Lens Index & Material Guide

Determine which lens is best for you based on your prescription, frame type, and lifestyle. Our lenses are all made with advanced plastics and are available in seven indexes, which will determine how thick or thin your glasses lenses will be. Those with a stronger prescription often prefer high-index for thinner lenses, while those who are active may need impact-resistant options.

Illustration of glasses with lenses protruding from frame to show thickness.

Basic Lenses

Our basic plastic lenses are available in two indexes.

1.50 Standard Index
(CR-39)

- Suitable for full-rim plastic/acetate frames or full-rim metal frames

- BEST FOR RX RANGE +1.00/-2.75 OR BELOW

Infographic for 1.50 standard index lens with five-point scale (least to highest): 1 for thinness, 3 for UV protection, 5 for clarity, and price is free.

1.57 Mid Index

- Up to 15% thinner than 1.50 lens

- Suitable for full-rim plastic/acetate or full-rim metal frames

- BEST FOR RX RANGE +2.00/-3.75 OR BELOW

Infographic for 1.57 mid- index lens with five-point scale (least to highest): 3 for thinness, 5 for UV protection, 4 for clarity, and 1 for price.

High-Index Lenses

Thinner and lighter than our basic lenses, high-index lenses are recommended for those with combined Rx powers over -3.00/+2.00. High-index lenses have reduced edge thickness for nearsightedness and reduced center thickness for farsightedness. Choose from 1.61, 1.67 or 1.74 high index lenses.

All Zenni high-index lenses are made with MR™, a premium lens material. MR™ is a trademark of Mitsui Chemicals in Japan, a global leading provider of ophthalmic lens materials and technologies.

$MR™ by Mitsui Chemicals, High Refractive Index Lens Material.$ $MR™ by Mitsui Chemicals, High Refractive Index Lens Material.$

1.61 High Index

- Up to 20% thinner than 1.50 lens

- Pricing starts at $27.95

- Suitable for full-rim plastic/acetate, full-rim metal, half-rim, and rimless frames

- BEST FOR RX RANGE +3.00/-5.75 OR BELOW

Infographic for 1.61 high-index lens with five-point scale (least to highest): 4 for thinness, 5 for UV protection, 4 for clarity, and 2 for price.

1.67 High Index

- Up to 30% thinner than 1.50 lens

- Pricing starts at $46.95

- Suitable for full-rim plastic/acetate, full-rim metal, half-rim, and rimless frames

- BEST FOR RX RANGE +4.75/-6.75 OR BELOW

Infographic for 1.67 high-index lens with five-point scale (least to highest): 4 for thinness, 5 for UV protection, 3 for clarity, and 3 for price.

1.74 High Index

- Up to 40% thinner than 1.50 lens

- Pricing starts at $101.95

- Suitable for full-rim plastic/acetate or full-rim metal frames

- BEST FOR RX RANGE +5.00/-7.00 OR ABOVE

Infographic for 1.74 high-index lens with five-point scale (least to highest): 5 for thinness, 5 for UV protection, 3 for clarity, and 5 for price.

Impact-Resistant Lenses

Impact-resistant lenses are a good choice for everyone, but especially great for kids and those who do sports. These lenses work well with all frame types.