High Index Lenses

High Index Lenses Work Well for a Number of Vision Problems

If you have certain vision problems then you may have heard about high index lenses. Whether it’s myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism – high index lenses are an excellent choice for crisp, clear vision without the negative aspects of thick glasses or contact lenses that still allow blur.

The point is to find the best alternative for your own needs while being able to look and feel attractive and most importantly, see clearer with corrected vision.

What are High Index Lenses?

High index lenses are eyeglasses that have a very strong prescription yet are still lightweight and comfortable for the wearer. Before the technology of high index lenses, you would often see people who had strong prescriptions and you always knew it because their glasses were not only thick and heavy but the lenses magnified their eyes significantly. This is sometimes referred to as “Coke bottle” glasses. While that may be something that was mostly said in the past, you will still see people with these thick, unattractive eyeglasses.

The difference with high index lenses is that they are not thick and unattractive and they weigh less and are more comfortable. For those who have a strong prescription yet opt for high index lenses, others are not able to tell. The glasses are thinner, lighter, and come in a variety of looks that are popular and in-style with current trends.

High index lenses typically come in two sizes – 1.67 high index lenses and 1.74 high index lenses. The difference is that 1.74 is thinner but the price is higher too.

If you have certain eye conditions, you may wonder if high index lenses are for you. Here are three of the most common conditions that work well with high index lenses and may be a better choice than traditional glasses or contact lenses.

Myopia and High Index Lenses

Myopia is the same as being nearsighted. Depending on the individual, the prescription strength varies greatly with some needing a thick pair of eyeglasses in order to see well. Myopia is easily corrected with high index lenses and you will no longer feel fatigued while trying to see distant objects and driving is much easier – especially now that you can read the road signs.

Hyperopia and High Index Lenses

Hyperopia is just the opposite of myopia – it means that you are farsighted and objects that are up close are harder to see but those in the distance are clearer. Eyeglasses work best to treat hyperopia and is an ideal alternative to contacts that aren’t as crisp or surgery options, which not everyone wants to do or has the means to afford.

Astigmatism and High Index Lenses

Astigmatism is where the cornea is an oval shape rather than a round shape and this affects the way that you see clearly. The reason high index lenses are better for astigmatism that contact lenses is that with a moderate to severe form of astigmatism, the vision is not as perfect as it is with glasses. Plus, the cost for contact lenses made for those with this condition are more expensive than regular contact lenses.

If you have decided that you want to try out high index lenses, you are able to find so many styles and looks. Your eye doctor will tell you if it is a good fit for you but most likely you are reading this because it has already been mentioned or you have heard about them but weren’t sure exactly what they are. High index lenses look great and feel great but best of all, they work for strong prescriptions and for those with a variety of eye correction needs.