
What is the difference between high index lens vs aspheric lens?
The lenses will be similar in weight and quality, but high index is more scratch resistant. If you’re shopping around and debating between lens options, the decision between a high index lens vs aspheric lens vs polycarbonate can be a tough one.
What are aspheric lenses?
Aspheric lenses can be made in many lens materials. Aspheric lenses are different from conventional lenses because they are not curved the same on the front of the lens. This altered curvature reduces lens weight, lens thickness, and eye distortion.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of high index lenses?
Advantages of High-Index Lenses. Thinner. Because of their ability to bend light more efficiently, high-index lenses for nearsightedness have thinner edges than lenses with the same prescription power that are made of conventional plastic material.
Should you get high index or polycarbonate lenses?
Getting aspheric high index lenses is one of the best ways to get extremely thin and attractive lenses, but you’ll pay for them, and your frame options will be significantly reduced. Getting regular high index lenses is a better middle ground for thickness, light weight, and lack of eye distortion compared to getting aspheric polycarbonate lenses.
Why are aspheric high index lenses good?
What does a thinner lens mean?
Can you get aspheric lenses?

How do you know if a lens is aspheric?
There are many types of lenses for glasses, including aspheric lenses. Whereas regular or standard lenses have a circular shape, aspheric lenses have a varying curve across the lens. They're a thinner, flatter, upgraded lens.
What is a high index lens?
High-index lenses are lenses that bend light more effectively than other types of eyeglass lenses due to their higher index of refraction. They allow people with strong prescriptions to wear glasses with thinner, less noticeable lenses.
Are all progressive lenses aspheric?
Every progressive lens utilizes aspheric curves to constantly change power as the wearer's eye travels from distance to near. Earlier progressives featured spherical curves in the upper portion of the front surface.
Are 1.74 lenses aspheric?
If you are long sighted (far) and have a strong “+“ prescription, the thinnest lenses available are Plastic 1.74 index Double aspheric lenses.
What frames are best for high index lenses?
Your best chance to avoid distortion of your eyes is to elect to have high index lenses for your prescription eyeglasses. The best frame choice for a strong prescription is a round frame because it is easier to shape a strong prescription effectively.
Do high index lenses cause distortion?
In addition to this, hi index lens materials can also cause a distortion of peripheral vision. These types of lenses are thinner and lighter than normal, which means the back surface of the lens is placed further away from the natural curve of your eye. This distance can in turn affect your peripheral view.
What is a disadvantage of aspheric lenses?
There are a few downsides to aspherical lenses. The main issue is their cost since they take more effort to manufacture. These lenses may also require reflective coatings that traditional lenses do not, and they require accurate measurements of your pupillary distance.
Who needs aspheric lenses?
People with higher-order refractive errors, typically +4.00 diopters or more, are ideal candidates for aspheric lenses....Aspheric lenses also work for people who struggle with:Nearsightedness (myopia)Astigmatism.Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia)
What shape lens is best for progressive glasses?
Lens shape is important, too. Progressive wearers should avoid aviators and cat-eyes because both can cut off the bottom portion of the prescription, resulting in a loss of reading vision. Instead, they should look for shorter frames with rounded edges such as horn-rimmed, retro wingtip, circular, and oval ones.
What are the disadvantages of high index lenses?
Cons of High Index LensesThey are more fragile. ... They are less scratch-resistant in nature. ... They are more reflective than standard lenses. ... They are more prone to peripheral distortion. ... Finally, they are pricier than standard lenses.
What is the thinnest high index lens?
High Index 1.74 lensesHigh Index 1.74 lenses are the thinnest, flattest, and most cosmetically appealing lens ever developed. These ultra thin lenses are nearly 50% thinner than plastic and 5% thinner than 1.67 high index lenses, offering you the ultimate in technology and cosmetics.
Are Digital lenses aspheric?
