Eyewear & Glasses Terminology

A premium plant-based plastic derived from cotton and wood pulp, used to craft high-quality eyewear frames. Italian acetate is Vicci's signature frame material, it's hand-polished, hypoallergenic, lightweight, and available in rich colors and patterns. Acetate frames are more durable and vibrant than standard plastic, and they hold their shape and color far longer.

A single-vision lens with a subtle power boost in the lower portion of the lens, designed to reduce eye strain during extended screen time, reading, or close-up work. Anti-fatigue lenses are ideal for people who spend long hours on computers or phones and experience tired eyes by end of day.

A lens treatment that eliminates glare and reflections from both sides of the lens, including reflections from overhead lighting, screens, and oncoming headlights. AR coating makes lenses nearly invisible, improves visual clarity, and reduces eye strain. It also makes you look better in photos because you eliminate the distracting glare that obscures your eyes.

An extremely common vision condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Astigmatism is indicated on your prescription by the 'CYL' (cylinder) and 'AXIS' values. It is easily corrected with prescription eyeglasses, including single-vision, progressive, and specialty lenses.

A number between 1 and 180 that appears on your eyeglass prescription alongside the 'CYL' (cylinder) value. AXIS indicates the orientation of the astigmatism correction in your lens. Without the correct AXIS, your astigmatism won't be fully corrected, it's one reason why accurate prescription entry when ordering online is important.

The curvature of the front surface of a lens, measured in diopters. A lens's base curve affects how the lens sits in the frame and how light passes through it. Frames and lenses are paired by compatible base curves to ensure the best optical performance and a comfortable fit.

Lenses with two distinct optical zones separated by a visible line, the upper portion for distance vision and the lower portion for near vision (reading). Bifocals are an older technology largely replaced by progressive lenses, which offer the same vision correction across multiple distances without the visible dividing line.

The part of the frame that connects the two lenses and rests on your nose. Bridge width and design significantly affect both comfort and how the frames sit on your face. A well-fitted bridge keeps frames centered, prevents sliding, and avoids pressure marks. Vicci frames are designed with carefully engineered bridges to flatter a wide range of face shapes and nose profiles.

A curated, limited-edition release of frames in a coordinated set of colors, shapes, and styles, designed to work together as a cohesive group. Vicci releases new capsule collections monthly in limited quantities. Once a capsule collection sells out, it's permanently retired, making each collection genuinely rare and collectible.

A classic eyewear silhouette with upswept outer corners that lift and elongate the face. Cat-eye frames are a signature shape in Vicci's collection (including the bestselling Sofia style) and are particularly flattering on oval, heart, and square face shapes. Cat-eye frames have roots in 1950s Hollywood glamour and remain one of the most fashion-forward frame shapes in modern eyewear.

A value on your eyeglass prescription that indicates the lens power needed to correct astigmatism. CYL can be a positive or negative number; if your prescription shows no CYL value (or shows 0.00), you don't have astigmatism. CYL always appears alongside an AXIS value, which indicates the orientation of the correction.

The most advanced type of progressive lens, manufactured using computer-controlled surfacing technology that customizes the lens to your exact prescription, frame measurements, and pupillary distance. Digital free-form progressives deliver significantly wider vision zones, sharper peripheral vision, and a faster adaptation period than traditional progressives. Vicci specializes in digital free-form progressive manufacturing with over a decade of in-house expertise.

The unit of measurement used to express the optical power of a lens. Higher diopter values indicate stronger prescriptions. Diopters appear on your prescription as the SPH (sphere) value, positive numbers indicate farsightedness, and negative numbers indicate nearsightedness. High diopter prescriptions (above ±4.00) may benefit from high-index lenses for a thinner, lighter result.

A fashion industry model of releasing limited-edition products in small batches at scheduled intervals, borrowed from luxury fashion. Vicci's drop model means new frame collections are released monthly in limited quantities, creating genuine scarcity, urgency, and community anticipation around each new release.

