When considering the best lens material for any patient, it’s a lifestyle choice: lightness, convenience and great looks. So the target materials should be 1.67 high index or Airwear. In both cases, they provide a complete package of lens benefits that resonates with every patient. They create thin, lightweight, durable and highly impact resistant lenses. With lenses, less is more.
Thinness and Lightness
Lens thinness and lightness is a product of index and specific gravity. The higher the index, the more efficient the lens is at refracting or bending light and the less curvature is needed for lens power. If there’s less curvature, there’s less volume and less volume equals less weight (Fig. 1). So, use the information described in the table.
Clarity
Knowing when to recommend a material is key. Using the best is most appreciated by patients. To make better choices with patients know two or three sentences that help explain the benefits; remember, patients purchase benefits not index or abbe values. Then, show them the difference using lens samples in frames or use charts that show lens thinness by Rx.
Choice, choice, choice. I think patients are thrilled with having so many lens material options. They can choose a pair of glasses with lenses that disappear or a frame that is bold and strong. Comfort is also driving force for many patients—having a pair of glasses with lenses that wear effortlessly allows people to enjoy their lives or activities without "dealing" with glasses.
Mary Schmidt
President, EyeSystems
Walnut Creek, CA
| MATERIAL |
SAY… |
INDEX |
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY |
ABBE |
TECHNICAL NOTES |
THIN&LITE
1.74 |
“Most technically advanced...”
“More than 50% thinner than
ordinary plastic”
“Absorb 100% UVA & UVB” |
1.74 |
1.47 |
33 |
1.74 ultra high index can make the
thinnest lenses, lenses are flattened
and aspheric and anti-reflection is
automatically included. |
THIN&LITE
1.67 |
“These lenses were made for your
prescription, your lenses will be up
to 40% thinner and about a third
lighter”
“Absorb 100% UVA & UVB” |
1.67 |
1.35 |
32 |
1.67 is terrific for drill/rimless and
grooved nylor frames, available in
new Transitions VI and polarized lenses. Minus lens centers as thin
as 1.3mm. |
THIN&LITE
1.60 |
“Lenses are about 25% thinner and
lighter and absorb 100% of the
UVA and UVB.”
“The thinness and lightness of poly
with the clarity of plastic” |
1.60 |
1.30 |
41 |
1.60 has high tensile strength so it
is excellent for drill/rimless frames.
It’s higher abbe ensures better
peripheral lens clarity in Rx’s >3D. |
AIRWEAR LENSES
1.60 |
“More than 40% lighter and significantly
flatter than standard plastic
for a better looking pair of glasses”
“These lenses are 10x more impact
resistant than standard plastic and
100% UV protective; that’s why the
FDA recommends polycarbonate
lenses for all kids under 16 years of
age.” |
1.59 |
1.20 |
31 |
1.60 has high tensile strength so it
is excellent for drill/rimless frames.
It’s higher abbe ensures better
peripheral lens clarity in Rx’s >3D. |
| TRIVEX MATERIAL |
In your prescription (<-3.00D)
your glasses would be 25% thinner
and lighter than ordinary plastic” |
1.53 |
1.11 |
44 |
Avoids star cracks when used for
drilled rimless. It has a very low
specific gravity and high impact
resistance. Available in Transitions
VI and Definity lens designs. |
| PLASTIC |
“This material works well for low to
mid Rxs and for tinted sunglasses.”
“While this is an inexpensive material,
lenses are thicker and heavier
than the newer thinner and lighter
materials.” |
1.50 |
1.32 |
58 |
With the lowest index, it is the
reference by which we measure all
newer materials. Thinner and lighter
materials are replacing plastic. |