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Unless you’re talking about sweaters during winter or cuts of bacon at breakfast, thin is better than thick—at least when it comes to your lenses. The fact is, a majority of eyeglass wearers are nearsighted, which requires lenses that are thinner at the center and thicker at the edges. The stronger the prescription, the thicker the lenses. Aesthetically, thicker lenses aren’t generally as appealing—who likes to wear thick heavy glasses? Many eyeglass frame options today are sleeker and more streamlined, requiring a thinner lens to accommodate the style. With high-index lenses, thinner, more lightweight lenses are possible for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
So how do high-index lenses differ from conventional lenses? Regular lenses can be thick and heavy for higher prescriptions, and are made from glass or plastic. High index lenses are plastic lenses developed by chemists that bend light more efficiently requiring less material, resulting in a thinner more lightweight lens. The reduced weight of high-index lenses make them more comfortable to wear.
Most lens designs such as single vision, bifocal, and progressive are available in high-index materials. Pearle Vision likes to say, “we have a lens for that.” Visit an eye care doctor for an exam to determine the lenses that are best for you.
As a manager of a Pearle Franchise I could not agree more. But please, don’t forget high index’s best friend Anti Reflective coating!!! With todays super hydrophobic coatings not only do they reduce glare, allow all wearers to see more clearly but they also repel dust, dirt, oil and fingerprints and help keep lenses from scratching! Unlike the awful old “AR” that we steered clear of in the past the new coatings are a crucial addition for any eyeglass wearer!
Hi Chrissy, I could not agree with you more. Anti-reflective lenses (AKA Anti-glare or reduced-glare) lenses are a must when wearing high index lenses. Wearing high index lenses without Anti-glare is like driving a car on the rims without tires.
Hi, Dr. Wright,
What a lovely discussion topic!
Could you tell us more about the anti-glare coating? Why is it like driving a car on the rims without tires —for wearing high index lenses without AR coating?
While having a work related physical recently, my physician recommended that I have my eyes examined. I’ve never had an eye exam in 40 years. One of my coworkers was apalled by this. Can you give me some advice on how to best find a reputable O.D? I reside is Colorado.
Thanks,
I just got a pair of HD glasses for my new prescription on the lenses themselves I can see a set of two circles etched on each side and the letter PV etched in, would you know what this is? My lenses are not progressive and I thought maybe this was something to do with HD lenses?