- OpticalH
- September 5, 2024
- 12:40 pm
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High Index Lenses
With their elegant and comfortable design, high index lenses have completely transformed the eyeglass market and made eyewear more accessible to those with heavy prescriptions. Since their launch, these cutting-edge lenses have advanced significantly, offering users better usability and looks.
The History of High Index Lenses
The quest for lighter and thinner lenses for those with strong prescriptions led optical producers to embark on the road that would eventually lead to high index lenses in the late 1980s. Before this, people with large prescriptions were sometimes forced to wear heavy, thick lenses that were unsightly and painful.
The introduction of the first high index material in 1987, featuring a refractive index of 1.60, was a major advancement in lens technology. The creation of even higher index materials, such as 1.67 in 1991 and 1.74 in 2000, came after this.
Manufacturing Process and Materials
High index lenses are composed of modern plastic materials with a higher refractive index than conventional lens materials. To achieve excellent optical performance, the production process includes precise molding and stringent quality control procedures.
Common materials used in these lenses include:
- MR-6 (1.60 index)
- MR-7 (1.67 index)
- MR-8 (1.60 index with improved Abbe number)
- MR-174 (1.74 index)
These materials are engineered to bend light more efficiently, allowing for thinner lenses even with strong prescriptions.
Benefits of High Index Lenses
These special lenses offer several advantages over traditional lens materials:
- Thinner and lighter: High index lenses can be up to 50% thinner than standard plastic lenses, making them more comfortable to wear.
- Improved aesthetics: The reduced thickness minimizes the “bug-eye” effect often associated with strong prescriptions.
- UV protection: Many high index lenses come with built-in UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful rays.
- Versatility: High index lenses are compatible with various frame styles, including rimless and semi-rimless options.
- Reduced distortion: High index lenses can provide better optical clarity, especially in higher prescriptions.
Choosing High Index Lenses
While they offer numerous benefits, there are some factors to consider:
- Cost: High index lenses are generally more expensive than standard plastic lenses due to their advanced materials and manufacturing process.
- Reflections: High index materials can be more reflective, so an anti-reflective coating is often recommended.
- Prescription strength: The benefits of high index lenses are most noticeable for stronger prescriptions (+/-4.00 diopters or higher).
High Index Lenses for Children
High index lenses can be suitable for children with strong prescriptions. They offer several advantages:
- Lighter weight, which is more comfortable for active children
- Thinner profile, reducing the risk of teasing or self-consciousness
- Improved durability compared to traditional glass lenses
However, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best option for a child’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Cost Comparison: High Index vs. Regular Plastic Lenses
Generally speaking, high index lenses cost more than ordinary plastic lenses. The price difference might vary according on the index and any extra coatings, from 20% to 100% more. Nonetheless, a lot of users feel that the enhanced comfort and appearance are worth the cost, particularly for stronger prescriptions.
Performance in Different Lighting Conditions
In general, these lenses work well under a range of lighting circumstances. But, compared to lower index materials, they could suffer from a little bit more chromatic aberration, or color fringing, especially in dimly lit environments. Usually negligible, this impact may be lessened with the right lens coatings and design.
Clarity and Visual Quality
These lenses can offer outstanding clarity, particularly for stronger prescriptions. The smaller profile minimizes peripheral distortions, which can arise with bigger lenses. However, high index materials often have a lower Abbe value (a measure of how efficiently a lens material disperses light), which can have a little impact on clarity. This is why lens makers strive to strike the ideal balance between thinness and optical quality.
Facial Distortion
The reduction of face distortion is one of the main benefits of high index lenses. The magnifying or minification effect that is frequently observed with stronger prescriptions in regular lenses is lessened by the smaller profile. When looking through the glasses, this makes the wearer’s eyes appear more natural.
High Index Lenses vs. Polycarbonate
Both high index and polycarbonate lenses have their strengths:
High Index Lenses:
- Thinner and lighter for higher prescriptions
- Better optical clarity
- More scratch-resistant
Polycarbonate Lenses:
- Extremely impact-resistant
- Naturally UV-protective
- Often less expensive
The choice between the two often depends on the wearer’s prescription strength, lifestyle, and budget.
Best High Index Lenses
The “best” high index lens depends on individual needs, but some top options include:
- 1.74 High Index: The thinnest option available, ideal for very strong prescriptions.
- 1.67 High Index: A popular choice balancing thinness and affordability.
- 1.60 High Index: A good entry-level option for moderate prescriptions.
Always check with an eye care specialist to choose the appropriate lens for your unique requirements.
To summarize, lenses with high index have revolutionized the eyeglasses experience for many people, particularly those with heavy prescriptions. These lenses have enhanced eyeglasses’ functioning and appearance by making them smaller, lighter, and more visually attractive. As technology advances, we may expect even more improvements in lens materials and designs, hence improving the visual experience for eyeglass wearers globally.
Buy High Index Lenses from OpticalH!
A team of skilled opticians creates a wide range of high index lenses at OpticalH using their state-of-the-art facility. We provide lenses from top manufacturers in a variety of thicknesses and surface treatments to meet your specific requirements. With so many frames available in our online store, you can be sure to discover the ideal pair to go with your high index lenses. You may benefit from premium, personalized eyewear that is made to meet your prescription and style choices with OpticalH.
This is not just any online store. We are optical specialists who also sell products online. One of the largest stocks in the world, with more than 15,000 models of glasses available.