in Sphere (SPH), Cylinder (CYL), and Axis numbers for each eye, you will click “Yes” under Prism Values. You will then select your Prism Horizontal (for Base In/Base Out) and Prism Vertical (for Base Up/Base Down) values in diopters and indicate the direction for each value on your prescription for each eye.

To learn more about prism corrections, click here.

The Lens Index number (1.50, 1.57, 1.53, 1.59, 1.61, 1.67, or 1.74) refers to the degree of refraction the lens provides. This means how much the light that enters the lens is refracted (bent) as it passes through the lens. Lens Index is also related to the thickness of the lens. The higher the index, the thinner the lens will be. Learn more here about what index is best suited for your Rx, lifestyle, and frame selection.

We offer aspheric lenses for our standard 1.67 high index lens, Blokz 1.67 high index lenses, Blokz tinted 1.61 high index lens, Blokz tinted 1.67 high index lens, Blokz photochromic 1.61 high index lens, and Blokz photochromic 1.67 high index lens.

Aspheric lenses are provided for the lenses listed above in this range: Sph 0 to -10.00, Cyl -2.00 to +2.00

The aspheric lens surface improves visual quality and reduces distortion of the wearer’s eyes as seen by others.

All Zenni Optical eyeglasses come with Anti-Scratch Coating and UV Protection Coating that are both absolutely free. We also offer Anti-Reflective (also known as Anti-Glare) Coatings, which reduce reflection on the lenses and the glare you see while you are wearing your glasses.

Our anti-reflective coating options include: standard, water-resistant, oil-resistant, and anti-fog.
Anti-reflective coating is applied to both sides of the lenses for most glasses and on the backside of the lenses for premium sunglasses.

Glasses fog up when you move from hot to cold environments, wear a mask or helmet, engage in outdoor activities or chores such as cooking.

Anyone who experiences foggy lenses can benefit from adding anti-fog coating to their glasses order.

Zenni’s anti-fog + anti-reflective coating reduces glare and helps prevent your lenses from fogging up. The anti-fog coating is on both sides of the lenses for most glasses and on the backside of the lenses for premium sunglasses. Each pair of anti-fog coated lenses comes with a special anti-fog activator lens cloth that activates the anti-fog properties every time you clean your lenses to help keep them extra clear.

Photochromic lenses are specially treated to turn dark when exposed to UV light. When the lenses are out of the sunlight, they become clear again. We carry the Transitions® brand of photochromic lenses for our 1.50, 1.61, and 1.67 lenses, for both single-vision and progressive glasses.

A Polarized lens is a sunglass lens that greatly reduces the glare from light that is Polarized horizontally, meaning the light reflecting off horizontal surfaces, such as a white sidewalk, a white-sand beach, snow, or sunlight reflecting on water.

Do you want a tint to make your glasses into dark sunglasses?
- We offer 3 sunglass tints: Dark Gray, Dark Amber, and Dark Green.
- We offer 8 gradient tints: Smoke Gray, Golden Amber, Dusk Blue, Sage, Desert Rose, Ultraviolet, Neon Pink and Electric Blue.

Do you want a tint that is darker at the top, and gradually gets lighter towards the bottom?
- We offer gradient tints: Smoke Gray, Golden Amber, Dusk Blue, Sage, Desert Rose, Ultraviolet, Neon Pink and Electric Blue.

Do you want a tint that is lighter, or more colorful to enhance the appearance of your everyday glasses?
- We offer fashion tints in Gray, Amber, Green, Blue, Fuchsia, Lavender, Orange, Rose, Yellow and Red.

After selecting your frame and lens material you can add your favorite tint from 3 categories listed above – Sunglass, Gradient or Fashion Tints.

It depends on what features you are looking for. The following categories can help with your decision:

Weight: If you want a super light frame, go with one that's 15 grams or lower. Titanium frames are generally very light.

Material: You have the choice between metal or plastic. Metal tends to be lighter. Plastic frames tend to be more durable.

