Eyeglasses nowadays are considered fashion accessories; as stylish as belts and purses!
However, while choosing your frame is important for looks, it’s also important to pick the right lenses for your vision and lifestyle.
With so many lenses to choose from, it can be pretty overwhelming at first.
That’s why we’re here to help you differentiate one of the two types of lenses: high index, and Trivex lenses. Let’s find out which is best for you!
What are high index lenses?
The term “high-index” refers to the lens’ ability to bend light. They bend light a lot more effectively than other types of lenses. This is due to their higher index of refraction and they allow people with stronger prescriptions to wear eyeglasses with thinner, lighter, and less noticeable lenses.
These lenses can help correct those with common refractive errors, including:
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
Additionally, most of these high-index lenses are made from different types of plastic. The material that these lenses go through has a specialized manufacturing process to make sure that there’s a high index of refraction. While there are also different materials for high-index lenses, such as glass, they aren’t prescribed as often.
Who should use high index lenses?
High-index lenses are recommended for those with eye prescriptions of +/-4.00 and higher. Those with lower eye prescriptions usually won’t have improved vision or won’t notice a difference in thickness by opting for high-index lenses. Whatever the case may be, your optician should always be the judge of what works best for you.
Here at Mouqy, we offer four types of high-index lenses:
- Index 1.60 Aspheric
- Index 1.60 Tribrid
- Index 1.67 Aspheric
- Index 1.74 Aspheric
Learn more about the different lens indexes and what they mean.
What are Trivex lenses?
Trivex is a relatively new material that’s a lot stronger, clearer, and more resistant as compared to other lenses. Trivex was developed for military applications as visual armor so it’s really good for outdoor use. This makes it one of the best materials for prescription glasses.
The PPG industries adapted this technology for optical use, and they introduced it to the optical world around 2001. Trivex lenses are a urethane-based pre-polymer. In other words, these lenses are made from a light, low-density type of plastic. They named this lens “Trivex” due to its three main properties:
- Excellent optical ability
- Strong and durable
- Very lightweight
Trivex lenses also have a high Abbe value at 43 – 45. What this means is that it’s a lot better at managing light dispersal as compared to other materials such as polycarbonate. Low Abbe values can mean that lenses will have more dispersion and more distortion.
Who should use Trivex lenses?
With these amazing qualities, it’s easy to see why those who enjoy going outdoors or consistently work outside can benefit from Trivex lenses. Their great visual clarity, ultraviolet protection, and extremely durable material make them a great choice for those who live active lifestyles.
Children can also benefit from Trivex lenses since they’re more likely to drop or crush their eyeglasses. With these lenses, their eyeglasses are more likely to withstand different forms of damage.
Differences between high index and Trivex lenses
Impact resistance
Trivex lenses are more durable.
Trivex was made for different military applications such as visual armor and just outclasses high-index lenses in terms of impact resistance. Trivex lenses are also great for minimizing the risk of injury due to how strong and durable they are. This makes them a much better choice for those who need safety glasses or those who live active lifestyles.
Thinness
High index lenses are slimmer.
One of the key features of high-index lenses is their thinness, which can especially be seen in higher prescriptions. If you were to compare them to a pair of glasses with Trivex lenses of the same prescription, you’ll find that high-index lenses are always thinner and even lighter in higher prescriptions.
Weight
High index lenses are lighter.
Trivex lenses have a lower refractive index of 1.53 as compared to high-index lenses having 1.67 to 1.74. Higher index lenses are not only thinner but are also more lightweight compared to Trivex lenses since they require less material.
Prescription power suitability
High index lenses are recommended for high prescriptions.
High index is more suited to those with high prescriptions as their thinner lenses reduce the ‘coke bottle’ or ’bug-eye’ appearance.
Optical clarity
Trivex lenses are clearer.
Trivex lenses can provide better and higher optical clarity than high-index lenses. Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value which makes them have less dispersion and less distortion.
Scratch resistance
Both lenses have scratch resistance.
High-index and Trivex lenses are resistant to the usual problems glasses face such as being dropped or scratched.
How to pick the right lenses for you
Picking the right lens is one of the most important things you should take note of when getting a new pair of glasses. It not only affects your vision but also affects your comfort and lifestyle. The following things are what you should consider picking the right lenses:
- The purpose of why you wear glasses
- How often you’ll wear glasses for
- Your eye prescription power
- The color and size options available for your lenses of choice
With that being said, Mouqy offers different types of lenses that you could choose from. See how to pick the right eyeglass lenses for you.
Get high index or Trivex lenses at Mouqy!
Picking the right lenses is without a doubt the most important part when buying a new pair of eyeglasses. The quality, coating, attributes, and comfortability of your lenses all contribute to how satisfied you are with your eyeglasses.
After choosing the right lens, you’d need the right frame that would match your looks and style.
Luckily, Mouqy has got you covered. You can browse the hundreds of frame designs that Mouqy has to complement your lenses!