Thin lenses are a popular choice for many as they can offer several advantages over thick lenses, and many glasses wearers find them more comfortable. 

If you require lenses to correct a vision problem, it’s important to choose the right lenses for your spectacles. You may wish to opt for thin lens options. Our choice of spectacle lens material and design can impact factors such as appearance, comfort, vision and safety. There are many different types of lens materials as well as additional features such as lens coatings, which can make your choice difficult.

Several thin and lighter lenses could have benefits for your vision as well as comfort. Thin lenses can be beneficial for those who require a high prescription and improve the appearance and comfort of your glasses. That makes them a great choice for your next pair of lenses.

DIFFERENT LENS MATERIALS FOR LIGHT AND THIN LENSES

Over the last 20 years or so, there has been an increased demand for thin and light lenses that are stylish as well as practical. There have been light and thin lenses created over the years to suit the different vision and lifestyle needs, each with its features and benefits.

1.5 CR-39 LENSES

By the 1970s, using polycarbonate was introduced, primarily used for helmet visors. Polycarbonate was first used to create bulletproof-type glass for banks and other similar safety applications before being used in children’s eyewear, sports glasses and safety glasses. Polycarbonate is even lighter than CR-39 and more impact-resistant.

Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses. As this material is less likely to break compared to regular plastic lenses, it is often favoured for rimless eyewear designs. Polycarbonate lenses will also block 100% of UV light.

HIGH-INDEX PLASTIC LENSES

High-index lenses are usually recommended if you have a strong prescription for myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism. However, they can also make your spectacles much thinner and lighter, regardless of your prescription.

If you are short-sighted, your corrective lens will be thin in the centre and thicker at the edges. The stronger your prescription, the thicker the edges will be, which can make them more noticeable and may take away from the appearance of your eyewear.

High-index plastic lenses can bend the light more efficiently than regular lenses, meaning less material is required to correct the same level of refractive error. This is known as a higher refractive index and results in thinner and lighter lenses, making them much more attractive and comfortable.

Essilor Lenses are manufactured in 1.5, 1.6, 1.67 and 1.74 index materials. Each increasing index value has the effect of reducing-edge thickness and weight.

Our experienced team at Pretavoir can help you to understand the different high-index lenses available, and which are best suited to your needs. Contact us here.