CAR42
£ 39
A unisex soft square frame in black, burgundy or dark purple.
- Size: 51-16-135 mm, lens depth 36 mm
- Colours: Black, Burgundy, Dark Purple
- Case & microfibre cloth included
- Lenses made in our UK labs
- Free delivery
- Free 30-day returns
About the Carlton CAR42
CAR42 Prescription Glasses
A softly squared frame is one of the most versatile shapes around. The CAR42 is a unisex full-rim soft square frame, sized 51-16-135, in Black, Burgundy or Dark Purple. You can order it with single vision, varifocal or bifocal lenses made to your prescription. You will find it in our Carlton range.
Which colour is you?
Black. Black is a deep, solid black. It looks sharp at work and just as good with jeans at the weekend.
Burgundy. Burgundy is a deep wine red. It is a grown-up way to wear colour.
Dark Purple. Dark Purple is easy to wear. It adds a confident touch of colour and suits fair and cool skin tones.
If you are stuck between two, choose the one closest to the colours you wear most. You can always add a second pair later.
About the CAR42 design
The softened corners suit round, oval and heart-shaped faces, adding a little shape without looking severe.
If you want a frame you can put on in the morning and forget about, the CAR42 is a strong choice.
How to wear it
Choose the colour closest to what you wear most and it will go with almost everything.
How it fits
| Brand | Carlton |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black, Burgundy, Dark Purple |
| Frame size | 51-16-135 mm (lens width, bridge, arm length) |
| Lens depth | 36 mm |
The 51mm lenses make this a medium frame that suits most faces. The 16mm bridge is on the narrow side. The 135mm arms are a standard length. Across the lenses and bridge it measures about 118mm.
Not sure about sizing? Compare these numbers with the ones on the inside arm of a pair that fits you well. A difference of two or three millimetres or less usually means a similar fit.
Lens options for the CAR42
Pick the lenses that match your prescription:
- Single vision: the same prescription from edge to edge.
- Bifocal: distance at the top and a reading segment at the bottom.
- Varifocal: a smooth change from distance to reading, with no line.
- Ready readers: a fixed magnification for books, phones and screens.
The 36mm lens depth works with single vision, bifocal and many varifocal lenses. If your prescription is high, a high-index lens keeps things thin. An anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coating is a sensible extra for everyday wear.
Before you order
Make sure your prescription is in date; most adults in the UK are advised to have an eye test every two years, and your optician will tell you if you need one sooner. You will also need your PD, which tells our lab where to centre the lenses. With those two things ready, ordering takes a few minutes: choose your colour, pick your lenses, enter your details and you are done.
Made for you in our UK lab
Every pair is made to order in our own UK lab. Your lenses are cut to your prescription, fitted into your CAR42 and checked by our technicians before they are sent out.
Looking after them
Clean your lenses with a microfibre cloth rather than your jumper, keep them in their case when they are in your bag, and do not leave them on a sunny car dashboard. Our lens care guide has more tips.
Questions we often get
Can I get varifocal lenses in the CAR42?
Yes. The 36mm lens depth gives varifocal lenses enough height for all three vision zones.
Is the CAR42 comfortable for all-day wear?
Yes. It is a lightweight frame, and a thinner lens for a stronger prescription keeps the weight down even further.
What size is it?
It is size 51-16-135: 51mm lens width, 16mm bridge and 135mm arms, a medium fit.
Will it suit a narrow nose?
Yes. The 16mm bridge is designed for slimmer noses.
Who glazes my lenses?
Our own optical lab in the UK. Your lenses are made to your prescription and fitted into the frame before your glasses are sent to you.
Want to compare? See more prescription glasses.
Lens prices
Lens types
| Lenses | Single Vision | Bifocal | Varifocal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Index (standard) | FREE | ÂŁ40 | ÂŁ69 |
| Transitions | ÂŁ50 | ÂŁ90 | ÂŁ119 |
| Sunglasses tint | ÂŁ10 | ÂŁ50 | ÂŁ75 |
| Blue light filter | ÂŁ30 | ÂŁ70 | ÂŁ99 |
Basic 1.5 Single Vision lenses with anti-reflection coating are included in the frame price.
Thinner lens upgrades
| Lens index | Single Vision | Bifocal | Varifocal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 + HMC | ÂŁ30 | ÂŁ70 | ÂŁ95 |
| 1.67 + HMC | ÂŁ50 | ÂŁ90 | ÂŁ119 |
| 1.74 + HMC | ÂŁ70 | – | ÂŁ135 |
Higher index lenses are thinner and lighter, and are worth it for stronger prescriptions. All include an HMC coating.
Frame details & size guide
Specifications
| Bridge Size | 16 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Carlton |
| Color | Black, Burgundy, Dark Purple |
| Eye Size | 51 |
| Lens Depth | 36 |
| Temple Length | 135 |
How to read frame sizes
The three numbers (for example 48-20-140) are the lens width, the bridge and the arm length in millimetres. Compare them with a pair you already own.

Delivery, returns & what is included
Delivery
- Single Vision: 5-7 working days
- Bifocal: 7-10 working days
- Varifocal: 7-10 working days
- Dispatched within 48 hours by tracked Royal Mail service
Delivery is free. Your estimate for your country is shown at checkout.
Returns & exchanges
Free 30-day returns or exchanges. If your glasses are not right for you, we will make it right.
What is included
- Anti-reflection lenses included
- Case and microfibre cloth
- Lenses made in our UK optical lab
- All frames CE marked
- Worldwide delivery
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