High-Index Lenses

Thinner, lighter, better-looking eyewear for stronger prescriptions — up to 50% thinner than standard plastic.

Book Appointment 3-for-1 from $199

What Are High-Index Lenses?

"Index" refers to the refractive index of the lens material — how efficiently it bends light. Standard plastic (CR-39) has an index of 1.50. Higher-index materials (1.6, 1.67, 1.74) bend light more efficiently, so the same prescription needs much less material to do the job. The result is a lens that's noticeably thinner and lighter.

Why That Matters

  • Thinner edges — no more "Coke bottle" thickness sticking out of the frame
  • Lighter weight — less pressure on your nose, less ear fatigue at the end of the day
  • Better-looking glasses — your eyes look closer to their natural size (less magnification or minification)
  • Frame freedom — rimless, semi-rimless, and small modern frames become possible
  • Smoother surface — pairs beautifully with anti-reflective coating
High-index lenses — thinner edges than standard plastic

Which Index Is Right for You?

The right index depends on your prescription strength

1.50 — Standard Plastic (CR-39)

The baseline lens material. Good for prescriptions under ±2.50 sphere. Cheapest option, available in our 3-for-1 deal at no extra cost.

1.60 — ~25% Thinner

The most popular upgrade. Good for prescriptions in the ±2.50 to ±4.00 range. Noticeably thinner and lighter than standard plastic, without a huge cost jump.

1.67 — ~30% Thinner & Lighter

Recommended for prescriptions in the ±4.00 to ±6.00 range. Makes a substantial visible difference in edge thickness and eye magnification.

1.74 — ~40% Thinner & Lighter

Highest index commonly available. Best for prescriptions stronger than ±6.00 where appearance is important. Also available for moderate prescriptions when paired with rimless frames where the lens edge is fully visible.

High-Index Upgrade — Half Off Right Now

Three pairs of glasses from $199 with our 3-for-1 deal. Upgrade to 1.67 or 1.74 high-index at half-price. Free eye test included.

Learn About the 3-for-1 Deal Book Appointment

Who Should Choose High-Index?

  • Anyone with a prescription over ±3.00 — the appearance difference is substantial
  • Patients who want rimless or semi-rimless frames — thick edges look bad in these styles, so a thinner lens is essentially required
  • Patients with strong nearsightedness who don't want the "small eye" minification effect that standard plastic creates
  • Patients with strong farsightedness who don't want the "bug eye" magnification effect that standard plastic creates
  • Anyone who wears glasses all day — the weight reduction adds up over 12+ hours of wear
  • Patients adding progressive or bifocal to a stronger prescription — high-index keeps the multi-zone lens thin and attractive
Thin high-index lenses in stylish modern frames

Pair High-Index with Other Upgrades

High-index works with every other lens treatment we offer

  • Polarized Sunglasses — high-index polarized sunglasses are noticeably lighter on your face during long drives or beach days.
  • Progressive Lenses — standard progressives in a strong prescription get thick at the edges. High-index fixes that.
  • Computer Lenses — pair with Premium Blue AR for the ultimate screen-comfort setup.

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Index Lenses

What are high-index lenses?

A denser optical material that bends light more efficiently than standard plastic. Same prescription, much less material — so the lens is thinner and lighter. Available in 1.6 (~25% thinner), 1.67 (~30% thinner), and 1.74 (~40% thinner).

Do I need high-index lenses?

If your prescription is stronger than about ±2.50, high-index makes a noticeable difference in lens thickness and weight. For weaker prescriptions, standard 1.5 plastic is usually fine.

What's the difference between 1.5, 1.6, 1.67, and 1.74?

1.5 = standard plastic, fine under ±2.50. 1.6 = ~25% thinner, fine to ±4.00. 1.67 = ~30% thinner, recommended for ±4.00 to ±6.00. 1.74 = ~40% thinner, best for ±6.00+ or when appearance matters.

Are high-index lenses worth it?

For stronger prescriptions, yes — thinner edges, less eye distortion, lighter weight, and the ability to use rimless or fashion-forward frames that wouldn't work with thick standard lenses.

Can I combine high-index with other upgrades?

Yes — high-index works with AR coating, blue light filter, transitions, polarized sunglasses, progressive, bifocal, and computer lenses.

Are high-index lenses included in your 3-for-1 deal?

1.6 is a standard upgrade on any pair. 1.67 and 1.74 are currently 50% off as part of our half-off lens upgrade promotion. Three pairs start at $199, free eye test included.

High-Index Lenses Near You

Fantastic Glasses is at Unit 401, 235 Milligan Dr, Okotoks, AB — serving patients from Calgary, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, De Winton, and surrounding southern Alberta communities. South Calgary communities are just a 20-minute drive.

Come in and feel the difference between standard 1.5 plastic and 1.67 high-index in our showroom. Walk-ins are welcome, or book online to guarantee your time slot.

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Fantastic Glasses storefront — high-index lenses in Okotoks near Calgary

Strong Prescription? Thin Lenses Are a Game-Changer

Book your free eye test and try thinner, lighter lenses on your face. Call (587) 997-3937 or book online.

Book Appointment 3-for-1 from $199
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