The student’s conclusion is mostly correct. Thicker lenses generally indicate a stronger prescription, which corresponds to a greater degree of vision defect. People who require high-prescription lenses usually experience more severe refractive errors, like stronger nearsightedness or farsightedness, which these thick lenses are designed to correct.

Thicker lenses also tend to create more peripheral distortion, especially around the edges of the glasses. This can make the visual experience less natural, as objects may appear distorted or “stretched” near the lens edges, which isn’t as pronounced with thinner lenses.

In addition, thick lenses are usually heavier, which can cause discomfort for the wearer. Heavier glasses can put strain on the nose and ears, making them less comfortable to wear for long periods. However, modern lens technology, like high-index lenses, can make lenses thinner even for strong prescriptions, reducing these issues.