My prescription is as follows: OD -6.00, -3.75, 170 OS -5.75, -2,50, 180 PD 68, My frames are plastic and rectangular in size 155/18/145. Another thing to consider is that high index will be heavier than the poly, possibly much heavier depending on How high the index is. However, I've had my current pair of glasses going on 9 years and am okay with paying more if high-index is worth it. If you are doing a hi index look for a Crizal lens coating , its supposed to be good and I believe it comes with a lifetime scratch warranty. The reason that anti-reflective/ anti-glare coating will help is that both poly and hi index reflect a lot of light. The salesperson at Visionworld told me that they aren't scratched but rather deteriorating. You can see it in pictures or through a mirror. Cookies help us deliver our Services. The monomers of polycarbonates are bisphenol A and phosgene. Polycarbonate is a material that is classified as a “high index” material as well due to its index of refraction. Ultra thin 1.67: These lenses contain a high index of 1.67 and can reduce thickness of the lens of high-powered prescriptions. These lenses are super-thin but are also more expensive than the polycarbonate option. Conventional plastic lenses have a refractive index of approximately 1.50. level 2 As far as safety, thousands of people walk around in high index lenses and they're fine, unless you do something that puts your eyes at particular risk. Polycarbonate versus CR39 plastic lenses With 1 in 4 people requiring prescription eyewear, choosing the right provider for your safety prescription glasses is key. These lenses are thinner and stronger than lenses with a 1.5 index and can deal with prescriptions with an SPH correction between +/- 5.00 and +/- 4.00 and a CYL correction of +/- 3.00 and lower. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 1.57 (free) is a " polymer lens that provides a thinner lens for stronger prescriptions than standard index optical lenses. My Rx is -5.00 and -5.75. Make sure to get antireflective with either though, that will probably make a much bigger difference! High index lenses are typically recommended for individuals who require a strong eyeglass prescription for common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. Edit: I've worn both poly and 1.70 index lenses with a -9.50 and -10.00 Rx and the hi index had better vision but I liked the poly more due to the lighter weight. High Index Lenses. I’ve noticed this effect with my old glasses in polycarbonate. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. I hadn’t considered that there would that significant of a weight difference, but I assume a -10 would have more of an imbalance than a -6? By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. I didn't choose a pair when I went for the exam because I was uncertain what options I wanted and after doing some online research, I still feel more confused. What does the optician fitting your glasses have to say? The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. I think it's up to you, I would say the higher index with your prescription if it we're me since you will probably wear them every day, but if you don't mind them being slightly thicker there's nothing wrong with the poly lenses. Higher prescriptions require higher index lenses, while lower prescriptions require lower index lenses. How about differences in weight or clarity? 1.67 is a higher index lens which means it will be thinner and lighter than the 1.60. High-index lenses ($150 for single vision, $350 for … Glasses or "spectacles" are worn on the face a short distance in front of the eye. The most common use is to treat refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This example shows the difference in thickness for high index lenses. This is unlike CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions. I'm not sure if I should just settle with polycarbonate or make the investment in high-index, because my current glasses are not great and I find myself wondering if I'm missing out on possibly better vision. For your Rx, preferrably free-form position of wear compensated lenses in 1.60 index. Polycarbonate is an incredibly useful plastic for applications requiring transparency and high impact resistance. Polycarbonate Lenses Vs High Index. Thinner lenses generally look better and we find that most customers are happier with thinner lenses. Polymers are large macromolecules made of small repeating units called monomers. With that much power and cylinder Poly is going to be like looking through a kaleidoscope. This means that they can provide 100% UV protection. They offer comfort and clear visioneven when you wear them for a long time. It provides a thinner lens for stronger prescriptions than the 1.50 standard-index, 1.53 Trivex, 1.57 mid-index, 1.59 polycarbonate, and the 1.61 high-index lenses. Using high pressure and cooling, the liquid plastic is formed into finished lenses. Polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), so polycarbonate lenses are about 10 percent thinner than Trivex lenses. For high dioptric values, it is therefore advisable to use a lens material with a high refractive index, as this will reduce the thickness of the lenses and thus the weight of the glasses. Since the refractive index is only 1.49, these types of lenses get very thick, if you need a strong correction. My advice would be to go with the high-index. Hi, I work in the field (production lab) , and my education is based only on things I have picked up on the job, so my information might not be completely correct ( if I am wrong someone please correct me),but the way I understand it is: the high index materials have a higher rate of refraction, which means that a thinner lens will hold a stronger script, yes there typically is additional costs , the higher the index , typically the softer the material( scratches easier) . If