High Index Lenses

When Your Prescription Warrants High Index Lenses

High index lenses are the optimal choice for those who have a prescription that is very high but did you know that high index lenses work for most any prescription strength? Sure, you may opt for a less expensive solution if you can see well without glasses in the first place but for those that do require wearing glasses to see without blurriness, high index lenses are the way to go. In fact, high index lenses are found appropriate for almost every type of prescription.

Along with high index lenses being something your doctor may have suggested to you, there are many benefits to choosing this option.

Typically, a stronger prescription requires a heavier lens, which can lead to a distorted or magnified look on your face. High index lenses lend an attractive look since the lenses are thinner. In fact, you may need thick lenses yet these work the same way without the heavy material.

Since these lenses are thinner, they are also lighter which means that you won’t have that heavy feeling you get with thicker glasses. This means they’re more comfortable and less bulky.

What Makes Them Different?

The index value is determined by the efficiency to bend light. A higher index value means that the light has been refracted more – meaning a lens that is more thin. For example, a lens made out of glass or plastic might have a typical index value of 1.5. This is a thicker material because remember, the lower the number, the thicker the lens.

With high index lenses, the index numbers come in two values – 1.67 and 1.74, with 1.74 being the thinnest of material.

What About Frames and Will They Work with the Ones I Want?

The great thing about high index lenses is that there are so many choices in frames. In fact, even rimless frames are sometimes possible as well as thin, wired frames, aviators, and a plethora of choices that fit your lifestyle. With the lenses being lighter and thinner, you have options in attractive styles that fit your lifestyle.

The point is that you have many more options than you would with traditional lenses that are not high index.

Do Coatings Work with High Index Lenses?

Another plus when it comes to choosing high index lenses is that you can also choose anti-reflective coatings. Since the high index lenses refract more light, this is an excellent option that not only makes less glare, but also makes the lenses almost invisible. This provides a look that is very subtle and doesn’t show up as glare in photos and when people look at you.

Are There Any Problems with High Index Lenses?

There aren’t problems with high index lenses but there are a couple of things to be aware of. One thing is the cost – high index lenses do tend to be a little higher than traditional lenses because the material used to make them is more expensive.

Some rimless frames are not available as an option if you have a very high prescription but your eye doctor can tell you more and this is not always the case – just something to be aware of that is a possibility.

The other minor issue is that some people do experience more glare with high index lenses. This is due to the amount of color aberration being high, which is called the Abbe Number. Some distortion or blurring is to be expected. However, anti-reflective coatings do help with this so that you have a more comfortable vision and can see better at night – especially when driving.

The benefits are greater than the issues with high index lenses, which are typically minor.