The Different Lens Packages We Offer
When purchasing eyewear, it’s important to choose the right kind of lens. This will depend on your prescription and lifestyle, but it’s hard to make a choice without understanding the different glasses lens types and how they play into your needs.
There are many factors involved when choosing lenses, but one of the most important ones is the lens index. Alongside this, materials and available lens coatings can also impact your decision.
What is lens index?
Lens index, also known as refractive index, is a measurement that indicates how efficiently the lens bends light as it passes through it. As the lens index value increases, the lens becomes thinner.
Which lens index is right for you will depend on the SPH, CYL, ADD and Prism values on your correct prescription.
The CYL won’t always be present on the prescription as it indicates the power of your astigmatism correction. If you don’t have a CYL on your prescription, it means you don’t have astigmatism.
The SPH instead indicates the amount of lens power prescribed for (-) or (+), this is your SPH correction. The SPH value is present on all prescriptions except for those which only have astigmatism correction, which only have a CYL.
These values will help you determine which lenses are right for you. Though lower-index lenses are more affordable, they are only suitable for lower power correction requirements and if chosen for high power prescriptions, they can be uncomfortable due to their thickness.
High-index lenses are instead more versatile. As they are thinner, they tend to be more comfortable, and they can cater to a wider range of prescriptions. This makes them the right choice for both high-prescriptions and people looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option.
That said, as the index impacts the depth of tint they may not be the best solution for certain kinds of prescription sunglasses.
Lens material
The available lens materials have different physical properties and features. To understand what the ideal choice is for your eyeglasses, it’s best to know what they are.
Plastic
Plastic eyeglass lenses are one of the most common types of lenses. Our plastic lenses are made in either CR-39 plastic or polycarbonate.
CR-39 plastic is the standard glasses lens material. It offers good vision correction for refractive errors and blocks out 80% of UV light.
It’s also lighter than glass, though at the same thickness it has a lower refractive index than alternatives in other materials. This is why it’s best to avoid certain frame shapes and higher prescriptions. That said, they are still thinner than glass.
Polycarbonate lenses were introduced as an alternative to CR-39 plastic. They are thinner and more lightweight than other plastic alternatives, which makes them more impact resistant. That said, polycarbonate scratches easily so they require scratch-resistant coating for durability.
High-index materials
The MR series (MR7, MR8, MR10 and MR174) is a line of optical materials with high refractive index. This makes it possible to get thinner lenses with the same prescription strength as thicker lenses, making them good lenses for high prescriptions.
MR8 has a refractive index of 1.6 and is the standard high index material. It offers minimal chromatic aberration in the visual periphery, alongside impact and thermal resistance. This makes it well suited to a wide range of purposes.
MR7 is at the forefront of modern lens technology. With a refractive index of 1.67, it is 15% thinner than the MR8 alternative. It also offers high tintability, making it ideal for sunglasses and fashion-oriented glasses.
MR10 is similar to MR7. Its 1.67 index makes it just as thin and light, though it has less tintatibility. That said, it offers excellent thermal resistance which is why it’s recommended for a wide range of working temperatures.
Last but not least, the MR174 is the ultra thin lens of the MR series. With its refractive index of 1.74, it’s recommended for those looking for extra thinnes. For example, they are recommended for the geometric glasses shapes, and with the memory metal used in rimless frames.
MR174 is also a good choice for the eco-conscious as it’s made entirely of plant-derived materials.
Our essential lenses
Here at Smartbuyglasses, we offer essential lenses, ranging from a lens index of 1.5 to 1.74. Our essential collection is in lightweight plastic and offers a range of available add-ons and coatings.
1.5 lens index
Our 1.5 index lenses are recommended for prescriptions between SPH +/-2.75 and CYL +/-2.00. We offer them as part of our standard/value and comfort/standard packages.
These are standard affordable single-vision lenses. They’re made in CR-39 plastic and can come with scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings, which makes them more durable and helps them reduce glare for better visual clarity. You can also get a series of add-ons, like zFORT® blue light blocking and Transitions®.
- Lens index: basic 1.5
- Material: plastic (CR-39)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®,tints, polarization, mirror finish
Our silver/standard package is our recommended option for non-prescription lenses.
1.59 lens index
Our 1.59 index lenses are 22% thinner than our basic 1.5 lenses. We offer them as part of our polycarbonate package.
