There are several different lens materials available and our staff at Optomed are highly qualified to help you choose so your lenses will be thinner, lighter and flatter.
glass
Glass lenses are not commonly used any more. They are resistant to scratches however they are heavy compared to plastic lenses, and are prone to breakage which makes them dangerous. They should definitely not be used for children’s glasses.
standard plastic
Standard plastic lenses have a refractive index of 1.5 and are most commonly used for very low power lenses (the higher the refractive index the thinner and lighter the lenses).
mid index plastic
Mid index plastic lenses range in refractive index from 1.53 to 1.56. This material is thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses.
high index plastic
High index plastic lenses generally have a refractive index of 1.6 and are thinner and lighter than mid index plastic lenses. They are a good option for frameless or rimless glasses which require small drill holes to attach the lenses to the frame.
ultra high index plastic
This lens material ranges in refractive index from 1.67 to 1.74 and is the highest index currently available. This results in a lens which is the thinnest and lightest possible and is used for high power prescriptions. Optomed will advise you what material will be best for you based on your individual prescription and your choice of frame style. Just remember that the higher the refractive index, the lighter and thinner the lens.