Why Should I Use High Index Lenses?
High index lenses have continued to become more and more popular the longer they’ve been around. Why are they so great?
High Index Lenses are Popular for Good Reason
High index lenses are extremely popular because of their thin profile, scratch resistance, and light weight. Most people who use high index lenses are those with strong prescriptions, though in recent years they’ve been getting more popular even for those with moderate prescriptions.
If you’ve never had high index lenses before, there are several reasons to consider them. First and foremost, if you have a very light prescription (between +2.00 and -2.00), high index will not make much of a difference for you compared to standard plastic. However, if you have a moderate or strong prescription, high index lenses will make your prescription seem thinner, make your lenses lighter, and cut down on eye distortion.
Here are all the reasons why high index glasses are great:
- Thin profile. High index lenses are thinner than standard lenses, making them more aesthetically pleasing and cutting down on the “coke bottle” look of strong prescriptions.
- Lightweight. High index glasses are lightweight because of their thin lens profile. Less lens material means less weight on your nose all day.
- Scratch resistance. High index lenses are denser than standard plastic or polycarbonate lenses, making them more scratch resistant. This is extremely useful for everyday glasses as it increases their lifespan and saves you money on a new pair in the long run.
- Less eye distortion. Many people with strong prescriptions have to deal with the “bug-eyes” or “tiny eyes” distortion that comes from thick lenses. Thick, strong lenses can distort the way your eyes look to others, making them seem smaller or larger than they are. This is embarrassing and unattractive. High index lenses remove much of the eye distortion associated with high prescriptions.
- More prescription options. In curved frames and some frames with special lens pockets, there is a limit to how thick a lens can be. High index lenses allow higher prescriptions to be inserted into many of these frames, broadening your frame options when you’re on the cusp.
Many people who’ve never had a pair of high index lenses before are surprised when they realize what they’ve been missing. This is especially true for those with high prescriptions; the difference in lens thickness with high index is remarkable.
There are few lenses as technologically advanced as high index lenses, either. High index glasses are some of the newest, most impressive feats in optical technology to date. Indexes as high as 1.74 in plastic are major scientific advancements, and more lens materials are being developed by researchers today.
If you are still unsure about whether high index glasses are right for you, or if you have anything you’d like to add to the high index discussion, please leave any questions or comments in the comments below. We love hearing what our readers have to say. Thanks for reading!
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