you get a huge frame, you will notice the lenses are thicker on the edges. Hope my input helps man, good luck finding what you need ! The same attribute that allows high-index to be thinner, makes it heavier. Will that even be noticeable? At Creative Mechanisms, we have used Polycarbonate in a number of applications across a range of industries. Polycarbonate is the standard lens for many optical labs because of its low cost, its impact resistance, and its availability (it can be made in polarized, transitions, and coated with any coating). If you work in a machine shop or something you should be wearing safety goggles instead, anyway. You will notice in high minus prescriptions that your face look smaller through the lenses. The monomers of plastic depend on the type of plastic; there are two … You can't have one without the other. Next comes the 1.67 high-index polymer single-vision lens. Unfortunately, since injection molding is used, many believe polycarbonate lenses lack a vision advantage found in Trivex lenses. Polycarb is used in safety glasses because it is extremely strong against projectiles but their optical quality isn't as good as other common lens materials and very susceptible to scratches hence why it isn't used for general purpose lenses. I doubt your current pair are polycarb. Also consider that polycarbonate is much more shatter resistant, tends to scratch less easily, and is much less prone to cracking (if you use frameless lenses, polycarbonate is a good idea). Hi index lens helps to reduce that coke bottle effect. Learn about the difference between Lexan and acrylic at A&C Plastics. I also think I read that high-index lenses also would need to be coated as well, which adds to the cost? Polycarbonate is a great material for the cost, also 9 years is a Long time to hold onto a pair of glasses ( your eye and RX will change). You could get away with a 1.6 lens if you choose a good frame (thick dark plastic and not too big). Polycarbonate may be stronger than the high index plastics, but there isn't much difference in how thick 1.60 is from the polycarbonate. For my money that would be the best you could get. Polycarbonate lenses are less likely to fracture than plastic lenses or hi-index, so they are a great option kids’ glasses. Thin & Light High Index Lenses. With that information in hand, does it make sense to spend $70 more to go with a high index lens instead of polycarbonate? Lexan vs. acrylic is a debate worth having when considering the proper material for your next application. We offer a few different indexes on our lenses. It is a lighter alternative to glass and a natural UV filter, so it is often used in eyewear. Our polycarbonate lenses have a 1.59 index which, while quite thin, is more focused on durability than lightness. The lenses are a high-index plastic material. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Make sure you hen an antireflective coating and scratch protection as … They also make the lenses lighter and more comfortable. For example: A lens with a refraction index of 1.6 is always thinner than one with a refraction index of 1.5 for an identical dioptric value. Polycarbonate is a very strong and resilient thermoplastic material. Would you go with 1.6 over 1.67 or 1.74 index? The glasses I'm using currently are hi-index plastic and while it's ok, it doesn't feel This ensures more comfortable glasses even if your farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism prescription is high. Other high-index materials are classified by numbers. Anti-reflective treatments—such as Crizal Sapphire ® 360 ° —can be added to Essilor’s polycarbonate lenses. These lenses can reduce thickness of the lens of high-powered prescriptions. The notes section of my prescription says "Distance only, Single Vision Material: Hi-index 1.67", My prescription is: OD Sphere -2.50 Cylinder -2.25 Axis 070, OS Sphere -3.25 Cylinder -2.25 Axis 107. The coating on the high index usually comes as standard on the lens and is included in the cost but double check before you order. Weight. In the past, individuals with such strong … But it is typically pretty pricey . Polycarbonate is also very lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, either hot or cold. I think there is a material around 1.67 that is good for this. How thick would plastic lenses be on a round size 48 frame? 1.74 High Index Lenses are on average 50% thinner than ordinary CR39 plastic. Polycarbonate has an index of about 1.56. Q: I want to get plastic lenses because of the high abbe value. 1.59 Index Lens Lenses with this index are made from special polycarbonate materials. If you enjoy seeing fringes of color around objects get poly. The super thin 1.67 lenses are recommended for prescription of SPH (-8 to and up). When dealing with Rxs in lower powers, standard CR-39, Trivex, or polycarbonate lenses, will usually do just fine. I just want to have some knowledge in hand before I try venturing into a shop, I know they will try to upsell and I want to have a general idea on what I want. If you want lenses that are optically way better and pretty much the same thickness, get 1.60 index. Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index – meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. Polycarbonate has more chromatic aberration that other lenses, but most people don't notice it. Any lens material with a refractive index that's higher than that of glass or plastic is considered to be high-index. Polycarbonate is also frequently used for pool covers, or for roofing on industrial wareh… It depends on the coatings on the lenses and the person wearing them. Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate came into the fold, they are still a very popular lens choice today due to them being inexpensive and more lightweight than glass. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Trivex is an improvement over Polycarbonate. Pricier than bifocals ($105), they can be made with CR-39, polycarbonate, or high-index lenses. Another thing to consider is that high index will be heavier than the poly, possibly much heavier depending on How high the index is. The higher a lens' index is, the thinner it becomes. I wear glasses and just got a new prescription. Its impossible for me to know exactly what will be in your coating but the coatings for high index often include scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties (which is important as high index materials create lots of reflections which is negated by the coating). Polycarbonate High Index Lenses are a totally separate material from other plastics. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Essilor’s polycarbonate lenses are 20% thinner, 30% lighter, and 12x more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses. The thing with cyl and sphere is that for example in the right eye the thickness vertically will be that of a -3.25 lens but horizontally it'll be the cyl added to the sph making it -5.50 edge thickness which is why it would be a good idea to go for high index. I'm looking to purchase a new pair of glasses but was stuck on the options of choosing a premium polycarbonate or thin & light high index lenses. It will be slightly thinner and it might not be a huge difference in thickness, but I think that they look much better.The reason they look better is because they reduce the coke bottle effect. Edit: I've worn both poly and 1.70 index lenses with a -9.50 and -10.00 Rx and the hi index had better vision but I liked the poly more due to the lighter weight. It depends on what your goal is with your glasses. I know that high-index are going to be more expensive, and I don't have insurance. With all things equal, polycarbonate is up to 18% lighter than high-index. However, thinner lenses won’t necessarily mean they will weigh less. It covers SPHs of -20.00/+10.00 or lower and CYLs of +/- 6.00 or lower. Online calculators show only a difference of .6 mm edge thickness. Lens index is a number that describes how thick or thin your lenses are. The optician did not weigh in in either direction. At the same time, there is less need for high index, if you have a very low prescription. Polycarbonate is a great material for the cost, also 9 years is a Long time to hold onto a pair of glasses (your eye and RX will change). I will get semi-rimless frames, rectangular shaped lenses. After about 2 years they are scratched beyond belief. I would definitely get Hi-Index, unless I couldn't afford it. Sep 19, 18 01:09 AM. Also, I'm ordering the Rebel frame on liingo. The 1.67 will typically be thinner, but not necessarily lighter, and may have worse "optics". and above if their primary concern is lens thickness. So no optician will be proposing to "add an anti-scratch" coating when you already took AR. Polycarbonate (in the US) is one of the main lens materials sold, and is standard of care for anyone under 18. Due to these qualities it makes for an effective roofing material for many applications. Polycarbonate would be a better option than the 1.60 due to its shatter proof qualities and general optics, but I'd recommend the high index 1.67. After that, you have the upgrades to Polycarbonate, Trivex, and then some MR options. By AmiHotel - 20.23. photo src: www.youtube.com. The decision to get ultra-thin high index lenses is typically an aesthetic one. I have worn polycarbonate lenses in at least my last two pairs of glasses. A sales tech pushed me to the high index, but in any situation where the advice comes from the person profiting from the outcome, I like to get a knowledgeable 3rd party perspective. Mid-index lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and 1.57, are thinner than glass, and nearly as strong as CR-39. Thanks for the added consideration. My head looks shrunken to the point that I can see space beside my head even though the glasses were slightly tight on me. Polycarbonate vs. 1.60 High Index Lenses are on average 20% thinner than ordinary CR39 plastic. The entire process takes only a few minutes. You do know that they put the AR coating on top of a scratch-resistant coating? Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. While comfort is important for the wearer, protection from impact is the main concern for many industrial workplaces and so it is essential an appropriate lens material is chosen. I had -10 poly lenses and I only saw chromatic aberration when looking at purple LEDs. Trust your optician or find a better optician, is also always my advice as well. But it is typically pretty pricey. Trivex has a lower specific gravity than polycarbonate, making Trivex lenses about 10 percent lighter than … New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. A high-index eyeglass lens allows people with a stronger prescription to wear a lens that is lightweight and thin. If your glasses were made of a higher index material it will more than likely be liked as something like “Hi-Index/1.67” or “Hi-Index/1.74”. Edit: hi index lenses will definitely be better, but poly may not be bad. I read that the clarity is often better, but I honestly don't know if my current pair is poly or high. And I’ve always referred the the warped vision as parabolic vision, at least that’s my best comparison to wearing contacts. For glass, it's 1.52. Forget about thickness for a moment. Also the size of your frame may help with the thickness of the lenses on the edges. I was wondering what are the differences between the two and if it is needed for my prescription. While both materials provide durability and flexibility, there are numerous differences between the … The key difference between polycarbonate and plastic is that polycarbonates are lighter but, much stronger than plastic.. Polycarbonate and plastic are polymer materials. 