Eyeglass lens question.

Tasty · 09-30-06, 07:32

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.

Setec Astronomy · 09-30-06, 09:33

High index?

Accumulator · 10-01-06, 12:06

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...

Tasty · 10-01-06, 12:38

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.

KevinA · 10-02-06, 11:33

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?

Tasty · 10-02-06, 06:40

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.

Accumulator · 10-03-06, 08:10

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

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.

Yal · 10-03-06, 08:59

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.

KevinA · 10-05-06, 07:53

Okay, I think I'll price the anti-reflective coating and see how it goes.

Thanks for everyones input!

Joshua312 · 10-05-06, 08:48

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.

Corey Bit Spank · 10-09-06, 12:12

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.

Accumulator · 10-09-06, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey Bit Spank

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. ..

Yeah, what he said

Absolutely makes all the difference.

Quote:

I love wearing glasses. I'm not sure why, but I would feel awkward without them on.

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

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