Lens Highlight – What Exactly is a High Index Lens?

Are you looking for an improved visual experience through your eyeglasses? Do you have a stronger prescription but hate the appearance of thick, “coke-bottle” style lenses in your glasses? Then you should check out high index lenses.

High index lenses correct your vision by bending light more efficiently than a traditional prescription lens. High index lenses are thinner and lighter weight, so they are more comfortable to wear and can fit in almost any eyeglass frame. This is a huge benefit, because thick lenses won’t fit in a lot of fashionable plastic or metal frames.

High index lenses are made of a different type of plastic than standard plastic lenses. It’s slightly denser which allows it to bend light or “refract” light better than traditional plastic. The word index is the way the refraction of light is measured, so a high index lens is a lens that bends light really well.

What’s the Advantage to High Index Lenses?

The biggest advantage to a high index lens is their appearance. If you have astigmatism, extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, the high index lens option is definitely one you’ll want to explore. In thicker lenses you may notice that exaggerated, bug-eyed, look, but in high index lenses, you’re eyes will look their normal size.

Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable wearing high index lenses because they are so much lighter weight than regular lenses for high prescriptions. Anyone who’s worn eyeglasses knows that comfort is key. Wearing heavy frames and lenses can be a real drag on your head and neck. Plus, it can be hot when the temperatures are warm outside.

Are there any disadvantages?

Of course, the downside to bending light really well is that these lenses can cause more glare as they reflect light better. But, there’s an easy solution for that. Choose an anti-reflective coating for your high index lenses and instead of glare, you’ll get a crisp, visual acuity like you’ve never before experienced.

Talk to your Eyeglass World optometrist about trying high index lens in your next pair of eyeglasses. You won’t regret it!