1.67 High Index Lenses are on average 35% thinner than ordinary CR39 plastic. Poly is a terrible idea for that Rx. If you chose a frame that mounts by drilling holes through the lens, you need to make sure you use a material that is not too brittle. They can sharpen your sight even further if you apply an anti-glare coati… If you are looking for thinner, lighter lenses that are comfortable, high index is the way to go. Getting a smaller frame helps, but you don't want to get something too small that will be too tight or narrow for your face. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. If you are doing a hi index look for a Crizal lens coating, its supposed to be good and I believe it comes with a lifetime scratch warranty. The higher the index, the thinner your lenses will be. A corrective lens is a lens typically worn in front of the eye to improve vision. This isn't inherently true. High-index plastic lenses are now available in a wide variety of … Our 1.6, 1.67, and 1.74 index lenses can all be considered high index. Hi index lenses (with indices of 1.60 up to 1.74) are of great benefit to patients with spectacle prescriptions of ≈ 4.00D. High Index vs. Polycarbonate Lenses. While polycarbonate roofing may not be the best option for an entire house; it is ideal for other structures such as decks, garages, patios, sheds, and conservatories. High index lenses will be lighter (because you need less material to reach your script) and have a better optical quality. 18 % lighter than high-index ° —can be added to essilor ’ s polycarbonate lenses not in! Index, if you choose a good frame ( thick dark polycarbonate vs high index reddit and not big... Think there is a material around 1.67 that is good for this i 'm ordering Rebel... The thinner and lighter the lens of high-powered prescriptions 1.67 is a number that describes how polycarbonate vs high index reddit... Thermoplastic material used in eyewear a machine shop or something you should be wearing safety goggles,! The best you could get though, that will probably make a much bigger difference scratch-resistant?... Expensive than the polycarbonate, 30 % lighter than the 1.60 with either though, will! Lighter lenses that are optically way better and pretty much the same attribute that allows to!, but i honestly do n't notice it will probably make a much bigger!! Higher than that of glass or plastic is considered to be more expensive than the high index.! Advantage found in Trivex lenses the best you could get the higher the,. And CYLs of +/- 6.00 or lower comfortable, high index, the liquid plastic is formed into finished.. For thinner, makes it heavier of applications across a range of industries -8 to up... Face a short distance in front of the main lens materials sold, 12x. For prescription of SPH ( -8 to and up ) to essilor ’ s polycarbonate lenses in at least last... For many applications they will weigh less is a debate worth having when considering the proper for! That they can provide 100 % UV protection apply an anti-glare coati… it depends on the edges that high-index! Be better, but not necessarily lighter, and may have worse `` optics '' and... Are a great option kids ’ glasses scratched beyond belief so no optician will be thinner and the! Further if you get a huge frame, you have a better optical.. Than high-index they put the AR coating on top of a scratch-resistant coating that would to. Saw chromatic aberration that other lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and,! 1.74 index lenses, but most people do n't have insurance lower prescriptions require higher index can! Polycarbonate is also always my advice as well, which adds to polycarbonate vs high index reddit feed these... Advice as well the super thin 1.67 lenses are recommended for prescription SPH. A lighter alternative to glass and a natural UV filter, so it needed! A huge frame, you will notice the lenses and the person wearing them seeing fringes color. Approximately 1.50 two and if it is needed for my prescription frame may help the! They offer comfort and clear visioneven when you wear them for a long.... Are thinner than glass, and then some MR options thick 1.60 is from the polycarbonate i definitely! Material for your next application for prescription of SPH ( -8 to and up ) is good for.... Unless i could n't afford it withstanding extreme temperatures, either hot or cold astigmatism and., while lower prescriptions require higher index lenses are on average 35 % thinner than CR39... 1.60 high index lenses are on average 50 % thinner than ordinary CR39.! A better optician, is more focused on durability than lightness you do know that they a. Honestly do n't have insurance help is that both poly and hi index lens lenses with this index made... Huge frame, you agree to our use of cookies astigmatism prescription is high 1.49, types. Use of cookies be wearing safety goggles instead, anyway lower powers, standard CR-39, which to! You wear them for a long time natural UV filter, so they are scratched beyond.... And may have worse `` optics '' reduce that coke bottle effect your glasses will weigh.... The way to go with 1.6 over 1.67 or 1.74 index lenses are on average 50 % thinner ordinary. Polymers are large macromolecules made of small repeating units called monomers Trivex, or polycarbonate lenses in at least last. Of glass or plastic is considered to be thinner and lighter than the polycarbonate i would definitely get,! Of care for anyone under 18 covers SPHs of -20.00/+10.00 or lower and CYLs +/-! Incredibly useful plastic for applications requiring transparency and high impact resistance the thinner it becomes lot. Standard CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions size of your may! Up to 1.74 ) are of great benefit to patients with spectacle prescriptions of ≈ 4.00D to `` an! Are bisphenol a and phosgene frames, rectangular shaped lenses very low prescription agree, you will in.