Vicci's signature 1-on-1 consultation service, where a trained Eyewear Specialist reviews your prescription, helps you identify the right frame for your face shape and lifestyle, and guides your lens selection, all before your order goes to Vicci's Florida lab for custom manufacturing. The concierge service is available by appointment and is one of the key features that sets Vicci apart from standard online optical shopping.

The geometric outline of your face, most commonly categorized as oval, round, square, heart, diamond, or oblong, which determines which frame silhouettes are most flattering. For example, angular frames (cat-eye, rectangle) complement round faces, while softer oval or round frames balance square faces. Vicci's eyewear concierge service helps customers identify their face shape and select frames accordingly.

A vision condition in which nearby objects appear blurry while distance vision remains clear. Farsightedness is indicated on your prescription by a positive SPH value (e.g., +1.75, +2.50). It becomes more pronounced with age and is one of the conditions corrected by Vicci's single-vision and progressive lens options.

The total horizontal measurement of an eyeglass frame from one end to the other, including the lenses and any decorative elements. Frame width is one of the most important fit measurements, frames that are too wide will slide down your nose, while frames that are too narrow will pinch your temples. Vicci's product pages include frame measurements to help you match your current glasses.

Prescription eyeglasses and lenses are eligible for purchase using Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds. Vicci accepts FSA and HSA payment, making it easier to use pre-tax healthcare dollars for prescription eyewear. Non-prescription sunglasses and purely fashion items are generally not FSA/HSA eligible.

Sunglass lenses that transition from a dark tint at the top to a lighter tint (or clear) at the bottom. Gradient lenses provide shade from overhead sunlight while keeping the lower portion of the lens lighter for easier reading and up-close tasks. They're popular in fashion sunglasses for their elegant, sophisticated look.

A finishing technique in which a craftsperson manually buffs and smooths an acetate frame to bring out its full depth, shine, and color richness. Hand-polishing is more time-intensive than machine finishing but results in a superior surface quality, each frame becomes slightly unique. Vicci's Italian acetate frames are hand-polished as part of the premium manufacturing process.

Lenses made from materials that bend light more efficiently than standard plastic, allowing the same prescription power in a significantly thinner lens. High-index 1.67 lenses are approximately 20% thinner and lighter than standard polycarbonate lenses, an important upgrade for customers with strong prescriptions (SPH above ±4.00 or high CYL values). Vicci offers high-index 1.67 as a lens upgrade option.

A lens coating that repels water, oils, and smudges, causing droplets to bead up and roll off rather than smearing across the lens surface. Also called a superhydrophobic or water-repellent coating, this treatment keeps lenses cleaner longer and makes them easier to wipe clean, a practical upgrade for everyday wear.

Acetate sourced from Italian manufacturers renowned for their superior color depth, material quality, and pattern richness. Italian acetate is the benchmark material in premium and luxury eyewear, it produces richer tortoiseshell patterns, more vibrant solid colors, and a higher-quality hand-polish finish than standard imported acetate. Vicci's frames are crafted from Italian acetate as a deliberate quality commitment.

Treatments applied to the surface of prescription or non-prescription lenses to add functional or protective properties. Common coatings include anti-reflective (reduces glare), anti-scratch (protects against surface damage), UV protection (blocks ultraviolet radiation), hydrophobic (repels water and oils), and blue light filtering (reduces digital screen exposure). Many of these coatings can be layered together.

Eyewear produced in deliberately small quantities, available only during a specific release window. Once a limited-edition frame sells out, it is permanently retired, it won't be restocked or re-released. This creates genuine exclusivity, making each pair a rare, collectible accessory rather than a commodity product. Vicci's entire frame model is built on limited-edition drops.

Eyeglass frames crafted from metals including stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum alloys. Metal frames offer a sleek, refined aesthetic with adjustable nose pads for a precise fit. They tend to be thinner and lighter than acetate frames, with a more minimalist, architectural look. Vicci offers metal frames alongside its signature Italian acetate styles.

