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What Is a High-Index 1.60 Eyeglass Lens?

A high-index 1.60 lens is a spectacle lens material with a refractive index of 1.60. The refractive index is a number that tells how quickly light travels through the lens. The higher the number, the more the lens bends light, which allows the lens to be made thinner than standard plastic.

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What Is a High-Index 1.60 Eyeglass Lens?

A high-index 1.60 lens is a spectacle lens material with a refractive index of 1.60. The refractive index is a number that tells how quickly light travels through the lens. The higher the number, the more the lens bends light, which allows the lens to be made thinner than standard plastic.

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What is the Main Benefit of the 1.60 Index?

The main benefit is moderate thinness and lightness. Lenses made in 1.60 index are about 20 percent thinner than standard plastic lenses (1.50 index). This makes the spectacles significantly lighter and more comfortable, especially for people with medium to high prescriptions.

Who Benefits Most from the 1.60 Index?

The 1.60 index is the most common high-index choice. It is suitable for people with prescriptions ranging from moderate to high (around -2.50 to -5.00 diopters). It provides a good balance between cost and improved aesthetic appearance.

How Does the Index Affect Lens Weight?

A higher index reduces lens weight by reducing volume. By being thinner, the lens uses less material, which makes the finished glasses much lighter than those made with standard plastic material, greatly improving wearing comfort.

Evaluating 1.60 Index for Durability and Aesthetics

The 1.60 index provides a good blend of durability and aesthetics. It is strong enough for use in rimless frames and provides a significant cosmetic improvement over standard plastic lenses without the higher cost of the 1.67 or 1.74 materials.

FAQs on High-Index 1.60 Lenses

Is 1.60 the thinnest index available?

No, there are thinner indexes, such as 1.67 and 1.74, which are used for stronger prescriptions.

Does 1.60 index include UV protection?

Yes, 1.60 index material naturally blocks most harmful UV rays.

Is the 1.60 index suitable for rimless frames?

Yes, 1.60 index is a good choice for rimless frames because it is durable enough to resist cracking at the drill holes.

When to See Your Doctor

If you have a moderate prescription (+/- 3.00), 1.60 index offers a great balance of clarity and thinness. Ask your doctor about this material if you find standard plastic lenses too thick but notice "color fringing" or rainbows in thinner 1.67 materials.

References

All About Vision. High Index Lenses Guide (allaboutvision.com). 2024.

The Vision Council. Lens Material Properties (thevisioncouncil.org). 2024.

ABDO. Ophthalmic Optics (abdo.org.uk). 2023.

Review of Optometry. Dispensing for Abbe Value (reviewofoptometry.com). 2024.