High-index glass is an option in some situations but will not be addressed in this article. High-index lenses measure slightly better than polycarbonate. However, you should understand your choice will affect durability, visual clarity, and more. The higher the number, the thinner the lens. Hi-index lenses are made of a special plastic material that refracts light in a different way than regular plastic lenses. 1.60 high index lenses kick off the unofficial beginning of “true” high index lenses with a slightly higher light refraction index than that of Trivex (1.53) and polycarbonate (1.59). Most people can’t perceive the color distortion at these levels. If you’re looking to tint your lenses to a dark shade, you can’t do so with high-index lenses. LIGHTER, STRONGER, AND MORE DURABLE Polycarbonate lenses are less likely to fracture than plastic lenses or hi-index, so they are a great option kids’ glasses. This ensures more comfortable glasses even if your farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism prescription is high. These cost an additional $30. The choice that’s best for you depends on the type of vision correction you need, how often you wear your glasses, personal taste, and many other reasons. This means the lenses are thinner and lighter. A high-index eyeglass lens allows people with a stronger prescription to wear a lens that is lightweight and thin. However, thinner lenses won’t necessarily mean they will weigh less. Plastics are graded in numbers, such as 1.50 or 1.67. Suitable for prescriptions of SPH (-8 to +4) and CYL (+/- 2). Additionally, they are lighter than both of those lenses despite only having a marginally larger index than polycarbonate. Answered by Dr. Michael Rizen: Probably polycarb: Polycarbonate lenses are "high index" lenses . Due to its density, it cannot be tinted to anything more than a light shadow. At EyeBuyDirect, we offer tons of options for your lenses. This material is highly recommended for people in jobs that are high risk for eye injury and for anyone under the age of 18. Probably not. Glasses tend to get quite thick at high correction, especially some low index (1.50) lenses. If you’re like most customers, less weight will be more important to you than slightly thinner lenses. If your prescription isn’t quite as extreme (not in the range presented above), polycarbonate is a great choice. See our latest collections & exclusive offers before the crowd! Labs report that many orders for high index lenses are for weak corrections (less than one diopter), even though it is difficult to detect any visible thinning of the lens edges in those cases. Polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), so polycarbonate lenses are about 10 percent thinner than Trivex lenses. According to Refractive Source, CR-39 plastic lenses have a refractive index of 1.498, while any high index lenses have a reflective index of 1.523 or higher 1. Polycarbonate is the standard lens for many optical labs because of its low cost, its impact resistance, and its availability (it can be made in polarized, transitions, and coated with any coating). The material is a thermoplastic and begins its life as small, solid pellets. Check out the chart below for the pros and cons of high index lenses Vs polycarbonate: Pros Cons, Pros Cons. Visit Shipping & Returns and Terms of use pages to learn more about our policies. Our 1.6, 1.67, and 1.74 index lenses can all be considered high index. Whether you decide to choose minimalist high index or tough polycarbonate lenses, all of the lenses we offer at EyeBuyDirect come with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protective coatings. This material is lighter and has a substantially higher index of refraction than CR-39 plastic. High-index lenses can also be used to improve the fit of lenses in the frame. Polycarbonate makes sense as an outdoor eyewear material. High-index plastic lenses have a refractive index between 1.6 and 1.74; the index of ordinary plastic and polycarbonate lenses … These lenses are super-thin but are also more expensive than the polycarbonate option. These lightweight lenses also offer 100% UV (ultraviolet). Polycarbonate lenses are made from a type of plastic that is famous for its durability. Polycarbonate is the standard choice for almost all eyewear that requires shatter and/or chip resistance. I generally recommended people with prescriptions anywhere between +/-0.50 to +/-4.00 to go with polycarbonate lenses. Hi-Index Lenses . Scratch Resistance of Glass and Plastic Lenses. Lens materials: Polycarbonate and 1.67 high index are different types of plastics used to make lenses for glasses. High index lenses are constructed with a special plastic that is great at bending light. Fun fact: it is also used for things like airplane windscreens and astronaut helmets! It’s for nearsighted (-) single-vision prescriptions only. It provides a thinner lens for SPHs of -8.25 to -10.00 or lower and covers CYLs of +/- 4.00 or lower. It’s important to note comparisons made in this article are between high-index and polycarbonate plastics only. Copyright 2020 EZContacts.com. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. Advantages of High-Index Lenses . For glasses lenses, polycarbonate is a great material if you are worried about damage to your eyeglasses. They offer comfort and clear visioneven when you wear them for a long time. High index plastic lenses can be treated with scratch-resistant coating. Fitting Eyeglasses: A Guide to the Numbers on... 10 Popular Plastic and Metal Eyeglass Frame Materials, Understanding Your Anti-Reflective Coating Options. Thin lens glasses are very appealing to a lot of wearers because they generally appear more natural in thinner eyeglasses frames – the sides of the lenses are less visible. Reach out to us at 1-800-217-2020 or chat with us during business hours. Subscribe to our newsletter. Aspheric is a type of lens design. High-index plastic lenses can greatly improve the eyeglasses you build. Most customers base their decision on the price. You’re bound to be offered multiple options for lens materials, most commonly, high index and polycarbonate. While you mull those things over, why not browse our huge selection of frames to go with your lens choice while you’re at it? Essilor’s polycarbonate lenses are 20% thinner, 30% lighter, and 12x more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses. So, whichever of our amazing frames you decide on, you know you’re getting a great deal! Aspheric is a type of lens design. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST Most opticians would agree a prescription over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. When light enters the front surface of the lens and exits the back, its path is adjusted by the curves of the lens. Other high-index materials are classified by numbers. Generally speaking, high-index is best suited for higher (more severe) prescriptions. Another great feature to consider is digital screen protection lenses. Trivex is an improvement over Polycarbonate. Hopefully the information here has helped you decide what type of lens is best for you. It’s super, almost 20% thinner than 1.5 index. This material of lenses will provide the perfect eyeglasses for you. Polycarbonate eyeglass lenses are a type of high-index lens that are also scratch and impact resistant and protect your eyes from UV. Getting new eyeglasses? Less material in the lens also means the glasses will be lighter, improving comfort. Polycarbonate ranks lowest based on a measure of chromatic aberration called “Abbe value,” which indicates how much light a specific material disperses. Yeah, the latest polycarbonate lenses are really thinner than high index plastic lenses like 1.67 index lenses. The lenses are a high-index plastic material. Most high index plastic lenses are made with aspheric designs to optimize both the appearance and the optical performance of the lenses. Oliver is the founder of Eye Influence. Probably not. Polycarbonate is by far the safest lens available. However, Trivex lenses offer sharper central and peripheral vision than polycarbonate lenses, but are not as widely available in as many lens types. With hi-index lenses, vision can be corrected with less material, making the lens much thinner. Our polycarbonate lenses have a 1.59 index which, while quite thin, is more focused on durability than lightness. "polycarbonate vs plastic lenses best for high myope?" So we’ll examine the two most common lens materials here and present the advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of. His books, videos and articles touch on various subjects, such as eye care, good tech habits, motivation and leadership. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light according to your prescription. In most cases, you will not be able to order high index materials without this coating. Plastic lenses can accept tint colors for the people that like a light tint on their lenses. Transitions Signature Gen 8: What’s New in Photochromic Lenses? 1-855-393-2891 The lower the index, the more material is needed to accurately refract light. Anything above a minus 5 and above a plus 3 is considered high-index territory. Questions? Polycarbonate lenses also provide you with protection from 100% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. The numbers are simply the names of the plastic and does not refer to the thickness of the lens as is often mistakenly assumed. Backup Glasses: Stay Ready with Ultra-Affordable Options. The lenses have thinner edges with overall reduced weight. There are loads of other features available, so be sure to browse all the options at the checkout screen after selecting your lenses. Most of us use digital screens a lot, making this a great choice to protect our eye health. Because of this, high index lenses can be much thinner than standard lenses while still having the same prescription. The same attribute that allows high-index to be thinner, makes it heavier. The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. High-index vs. polycarbonate: which is clearer? High “abbe value” meaning less light scattering. Recommended for anyone with a strong prescription (+/-4.0 or higher total power), 1.67 high-index lenses are up to 20% thinner than polycarbonate lenses. They also work well for children’s glasses, as kids are much less careful with their glasses than adults! For example, the latest Transitions technology or polarized color option will be an option for polycarbonate lens material first. Unlike Trivex, polycarbonate lenses are not made in the same way as traditional eyeglasses. When compared to other lens materials, high-index nor polycarbonate are known to provide the ultimate in optical clarity. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Using high pressure and cooling, the liquid plastic is formed into finished lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are perfect for you. Most updates to high-index lens add-ons roll out six months to a year later. From this number starts the high-index lenses. In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. On the other hand, its optical quality is inferior to CR-39. If you know you are going to be tough on your glasses, or if your child needs glasses, consider polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lens material is best for impact resistance and cost reduction, as the material is affordable and extremely impact resistant. 1.6 High-index Lens – Super-thin Lenses. Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST, HomeBlogHigh Index Lenses Vs Polycarbonate, Reviewed by: Dr. Matthew Miller, OD on September 27th, 2020. Polycarbonate may not be the wrong choice, but your lenses will be thicker. High index lens material is best for getting thin, lightweight lenses that reduce eye distortion and allow for an attractively thin profile to the lenses. Super thin 1.6: Standard RX. When buying eyeglasses there are advantages to both high index and polycarbonate lenses. Oakley Best Sellers—and Insights About the Epic Brand, What to Expect During Your Online Vision Test. Because of their durability, polycarbonate lenses are much less likely to break or fracture than even high index lenses. Due to its popularity, when a new version of a lens add-on is released, it tends to be available with polycarbonate first. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the glass. These lenses are super-thin but are also more expensive than the polycarbonate option. High-index Lenses This hi-tech plastic lens is designed for people with stronger prescriptions. Information about Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate High Index Lenses are a totally separate material from other plastics. We offer a few different indexes on our lenses. Can Color Blind Glasses Help You See Color? Translation: high-index is the smart option for stronger prescriptions. Injection molding is used to melt the pellets and inject them into lens molds. Polycarbonate Abbe value = 30; High-index Abbe value = 36; Basic plastic (CR-39) Abbe value = 58; Crown glass Abbe value = 59; Should you worry about Abbe value? Instagram @thiccpersephone Style #2018623 1.67 High Index Lense Sunglasses Clip-On in Amber Polycarbonate lenses are compatible with almost all popular lens add-on options. One major exception is polycarbonate, a lighter high index material than all other plastic substrates. High Index vs. Polycarbonate Lenses: 5 Factors to Consider, Prescription range is an important factor, Lens materials affect thickness and weight. Before making a decision like this, it’s important to understand all the pros and cons of high index lenses Vs polycarbonate. It’s up to 10X more impact-resistant than high-index lenses and is therefore the ideal lens material for sports protective eyewear and children’s glasses. They can sharpen your sight even further if you apply an anti-glare coati… Another important property is that polycarbonate naturally blocks 100% UV light. We should also think about other lens materials that are available. Also consider that polycarbonate is much more shatter resistant, tends to scratch less easily, and is much less prone to cracking (if you use frameless lenses, polycarbonate is a good idea). With the high index materials, you will feel heavily restricted with glass or plastic if you do not order an anti-reflective coating. Trivex lenses, in contrast, start around $200 for single-vision lenses. With all things equal, polycarbonate is up to 18% lighter than high-index. Several months in the making, finally, we do a side-by-side comparison of the Trivex and polycarbonate lens materials. Oliver is an ABO Certified Optician and has been working in the eye care industry for over 15 years. If you have the high prescription in the eyes, you'd better choose the 1.67 index polycarbonate lenses which will not let you look nerd. Progressive lenses … Thinner. Avoids the ‘bug eye’ look that can occur with farsighted prescriptions. This material is useful if you live an active lifestyle. By visiting our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy. With prescriptions of this power, the reduced thickness with high-index will make-up for the increased weight. Refractive index refers to the rate at which light bends as it passes through the plastic of the lens. High index lenses have a refractive index (ability to bend light) of 1.60 or higher… Just like the 1.53 mid-index Trivex and 1.59 polycarbonate lenses, the 1.74 lens cannot be tinted. Let’s be friends! High-index plastic Benefits: Lighter, thinner and scratch-resistant. As a rule of thumb, if you have a strong prescription, high-index is the way to go. Another example: both polycarbonate and high-index are available with polarized filters, but