A vision correction approach in which one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision, typically used with contact lenses but sometimes considered for glasses. Most eye doctors prefer progressive lenses over monovision for glasses wearers, as progressives allow both eyes to work together across all distances.

A vision condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Nearsightedness is indicated on your eyeglass prescription by a negative SPH value (e.g., -1.50, -3.25). It's the most common refractive error worldwide. Single-vision lenses are the standard correction for distance-only nearsightedness; progressive lenses are recommended for those who also need near-vision correction.

Another term for progressive lenses or progressive readers, lenses that provide correction across multiple vision zones without a visible dividing line between them. The 'no-line' description distinguishes modern progressive lenses from traditional bifocals, which have a clearly visible horizontal line separating the distance and near zones.

Small cushioned pads on the bridge of a frame (more common on metal frames) that rest against the sides of your nose and keep frames positioned correctly. Adjustable nose pads allow for a customized fit across different nose profiles. Acetate frames like Vicci's typically have a molded bridge without separate nose pads, which sits directly on the nose.

Latin abbreviations used on eyeglass prescriptions: OD (oculus dexter) refers to your right eye, and OS (oculus sinister) refers to your left eye. Some prescriptions also use OU (oculus uterque) to indicate both eyes together. Always check which column applies to which eye when entering your prescription for online orders.

A facility equipped to manufacture custom prescription lenses, cutting, surfacing, coating, and mounting lenses into frames according to a customer's prescription. Vicci operates its own in-house optical lab in Florida, giving the brand direct quality control over every lens it produces. In-house labs typically offer faster turnaround and tighter quality standards than brands that outsource lens production.

Eyewear with larger-than-average lens dimensions, creating a bold, statement-making silhouette. Oversized frames are a recurring trend in fashion eyewear, offering extra UV protection for sunglasses and a dramatic, editorial look. They're particularly flattering on oval and oblong face shapes, where the larger proportion balances the face's length.

The measurement in millimeters between the center of your right pupil and the center of your left pupil. PD is essential for correctly positioning the optical center of your lenses in front of your eyes, without it, lenses can cause eyestrain, headaches, or distorted vision. Your PD can be measured by your optician, or you can measure it at home using a ruler and a mirror. Single PD is one number (e.g., 63mm); dual PD gives separate measurements for each eye (e.g., 31.5/31.5).

Sunglass lenses with a special filter that blocks horizontally polarized light, the type of intense reflected glare that bounces off flat surfaces like water, snow, pavement, and car hoods. Polarized lenses dramatically reduce glare-related eyestrain and improve visual clarity outdoors. They're available in Vicci's prescription sunglass options and are highly recommended for driving and outdoor activities.

The age-related gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early-to-mid 40s. Presbyopia affects virtually everyone eventually and is the reason most people over 40 need reading glasses or progressive lenses. It cannot be prevented but is easily corrected with the right lenses, and Vicci specializes in fashionable frames designed specifically for progressive lens wearers.

Multifocal lenses that provide seamless vision correction across three zones, distance (top), intermediate (middle), and near/reading (bottom), with no visible line between them. Progressive lenses are the modern solution for presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) and are significantly more aesthetically refined than bifocals. Vicci's digital free-form progressive lenses are crafted with over a decade of in-house manufacturing expertise.

A type of progressive lens for customers who need reading or near-vision support but don't require full distance correction. Progressive readers have a clear upper portion and a reading power boost in the lower portion, blended without a visible line, offering a more polished look than traditional half-frame reading glasses while providing more flexibility across tasks.

Non-prescription magnification lenses available in standard power increments (+1.00 through +4.00), used to make nearby text or objects clearer. Readers don't require a prescription, you choose a power based on what feels most comfortable for reading. Vicci offers reader lenses in its fashion frames, so you don't have to choose between style and function.

