Lens Materials

It is likely that more than your choice of frames, the lenses you select for your eyeglasses will determine how happy you are with your glasses. Buying eyeglass lenses isn't a simple task. In fact, during a recent issue, Consumer Reports magazine said "There are so many choices for lenses and coatings, it's easy to be confused about what's worth buying."

Here's a little guide to help you choose the most ideal lens material according to your prescription and lifestyle. The eyeglass lenses you select influence four factors: appearance, comfort, vision and safety.

A common mistake people often make when buying eyeglasses isn't spending enough time considering their choices of eyeglass lens materials, designs and coatings.

Lens Materials, their differences and advantages

 

No matter your type of prescription — single vision lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism, or progressive lenses, bifocals or other multifocal lenses to also correct presbyopia — the choice of lens material depends on the power of your lenses.

Depending on their composition and thickness, there are 4 kinds of lens materials:

CR-39 Plastic. Suitable for low power basic prescriptions. Clear vision at an affordable price point.
Not suitable for rimless or semi-rimless frames.

Polycarbonate. 25% thinner than CR39 lenses. Impact-resistant and is a good choice if you play sports, work where your eyeglass lenses could easily get damaged. They also have built-in UV protection.

Trivex. They’re made from a newer plastic that’s similar to polycarbonate lenses. They’re lightweight, thin, and impact-resistant. They may also correct your vision better for some people.

High-index plastic. If you have a strong prescription these lenses are lighter and thinner than the old-school super-thick ones you may have had in the past. Available in 1.67 index for up to 35% thinner. Also available in 1.74 index which is the thinnest lens material available for up to 50% thinner lens than CR-39 lens material.