How much do glasses lenses cost?

Choosing glasses is not just about finding the perfect frame, but also ensuring that the lenses suit your visual needs. However, when it comes to their price, many people ask: Why are glasses lenses so expensive? Or conversely, why are there such large price differences between various types of lenses?

Why are some lenses so expensive?

It is often said that nothing is more precious than your eyesight. Keep in mind that lenses play a crucial role in improving vision and protecting your eyes. Glasses lenses are a medical device. The production process of a lens is complex, requiring time, skilled personnel, and advanced equipment, which all contribute to the cost.

Did you know that…

The processing of a single anti-reflective lens takes over 6 hours and involves at least 10 skilled hands? Understanding the role lenses play in your eye health can make you more willing to invest in high-quality lenses. Moreover, a quality pair of lenses will have a longer lifespan, making the investment easier to justify in the long term.

What factors influence the price of glasses lenses?

The price of lenses depends on a combination of factors, which can make a significant difference. These include:

1. Lens Material

The material from which the lenses are made influences both the price and their weight, clarity, and durability. Options include:

Standard lenses: These have a standard thickness and are not ideal for high prescriptions. Although the optical quality is excellent, high-prescription lenses will be heavier and less aesthetic.
Thinned lenses: Depending on the prescription, a lens can be thinned by 30% to 45%. However, the thinnest lens may not always be the clearest. Consult with your vision specialist to choose the most suitable lens option.
Custom lenses: Depending on the chosen frame or any asymmetries, lenses can be customized to provide the best visual acuity across the entire lens surface.
Special lenses: Depending on your needs, you can opt for special lenses for driving or sport. These lenses take into account the visual requirements of each activity, offering optimal comfort in every situation.

2. Refractive Index (Lens Thickness)

The refractive index of a lens provides information about its properties: thickness, density, UV protection, impact resistance, and Abbe number. The Abbe number is a value that determines the optical quality of a material, measuring how visible light disperses through the material. A lower Abbe number increases the likelihood of chromatic aberrations. In such cases, personalized lenses are recommended. Although a higher refractive index (1.6, 1.67, 1.74) means a thinner lens, it does not necessarily make it clearer. Thinner lenses obviously come with higher costs.

3. Special treatments

Treatments applied to lenses can improve the user experience but can also increase the final price. Examples include:

Anti-reflective coating: One of the most common treatments, which reduces reflections on the lenses and provides clearer vision. A quality anti-reflective coating will also extend the lifespan of the lenses, making them easier to maintain for a longer period.
Blue light filter: This protects your eyes from the blue light emitted by screens and prevents eye strain by filtering harmful blue-violet light, while allowing beneficial blue-turquoise light to pass through, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm.
UV protection: Essential for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, this protects your eyes from conditions like pterygium or cataracts.

4. Lens type: single vision, bifocal, or progressive

The type of lens you need significantly affects the price.

Single vision lenses: These are designed to correct vision either for distance or near vision and are the most affordable.
Bifocal lenses: These correct both near and distance vision but have a visible line separating the two zones. Bifocal lenses cost more.
Progressive lenses: These correct vision at all distances without a visible line. They are the most technologically advanced and require a higher investment.

Is it worth investing in an anti-reflective coating?

Anti-reflective coating is essential for any pair of lenses. It eliminates reflections, increasing light transmission through the lens. The coating consists of metallic oxides and minerals sprayed in nanolayers on the lens, each serving a specific purpose. Thanks to anti-reflective coating, a lens can be clearer, easier to clean, harder to smudge, and it can protect against harmful UV rays.

Why are computer lenses more expensive?

Lenses with a blue light filter are specifically designed to reduce eye strain caused by digital device use. Blue light, part of the visible light spectrum, is divided into blue-violet and blue-turquoise light. Blue-turquoise light improves memory and alertness, and helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, contributing to better sleep and recovery. This process involves specific technology, which increases the cost.

Conclusion

The price of glasses lenses varies based on material, treatments, lens type, and more. While there are affordable options, investing in a quality pair of lenses can bring significant benefits for eye health and daily comfort. Choose lenses that best suit your visual needs and lifestyle. AVVERO offers information about our products and is available to answer any questions or concerns.