Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of MaterialsFeaturesEnhancementsReplacementsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Materials
Features
Enhancements
Replacements
Frequently Asked Questions
Eyeglass lens material doesn’t change the corrective power of your glasses. Rather, eyeglass lens types offer different cosmetic and lifestyle benefits to the wearer.
For example, some offer protection from the glare of computer screens. Others thin out lenses that would otherwise be thick and stick out of a frame.
This article reviews the different lens material options for glasses. You can use this information to decide which eyeglasses lens material type is right for you.
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Eyeglass Lens Types
The first decision you’ll need to make when picking eyeglass lenses is the type of material used to make the lens.
Hi-Index Lenses
Hi-index lenses are made of a special plastic material that refracts light in a different way than regular plastic lenses.
Here are a few reasons why you might choose this eyeglasses lens material:
This eyeglass lens type also has downsides you might want to consider:
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Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are made of a type of plastic that is more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses.
Abbe ValueTheabbe valueis the number of chromatic aberrations in a lens. The higher this number is, the better the quality of vision through the lens will be.
Abbe Value
Theabbe valueis the number of chromatic aberrations in a lens. The higher this number is, the better the quality of vision through the lens will be.
Trivex Lenses
Trivex is a relatively new material that is similar to polycarbonate lenses but with higher-quality optics. That means it provides clearer vision.
You might choose this type of eyeglass lens material because:
Aspheric Lenses
An aspheric lens design gives several advantages to eyeglass lenses.
You might prefer this type of eyeglass lens because:
Eyeglass Lens Features
When you’re choosing eyeglass lens materials, there are also some features or enhancements that you might want to consider.
Anti-Reflective Coatings
Ananti-reflective coatingis applied to eyeglass lenses to reduce the amount of internal and external reflections on a lens. This coating increases the amount of light transmitted through the lens, which improves the quality of vision.
You might choose this eyeglasses lens material because:
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Scratch-Resistant Coatings
Scratch-resistant coatings are applied to the front and back of lenses in the manufacturing process.
Here is a potential benefit of choosing this eyeglass lens material:
There is a key point about this type of eyeglass lens that you should know:
Ultraviolet Protection
Ultraviolet treatment is applied to lenses to protect against harmful UV sun rays that can accelerate the development ofcataractsandmacular degeneration.
The main benefit of this type of eyeglass lens material is that it protects your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. The UV treatment is easy to put on the lenses and is often included with the purchase of eyeglasses.
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Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are usually used to make sunglasses. They are available most commonly in grey or brown tint but many other colors are available.
Here are a few benefits of using this type of eyeglass lens material:
Photochromatic Lenses
Photochromatic lenses have a special chemical coating that makes them change to a dark tint in the sunlight and turn clear indoors.
The benefits of using this type of eyeglass lens material include:
There are also some points to consider before choosing this type of eyeglass lens:
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Eyeglass Lens Enhancements
There are also some other optional eyeglass lens features you might choose, including:
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Eyeglass Lens Replacements
If you want to change or replace eyeglass lenses, talk to your eye healthcare provider. While you can buy eyeglass lens replacements online, it’s not a good idea to try to replace your own glasses lenses.
Eyeglasses are very delicate. If you try to take the lens out, you might damage it or the frame of your glasses.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no one type of eyeglass lens that’s right for everyone. The eyeglass lens type and eyeglass lens material that is best for you will depend on several factors, including your vision correction needs and lifestyle.If your eyeglass prescription changes, ask your eye healthcare provider about updating your glasses. You might be able to keep the frames you have or pick new ones, depending on what changes to the lenses are necessary.Your eye healthcare provider can change or replace the lenses in your eyeglasses if needed. You may be able to purchase them in the office, from an eyeglass shop, or even online.Eyeglasses are very easy to break, especially lenses and frames. If you want to change the style of your glasses, it is best to ask a professional.The cost of eyeglass lenses depends on what they’re made of and whether they have special features, coatings, or enhancements. Sometimes, you can save money if youbuy new eyeglass lenses only(not the frames) online instead of from your eye healthcare provider. However, you’ll need youreyeglasses prescriptionto make sure you get the correct lenses.Often, a full pair of glasses take a week or two to come in. However, some places can make eyeglass lenses in an hour.
There is no one type of eyeglass lens that’s right for everyone. The eyeglass lens type and eyeglass lens material that is best for you will depend on several factors, including your vision correction needs and lifestyle.
If your eyeglass prescription changes, ask your eye healthcare provider about updating your glasses. You might be able to keep the frames you have or pick new ones, depending on what changes to the lenses are necessary.
Your eye healthcare provider can change or replace the lenses in your eyeglasses if needed. You may be able to purchase them in the office, from an eyeglass shop, or even online.
Eyeglasses are very easy to break, especially lenses and frames. If you want to change the style of your glasses, it is best to ask a professional.
The cost of eyeglass lenses depends on what they’re made of and whether they have special features, coatings, or enhancements. Sometimes, you can save money if youbuy new eyeglass lenses only(not the frames) online instead of from your eye healthcare provider. However, you’ll need youreyeglasses prescriptionto make sure you get the correct lenses.
Often, a full pair of glasses take a week or two to come in. However, some places can make eyeglass lenses in an hour.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Consumer Reports.What You Need to Know About Eyeglass Lens Coatings.
Pillay R, Hansraj R, Rampersad N.Historical development, applications and advances in materials used in spectacle lenses and contact lenses.OPTO. 2020;12:157-167. doi: 10.2147/FOPTO.S257081
Kumanomido T, Kamiya K, Takahashi M, et al.Clinical evaluation of flat peripheral curve design with aspherical-curve and multi-curve hard contact lenses for keratoconus.Mohan RR, ed.PLOS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0263506. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263506
Delcourt C, Cougnard-Grégoire A, Boniol M, et al.Lifetime exposure to ambient ultraviolet radiation and the risk for cataract extraction and age-related macular degeneration: the alienor study.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014;55(11):7619. doi:10.1167/iovs.14-14471
Renzi‐hammond LM, Hammond BR.The effects of photochromic lenses on visual performance.Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2016;99(6):568-574. doi: 10.1111/cxo.12394
NVision Centers.A Guide to Prescription Sunglasses.
Vision Center.Types of eyeglasses.
All About Vision.Can I get an eye exam and glasses on the same day?.
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