What are High Index Lenses?
A high index lens is a lens that has a higher “index” of refraction. This means it has a greater ability to bend light rays to provide clear vision for people with stronger prescription glasses. But that’s the technical terminology. What do high index lenses mean for eyeglass wearers?
Thinner, lighter, and more visually appealing, that’s what! High index lenses are manufactured to be thinner at the edges of the lens and lighter in weight overall.
High index lenses are a good option for people who have strong prescriptions for myopia—commonly called “nearsightedness” due to a difficulty in focusing on far objects. A high-index lens can bend light rays more, while using less material in lenses created for both nearsighted and farsighted people (hyperopia).
Video Transcription
Thin is in with the latest advances in thinner, lighter eyeglass lenses. Today even if you have a strong prescription, you can enjoy the many benefits of these high index lenses. A high index of refraction enables a flatter, thinner and better looking lens because it bends more light, more efficiently, requiring less lens material, less thickness around the edges to do its job. Thinner lenses will also be lighter and more comfortable. As always, your eye care professional will be with you through thick and thin to find eyeglasses that are right for you.
No more soda bottle glasses
In times past, strong prescriptions meant thicker, heavier lenses, giving some a “glass bottle” appearance. But now, with high index glasses available in thinner, lightweight plastic (as well as slightly heavier glass), lens wearers with stronger prescriptions can get more attractive, yet equally effective, lens products. Because high-index lenses bend light more, anti-reflective (AR) treatment is often recommended as an add-on for optimum clarity of vision.
For better comfort, better vision and improved cosmetic appeal, people with strong prescriptions can’t beat high-index lenses.