High-index lenses are those that bend light more effectively due to a high refractive index. These are best suited for people with high refractive errors and have a higher prescription for myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism. While suggesting high-index lenses for patients, ophthalmologists look for the ones that offer maximum comfort along with outstanding durability. High-index lenses from the house of Mitsui Chemicals satisfy these requirements and stand out as the most sought-after lens material by eyeglass makers around the world. Let us look at their phenomenal features, going forward.
How to Choose the Best High Index Ophthalmic Lens Material?
How do high index lenses score better than regular lenses?
The regular lenses prescribed to correct the refractive errors and lens powers are quite thick and heavy for higher diopter glasses. High-index lenses are more favored due to the following:
Thinner
High-index lenses can bend light more efficiently as they are made from materials with high refractive index. So, thinner-edged lenses can be effectively used for people with high amounts of myopia or hypermetropia.
Lighter
As the lens edges become thinner, the weight of the lens is reduced. This makes a comfortable to wear for people with high prescriptions.
Better peripheral vision
With high-index lenses, the distortions can be reduced as they allow a wider field of view. So, it offers improved peripheral vision with flatter curves on lenses than the regular lenses.
Reduces chromatic aberration
The prism effect of high-index lenses reduces chromatic aberration, which is the dispersion of light into its constituent colors. It leads to better contrast perceptions.
Durable
The high-index lenses have high wear resistance. There is also no discoloration over time. Extended use is possible as the coatings are more resistant to peeling due to high adhesion to the surface.
MR [trademark] - The high-index lens from Mitsui Chemicals
Obtained through a unique polymerization technique of Mitsui Chemicals, MR [trademark] lenses are the most sought-after lens material by lens makers. They are made from urethane resin, which makes them suitable for use in the manufacturer of high-precision lenses.
- Due to the unique process of manufacture, functions like control of specific wavelengths or adding photochromic properties by blending special dyes are made possible.
- MR [trademark] lenses have a high refractive index, high Abbe number, low specific gravity, and good stability.
MR [trademark] lenses are available in different refractive indexes, such as:
- -> MR-8 [trademark] has a high abbe number with minimum chromatic aberration, impact resistance, and thermal resistance.
- -> MR-160DG [trademark] follows the green initiative of Mitsui Chemicals as it is made out of plant-derived materials.
- -> MR-7 [trademark] has good stability and is extremely light, with heavy impact resistance.
- -> MR-10 [trademark] has excellent thermal resistance and is safe to be used under challenging temperatures.
- -> MR-174 [trademark] is an eco-friendly, ultra-thin lens material with the highest refractive index.
Two main factors that determine the choice of high-index lenses
Abbe number
Abbe number decides the viewing comfort for eyeglass lenses as it indicates the degree of dispersion of light. A higher Abbe number means lower dispersion of light, reduced chromatic aberration, and better viewing quality.
When lenses with a higher refractive index are chosen, the chances of chromatic aberration increases. This is more so in the peripheral areas of the lens. But with MR [trademark] lenses, this is greatly reduced.
Toughness of lenses
Lens strength plays a great role in the durability of lenses. The lens should be resistant to breakage when an external force is applied. Thiourethane lens materials offer the greatest toughness and the lens does not chip or break when pressure is applied.
Along with toughness, abrasion resistance is also an important factor to consider when suggesting a lens material. The urethane material offers better adhesion that offers resistance to cracking.
Drop-ball test that displays the strength of MR [trademark] lens
While suggesting high-index lenses to patients, it is important to choose sturdy and impact-resistant lenses. MR [trademark] fits the bill with its remarkable toughness. To prove this, it has cleared the US FDA’s dropball test. A drop ball test is where a metal ball is dropped on the surface of the MR [trademark] lenses. While conventional acrylic lenses chip at the edge, MR [trademark] lenses are resistant to chipping.
Such resistance is a testimony to the toughness of the material that enables its use in rimless eyeglasses where even a drop could crack the lenses.
Use cases of high-index lenses
- ● Where a high level of precision is needed, as in progressive and aspherical lenses.
- ● Fashion glasses like high-curved or rimless eyeglasses.
- ● Highly functional polarized lenses.
- ● Sunglasses in a distinct range of colors.
Conclusion
Eyeglass lens manufacturing has been evolving and high-index lenses are a landmark development. Mitsui Chemicals has been instrumental in developing MR [trademark] lenses with amazing qualities. All the products at Mitsui Chemicals are manufactured in compliance with Blue Value [trademark] and Rose Value [trademark] standards. Through our Blue Value [trademark] standards, we ensure that all our products are environmentally friendly. Our Blue Value [trademark] standard evaluates the environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of our products and shares the same with our stakeholders. Thus, we strive to reduce the carbon footprint and stay close to nature.
Our Rose Value [trademark] standards aim to provide quality-of-life improvements through our products. We share with our stakeholders how our products add value and promote healthy living and thus help enrich life and society. Our contribution aims to extend a healthy life span and protect food.
Intrigued to know more about our vast portfolio of products? Reach out to us and we’d be happy to assist you with your needs.
FAQs
FAQ 1: What are high-index lenses, and why are they preferred over regular lenses for patients with high refractive errors?
High-index lenses are crafted from materials with a high refractive index, allowing them to bend light more effectively. They are favored over regular lenses due to their thinner profile, lighter weight, improved peripheral vision, reduced chromatic aberration, and enhanced durability.
FAQ2: What distinguishes MR [trademark] lenses from other high-index lens materials?
MR [trademark] lenses, produced by Mitsui Chemicals, stand out for their unique manufacturing process using urethane resin. They offer a high refractive index, high Abbe number, low specific gravity, and excellent stability. They are available in various refractive indexes, each with distinct advantages such as impact resistance, eco-friendliness, thermal resistance, and ultra-thin design.
FAQ3: What factors should ophthalmologists consider when selecting high-index lenses for their patients?
Two primary factors to consider are the Abbe number and toughness of the lenses. A higher Abbe number indicates better viewing comfort and reduced chromatic aberration. Meanwhile, lens toughness ensures durability and resistance to breakage and abrasion.
FAQ4: How do MR [trademark] lenses fare in terms of toughness and impact resistance?
MR [trademark] lenses excel in toughness and impact resistance, demonstrated by their clearance of the US FDA’s drop ball test. Unlike conventional acrylic lenses that may chip upon impact, MR [trademark] lenses remain intact, making them suitable for rimless eyeglasses and other applications where durability is paramount.
FAQ5: What are some common use cases for high-index lenses?
High-index lenses are ideal for precision applications such as progressive and aspherical lenses, fashionable eyewear like high-curved or rimless glasses, functional polarized lenses, and sunglasses in a variety of colors.