We all want to look our best and our eyeglasses might be one of the best dual-purpose fashion accessories we wear! When it comes to eyeglasses two constants require our attention: Getting the best possible vision correction and, getting the best value for our money. If we choose the right lenses for the job then we’re free to choose the best frame color, material, or shape that makes us look our best but, picking the right lens for our eyeglasses ties all the other shopping together.
The vision correction measured in our exam and shown in our prescription dictates the minimum choice in eyeglass lens materials. Each lens material has limitations in how much it can correct our vision. These practical limitations are understood by your optician or optometrist. They can help you make the best choice between cost and appearance and getting the thinnest lens possible. Your goal, first and foremost should be the goal of obtaining optimum vision and that is accomplished by choosing the right lens for the job. If your Rx allows a choices in lens material the following table will help you choose the best lens material for your frames and help you accomplish the thinnest lenses and your best look, within your budget.
There are several types of plastic in use in eyeglass lenses today. They are listed (below) in the order of their thickness, with standard plastic resulting in the thickest lens profile compared to the others. Also shown is the “index value” for the lens material. The index value of a lens roughly equates to its thinness and can be used as a guide in choosing lenses. Your optician or optometrist will usually help you choose the right lenses but when there is more than one lens material capable of solving your prescription, it is best to choose the one that yields the best cost to benefit ratio for solving your Rx. It might make sense to spend more to get a thinner lens in your glasses if you have a higher power Rx. That said, some frames do better at concealing thick lenses than others so consider your frames as part of the lens solution. If you need your glasses for work or sport or avocation, then we suggest either Trivex or Polycarbonate lens material due largely to superior impact resistance.
As lens material gets thinner, the index value gets higher and, as the lens index value goes up the cost of the lens material goes up too. If you don’t need the thinnest lens material to solve your Rx, choose a lens that looks good in your frame. Small differences in lens index value are barely noticeable in most cases when you select the right frame. Buying a more affordable lens allows you to buy a better frame or buy an extra pair of glasses with your savings. The best advice is to buy the lens material that gives the best balance of cost and thinness that is capable of solving your Rx. Any qualified optician or Optometrist will have able to help you choose the right lense. You may also wish to consider ways to minimize lens thickness that cannot be avoided due to your Rx requirements.
Here is a rundown on the lens index value, approximate reference cost and common material attributes. This will help provide enough information to make an informed judgment on your lenses from a cost and benefit standpoint and help you justify buying a higher index lens for your glasses when needed.
The costs referenced above are for comparison of the differences of varying materials only and should not be relied upon as a standard by which to purchase eyeglass lenses from any provider. In the context of buying the best eyeglass lens for your needs, the lens cost differences are helpful in the larger conversation about which material can best suit your eyeglass needs as all things are considered.
At https://www.cheapglasseshut.com/ we search for great eyewear values across the universe and brings these great buys to value conscience consumers every day. You can save 50% and more off the purchase of similar prescription eyeglasses when compared to the cost of buying from local eyeglass retailers. Most retailers have up to 300-400 frames to choose from. At https://www.cheapglasseshut.com/ we have over 4,000 frames to choose from and the selection grows every month. More importantly, all eyeglass frames purchased from are backed with at least a one year manufacturers defect warranty. You can buy with confidence in our Universe.