What Lens Materials Are Available for My Glasses?
The choice of prescription lenses is as important as the frame. At Visionet, an approved online optician in France, we guide you in choosing materials adapted to your vision, comfort, and lifestyle. Discover the options available to you for selecting the right lenses for your eyeglasses.
1. CR-39 Plastic Lenses: The Economical and Lightweight Option
CR-39 plastic lenses are the most commonly offered for low prescriptions. They are perfect for daily use without specific constraints.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Good optical quality
- Affordable price
However, they are a bit thicker and prone to scratches if untreated. They are suitable for prescriptions up to +/-1.75.
2. Polycarbonate Lenses: Safety and Performance
Designed to resist impact, polycarbonate lenses are recommended for children, athletes, or wearers with an active lifestyle.
- 30% thinner than classic lenses
- Integrated UV protection
- High impact resistance
Ideal for prescriptions from +/-2.00 to +/-4.00, polycarbonate is often used for sports glasses or children's glasses.
3. High-Index Lenses: Thinness and Aesthetics
High-index lenses are the ideal solution for strong prescriptions. Thinner and lighter, they improve the aesthetics of glasses, especially for thick lenses.
- Index 1.67: up to 45% thinner
- Index 1.74: up to 50% thinner – the thinnest on the market
These lenses are more expensive but offer excellent visual comfort and a discreet appearance, especially for thin feminine frames or modern styles.
4. Mineral Lenses: Optical Quality and Scratch Resistance
Traditionally made of glass, these lenses offer superior optical clarity and are very scratch-resistant. However, they are heavier and more fragile.
- Excellent visual sharpness
- Durable with proper care
- Ideal for quality progressive lenses
They are no longer systematically offered on all models but remain available upon request at Visionet.
How to Choose Your Lenses?
Your prescription is the number one criterion: plastic lenses are sufficient for mild corrections, while high-index or polycarbonate lenses are more suitable for significant corrections.
Your lifestyle also plays an essential role:
- For standard daily use: CR-39 or index 1.6 lenses
- For intensive use, children, or sports: polycarbonate
- For a refined style with strong correction: high index
Options Available at Visionet
At Visionet, you can customize your lenses with additional treatments:
- Anti-reflective: for clear and comfortable vision
- Anti-scratch: to preserve the lifespan of the lenses
- UV protection: integrated on all Visionet lenses
- Transitions™ photochromic lenses
- Blue light filter: ideal for screens
Summary Table
| Material |
Thickness |
Impact Resistance |
Recommended Correction |
| CR-39 Plastic |
Standard |
Medium |
0 to +/-1.75 |
| Polycarbonate |
30% thinner |
Very High |
Up to +/-4.00 |
| Index 1.67 |
45% thinner |
High |
Up to +/-9.00 |
| Index 1.74 |
50% thinner |
High |
> +/-9.00 |
| Mineral Lenses |
Standard |
Low |
All prescriptions |
Last updated on — Editorial: Visionet.
