What Are Thinner Lenses and Do I Need Them?

Published 3 October 2026 · Visionwise Opticians

If you wear glasses, you may have heard terms such as “thinner lenses”, “high-index lenses”, “1.60” or “1.67” — but what do they actually mean, and do you really need them?

The simple answer is that as your glasses prescription becomes stronger, your lenses can naturally become thicker. Choosing a thinner lens material can help reduce this thickness, making your finished glasses look neater and, in many cases, feel more comfortable to wear.

Here’s what you need to know.

What are thinner lenses?

Thinner lenses — also known as high-index lenses — are made from materials that bend light more efficiently than standard lens materials.

This means the same prescription can often be produced using a thinner lens.

Importantly, choosing a thinner lens doesn’t change your prescription or make it stronger. It simply allows your prescription to be made using a different lens material that can reduce the finished thickness.

Why do some prescriptions need thinner lenses?

The stronger your prescription, the more noticeable lens thickness can become.

If you’re short-sighted (myopic), stronger prescriptions generally produce lenses that are thinner in the centre and thicker around the edges.

If you’re long-sighted (hyperopic), stronger prescriptions generally produce lenses that are thicker in the centre.

Choosing a thinner lens material can reduce this thickness and often produce a more attractive, less bulky finished pair of glasses.

What do 1.50, 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74 mean?

These numbers refer to the refractive index of the lens material.

In simple terms, the higher the number, the more efficiently the material bends light, allowing the lens to potentially be made thinner.

1.50 — Standard lens
Suitable for many lower prescriptions where lens thickness isn’t a major concern.

1.60 — Thinner lens
Often a good choice for moderate prescriptions where reducing thickness can improve the appearance of the finished glasses.

1.67 — Even thinner lens
Often suitable for stronger prescriptions where lens thickness would otherwise be more noticeable.

1.74 — Ultra-thin lens
An option for particularly strong prescriptions where reducing lens thickness is a priority.

However, a higher number doesn’t automatically mean a better lens.

The most appropriate lens depends on your prescription, the frame you choose, your measurements and other factors. There is little benefit in paying for an ultra-thin lens if your prescription doesn’t require it.

Do I actually need thinner lenses?

Not everyone does.

If you have a relatively low prescription, a standard lens may already be perfectly suitable and moving to a higher-index material may make very little visible difference.

As prescriptions become stronger, however, thinner lenses can make a much more noticeable difference to the appearance and sometimes the weight of your glasses.

Rather than automatically choosing the thinnest lens available, the best approach is to select the most appropriate lens for your individual prescription and frame.

Does my choice of frame affect lens thickness?

Absolutely.

This is something that can easily be overlooked when choosing new glasses.

Two people with exactly the same prescription can end up with very different-looking lenses depending on the frames they choose.

The size and shape of the frame, as well as where your eyes sit within it, can have a significant effect on the finished thickness of your lenses.

This can be particularly important with stronger prescriptions. Choosing a suitable frame alongside the right lens material can make a big difference to the finished appearance of your glasses.

At Visionwise, we consider both your prescription and your choice of frame when recommending your lenses.

Are thinner lenses better?

Not necessarily.

A higher lens index isn’t a measure of the overall quality of a lens. It simply refers to the optical properties of the material.

If your prescription doesn’t require additional thinning, there may be little benefit in choosing a higher-index lens.

Our approach is to recommend the lens that makes sense for your prescription, your frame and your individual needs.

What about anti-reflective coating?

An anti-reflective coating helps reduce reflections from the surfaces of your lenses.

This can improve the appearance of your glasses by making the lenses look clearer and allowing your eyes to be seen more easily through them.

Anti-reflective coatings are particularly useful with higher-index lenses, as these materials can naturally produce more surface reflections.

Thinner Lenses at No Extra Cost at Visionwise

At Visionwise, we don’t think you should be penalised for having a stronger prescription.

If you need a higher prescription, thinner lenses can make a real difference to how your glasses look and feel — but traditionally, they can also come with a significant additional cost.

We don’t think that’s fair.

That’s why, when you choose our anti-reflective coating, we include thinner lenses at no additional cost where they’re recommended for your prescription — up to 1.67 index.

So whether you need standard lenses, 1.60 or 1.67, we’ll recommend the most appropriate option based on your prescription and chosen frame — without charging you more simply because your prescription is stronger.

It’s part of our approach to keeping quality eyewear straightforward and affordable.

Looking for new glasses? Click the button at the bottom of the page to book your appointment online.

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