MR-8™ 1.60 Index vs. Other Lens Materials: Which One Is Better for Your Vision?

When it comes to choosing the right material for your prescription lenses, the options can be overwhelming. Lens materials not only affect the thickness and weight of your glasses but also their durability, clarity, and overall comfort. Among the most common options are MR-8™ 1.60 high-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, CR-39^® lenses, and 1.67 high-index lenses. Each has its unique properties, but which one is best for your vision? This guide will help you understand their differences and why eyeOs^® chooses MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses for its prescription eyewear.

1. Optical Clarity and Abbe Value

The Abbe value measures the clarity of a lens material and its ability to minimize chromatic aberration (color distortion). A higher Abbe value translates to sharper vision.

MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses: With an Abbe value of 41, MR-8™ lenses provide excellent optical clarity, reducing color distortion and ensuring sharper, clearer vision.
Polycarbonate Lenses: These lenses have a significantly lower Abbe value of 28–30, leading to noticeable chromatic aberration, especially for higher prescriptions.
CR-39^® Lenses: With an Abbe value of 58, CR-39^® lenses offer the best clarity and least chromatic aberration, making them ideal for low prescriptions.
1.67 High-Index Lenses: With an Abbe value of 31, 1.67 lenses offer better clarity than polycarbonate but still fall short of the sharpness provided by MR-8™ or CR-39^® lenses.

Winner: MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses strike the perfect balance between clarity, thinness, and durability, while CR-39^® lenses are superior for low prescriptions requiring minimal thickness reduction.

2. Thickness and Aesthetic Appeal

For individuals with stronger prescriptions, thinner lenses can reduce the "coke bottle" effect and improve the appearance of glasses.

MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses: These lenses are thinner than standard CR-39^® plastic lenses and offer a balanced combination of aesthetics and clarity.
Polycarbonate Lenses: While lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are not as thin as MR-8™ 1.60 or 1.67 lenses.
CR-39^® Lenses: Thicker than MR-8™ or high-index lenses, CR-39^® lenses are not ideal for higher prescriptions.
1.67 High-Index Lenses: These are the thinnest option, making them ideal for very high prescriptions. However, their reduced clarity and higher cost often make them less desirable for lower prescriptions.

Winner: For most prescriptions, MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses strike the best balance between thinness, optical clarity, and comfort.

3. Durability and Impact Resistance

Durability is essential, especially for individuals with active lifestyles or those purchasing glasses for children.

MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses: MR-8™ lenses are highly durable, with superior impact and thermal resistance. They offer the perfect combination of strength and flexibility, making them suitable for everyday use.
Polycarbonate Lenses: Known for their impact resistance, polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice for sports and safety eyewear. However, they scratch more easily and are less optically clear.
CR-39^® Lenses: CR-39^® lenses are more prone to breakage under impact but are scratch-resistant and suitable for general use.
1.67 High-Index Lenses: While durable, 1.67 lenses are more brittle and prone to cracking under stress compared to MR-8™ or polycarbonate lenses.

Winner: MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses offer the best balance of durability and clarity for everyday use, with polycarbonate being better suited for high-impact situations.

4. Comfort and Weight

The weight of lenses affects the comfort of your glasses, especially for all-day wear.

MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses: Lightweight and comfortable, MR-8™ lenses are an excellent choice for those who wear glasses for extended periods.
Polycarbonate Lenses: The lightest option, polycarbonate lenses provide a weight advantage but at the cost of clarity.
CR-39^® Lenses: Heavier than polycarbonate and high-index lenses, CR-39^® lenses are less suitable for larger frames or high prescriptions.
1.67 High-Index Lenses: While thin, 1.67 lenses can feel heavier than MR-8™ lenses, especially in larger frames.

Winner: MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses provide the perfect combination of comfort and clarity for extended wear.

5. Blue Light Protection and Coating Compatibility

For screen users, blue light protection and advanced coatings are essential for reducing digital eye strain.

MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses: eyeOs^® MR-8™ lenses come with BlueBuster^® technology, which embeds the blue light filter directly into the lens material. This ensures superior protection without the yellow or purple tint seen in coated lenses.
Polycarbonate Lenses: Blue light coatings can be applied but often result in reduced durability and clarity.
CR-39^® Lenses: Blue light coatings can be applied but may slightly increase lens weight.
1.67 High-Index Lenses: These lenses can also include blue light coatings but suffer from the same drawbacks as polycarbonate lenses.

Winner: MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses with embedded BlueBuster^® technology offer the most effective and aesthetically pleasing blue light protection.

6. Cost vs. Value

The cost of lenses can vary significantly, but it’s important to consider value alongside price.

MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses: eyeOs^® MR-8™ lenses offer premium optical performance at an exceptional value, making them a cost-effective choice for high-quality prescription eyewear.
Polycarbonate Lenses: While inexpensive, the trade-offs in clarity and durability often outweigh the cost savings.
CR-39^® Lenses: The most affordable option, CR-39^® lenses are ideal for low prescriptions but lack durability and thinness.
1.67 High-Index Lenses: These are the most expensive option, and their benefits are only marginal for all but the highest prescriptions.

Winner: MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses provide the best value for superior clarity, comfort, and durability.

Why eyeOs^® Chooses MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses

At eyeOs^®, we prioritize quality, clarity, and comfort in every pair of glasses. That’s why we use MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses in our prescription eyewear. These lenses combine high optical performance, durability, and advanced blue light protection, ensuring you experience the best vision possible.

Experience the Difference Today
Explore eyeOs^® prescription

Experience the Difference Today
Explore eyeOs^® prescription glasses and discover why MR-8™ 1.60 High-Index Lenses are the superior choice for your vision. With innovative materials and advanced technology, eyeOs^® eyewear provides unmatched quality and value.

MR-8™ is a trademark of Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Japan. CR-39^® is a registered trademark of PPG INDUSTRIES.