Do lenses have an impact on visual clarity?
Yes, they do.
Here we need to introduce a key parameter for evaluating lens clarity: Abbe number. A higher Abbe number means sharper imaging, while a lower one results in blurred vision. Generally, the higher the lens refractive index, the lower its Abbe number. The Abbe number is primarily determined by the lens material itself. Some brands add special additives to improve the Abbe number. A small number of lenses that balance high Abbe number and high refractive index have also emerged on the market.
For ophthalmic lenses, the Abbe number normally ranges from 30 to 60. Lenses with a refractive index of 1.50 from mainstream brands have an Abbe number of around 58, whereas those with a refractive index of 1.74 have an Abbe number of about 32. A friend of mine has worn both types. Currently she uses lenses with a refractive index of 1.60 and an Abbe number of 40. She says the visual difference between Abbe numbers 58 and 32 is quite noticeable, yet she can barely tell the difference between 40 and 58.
Conclusion
If you have a high diopter: Prioritize thin and lightweight lenses with a relatively high refractive index, but do not over-pursue an extremely high index.
If you have a low diopter: Go for lenses with a higher Abbe number, since clear vision is the top priority.
Are there fixed standards for selecting lens materials?
No. The choice depends on personal needs and budget.
The two main lens materials are glass and resin. Resin lenses are further divided into thermoplastic materials (represented by PC lenses) and thermoset materials (represented by CR39 lenses).
Unlike eyeglass frames, resin lenses are the mainstream choice among consumers. Thanks to continuous technological improvements in recent years, thermoset resin lenses are favored by most people for their well-rounded performance.
Though PC lenses are not naturally scratch-resistant, manufacturers apply protective coatings during production to reinforce their durability, so this is no longer a major concern for buyers.
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