Prescription FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription to order glasses from Zenni?

• You’ll need your prescription and pupillary distance (PD) measurement when ordering Zenni glasses, except when ordering non-prescription glasses or readers.​​​​​​​​​

How do I enter my prescription? 

• We offer a prescription upload option on our website for your convenience, or you can enter your prescription manually. When uploading or entering your prescription, make sure to check all the values and signs (+/-) match your doctor’s prescription before proceeding.​​​​​​​​​

What if I don't have my prescription on hand?

• If you don't have your prescription, we recommend contacting your eye care professional to obtain a copy.​​​​​​​​​

Can I use an expired prescription to order glasses from Zenni?

• We strongly advise against using an expired prescription. An outdated prescription may not provide the best vision. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining your eye health and visual clarity.​​​​​​​​​

Can I order multiple glasses with different prescriptions in a single order?

• Absolutely! We've made ordering glasses for the whole family easy.​​​​​​​​​

What if I have astigmatism?

• Astigmatism is very common. We can make glasses for a wide range of prescriptions, including astigmatism.​​​​​​​​​

Can you fill strong prescriptions?

• You bet we can! We can accommodate a wide range of prescriptions. If you have astigmatism (CYL & Axis) in your prescription, this range may be further limited. Enter your prescription on the order page to check the specific availability for your selected frame and lenses.

  • Single Vision

    • Sphere (SPH) up to +12.00/-20.00, up to Cylinder (CYL) +/- 6.00

  • Bifocal

    • Sphere (SPH) up to +6.00/-9.00, Cylinder (CYL) up to +/- 6.00, NV-ADD up to +3.50

  • Progressive

    • Sphere (SPH) up to +8.00/-10.00, Cylinder (CYL) up to +/- 6.00, NV-ADD up to +3.50

  • Prism (single vision only)

    • Up to 5.00 in any base direction

Can you fill prescriptions with a prism correction?

• Yes, we offer single vision glasses with a prism correction of up to 5.00 diopters in any base direction. We do not offer prism for progressive or bifocal lenses.

What should I enter if my prescription has no Cylinder (CYL) or Axis value?

• Your prescription's Cylinder (CYL) and Axis values go hand-in-hand, and here’s what you need to know:

  • Axis: If your prescription includes a CYL value, it must also have an Axis value.

    • If a CYL value is listed but no Axis is provided, it’s best to double-check with your eye doctor to ensure your prescription details are complete and accurate.

  • CYL: If your prescription doesn’t have a CYL value, this likely means you don’t have astigmatism. In this case:

    • Enter "0" for the CYL during the order process.

    • For the Axis, also enter "0," as the Axis only applies when there’s a CYL value.​​​​​​​​​

What is the PD, and why is it important?

• The pupillary distance (PD) measures the distance between the centers of your pupils. Your PD is used to align the prescription in the lenses with your pupils for the best visual clarity and comfort when wearing your glasses. An incorrect PD can cause several symptoms, such as eye strain, blurriness, nausea, double vision, and headaches.​​​

Can my PD measurement change over time?

• Yes, PD measurements can change. For children and teenagers, it’s important to have their PD remeasured each time they get new glasses because their eyes and facial structure are still developing. In adulthood, PD generally stays the same, but changes can occur due to:

  • Aging, which can affect eye alignment and facial structure

  • Physical changes from surgeries, injuries, or alterations to the face

  • Eye health conditions, like strabismus or other vision issues

• For adults, it’s a good idea to remeasure PD if there are significant changes in vision or facial structure, or after certain medical procedures.

Can I change my prescription or PD after placing an order?

• It's crucial to double-check your information before finalizing your order. Once an order has been placed, we cannot make changes to your prescription. If you need help canceling an order, please contact our customer support team for assistance as soon as possible.

Why is there an extra charge for my PD?

• An extra charge may apply if your PD (pupillary distance) falls outside of the range for the frame you've selected. Paying the fee ensures the necessary lab adjustments to customize your prescription lenses to your PD. Please note that the customization to your PD only applies to your lenses, not the actual frame size and fit.

Why am I getting an error after entering my prescription, even though it's within the frame prescription range?

• Each frame's prescription range is based on the combined total of your sphere and cylinder powers. If the sum of these values exceeds the frame's maximum for either or both eyes, you'll see an error. To fix this, we suggest selecting a frame with a higher prescription range to accommodate your prescription.​​​​​​​​​

If you have additional questions about your prescription or PD, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!​​​​​​​​​