ASPHERIC LENS DESIGN Digitally customized lenses are double aspheric making them the most cosmetically appealing lenses available. Digitally customized lenses are double aspheric making them the most cosmetically appealing lenses available.
Is it worth it to get high index lenses?
High-index lenses mean that the lens itself can be both thinner and lighter. This allows your glasses to be as fashionable and comfortable as possible. High-index lenses are particularly beneficial if you have a strong eyeglass prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high index lenses?
1.67 high index lenses are much less costly compared to 1.74. Though both reduce the eye distortion caused by strong prescriptions (making your eyes look bigger or smaller than they are), 1.74 high index lenses accomplish this better than 1.67 high index lenses do.
What is the difference between 1.67 and 1.61 high index lenses?
1.67 High Index 1.67 high-index lenses surpass in thinness and lightness when compared to 1.61 high-index lenses. It helps with eye distortion caused by stronger prescriptions and is ideal for individuals with an SPH correction between +/- 7.00 and +/- 9.00, and a CYL correction between +/- 3.25 and +/- 4.00.
Is high index lens good for eyes?
High index lenses are a good option for people who have strong prescriptions for myopia – commonly called "nearsightedness" due to a difficulty in focusing on far objects. A high-index lens can bend light rays more, while using less material in lenses created for both nearsighted and farsighted people (hyperopia).
How High-Index Lenses Differ from Regular Lenses
Eyeglass lenses correct refractive errors by bending (refracting) light as it passes through the lens. The amount of light-bending ability (lens po...
Advantages of High-Index Lenses
Thinner. Because of their ability to bend light more efficiently, high-index lenses for nearsightedness have thinner edges than lenses with the sam...
Many High-Index Lens Choices
There is a wide variety of thin, lightweight high-index eyeglass lenses, based on how efficiently they bend light.The light-bending ability of eyeg...
AR Coating: A Perfect Companion For High-Index Lenses
All lens materials block some light from passing through the lens. This light reflects back from the lens surface, causing distractions and reducin...
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aspherical Lenses
We Offer Free Design Consultation Now April 17, 2017 We offer free design consultation for custom lens development projects. Including material mix recommendations and availability check. Further we will provide flexible tolerance adjustment consulting ... view Basic Knowledge About SWIR Lensens
Aspheric Lenses (What Are They? Benefits & FAQs) - Vision Center
Aspheric lenses are flatter than conventional lenses. Although flatter, they still offer the same vision-enhancing benefits.
What Types of High-index Lenses Are Available?
There are a variety of high-index lenses you can select. The higher the number (refractive index), the thinner the lens. Generally, the higher your prescription, the higher the index you need. For reference, standard plastic lenses have a refractive index of 1.50.
What are the different types of eyeglasses?
There are several types of eyeglass lenses available, listed here in order of thickest to thinnest: 1 CR-39 plastic is often referred to as standard, regular, or plastic lenses. Some features of CR-39 include low cost and excellent optical quality. However, the lenses tend to be thick, and can give you "bug-eyes" with higher prescriptions. 2 Polycarbonate is the go-to lens for children’s eyewear, sports goggles, and safety glasses because of its high impact resistance. One drawback is that polycarbonate tends to have more chromatic aberrations than any other lens material, which means poorer visual quality. Although many people do well with polycarbonate lenses, some have trouble adapting to them because of the visual quality. 3 Trivex is similar to polycarbonate in that it is also incredibly impact-resistant. Other benefits of Trivex include fewer chromatic aberrations than polycarbonate, and it is the lightest lens material. 4 High index is the thinnest eyeglass lens available, in addition to being lightweight. Because these lenses tend to reflect more light, most opticians and eye doctors recommend adding an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare.
What is the thinnest eyeglass lens?
High index is the thinnest eyeglass lens available, in addition to being lightweight. Because these lenses tend to reflect more light, most opticians and eye doctors recommend adding an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. Jump to topic.
Why are high index lenses used?
Many people enjoy using high-index lenses because they look better cosmetically and feel more comfortable. There are several types of eyeglass lenses available, ...