Flexibility: This is a nice feature to have for kids or sports glasses. We have a line of kids plastic flexible frames that are forgiving and durable.

Color: Plastic frames tend to come in more color options, especially acetate plastic.

Hypoallergenic: Stainless steel, titanium, and acetate frames are hypoallergenic.

Non-Zenni frames: Some frames have a series of numbers printed on the inside of a temple arm (the part that goes behind your ear). The first numbers are typically the manufacturer’s style number and a color code. But farther down the temple arm, there may be important numbers that refer to the dimensions of the frame. These numbers are the measurement, in millimeters, of the lens width, nose bridge width, and temple arm length. Often the lens width and nose bridge width are 2-digit numbers separated by a square, and a temple arm length is a 3-digit number in front of or behind the others. Knowing these numbers can help you choose a frame similar in size when shopping.

Zenni Frames: You will find a frame number that consists of 6 or more numbers which will help you locate the frame on the Zenni website.

Our custom engraving feature can be added to many of our acetate and plastic frames as long as the temple arms are wide enough. The easiest way to find eligible frames is to use the filter tool and select “Custom Engraving” under Feature.

It depends on the frame whether text or icons can be engraved, as well as placement options (inside the temple arm or outside).

To see what content is allowed, please see our custom engraving guidelines here.

Refer to the following chart to see what size is appropriate for you.

*Note: Due to the wrap of the sport protective goggle frame, please add 2-3mm to the lens diameter of your current pair of glasses to find your best fit.

With our 3D Virtual Try-On tool, you can upload a video of yourself to get a realistic 180-degree view of how a frame will look and fit on your face. Uploading a video is easy—the hard part is deciding which frame to buy when you can try on up to 50 frames!

Click here to get started.

We also offer a 2D try-on feature called Zenni Frame Fit™, for those who just want to upload a picture and get a basic idea of how a frame will look. Click here to use Zenni Frame Fit™.

We encourage you to create your own video for the 3D try-on, but it’s not required. However, using a 3D Virtual Try-On of yourself will be a much better guide to how the glasses will look and fit on your face than using a photo of a model. After clicking “CREATE A TRY-ON,” you may need to allow your device access to the camera. Tips on creating the video:

- A light or plain background is best, such as a white wall behind you.

- Record a video of yourself turning your head side-to-side as instructed. While doing this, you will want to make sure that your head is straight on and level, with your pupils clearly visible.

- Use a standard card (such as a credit card), and place it against your forehead as instructed in order to make sure the glasses are scaled to the right size (you may skip this step, but we encourage you to do it for best fit).

Voila, your 3D Virtual Try-On is complete! To see yourself in glasses, click “TRY ON” on a product detail page, choose the image of yourself, and then move your mouse (or swipe for mobile) left and right on the Try-On image to see yourself from different angles in the frame. To compare yourself wearing different pairs, click "TRY ON" on a product listing page, or in your Favorites, for a static front view to see what looks best.

Clip-On can be ordered for most of our eyeglasses. You can check availability by visiting https://www.zennioptical.com/clip-on-finder

Many of our acetate and plastic frames can be engraved with custom text.

Available for text engraving:

• 26 English letters, both uppercase and lowercase (a-z, A-Z)
• 10 numbers (0-9)
• Common special characters: !@#$%^*()_+-=&< >[ ]\;'/.,?:"{}|
• 24 Greek letters, both uppercase and lowercase (Α-Ω, α-ω)

By submitting text for custom engraving, you must agree that you are the sole or legal owner, or licensee of all rights, including copyright, trademark, trade name, statement, or any other intellectual property included in such design.

We reserve the right to refuse any submissions that may be considered offensive, including but not limited to: profanity, obscene words, or racially/ethnically degrading terms.

Items sold on zennioptical.com may be subject to tax.

The amount of tax charged on your order depends on many factors including the following:

• The type of item purchased.
• The shipment or delivery addres.
• Exempt status of the buyer.

