Eyeglasses are only as good as the lenses you put in them, and our lenses are available in a range of materials so you can get exactly what you need. As a company founded by doctors, staffed by opticians, and committed to quality, we provide lenses manufactured by The Essilor Group, which are widely regarded as the best lenses in the industry.
One of the greatest benefits of buying your lenses at FramesDirect.com is the price. We offer the highest-quality lenses in the world, but at less than half the cost you’d expect to pay at a typical optical store.
Most ophthalmologists agree that polycarbonate is the best lens material, because of the plastic's impact resistance and clarity. However, you may choose glass or high-index lenses in lieu of polycarbonate based on a number of reasons. The two main variables to consider when deciding which lens material will work best for you are prescription strength and lifestyle. While any lens material may work for a mild prescription, a stronger prescription may require a specific material. Additionally, adults with active lifestyles and children will benefit from the added protection of impact-resistant lenses.
The best lens material for a pair of eyeglasses really depends on the person wearing them and their prescription needs. For a glasses wearer concerned about protection and durability, a thicker polycarbonate lens is the best choice. If clarity is a priority, then a thinner high-index lens is the best option. When deciding on which lens material you want in your glasses, consider your prescription needs and in which situations you’ll be wearing glasses most, and choose the lens material designed to meet those needs.
Explore the features and benefits of each lens material and available lens coatings and options to determine which one is best for you.
Plastic lenses are recommended for light prescriptions, ranging from no correction to +/-1.75. These lenses are suitable for mild to medium single-vision prescriptions because they are lighter weight and less breakable than glass lenses, but more budget-friendly than polycarbonate or high-index lenses.
We offer standard plastic lenses in three package options: The Basic lens package comes with edge polish, UV protection, and scratch-resistant coating; the Standard package includes anti-reflective (A/R) treatment; and the Premium package includes digital light protection.
Polycarbonate lenses are 30 percent thinner and lighter weight than plastic, and they’re recommended for glasses wearers with prescriptions ranging from +/- 2.00 to +/-4.00. Due to its impact resistance, polycarbonate is also recommended for children under 18 years of age and anyone who leads an active lifestyle. Polycarbonate lenses work in full-rim frames, but we recommend them especially for rimless and semi-rimless frames.
Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses are ideal for:
Our polycarbonate lenses include edge polish and scratch-resistant and UV-protective coatings at no additional cost. Let us create the lenses that work best for you with additional lens options, including A/R treatment, digital light protection, or Transitions® light-adapting treatment.
Plastic was the most commonly used lens material until polycarbonate was introduced to the market. Polycarbonate is up to 30% thinner than traditional plastic, resists impacts, and is less likely to scratch. It is also easier to add coatings to polycarbonate than plastic, as the material is thinner and will take on less bulk. Polycarbonate has become the most common lens material used by sunglass and eyeglass makers alike. Enjoy its many benefits, including better clarity and superior durability.
While high-index and polycarbonate lenses are similar in that they are both made from plastic, they differ in that high-index lenses are specifically designed to accommodate higher prescription strengths. Polycarbonate lenses work best to correct vision in the +/- 2.00 to +/-4.00 range, while high-index lenses can go up to +/- 9.00. Select high-index lenses if you need more vision correction, but want to avoid the "coke bottle" commonly associated with stronger prescription strengths.
Made from plastic, High-Index lenses are specially designed with a high refractive index to better bend light and improve vision correction. They’re available in two thicknesses, 1.67 and 1.74. Both are made from the same plastic material but High-Index 1.74 lenses are thinner and work better in stronger prescriptions.
High-Index 1.67 lenses are 45 percent thinner than plastic lenses and they’re recommended for glasses wearers with prescriptions up to +/- 9.00. This lens material helps reduce the distortion others may see when looking at your eyes through your glasses.
Benefits of High-Index 1.67 lenses:
Our High-Index 1.67 lenses include polished edges as well as scratch-resistant and UV-protection coatings. Choose from additional options like Transitions® and A/R coatings to achieve the ideal lens for your needs.
High-Index 1.74 lenses are the thinnest, flattest, lightest weight, and most cosmetically appealing lenses available. This material allows for a thinner lens, especially in extra-strong prescriptions.
Choose High-Index 1.74 lenses for:
Trivex and polycarbonate are the best lens materials for reading glasses. Both of these material types are lightweight, avoid scratching, and resist impacts. Whether you need a high level of magnification or just a little help with close-up work, Trivex or polycarbonate lenses are your best bet for reading glasses.
Polycarbonate is the best material for rimless glasses. Used to manufacture airplane canopies and bulletproof glass, polycarbonate is incredibly durable and lightweight, making it perfect for use with rimless frames.
If you need help choosing the best lens material for your prescription or lifestyle, contact one of our expert opticians at 1-800-248-9427 or send us a message via our online form.