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    • Choosing the right lens material

     

     

    With so many different materials you can choose for your lenses, which is the right one for you?  We hope that this guide will help you make the best choice to meet your needs.  Along with materials, we've added some details about what upgrades such as Transitions or polarized will do for your eyewear.

     

    Plastic (CR-39) Lens Material

    Other than glass, plastic is the one of the best optical materials.  It has a low abberation value, least expensive and offers the widest range of lens designs possible.

    Plastic PROS Plastic CONS
    • Inexpensive
    • Unlimited lens designs
    • Low distortion
    • Low chromatic abberation
    • Easily tinted
    • Thicker lenses
    • May chip more easily
    • Higher weight
    • Warps with heat exposure
    • No UV protection

     

    Polycarbonate Lens Material

    This material has become the standard in the optical industry.  It is an inexpensive material to produce and a high variety of lens designs are available.  It is highly durable against chipping and cracking and is considered shatter proof.  It offers UV protection within the material without treatment.  It does however react with strong solvents anywhere the material is directly exposed.

    Polycarbonate PROS Polycarbonate CONS
    • Inexpensive
    • Many lens designs
    • Impact resistant
    • Resists warping
    • Lightweight
    • Can be made thinner than plastic
    • UV protection automatically inherent
    • High chromatic abberation
    • Reacts with certain chemicals
    • Poor tinting substrate
    • Slight distortion away from optical center
    • Some lens design limitations

     

     

    Trivex Lens Material

    This material is a relative newcomer in the optical industry.  It has the distinct advantage of both plastic and polycarbonate qualities.  It is the absolute best material for use in 3 piece mountings and semi rimless groove frames.  Some high end frame manufacturers highly recommend this material for use in their frames for best results.

    Trivex PROS Trivex CONS
    • Low chromatic abberation
    • Many lens designs
    • Impact resistant
    • Resists warping
    • Lightweight
    • Can be made thinner than plastic
    • UV protection automatically inherent
    • High optical clarity
    • Chemical resistant
    • More expensive
    • Slightly thicker than polycarbonate
    • Some lens design limitations

     

     

    Mid Index Lens Material

    This material ranges in 1.54 to 1.56 index of refraction.  A good material that will give you optical sharpness without the thickness of plastic.  However due to the declining popularity for higher index materials, lens designs have become more limited.

    Mid Index PROS Mid Index CONS
    • Low chromatic abberation
    • Lighter weight
    • Can be made thinner than plastic
    • UV protection automatically inherent
    • High optical clarity

     
    • Limited lens designs
    • Slight front side reflection

     

     

    1.60 and 1.67 High Index Lens Material

    This material ranges in 1.60 to 1.67 index of refraction.  A good material that will give you the thinnest and lightest lens possible.  Generally best if purchased with an anti reflective treatment due to high front surface reflection.  This is because of the higher density of material.

     

    High Index PROS High Index CONS
    • Thinnest of materials
    • Lightest weight
    • Low distortion
    • UV protection automatically inherent

     
    • Limited lens designs
    • High front side reflection
    • High chromatic abberation

     

     

    1.71 and 1.74 High Index Lens Material

    These are the "Ultra" lightweights of lens materials.  Generally reserved for the much higher prescription needs.  Lens manufacterers are working on offering more transitions and potentially polarized lenses in the near future.

    1.71-1.74 PROS 1.71-1.74 CONS
    • Ultra thin
    • Lightest weight
    • Mild distortion at periphery
    • UV protection automatically inherent

     
    • Very limited lens designs
    • High front side reflection
    • High chromatic abberation