They are made in polycarbonate and come with scratch resistant, anti-reflective and UV400 coatings, making them a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and need to keep their eyes shielded from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Lens Index: basic 1.59
- Material: plastic (polycarbonate)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV400
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
1.61 lens index
Our 1.61 index lenses are recommended for prescriptions between SPH+4.25 to -5.00 and CYL +/-3.00. As this lens is 25% thinner than our basic lens, it is more comfortable and easier to fit to frames.
They are part of our thin & light/comfort package and come with both scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings. They also have UV 400 protection.
- Lens Index: basic 1.61
- Material: high-index (MR8)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV 400
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
The gold/comfort package is our recommended essential option for reading, distance and progressive lenses.
1.67 lens index
Our 1.67 index lenses are very thin, 40% more than our basic 1.5 lenses. We offer them as part of our ultra/premium package which is recommended for prescriptions between SPH+7.00 to -8.00 and CYL +/-4.00.
They are aspheric, which means they have a flatter curve to reduce central thickness. This makes them both more comfortable and easier to fit to frames.
They also come with scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings, alongside UV 400 protection. And that’s not all, they have a superhydrophobic coating that repels water to keep your lenses clear!
- Lens Index: thin 1.67
- Shape: aspheric
- Material: high index (MR7 & MR10)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV 400, superhydrophobic
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
1.74 lens index
Our 1.74 index lenses are our thinnest lenses. They are 60% thinner than our basic 1.5 lenses and recommended for prescriptions between SPH+10.00 to -14.00 and CYL +/-6.00.
Just like our premium 1.67 lenses, they come with the same coating and are aspheric for maximum comfort. They are part of our deluxe/premium plus package.
- Lens Index: ultra thin 1.74
- Shape: aspheric
- Material: high index (MR174)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV 400, superhydrophobic
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
DID YOU KNOW?
Mitsui Chemicals started developing the MR lens materials series in 1982.
Our clarity lenses
Our Arise Collective™ Clarity collection has been designed to provide breakthrough lens technologies, optimised visual acuity and state-of-the-art protection for any prescription and frame.
Geared towards clarity, comfort and durability, they are made both for everyday wear and those who need advanced protection. All our clarity lenses are aspheric and come with Impact X protection designed to withstand the toughest impact.
They also offer UV 400 protection and are scratch resistant, anti-reflective and superhydrophobic.
1.5 lens index
Our clarity 1.5 index lenses are the perfect fit for those with prescriptions between SPH +/-2.75 and CYL +/-2.00. They are part of our Clarity Active-X/Clarity HD package, which is our recommended clarity option for no prescription lenses.
- Lens Index: thin 1.5
- Shape: aspheric
- Material: plastic (CR-39)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV 400, superhydrophobic, impact X
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
1.61 lens index
Our clarity 1.61 index lenses are a great fit for those with prescriptions between SPH+4.25 to -5.00 and CYL +/-3.00.
They are part of our Clarity Pro-X/Clarity 4K lens package and are our recommended clarity lens for reading, distance and progressive lenses.
- Lens Index: thin 1.61
- Shape: aspheric
- Material: high-index (MR8)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV 400, superhydrophobic, impact X
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
1.67 lens index
Our 1.67 index lenses are best suited for those with prescriptions between SPH+7.00 to -8.00 and CYL +/-4.00. They are part of our Clarity Ultra-X/Clarity 8K package.
- Lens Index: thin 1.67
- Shape: aspheric
- Material: high-index (MR7 & MR10)
- Coatings: scratch resistant, anti-reflective, UV 400, Superhydrophobic, impact X
Available add-ons: zFORT® blue light blocking, Transitions®, tints, polarizations, mirror finish
Progressives
Progressive lenses are lenses that can accommodate multiple prescriptions in a single pair of glasses. These lenses have three different vision areas which are then used for near, intermediate and distance vision.
Our Arise Collective™ Clarity progressive lenses are an elevated design, with up to a 30% wider viewing field for increased comfort and quicker adaption time when transitioning between each prescription. The benefits include:
- Up to 30% wider viewing area
- easier adaptation zone
- impact coating for durability
- maximum comfort
Regardless of prescription or lifestyle, there’s a lens for you. Explore our options and feel free to ask our opticians any questions if you still have doubts on the best solution! We’re here to make sure your glasses feel just right.
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