What Are High-Index Lenses? Pros and Cons

What Are High-Index Lenses?

High index lenses are eyeglasses lenses that are designed to be thinner and lighter than regular lenses. High-index lenses have a high refractive index than their conventional counterparts. So, they are generally recommended for people who have significantly high refractive errors and strong prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

High-index lenses correct all types of refractive errors. And they are also available as single vision lenses, or a reading prescription that corrects presbyopia, such as in a bifocal or progressive lens.

High-index lens has a higher refractive index and which is ranging from 1.53 to 1.74. A lens with an index of 1.74 could be up to 50 percent thinner than a regular plastic lens with an index of 1.50.

What Are the Advantages of High-Index Lenses?

In this section, we will show you the advantages of high-index lenses.

1. Thanks to the slim shape and narrow edges, high index lenses offer wearers the flexibility to choose from a wide array of fashion-forward frames. Their size means that they can be easily paired with sleek metal frames or incorporated into rimless eyewear for an attractive barely-there look.
2. High index lenses are more comfortable for extended use because they are lighter than the traditional counterparts.
3. High index lenses are available with many of the same options as traditional lenses. For example, they can be either single-vision or progressive.
4. For users with strong prescriptions, high index lenses mean no bulky, bottle-glasses appearance. This can reduce the unwanted bug-eye look traditionally associated with very thick lenses.

However, there are some negative voices of high index lenses.

What Are the Disadvantages of High-Index Lenses?

This section will show high index lenses disadvantages.

1. High index lenses are made from a chemical synthetic blend that’s created through a special manufacturing process. So, high index lenses are expensive than regular lenses. In fact, the price may be more than double that of the traditional counterparts.
2. High index lenses can be more brittle than their traditional counterparts and may also be more prone to scrapes and scratches. This can impact their overall durability.
3. High index lenses are more reflective than regular lenses, which can make them less effective for brightly lit work environments, outdoor use and nighttime driving on busy highways.
4. High index lenses have greater potential for distortion, particularly in your peripheral vision because the high index lenses have a higher Abbe value than prescriptions made from standard plastic or glass.

To sum up, this post from Koalaeye Optical has shown what the high index is and shown the pros and cons of high-index lenses. If you have any different ideas for high-index lenses, you can share them in the comment zone. If you have any problems with glasses or sunglasses, please feel free to contact us via the email service@koalaeye.com and we will reply to you as soon as possible.