A broad myriad of eyeglass lens materials is available today. Gone are the days of simplicity in which glass, or even plastic was king. Today's lenses offer superior optical qualities, thinner profiles, lighter weight and safer impact standards. Lenses come with options ranging from variable, photochromic lens tints to anti-reflective coatings. Your prescription, frame selection and intended use help guide us in selecting the lens material that is most appropriately suited to your needs. Not all lens designs are available in all materials. Not all lens materials work well with all lens options. The following is a guide describing modern lens materials which, if nothing else, will help you understand the complex nature of eyewear selection.

CR-39

• Light weight
• Impact resistant*
• Available in nearly all lens styles
• Available in most prescriptions
• Can be tinted
• Can be coated
• Available with photochromic properties

• Inexpensive

Polycarbonate

• Light weight
• Most impact resistant material available
• 30-40% thinner than CR-39
• Absorbs nearly 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
• Automatically scratch-resistant
• Available in many lens styles
• Available in most prescriptions
• Can be coated
• Available with photochromic properties
• Less expensive than Trivex or High-index lenses

Trivex

• Light weight
• Highly impact resistant
• 30-40% thinner than CR-39
• Absorbs nearly 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
• Automatically scratch-resistant
• Available in very limited lens styles
• Available in many prescriptions
• Can be coated
• Available with photochromic properties *
• Less expensive than High-index lenses

Mid-Index

• Light weight
• Impact resistant*
• 25-30% thinner than CR-39
• Absorbs nearly 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
• Automatically scratch-resistant
• Available in limited lens styles
• Available in most prescriptions
• Can be tinted
• Can be coated
• Available with photochromic properties
• Less expensive than High-index lenses

High-Index

• Light weight
• Impact resistant*
• 35-40% thinner than CR-39
• Absorbs nearly 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
• Automatically scratch-resistant
• Available in many lens styles
• Available in most prescriptions
• Can be tinted
• Can be coated
• Available with photochromic properties

Glass

• Impact resistant*
• Most scratch resistant*
• Available in many lens styles
• Available in many prescriptions
• Can be tinted*
• Can be coated
• Available with photochromic properties

   

   

   

   

*The information provided by this Web site is  for educational purposes only. This Web site is not comprehensive on the topics addressed.  It is not a substitute for direct consultation with your health care provider. Always consult a licensed professional regarding your specific condition. Any trademarks referred to are the property of their respective owners.

©2002, 2003, 2004 Dr. Nadine Forché, O.D, M.S, F.A.A.O.
©2004 K.Kuykendall Designs and Photography