The Best Optic High Index Lens

High-index optical lenses are thinner and lighter than traditional plastic or glass lenses, which is especially helpful for those who have a strong prescription. If you have a heavy prescription, lighten the load on your face by wearing a sleeker, sexier frame and lens if you pay more for high index. The best high-index lens, however, depends on your vision and fashion needs.

Lower High-Index

• Generally, the higher the index of the lens, the more expensive. For people with prescriptions between -6.0 and +6.0, a 1.56 index or 1.61 index lens works well. The higher the number of the index, the thinner the lens.

1.67 Index Lens

• If your prescription is between +8.0 to -12.0, the 1.67 index lens is recommended, although they can be used for anyone with a prescription over +/-3.0 who wants a thin, light lens that allows you to see clearly.

1.74 High Index Lenses

• High index 1.74 lenses are the lightest and thinnest available. The lenses are about 50 percent thinner than a typical plastic lens, according to EyeWearBrands.com. These lenses also cost you the most, and must be well-crafted to avoid problems with blurred vision. These lenses are the latest in what is available and minimize the look of having smaller or larger eyes, as occurs with Coke-bottle glasses.

AR Coating

• All About Vision website recommends that any high-index lens be treated with an anti-reflective coating. High-index lenses reflect 50 percent more light than glass or plastic lenses, causing a lot of glare. This can make it very difficult to drive at night or see during the day. Also, without the coating, your eyes are obscured from others by light reflections. Once the coating is on, however, the lenses appear almost invisible.