Why do high index lenses cause distortion?
It is possible that high-index lenses cause slight distortion in your peripheral vision due to their low Abbe value.
Why are polarized lenses used in sunglasses?
They are often added to sunglass lenses to improve contrast and quality of vision. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for people who spend lots of time outdoors or are very sensitive to light.
What is polycarbonate lens?
Polycarbonate is the go-to lens for children’s eyewear, sports goggles, and safety glasses because of its high impact resistance . One drawback is that polycarbonate tends to have more chromatic aberrations than any other lens material, which means poorer visual quality. Although many people do well with polycarbonate lenses, ...
What are high-index lenses?
High-index lenses are eyeglass lenses that bend ( refract) light more efficiently than regular glass or plastic lenses. This is due to the lens material having a higher index of refraction than regular glass or plastic lenses. Lens materials that have a higher index of refraction produce thinner glasses.
How much thinner are high-index lenses?
How much thinner your glasses will be with high-index lenses depends on several factors:
What is the index of refraction of a lens?
Lenses with an index of refraction of 1.70 or higher typically are at least 50 percent thinner than conventional plastic lenses. Also, generally speaking, the higher the index, the higher the cost of the lenses. Your eyeglass prescription also determines what kind of high-index material you might want for your lens.
What is the difference between high index and high index lenses?
Thinner edges require less lens material, which reduces the overall weight of the lenses. Lenses made of high-index plastic are lighter than the same lenses made in conventional plastic, so they're more comfortable to wear. High-index glass lenses also have thinner edges, but high-index glass is heavier than conventional glass, ...
Why do lenses have a higher index of refraction?
The speed of light is reduced the more it is refracted as it passes through a lens material. Therefore, lenses that bend light more efficiently have a higher index of refraction than those that bend light less efficiently, and lenses with a higher refractive index are thinner than lenses of the same power made of materials ...
How do you determine the light bend ability of eyeglasses?
The light-bending ability of eyeglass lenses is determined by the "index of refraction" of the lens material. This refractive index is the ratio of the speed of light when it travels through air to the speed of light when it passes through the lens material. The speed of light is reduced the more it is refracted as it passes through a lens material.
How to reduce high index lens thickness?
Also, make sure your pupils are as close to the center of the lens opening in the frame as possible. This, too, will reduce lens thickness.
What is aspheric high index lens?
Getting aspheric high index lenses is one of the best ways to get extremely thin and attractive lenses, but you’ll pay for them, and your frame options will be significantly reduced.
Why are high index lenses used?
High index lens material allows lenses to be made thinner than conventional lens materials because of high index’s ability to more efficiently bend light. Aspheric lenses are great for reducing thickness and especially reducing eye distortion as seen from the outside, but aspheric is not a material, it’s a type of lens curvature. ...
What is the best lens material for impact?
Polycarbonate lens material is best for impact resistance and cost reduction, as the material is affordable and extremely impact resistant.
Is high index lens scratch resistant?
The lenses will be similar in weight and quality, but high index is more scratch resistant. If you’re shopping around and debating between lens options, the decision between a high index lens vs aspheric lens vs polycarbonate can be a tough one. You should know that most labs decide whether to use an aspheric lens depending upon what frame ...
Can labs use aspheric lenses?
You should know that most labs decide whether to use an aspheric lens depending upon what frame and material type you choose, and they do not make it an option that the customer can decide due to the complex nature of aspheric lenses.
What are High Index Lenses?
A high index lens is a lens that has a higher “index” of refraction. This means it has a greater ability to bend light rays to provide clear vision for people with stronger prescription glasses. But that’s the technical terminology. What do high index lenses mean for eyeglass wearers?
Why do people wear AR glasses?
Because high-index lenses bend light more , anti-reflective (AR) treatment is often recommended as an add-on for optimum clarity of vision. For better comfort, better vision and improved cosmetic appeal, people with strong prescriptions can’t beat high-index lenses. For an eye exam visit Eye Trends at any of our 6 locations.
