What Are High-Index Lenses, and When Do You Need Them?

Thick, heavy eyeglasses are a common issue among people with strong eye prescriptions. If you are facing this problem, your optometrist may recommend high-index lenses. No matter how strong your prescription is, these lenses will remain thin, and they come in many attractive frame options. 

How Are High-Index Lenses Different From Standard Lenses?

Conventional eyeglass lenses are usually made of glass or plastic. They tend to be thicker and heavier the stronger your prescription is. High-index plastic lenses were invented to fix this issue. Manufacturers can use fewer materials for high-index lenses to correct the same amount of refractive error. It is the reason these lenses are thinner and lighter than standard lenses. 

Are High-Index Lenses for You?

An eye care professional can help you determine if high-index lenses are ideal for your vision correction needs. For instance, if you have an eye prescription that is lower than %20/- 2.00, you will not notice much difference between standard and high-index lenses. Individuals with eye prescriptions that are higher than %20/- 2.00 will benefit from the lightweight lenses. 

Farsighted people can benefit more from high-index lenses because eyeglasses for this vision problem tend to be heavy. Lightweight lenses typically feature an aspheric design, which makes them slimmer and more appealing. If you choose high-index lenses, you can avoid the “bug-eye” appearance that standard eyeglass lenses cause in powerful farsighted prescriptions. 

For your vision correction needs, Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry is more than happy to help. We are also here to assist with your pre- and post-operative care after your LASIK eye surgery. Give us a call at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding areas.