Eyewear Education
The Complete
Lens Guide
Understanding lens materials and coatings is essential to finding eyewear that performs for your lifestyle, prescription, and vision needs. This guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision.
Section 01
Lens Materials
The material your lenses are made from determines their thickness, weight, impact resistance, and optical clarity. Select the material below to read the full breakdown.
CR-39
Standard Plastic
The original lightweight plastic lens developed in 1947. CR-39 offers superb optical clarity and is the benchmark against which all other lens materials are measured. Ideal for mild to moderate prescriptions.
Refractive Index1.50
WeightLight
Impact ResistanceModerate
Optical ClarityExcellent
Best For
Mild prescriptions (±2.00 or lower), everyday adult use, fashion tints
Advantages
Outstanding optical clarity
Affordable base cost
Easily tintable to any color
Scratch-resistant surface
Limitations
Not suitable for strong prescriptions
Thicker than high-index options
Not impact-resistant (not ideal for children)
Ready to order with the right lens specification?
© 2026 ONPTICS. All Rights Reserved.