Do high index glasses have AR?
But now, with high index glasses available in thinner, lightweight plastic (as well as slightly heavier glass), lens wearers with stronger prescriptions can get more attractive, yet equally effective, lens products. Because high-index lenses bend light more, anti-reflective (AR) treatment is often recommended as an add-on for optimum clarity ...
What is an aspheric lens?
Most aspheric lenses also are high-index lenses. The combination of an aspheric design with high-index lens materials creates a lens that is noticeably slimmer, thinner and lighter than conventional glass or plastic lenses.
Why do aspheric lenses make the world look more natural?
Aspheric lenses greatly reduce these undesired magnification and minification effects, so the world looks more natural to the wearer, and the wearer's eyes look more natural to everyone else.
Why are aspheric lenses better than conventional lenses?
A More Natural View Of The World — And Your Eyes. Because aspheric lenses have flatter curves than conventional lenses, they fit closer to your face. This is a major benefit for anyone wearing a strong correction. Conventional spherical lenses with a strong prescription for farsightedness cause unwanted magnification.
How long does it take to measure aspheric lenses?
Taking measurements for aspheric lenses requires greater care and skill on the part of the optician, but this requires only an extra minute or two.
Why is frame selection important?
In general, the best-looking eyewear results when the frame is not overly large and when the eyes are centered in the middle of the frame opening. Your eye doctor or optician will help you select the best type of frame to complement your new aspheric lenses.
Which lens is thinner, aspheric or ocular?
Whether you are nearsighted or farsighted, aspheric lenses are thinner and lighter and have a slimmer profile than ordinary lenses.
What is the shape of a lens?
Conventional lenses have a front surface that is spherical, meaning it has the same curve across its entire surface, much like a baseball.
Why are aspheric high index lenses good?
Aspheric high index lenses have a complex front curvature that changes as you move across the lens, allowing the lens to be thinner and the glasses to look more attractive. Aspheric lenses are the opposite of spheric lenses, which are more traditional and follow a steady curvature across the whole lens front, like a ball. Here are some of the reasons that aspheric high index lenses are good:
What does a thinner lens mean?
They are lighter. The thinner lens means less lens material, creating a lighter and more comfortable pair of glasses.
Can you get aspheric lenses?
In general, you can expect that, when you order high index plastic lenses for your prescription glasses , you’re getting aspheric high index plastic lenses. They are just another of the countless amazing feats that ophthalmic science has come out with in recent years. If you are interested in more qualities of high index plastic lenses, take a look at some of the other posts on this blog, and thanks for reading!

What Vision Problems Do High-Index Lenses correct?
What Types of High-Index Lenses Are available?
- There are a variety of high-index lenses you can select. The higher the number (refractive index), the thinner the lens. Generally, the higher your prescription, the higher the index you need. For reference, standard plastic lenses have a refractive index of 1.50. When you are looking at your eyeglass prescription, a plus (+) sign in the “sphere” s...
Pros, Cons & Costs of High-Index Lenses
- There are many benefits to wearing high-index lenses. Whether high-index lenses are the best choice for you depends on a few things, including your prescription, the type of frame you select, and how sensitive your eyes are. Some people do better with certain lens materials than others. Some benefits include: 1. They are lighter lenses because they are made of less material 2. Thin…
High-Index Lenses vs. Regular Plastic Lenses
- One of the most significant differences is lens thickness. Regular CR-39 plastic tends to be quite a bit thicker than high-index lenses. CR-39 can be 25% to 50% thicker, depending on the type of high-index and the prescription. This is why regular plastic lenses are better for lower prescriptions, around +2.00/-3.00 or less. The optical quality is better in CR-39 lenses. High-index lenses can re…
Types of High-Index Eyeglasses
- High-index lenses can be combined with many other features and lens types. Some of those options include the following: