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OC height (Optical Center Height) is the vertical measurement from the bottom of the spectacle lens groove up to the center of the wearer's pupil. This measurement tells the lab exactly where to position the optical center of the lens when it is cut and mounted in the frame.
read more about oc height in eyeglasses ...The optical center of the lens is the single clearest point without any prismatic distortion. If the OC height is incorrect, the wearer will be forced to look through a distorted area of the lens. This misalignment can quickly cause eye strain, blurriness, or headaches.
The OC height is measured when the patient is wearing the selected frames. The optician uses a small dot or a digital tool to mark the exact center of the pupil in relation to the bottom of the lens opening. This custom measurement is unique to every frame and every wearer.
An incorrect OC height is a common reason for new glasses feeling uncomfortable. A misalignment forces the eye muscles to work harder to compensate for the distortion, leading to visual fatigue, especially when reading or using a computer.
The accurate placement of the optical center is important for your backup frames. Since your contact lenses always center perfectly on your pupil, your backup glasses must do the same. Correct OC height makes sure you get stable, clear vision immediately when switching from contacts.
No, the OC height changes with every frame because it is measured vertically from the bottom of that specific frame's lens groove to the pupil.
No, contact lenses automatically center themselves on the pupil because of the way they float on the tear film.
It is strongly advised to have an optician measure OC height. Improper home measurements can lead to distortion and eye strain.
If you experience "pulling" or headaches with your new glasses, the Optical Center (OC) height may be incorrect. This vertical measurement ensures you are looking through the clearest part of the lens. An optician must verify this to prevent unwanted prism effects.
AOA. Clinical Guidelines: Fitting Spectacles (aoa.org). 2024.
College of Optometrists. Verifying Spectacle Accuracy (college-optometrists.org). 2024.
Review of Optometry. The Importance of Vertical Centration (reviewofoptometry.com). 2023.
ABDO. Practical Dispensing and Measurements (abdo.org.uk). 2024.