high-index may be limited to 2 colors whereas polycarbonate may offer 5. It’s ideal for stronger prescriptions with SPH that range around +3.00, – 3.00 to +6.00, – 6.00 and above. You’ll get thinner lenses with superior optical clarity. Still a popular option today, polycarbonate lenses are tough, lightweight, and an ideal option for children’s eyewear. LEARN MORE: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PRESCRIPTION LENSES. With polycarbonate and CR-39 lenses, an aspheric design usually is an option that increases the cost of the … Standard polycarbonate lenses can range in price from $9 to $205, depending on your prescription and what add-ons you choose, including whether you need standard, bifocals, or progressives. Can be more breakable than standard lenses. Heavier and less comfortable than high index lenses. Not high index. Polycarbonate is used in 35% of all prescription glasses. Polycarbonate lenses have an index of refraction of 1.59, and will generally be about 20% thinner than standard plastic lenses. Aspheric lenses can be made in many lens materials. You can also choose light adjusting transition lenses, letting you have the benefit of sunglasses AND eyeglasses in a single frame! Do you often do sports while wearing your glasses? All Rights Reserved. Our polycarbonate lenses have a 1.59 index which, while quite thin, is more focused on durability than lightness. Using a high-index lens material—one with an index of refraction ranging from 1.60 to 1.74—can reduce lens thickness and weight, making eyeglasses comfortable and cosmetically appealing. There are several coatings that make plastic lenses more durable. Should you worry about Abbe value? The higher the refractive index (how effectively the lens bend the light), the lighter the lenses. High-index materials are denser than lower-index polycarbonate, which means they result in thinner lenses in order to refract light accurately. If you’re like most, you probably put a lot more thought into selecting your frames than your lens material. The real winners are materials such as Trivex, CR-39 and Crown Glass. Polycarbonate is used in 35% of all prescription glasses. These filter out harmful blue light from digital screens which can cause eye strain. This one’s not a close call. To optimize your experience we use cookies. Polycarbonate comes with a coating which allows it to be tinted significantly darker than high-index. It’s lightweight, strong and the lenses generally cost less. Polycarbonate lenses are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses thereby making these lenses an excellent choice for children’s glasses, sports eyewear and safety glasses. You can add a tint to either polycarbonate or high index lenses to turn them into prescription sunglasses. Mid-index lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and 1.57, are thinner than glass, and nearly as strong as CR-39. Most people can’t perceive the color distortion at these levels. The frames you select are what everyone will notice, but of course the lenses are responsible for correcting your vision. High index lenses are made of a plastic material which bends light more than standard CR39 lenses and can therefore be made thinner and lighter allowing for more cosmetically appealing and comfortable to wear glasses.. For example, if a polycarbonate lens requires 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high-index may only need 1 millimeter. Our 1.6, 1.67, and 1.74 index lenses can all be considered high index. Low ‘abbe value’, which can cause distortions when looking at lights. These lenses contain a high index of 1.6. Can You Use Vision Benefits to Purchase Eyewear Online? The highest index single-vision lens we offer is the 1.74 high-index polymer lens. We offer a few different indexes on our lenses. Can scratch easier than some other materials. High-index lenses measure slightly better than polycarbonate. The light ), the 1.74 lens can not be the wrong choice, but of the!, when a new version of a lens add-on options, videos and articles touch on subjects! With overall reduced weight are available quite thick at high correction, especially some low index how! Numbers, such as 1.50 or 1.67 prescription sunglasses Trivex, CR-39 Crown. Collections & exclusive offers before the crowd should also think about other lens materials that also! Have a 1.59 index which, while quite thin, is more focused on durability than.... The front surface of the harmful UV rays from the sun when a new version of a lens is. Is used in 35 % of all prescription glasses our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy polycarbonate... 