If you require glasses, there is such a variety out there. Lenses are one very important part of glasses. These lenses can affect how your glasses feel on your face by changing their thickness and weight. A very common pair of index lenses is known as 1.67 and 1.74 high index lenses. Read on as we break down what these lenses have to offer, and which may be right for you.
But to understand where both the 1.67 and 1.74 lenses differ, we need to discuss something known as the index of refraction. This fancy name refers to how much a lens can bend light. The higher the index number, the thinner and lighter the lens can be. People usually wear regular lenses that are less thin and lightweight, whereas the 1.67 and 1.74 high index lenses are designed to be thinner and lighter than common lenses.
1.67 high index lenses, which are thinner and lighter than standard lenses, are often a good fit for most people. So if you need more lightweight lenses, the 1.74 high index lenses are even thinner and lighter in weight than the 1.67 lenses. For this reason, the 1.74 lens is not uncommon to be a favorite rollout among those that have a stronger prescription due to even more comfort and a better fit.
It is also important to know that high index lenses not only are thinner and lighter but also offer other benefits that can improve your vision. These lenses can correct vision issues in such a way that your work will be clearer. They can also minimize glare, which is when a bright light makes it difficult for you to see something clearly. This means that while wearing these lenses, your vision will be cleaner and clearer.
When choosing 1.67 or 1.74 high index lenses, it’s vital to consider your prescription and lifestyle. If your prescription is high, that is, if to see clearly you need very strong lenses, the 1.74 high index lenses will be your best option. It is also the slimmest and lightest lens type, offering the most minimal optical distortion — an important consideration for better vision.
Conversely, if you do not have such a strong prescription then the 1.67 high index lens could suffice your needs just as well. It’s still a very good option and can provide good vision. If you're active or on your feet at work all day, the 1.74 high index lens may be a better option as it is more durable and less prone to scratching. That means it can handle the rigors of everyday life better than other lenses.
Another key factor that can assist with your decision is the price of the lenses. In general, the 1.74 high index lens is more expensive than the 1.67 high index lens. This price difference is due to the 1.74 requiring a much more complicated production process. With a very strong prescription and necessarily thicker lenses, the price gap between the 1.67 and 1.74 lenses may not matter as much to you.