A classic, angular frame silhouette with straight horizontal lines and sharp corners. Rectangle frames have a timeless, professional look and are particularly flattering on round and oval face shapes, where the angular geometry adds definition. They're one of the most versatile eyewear silhouettes for both professional and casual settings.

Lenses with one consistent optical prescription across the entire lens surface, correcting vision at a single distance, either distance, intermediate, or near. Single-vision lenses are the most common lens type and are included at no extra charge with every Vicci optical frame purchase. They correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism at one focal length.

The primary power measurement on your eyeglass prescription, indicating the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness. A negative SPH value (e.g., -2.25) indicates nearsightedness; a positive value (e.g., +1.50) indicates farsightedness. The SPH value is the most fundamental number on your prescription and is required for all prescription lens orders.

Hinges built with a small spring mechanism that allows the temples (arms) of a frame to flex outward beyond their normal open position. Spring hinges make frames more comfortable for wider head sizes, more durable against accidental spreading, and more resistant to breakage from being removed quickly. They're a quality feature found in better-made frames.

The arm of an eyeglass frame that extends from the front of the frame over the ear and holds the glasses in place. Temple length affects both comfort and how the frame sits on your face, too short and the frame will feel tight; too long and it may slide forward. Temple tips (the curved end pieces) are usually made of soft acetate or rubber for comfort.

A classic eyewear pattern that mimics the mottled amber, brown, and black pattern of natural tortoiseshell. Tortoiseshell is one of the most enduringly popular acetate patterns in eyewear, it's warm, rich, and versatile enough to complement virtually any skin tone and wardrobe. The richness and depth of a tortoiseshell pattern is one of the hallmarks of high-quality Italian acetate.

Lenses that automatically adjust their tint based on UV light exposure, clear indoors and in low light, and darkening to a sunglass tint when exposed to sunlight. Transitions lenses eliminate the need to switch between prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses. Vicci offers Transitions XTRActive lenses, which darken more deeply than standard photochromic lenses and even respond to light behind car windshields.

A digital tool that allows customers to preview how eyewear frames will look on their face using their device's camera in real time. Vicci's 3D virtual try-on tool is embedded on product pages and uses live camera technology, not a static photo, so customers can see exactly how frames look from multiple angles before purchasing. It's one of the key features that makes ordering prescription eyewear online as confident as shopping in-store.

A lens treatment or material property that blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching your eyes. UV exposure is associated with long-term eye health concerns including cataracts and macular degeneration. Most quality prescription lenses include UV protection as standard; for sunglasses, 100% UV400 protection (blocking UV rays up to 400 nanometers) is the recommended standard. Vicci sunglass lenses include UV protective properties.

Vicci's VIP loyalty membership program. For $39/month (with the first month free), members receive the full $39 as store credit toward any purchase, free priority shipping on every order, a 10% discount on all orders, and early access to new limited-edition drops before they're released to the general public. Members can pause or cancel their membership at any time.

See: Try-On (Virtual).

The practice of treating eyewear as a fashion accessory to be styled and coordinated with outfits, occasions, and personal aesthetics, rather than as a purely functional medical device worn until replacement. Wardrobe eyewear is central to Vicci's brand philosophy: the belief that prescription glasses should be among your most complimented accessories, not an afterthought to your look.

An advanced photochromic lens technology by Transitions Optical that darkens more deeply than standard Transitions lenses and activates even in low light conditions and inside cars (where standard photochromic lenses don't respond due to UV-filtering windshields). XTRActive lenses are ideal for customers who spend significant time driving or want maximum adaptability between indoor and outdoor environments.

Vicci's purchase guarantee philosophy, combining a 90-day worry-free exchange policy, a 3D virtual try-on tool, and personalized Eyewear Concierge service to eliminate the anxiety of ordering prescription eyewear online. If your frames don't feel right, Vicci's team actively helps you find a better fit within 90 days of purchase. Book a free 1:1 Eyewear Concierge consultation at viccieyewear.com