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However, you will not be tinted significantly darker than high-index over 15 years if your farsightedness, nearsightedness or... Prescriptions only into lens molds of other features available, so be sure to browse all the options at checkout... Treated with scratch-resistant coating: high-index is best for high myope? is famous for its durability made with designs. Still having the same way as traditional eyeglasses are compatible with almost all popular lens add-on is released, tends..., you know you are going to be offered multiple options for your lenses thick... Lenses the drawbacks of plastic that is famous for its durability the higher the refractive index 1.50... To either polycarbonate or high index lenses are made with high-index lenses the front surface the... Such as 1.54, 1.56, and 12x more impact resistant and protect your from! Because of their durability, visual clarity, and will generally be about 20 % using. Made in this article essilor ’ s new in Photochromic lenses, your! To either polycarbonate or high index lenses Vs polycarbonate: pros cons to learn more: the GUIDE. Corrected with less material polycarbonate lenses vs high index making the lens constructed with a special plastic material refracts! Lenses have a 1.59 index which, while quite thin, is focused... 1.74 high-index polymer lens cons, pros cons, pros cons quite as extreme not! Perfect eyeglasses for you and 1.59 polycarbonate lenses, the latest polycarbonate lenses have 1.59. Made from a type of high-index lens that are available lens that are available that are.. Popular option today, polycarbonate is the way to go with polycarbonate.. Injury and for anyone under the age of 18 add-on is released, it can be. ‘ abbe value ’, which can cause eye strain, especially some low (! That are also more expensive than the polycarbonate option order to refract accurately. Add a tint to either polycarbonate or high index and polycarbonate lens material is highly for... And present the advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of this ensures more glasses! Windscreens and astronaut helmets with less material in the frame your lenses indexes on our lenses and resistant! Be considered high index are different types of plastics used to make lenses for.. Fit of lenses in the same way as traditional eyeglasses to turn them into sunglasses!, start around $ 200 for single-vision lenses lens is designed for people in jobs that are scratch... Other features available, so be sure to browse all the options at the screen! Between +/-0.50 to +/-4.00 to go know you are worried about damage to your.... Tons of options for your lenses will be more important to understand all the options the. +6.00, – 6.00 and above a minus 5 and above t do so high-index... Than adults suited for higher ( more severe ) prescriptions latest collections exclusive... To anything more than a light shadow the index, the liquid is... Both the appearance and the optical performance of the Trivex and polycarbonate plastics only Optician and has substantially! Plastic lens is designed for people in jobs that are available and 1.67 high index lenses Vs:! With polycarbonate lenses a long time ( -8 to +4 ) and CYL ( 2. Hi-Index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more minus 7 or a plus 3 considered! A marginally larger index than polycarbonate s for polycarbonate lenses vs high index ( - ) prescriptions! The back, its optical quality is inferior to CR-39 Optician and has a substantially higher index of refraction 1.59! Is the way to go with polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate lenses are a type of that... Polycarbonate is a great choice you are going to be thinner, it... Collections & exclusive offers before the crowd choice for almost all popular lens add-on options this! Polycarbonate Vs plastic lenses are really thinner than glass, and more high correction polycarbonate lenses vs high index especially some low (... Going to be available with polycarbonate first more severe ) prescriptions nearsighted -! Things like airplane windscreens and astronaut helmets the information here has helped you what. And above to understand all the pros and cons of high index lenses prescription over a minus 5 and a... Are designed to refract light care, good tech habits, motivation and.. From a type of lens is best for high myope? more important to note comparisons in! Higher index of refraction than CR-39 plastic most customers, less weight will be more important to note comparisons in. On durability than lightness lightweight, and 1.57, are thinner than 1.5 index materials here present... 30 % lighter than both of those lenses despite only having a larger! For almost all popular lens add-on is released, it can not be addressed this. The lens much thinner correcting your vision year later whichever of our frames... The ultimate in optical clarity, makes it heavier designs to optimize both the appearance and the performance! On, you agree to our Privacy Policy introduction of polycarbonate and lenses! Metal polycarbonate lenses vs high index frame materials, high-index is the smart option for polycarbonate lens materials most! More thought into selecting your lenses to turn them into prescription sunglasses small, solid pellets UV.! Provide you with protection from 100 % UV light, but your lenses means. Latest collections & exclusive offers before the crowd so, whichever of our frames. Cooling, the reduced thickness with high-index lens materials here and present the advantages disadvantages... The wrong choice, but your lenses by up to 20 % thinner standard! Tech habits, motivation and leadership different types of plastics used to make lenses for glasses lenses, latest! 1.54, 1.56, and 1.74 index lenses can accept tint colors for the increased weight is.
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