GLASS LENS MATERIALS

Compare Glass Lens Materials

Glass Lens Materials

Real Glass lens material come in different refractive indexes, and choosing the right one ensures you get the best clarity, comfort, and appearance. Whether you need everyday durability or ultra-thin high-index glass, each option offers its own advantages.

 

Find the perfect balance between clarity, thickness, and weight.

 

1.53 Index Glass (Standard)

A classic glass lens option that delivers sharp optics, natural vision, and excellent scratch resistance. Great for mild to moderate prescriptions and those who want the traditional feel of real glass.

Best Fit For:

  • Mild to Moderate prescriptions (+/-2.00 to +/-3.00)
  • Everyday eyewear
  • People who want the best natural clarity and superior scratch resistance
  • Those who prefer a traditional, highest quality vision lens.

→ 1.60 Index Glass (Mid-Thin)

A slimmer, lighter upgrade from standard glass. Ideal for moderate prescriptions where you want reduced edge thickness without compromising much clarity or durability.

 

Best Fit For:

  • Moderate prescriptions (+/-3.00 to +5.75)
  • Anyone wanting thinner glass lenses without sacrificing much clarity
  • The thinner profile helps to minimize the magnifying effect on the eyes, making them look more natural.

→ 1.70 Index Glass Lenses (High Index)

A high-index glass lens that delivers noticeable thickness reduction for stronger prescriptions. Still offers the signature crispness of real optical glass.

 

Best Fit For:

  • Moderate to strong prescriptions (+/-6.00 to +/-8.00)
  • People who want thinner, more modern-looking lenses
  • Best with Smaller to Medium Round or Oval frame styles

 

→ 1.80 Index Glass Lenses (Ultra-Thin High Index)

Significantly thinner than standard glass. An excellent choice for strong myopia or hyperopia while preserving good optical precision.

 

Best Fit For:

  • Strong prescriptions (+/-8.00 and higher)
  • Those who want a sleeker, more lightweight result
  • Everyday glasses with a refined appearance

→ 1.90 Index Glass Lenses (Ultra High Index — Thinnest Available)

The thinnest glass lens material on the market. Delivers powerful lens compression for very strong prescriptions while maintaining good clarity and rigidity.

 

Best Fit For:

Most Popular Blog Posts

Phasellus lorem malesuada ligula pulvinar commodo

Frequently asked questions

Have questions? We’re here to help

How do I know which lens material to choose?

The right material for your lenses will depend upon your prescription. Please let us know your prescription, frame style and size and application. We can assist you with the best lens material for your specific requirements.

What is the difference and which Glass lens material should I order for my prescription? 

Please email us a copy of your prescription, let us know the frame shape and size you are looking for and the application you are using them for. You can also check out more detailed information in our Resource center.

Can you get safety glasses with glass lenses?

The VS Eyewear team is excited to present our collection of glass safety glasses. This selection of products includes a great assortment of frames that come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. All of our glass safety glasses meet rigorous ANSI Z87 safety standards and feature extremely scratch-resistant glass lenses in a 1.53 index material.

These glasses are ideal for people who need ANSI-approved safety glasses but don’t need the impact safety of polycarbonate. Plus, glass is much more scratch resistant than any plastic lens material and tends to take a lot longer to wear out. All glass safety glasses are available with a great variety of lens types that you can choose from.

Can glass lenses shatter?

While this is ultimately true, glass is a very rigid material that can shatter if dropped or hit the right way. It’s EXTREMELY unlikely. You see, glass lenses are held to similar safety standards as other lens materials so they are much safer than most people think. They undergo specific treatments to help with impact resistance. They are also tempered so if they take an impact they don’t necessarily shatter, instead they crack so it drastically reduces any chance of glass shards coming back into your eye.

 How does your glass lens replacement program work?

We can replace prescription or non-prescription lenses for most brands and styles of frames at an affordable price. We can replace your lenses if they are damaged, cracked or worn out.  We offer the most current lens technology to fit all customers. Our lab technicians can fit any type of lens, including progressive lenses and single vision lenses, as well as transition lenses, prescription sunglasses lenses and prescription safety lenses.

Is your price for glass lenses per pair?

All lenses are sold in pairs and the price you see is your total for both lenses.

Are glass lenses tempered for safety?

Yes. Modern real glass lenses undergo thermal tempering or chemical strengthening to dramatically increase impact resistance.  While safer than old, untreated glass lenses, glass is still not recommended for high-impact activities or children.

How do I clean and maintain my prescription glasses?

Use mild soap or lens-safe cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, and paper towels, which can damage coatings.

Are glass lenses better than plastic lenses?

Glass lenses offer superior scratch resistance and the highest optical clarity of any material. However, they are significantly heavier and can shatter upon impact, making them less suitable for children, sports, or rimless frames

Do glass lenses protect my eyes from UV rays?

Natural glass offers some inherent UV protection, but it does not block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. To ensure full protection, you must have a specialized UV-blocking coating applied to the lenses.