Trivex vs high index, what are they? As relatively niche choices, these two new types of lens materials are the top choices for many people who pursue uniqueness and fashion.
But many people don't understand these two less-common terms, Trivex and high index. In this blog, everything you want to know about these two lenses will be introduced.
What are Trivex eyeglasses?
Trivex is a resin material developed by PPG in 2001. Originally developed for military use, it was later adapted for use in eyeglass lenses. Trivex was initially used for NXT lenses, mainly in sports eyeglasses such as cycling and skiing goggles, and its most remarkable feature is its impact resistance.
Trivex is often compared to PC (polycarbonate) lenses. While Trivex offers similar impact resistance to PC lenses, it also has advantages in chemical resistance and scratch resistance. Moreover, Trivex has a higher Abbe value than PC, around 43-45. It significantly outperforms other lenses in managing light diffusion. A lower Abbe value may mean the lens has more chromatic aberration and distortion.
What is the Abbe value? It represents a material's ability to resist chromatic aberration. The higher the Abbe value, the less chromatic aberration there is under the same conditions. The basic principle is that when sunlight undergoes refraction, different colors of light have different refractive indices, resulting in color dispersion.
What are high index lenses?
Before understanding this, we need to grasp what the refractive index is. Take off your glasses, and the numbers 1.49, 1.56, 1.60, 1.67, 1.71, and 1.74 marked on your lenses indicate the refractive index of the lenses. For myopia correction, under the same other parameters, the higher the lens's refractive index, the lower and thinner the lens's edge, making it lighter.
High index lenses use materials with high density and strong light refraction capabilities. Compared to regular lenses, they can bend light more effectively, resulting in thinner, lighter, and flatter lenses.
Most high index lenses are usually made of various types of plastic. In the past, glass lenses were commonly used, but they had limitations in achieving very high refractive indices without becoming excessively thick and heavy. With advancements in optical technology and material science, manufacturers were able to develop specialized plastics with higher refractive indices than traditional glass. While plastics have the ability to achieve higher refractive indices compared to traditional glass lenses.
Trivex vs high index: Which one is more suitable for me?
Choosing the right eyeglasses depends on many factors. Both Trivex and high index lenses have their unique characteristics.
If you are an athlete or outdoor worker, Trivex may be more suitable. Trivex was originally designed for military applications, and its impact resistance is unparalleled. For people engaged in sports, the durability of Trivex lenses can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Moreover, because of its impact resistance, it is also suitable for children as they often drop their glasses, leading to economic losses and potential safety threats.
If your prescription is already quite high, a lighter and flatter high index lens might be more helpful. It can provide the same vision correction effect as thicker regular lenses. Highly nearsighted individuals can avoid wearing thick lenses that make their eyes look abnormally small, and farsighted individuals can avoid wearing lenses that make their eyes look larger. This can reduce the pressure on highly nearsighted individuals and improve aesthetics.
In terms of design, high-refractive index plastics offer more color and size options to meet the demands of those seeking appearance enhancement. Trivex, however, has relatively fewer choices.
Regarding price, there isn't a significant difference between the two. In high indices like 1.74 and 1.70, Trivex is generally a bit cheaper. However, both these two materials are more expensive compared to traditional lenses. Therefore, you need to consider your budget before choosing.
Wrapping up
Trivex vs high index, both materials are excellent choices for lens materials. The lightness and aesthetics of high index lenses make them very popular, while Trivex has its own fan base due to its durability. Which one to choose depends on your needs. I hope the above advice has been helpful to you.
