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Rx Lens Type Guide

Below is an overview of common lens materials and specialty options. If you have any questions, reach out to Sam and she will be happy to help. 

 

Choosing a Lens Material Based on Your Prescription

The lens material that will work best for you is usually determined by the strength of your prescription. In general, high-index lenses are thinner than standard lenses, but they only make a noticeable difference when your prescription is strong enough. If your prescription is under ±3.00, upgrading to a higher-index lens usually offers no benefit and is not worth the extra cost.

All of our lens packages include several standard coatings at no additional charge. Every lens automatically comes with a free anti-scratch coating, UV protection, anti-reflective coating (AR), and a UV coating. These coatings help protect your lenses, reduce glare, and improve overall visual clarity.

Polarized sun lenses are also available. Polarization works by allowing only vertical light to pass through the lens, which blocks horizontal glare that reflects off flat surfaces such as water, roads, or car hoods. This makes them especially useful for outdoor activities and driving.


 

Understanding High Index & Other Lens Materials

High-index lenses come in several levels, each suited for specific prescription strengths.

1.74 high-index lenses are the thinnest lenses available on the market. They are intended only for very strong prescriptions—typically stronger than ±6.00 sphere. If your prescription is weaker than this, the ultra-high-index material will not provide meaningful thinning and is not recommended. For stronger prescriptions, 1.70 and 1.74 materials will produce a thinner lens than 1.67 or 1.60 materials; the stronger the prescription, the more difference you will notice.

1.67 high-index lenses are recommended for prescriptions ranging from approximately ±6.00 to ±8.00 sphere. These lenses are thinner and lighter than mid-index or standard resin lenses. They reduce the magnified or minimized appearance of the eyes and are a reliable choice for everyday wear.

1.60 high-index lenses are ideal for prescriptions between ±4.00 and ±8.00 sphere. Like higher-index lenses, they offer a thinner profile than standard lenses, are lighter, and help provide a more natural eye appearance. They are thinner and more expensive than standard resin lenses but provide a comfortable everyday solution.

Polycarbonate lenses (1.59 high index) are the best option for children, active adults, and those who need impact resistance. Polycarbonate is virtually shatter-proof, offers the highest level of eye protection, and includes 100% inherent UV protection. If your sphere value is ±3.00 or higher, polycarbonate lenses are a strong choice. However, they are difficult to tint and are not ideal for those seeking very dark sunglass lenses. For dark custom tints, we recommend Trivex. Polycarbonate lenses are generally appropriate for prescriptions from plano (0) to ±6.00 sphere.

Trivex lenses are a specialty material that serves as an excellent alternative to polycarbonate. They are lightweight, strong, and tint more easily. Trivex is commonly used for rimless frames (with an additional charge) and is a great choice for prescription sunglasses.

Glass lenses provide the highest level of optical clarity available. They are highly scratch-resistant but come with drawbacks: they are heavier than other materials, more expensive, and require approximately four weeks for processing. Customers who value crisp, sharp vision above all else may prefer glass lenses despite these tradeoffs.

 

Specialty Lens Options

We also offer a variety of premium upgrade options that are not listed directly on our website. If you would like a quote for an upgrade—such as replacing our standard progressive lenses with Varilux progressives—simply contact us. The Varilux Physio lens, for example, provides improved lens quality and includes Binocular Booster Technology, which is designed to help your eyes work together more smoothly. This is especially valuable with progressive lenses, which often require eye movements away from the center of the lens. For any questions, you may call us at 800-808-0895 or email info@eyeglass.com.

Additional premium coating options include Crizal Prevencia, which offers blue-light blocking, and Crizal, a super-hard anti-reflective coating that comes with a two-year warranty. We also offer lens tinting in three levels: #1 for a light indoor tint, #2 for a slightly darker tint, and #3 for dark sun lenses. If you prefer very dark sunglass tints, Trivex lenses are typically the best option.

Transition or photochromic lenses are another specialty option. These lenses automatically darken in sunlight and return to a clear state indoors or in low light, making them convenient for everyday use.

 

Lens Edging and Frame Considerations

All lens edging for Eyeglass.com is performed in a state-of-the-art laboratory by a licensed optician. This sets our work apart from most edging done in the United States, which is often not performed by licensed professionals. However, when installing lenses into pre-owned frames, there is always a small risk that older or fragile frames may break during the edging process. Although breakage is rare, the lab cannot be held responsible if it occurs.

 

 

Contact Sam with questions any time! 

We are here to make the process as easy as possible for you.