High-index lenses are notably thinner compared to traditional lens options and present numerous advantages for glasses wearers. This is particularly the case for individuals with high-strength prescriptions. After all, who wants to be burdened with thick, Coke-bottle-like lenses? Read on to learn more about high-index lenses. Below, we've also listed five telltale signs that it could be the right time for you to consider giving high-index lenses a try.
What are high-index lenses?
High-index lenses are crafted from a particular type of plastic, aptly named high - index plastic. The composition of this material, combined with the manufacturing process of the lenses, causes light to be refracted in a distinctive manner. This unique refraction property enables a stronger prescription to be incorporated into a lens that is significantly thinner than what could be achieved with other materials.
People frequently mix up high-index lenses and polycarbonate lenses. This confusion stems, in part, from the widespread popularity of polycarbonate dating back to the 1980s and continuing ever since. Polycarbonate is an incredibly durable material. It can endure more rigorous usage compared to certain other materials. This is precisely why it remains a recommended choice today for individuals involved in physically demanding activities or jobs. Additionally, due to its reduced likelihood of cracking, polycarbonate is still recommended for children's eyewear.
Now that you understand how your lens thickness is determined, let’s check out the lens index options at Panda Optical from thickest to thinnest:
✨1.56 Standard Index
This is our most basic lens type. It’s ideal for low prescriptions in the range of +2.50/-5.00 or below. If you have an extremely mild prescription, the standard index option will deliver the thinnest frame.
Keep in mind that this lens index only features 85%-90% UV protection in a clear lens. For 100% UV protection, you’ll want to select a higher lens index or a more advanced lens (such as our blue light-blocking lenses or photochromic lenses).
✨1.61 or 1.67 Common Index
When you have a medium or strong prescription, you need a high-index lens to keep your lenses thin. High-index lenses have good optical clarity, 100% UV protection, and excellent durability. They currently come in indices of 1.61, 1.67, and 1.74. All three lenses are made with similar materials, so the choice of the index comes down to your prescription strength.
A 1.67 high-index lens is best for +7.00/-9.00 or above. It can even be a good choice for people with low prescriptions who want the additional lens benefits mentioned above.
If you have a prescription that is +4.25/-6.75 or below, you’ll benefit from the thinness of a 1.61 high-index lens.
✨1.74 Strong Index
Strong prescriptions that are +9.25/-9.25 or above will work best with a 1.74 index lens. When you have a really strong prescription, a 1.74 high-index lens will be the thinnest option.
If this still seems like a lot of information, don’t worry! When you choose your lenses at Panda Optical, we will automatically recommend the three most appropriate lens indexes for you according to your prescription. Getting your most suitable glasses can be super easy at Panda Optical.
