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