These factors can change between the time you place an order and when your shipment is complete. As a result, the tax calculated on your order may change. We display an "Estimated Tax" to be collected at Check Out when confirming an order. The amounts displayed as estimated tax may then be updated later when your order is finalized and completed.

The tax rate applied to your order will be the combined state and local rates of the address where your order is delivered to or fulfilled from.

If you’re ordering prescription glasses to a California address, there are two important things to keep in mind:

• Prescription Upload Required – For each unique prescription in your order, you’ll need to upload a valid prescription image during checkout. This step ensures your order complies with California’s prescription regulations and helps prevent any delays in processing.
• $4 CA Rx Handling Fee – California exempts prescription eyewear from standard sales tax. Instead, a flat $4 Rx Handling Fee is applied to each order. This fee helps cover the cost of verifying and processing your prescription in line with state requirements.

Click here to learn more

After placing an order, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to track your order status. If you have an account with us, you can also check order updates on the "My Orders | Track my order" page.

Once your order is ready to ship, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number and link to track your package directly with the shipper:

• USPS
• UPS
• Canada Post
• FedEx

We typically offer Express Shipping to the following locations (must be a physical address, cannot be a PO Box):

U.S. (All 50 States)

• Express Shipping (USPS/UPS/FedEx) Estimated Delivery: 5-10 business days $15.00

Canada

• Express Shipping Estimated Delivery: 5-10 business days $15.95

Australia & New Zealand

• Express Shipping Estimated Delivery: 5-10 business days $28.95

Israel

• Express Shipping Estimated Delivery: 5-10 business days $19.95

Malta

• Express Shipping Estimated Delivery: 5-10 business days $19.95

Europe

• Express Shipping Estimated Delivery: 5-10 business days $19.95

When entering an APO/FPO address, please follow these guidelines to ensure your package reaches its destination accurately:

We are committed to providing a positive shopping experience for our customers at Zenni. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return:

• You can return your glasses within 30 days of delivery for store credit, including reimbursement for paid standard shipping fees (U.S. and Canada orders only). If you return them within 14 days, you have the option to receive a refund to your original payment method, minus the cost of shipping.

Please note the following conditions for returns:

• Glasses must be returned in their original and unmodified condition. Our return policy does not cover damage resulting from accidents, negligence, or improper care.
• Please consolidate all items from an order into one return package to ensure a smooth return process.
• We continuously monitor return activities to prevent abuse and reserve the right to limit returns and exchanges in any situation.

By following our return policy, we can continue to provide top-quality products and services to our valued customers. If you have any questions or need assistance with your return, please do not hesitate to contact the help center. For more information, please review our Return Policy.

Just log in to your Zenni Optical account and click on Gift Card Status under My Account left navigation. Enter the gift card number and click Check. The amount left on the card will be displayed. NOTE: The gift card number will be encrypted for your security.

If you're new to Zenni and received the card as a gift, simply go to Login at the top of the page and create a new account with the email address that was entered as the recipient on the gift card order. Then go to Gift Card Status to see the balance.

We're all guilty of quickly rubbing our glasses on our shirts or using paper towels to clean the lens. While these habits may seem harmless, they ultimately can end up damaging your frames.

• Don’t use your shirt (or clothing in general) to clean your glasses. The dust and debris on fabrics can scratch your lenses.
• Don’t use paper towels or tissues to clean your glasses. These materials are too rough for your lenses and can cause small scratches. Dish towels or other fabrics that can trap dust and debris may also scratch the lenses.
• Avoid using household cleaning products to clean your lenses. Cleaning products usually contain harsh ammonia-based chemicals that can destroy the protective coating on your lenses.
• Don’t leave your glasses out on the bathroom counter when getting ready. Hairspray and beauty products can get on your lenses and damage the protective coating.
• Never try to buff out a scratch. Attempting to buff your lenses will only result in more scratches and damage. Take your glasses to a professional if you have a scratch that need to be removed.
• Don’t leave your glasses in the car on a hot or cold day. Extreme heat or cold can damage lens coatings and also may change the frame shape.

For more please visit the blog article.