Eyeglass lens question.

T

Tasty

New member
I wear glasses at night to watch TV and read in bed. I am wondering when it is beneficial to get high index lenses vs. traditional polycarbonate lenses. I am guessing that the increased cost of high index would be a waste of money for someone like me who only wears glasses one or two hours a day. Anyone knowledgeable as to what the cost differential is in high index over traditional materials and at what prescription level does it make sense to go high index. I am about -4.75 in both eyes, and have just selected glasses with a very small frame size so hopefully centering on the lens material will make them thin.
 
IIRC "high index" is (*very* short version) when they make the lens thinner.



I dunno about the cost issue, but I'd get them. My Rx was higher (~6.5) but what a difference between bottle-bottoms and thin lenses! You might end up wearing them more than you think (I did, once I got thin lenses in good frames). I was concerned about acuity issues, and you *do* have to have a good lab for high index lenses, but I was really happy with mine. Small frames + thick lenses? No thanks, but that's just IMO of course...
 
I slept on it, went back today and totally upgraded. Some nicer frames and high index lenses. They look nice on me I think, and you may be right Accumulator...I may end up wearing them more because I actually like them. My current ones are just too old and out of style.
 
Since we're on the topic of glasses, I just got a pair and the reflections on the insides of them are driving me nuts. Do the anti-reflection coatings work?
 
Some lenses come coated from the factory, and if you have high index lenses then anti-glare coating is recommended as that is one of the biggest things to combat when using a lens with a higher refractive index.
 
KevinA- And sometimes the anti-reflective coatings seem to have an...uhm..."effect" similar to reflections! It's weird and hard to explain, but it's like a greenish/sometimes purple reflection-like effect. Generally it was still an option I preferred though.



Tasty- I think you made a smart decision there. I was shocked when I saw pictures of myself in my old and new frames, man I should've upgraded long before I did :o We get used to things, if you know what I mean...I pretty much quit wearing contacts after I got good frames and I *never* thought I'd do that.
 
Yeah you get a funny purple greenish reflection on polarized lenses with anti reflective coatings but your eyes get used to it and compensate a lot easier than the sharp clear reflections you get without it.

Coatings have become so hi tech now that they last the life of the eyewear.
 
I would love to get my hands on a good pair of frames and retire my contact lenses until I want to wear them.



Any suggestions as to where to look online to try and get an idea for what I need for the shape of my face, or even a website that allows you to upload a picture of your face and click the frames...kinda like a tire-rack for my face? :)



It seems everytime I try on a part of glasses I do not like the look...and I get frustrated when looking in the mirror and just leave the store. Thanks guys.



Here's a pic of my ugly mug if you can reccomend a pair or frame style I should be looking for.

Josh.jpg
 
Go to a GOOD eyeglass place. There is one here that is amazing. They are always getting in new frames. They're a bit pricey, but it's worth it. I walk in and they remember my name. I need to order sun glasses soon.



The anti-glare coating has come a long way, and isn't prone to the scratching as much as the old coatings were. You sometimes get green, but you get used to it. Sometimes I see halos around lights, but it's not really noticeable unless you're completely bored at a stop light and have enough time to notice. It's definitely worth it.



I love wearing glasses. I'm not sure why, but I would feel awkward without them on.
 
Corey Bit Spank said:
Go to a GOOD eyeglass place. There is one here that is amazing. They are always getting in new frames. They're a bit pricey, but it's worth it. ..
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Yeah, what he said :xyxthumbs Absolutely makes all the difference.



I love wearing glasses. I'm not sure why, but I would feel awkward without them on.
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I know what you mean. I was astounded when that didn't happen after I got LASIK; I thought I'd feel weird without glasses after over 30 years with them, but nope, after a few days it was like I'd never worn them :nixweiss



Joshua312- If possible, take a female friend, one who will give you the straight truth, along with you. Sometimes other people see you differently than you see yourself and a woman's opinion can be more worthwhile than another guy's ;)
 
Accumulator said:
Sometimes other people see you differently than you see yourself and a woman's opinion can be more worthwhile than another guy's ;)
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Yeah, you don't want a buddy saying "You really look hot in those frames". :bolt :hide:







Sorry, I couldn't resist.
 
Accumulator said:
Joshua312- If possible, take a female friend, one who will give you the straight truth, along with you.
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haha Thanks! I've taken my girlfriend before and we looked but I just couldn't agree on any of the frames. I will have to try again or look next time I go to the eye doctor.
 
Joshua312 said:
I've taken my girlfriend before and we looked but I just couldn't agree on any of the frames. I will have to try again...
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Heh heh, sometimes when we don't agree with what women suggest, well, that's a clue ;)
 
IMHO, High Index lenses are so much better than polycarbonates. Polycarbonates are very durable and scratch resistent, no doubt, but you sacrifice clarity for it. High Index lenses cost more, but what you get is a more crisp and sharp view.



I have worn both, and the glasses I have now have Super High Index. Had them done in Hong Kong when I went there for vacation during December: Free exam, frames, and super high index lenses for only $80. Now I only use them at night after I take my contacts off.



Why are prices in America so ridiculous?
 
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