Lens thickness
Lens thickness and index
The stronger your prescription, the more a thinner lens is worth it.
- What you get
- A recommended index once your prescription is in, based on your strongest power
- Every index in the range you can order, not just the recommended one
- Anti-reflective coating, anti-scratch hard coat and UV400 on every index
What it is
The index is how strongly a lens material bends light. A higher index needs less material to reach the same power, so the lens is thinner and lighter, especially at the edges of a minus prescription.
Who it is for
Anyone above about -2.75 or +1.00. Below that, standard 1.50 is thin enough and has the best clarity. Polycarbonate and Trivex suit sport, safety and anyone hard on their glasses.
Every lens index
Standard 1.50
Excellent clarity. Prescriptions up to +1.00 / -2.75
Included
Mid-index 1.57
15% thinner than 1.50. Prescriptions up to +2.00 / -3.75
+£10
Polycarbonate 1.59Premium
20% thinner, very impact-resistant. Lightest lens: sport, kids, safety. Prescriptions up to +3.00 / -4.75
+£15
Trivex 1.53Premium
Sharper than polycarbonate, just as tough. Feather-light, no distortion at the edges. Prescriptions up to +2.00 / -3.00
+£35
High-index 1.61Premium
20% thinner than 1.50. The all-round choice for moderate prescriptions. Prescriptions up to +3.00 / -5.75
+£25
High-index 1.67Premium
30% thinner than 1.50. Slim edges even on strong prescriptions. Prescriptions up to +4.75 / -6.75
+£35
Ultra-thin 1.74Premium
The thinnest lens made. For the strongest prescriptions. Prescriptions beyond -6.75 / +4.75
+£70
Lens index compared
| Lens | Thickness | Prescription range | Impact-resistant | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1.50 | Excellent clarity | up to +1.00 / -2.75 | No | Included |
| Mid-index 1.57 | 15% thinner than 1.50 | up to +2.00 / -3.75 | No | +£10 |
| Polycarbonate 1.59 | 20% thinner, very impact-resistant | up to +3.00 / -4.75 | Yes | +£15 |
| Trivex 1.53 | Sharper than polycarbonate, just as tough | up to +2.00 / -3.00 | Yes | +£35 |
| High-index 1.61 | 20% thinner than 1.50 | up to +3.00 / -5.75 | No | +£25 |
| High-index 1.67 | 30% thinner than 1.50 | up to +4.75 / -6.75 | No | +£35 |
| Ultra-thin 1.74 | The thinnest lens made | beyond -6.75 / +4.75 | No | +£70 |
Frames that suit stronger prescriptions
Pick a frame, then choose this lens
Select lenses on any frame page. Engraving +£5 and express glazing +£15 are available at the end.