1.8 / 1.9 high-index glass lenses

[Matt C]

I have strong myopia (about -6.00) and "moderate" astigmatism (sorry, I
can't remember the number). By choosing small frames and 1.7 high-index
lenses, I've been able to wear glasses that look good. Any other type
of lens, including polycarbonate, results in Coke-bottle lenses.

I'm very pleased with my current glasses... I was amazed when the
optician first presented them to me... but I'm interested in seeing
just how thin I can go.

Since getting my 1.7's, I've moved near the Canadian border, and I'm
aware that 1.8 and 1.9 high-index glass lenses are available north of
the border. I visited a well-regarded local optical shop for some minor
repairs, and I started chatting with the optician. I asked him about
the 1.8 and 1.9 lenses, and he said that at my prescription, the
difference wouldn't really be noticeable. OTOH, I realize that he has a
vested interest in getting me to buy my next pair of glasses from his
shop instead of sending me to Canada.

So I'm looking for an unbiased opinion: are 1.8 or 1.9 glass high-index
lenses worthwhile for someone around -6.00?

And if the answer is yes, does U.S. Customs give returning residents a
hard time about bringing back these lenses? I've heard of an optical
shop right by the Detroit/Windsor tunnel on the Canadian side that
caters to U.S. residents seeking thin glasses. However, I wouldn't be
surprised if many of these glasses are undeclared and smuggled into the
country by wearing them. For various reasons, I always declare
everything I'm bringing back from Canada, even a half-empty can of
Pepsi, or the cardboard box and information sheet from my Canadian flu
shot during last winter's crisis.

Thanks,

Matt

[Robert Martellaro]

Post by Matt C
I have strong myopia (about -6.00) and "moderate" astigmatism (sorry, I
can't remember the number). By choosing small frames and 1.7 high-index
lenses, I've been able to wear glasses that look good. Any other type
of lens, including polycarbonate, results in Coke-bottle lenses.

Matt,

They should have been the same thickness because the glass lenses, if made in
the US, must have a center thickness (CT) of about 2mm whereas poly is available
off the shelve as thin as 1mm. Using an atoric poly like Optima's Resolution
would have actually been slightly thinner than 1.7 index with the FDA mandated
2mm CT. The poly lenses were either ground too thick and/or the frame size was
different.

Post by Matt C
I'm very pleased with my current glasses... I was amazed when the
optician first presented them to me... but I'm interested in seeing
just how thin I can go.
Since getting my 1.7's, I've moved near the Canadian border, and I'm
aware that 1.8 and 1.9 high-index glass lenses are available north of
the border. I visited a well-regarded local optical shop for some minor
repairs, and I started chatting with the optician. I asked him about
the 1.8 and 1.9 lenses, and he said that at my prescription, the
difference wouldn't really be noticeable. OTOH, I realize that he has a
vested interest in getting me to buy my next pair of glasses from his
shop instead of sending me to Canada.
So I'm looking for an unbiased opinion: are 1.8 or 1.9 glass high-index
lenses worthwhile for someone around -6.00?

Compared to 1.7index with 2mm centers, 1.8 will be about 10% thinner and 1.9
about 20% thinner. If the 1.7 lenses have an edge thickness of 4mm, 1.8 will be
roughly 3.6mm and 3.2 for 1.8 index. If they are made outside of the US (Zeiss
1.9 index is no longer available in the US) all of the above lenses will be
another 1mm thinner.

Post by Matt C
And if the answer is yes, does U.S. Customs give returning residents a
hard time about bringing back these lenses? I've heard of an optical
shop right by the Detroit/Windsor tunnel on the Canadian side that
caters to U.S. residents seeking thin glasses. However, I wouldn't be
surprised if many of these glasses are undeclared and smuggled into the
country by wearing them. For various reasons, I always declare
everything I'm bringing back from Canada, even a half-empty can of
Pepsi, or the cardboard box and information sheet from my Canadian flu
shot during last winter's crisis.

My guess is that it's perfectly legal for consumers to purchase non-tempered
glass lenses with thin centers outside of the US for use in the US.

Post by Matt C
Thanks,
Matt

Your welcome.

Robert Martellaro
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Optician/Owner
Roberts Optical
***@execpc.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field."
- Niels Bohr