Lenses & Coatings
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OUR LENS MATERIALS
The general rule of thumb is the higher the index of refraction, the thinner the lenses. And similarly, the thinner the lenses, the higher the cost of the lenses. Fortunately for you, Replacement Lens Express offers a variety of lens material to fit your visual needs at a fraction of the cost of a local optometry practice! Check out our full selection today!
STANDARD PLASTIC CR-39 LENSES
Plastic CR-39 Lenses are the most basic and affordable lens material on the market. Prescription plastic lenses are almost half the weight of traditional glass material. With an index of refraction at 1.39 these lenses provide crisp clear vision over the entire lens. Plastic lenses are somewhat resistant to scratches but can be improved by adding an additional anti-scratch coating to the lenses. Plastic lenses are the best lens material to add a unique color for fashionable and custom sunglass look.
POLYCARBONATE LENSES
Polycarbonate Lenses are one of the first "thinner, lighter" lens materials. With an index of refraction at 1.59 the lenses are both thinner and lighter than traditional Plastic CR-39. Polycarbonate lenses are 10 times more impact-resistant than glass regular plastic and Trivex lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are the preferred choice of lens materials for children. The durability of the lenses also is the best choice for safety glasses, athletes, and adults who desire lightweight, protective lenses. Our Polycarbonate lenses offer 100% protection from UV light, and have an included scratch resistance coating embedded in the lens.
TRIVEX LENSES
Trivex lenses are the new rival for polycarbonate lenses; they are thin, lightweight, and much more impact-resistant than regular Plastic CR-39. Trivex lenses have crisper optics and provide sharper central, and peripheral vision than Polycarbonate lenses.. The index of refraction is 1.53, making them about 10% thicker than Polycarbonate lenses. Like our Polycarbonate lens material, the Trivex lens material offers 100% protection from UV light and comes with an embedded scratch coating to help reduce the appearance of scratches from everyday use. Trivex lenses are a bit more costly than our Plastic CR-39 and Polycarbonate so we give you the choice to decide which material is the right choice for your needs and budget.
HI-INDEX 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74 PLASTIC LENSES
If you want thinner, more light-weight eyeglass lenses that are as comfortable and attractive as possible, high-index lenses are the right choice for you! If your eyeglass prescription is strong, these lighter lenses are especially beneficial for you, as thicker lens edges can detract from your eyeglasses. A variety of "high-index" plastics have been invented which bend light more efficiently than regular glass or plastic lenses. Replacement Lens Express offers 3 options of lenses in the High-index Plastic lens material with refractive indices, including High Index 1.60, High Index 1.67, and High Index 1.74 lens materials. All our High Index lens options come with an embedded scratch resistance coating and provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Our High- Index 1.74 lens option is manufactured by Essilor and requires the addition of a Crizal Anti-glare coating which is an additional charge.
