1.61 vs. 1.67 vs. Polycarbonate: What’s Best for Active RX Glasses?
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When it comes to prescription glasses designed for high-impact sports like pickleball, choosing the right lens material and index can make all the difference. At Blinded Wear, we provide 1.61 high-index lenses as our standard option with no extra charge, and here’s why that matters.
What Are Lens Index Numbers?
The “index” of a lens refers to how much the lens material bends light. Higher index lenses are thinner and lighter, which is especially important for active players who need comfort and durability.
- 1.61 Index: High-index lenses that are thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses. Offer excellent clarity and durability.
- 1.67 Index: Even thinner and lighter than 1.61 but typically more expensive and can be more prone to minor distortion if not crafted carefully.
- Polycarbonate: Very impact-resistant and lightweight but thicker and can have more optical distortions. Common in sports glasses, but less sharp than high-index lenses.
Why We Choose 1.61 High-Index Lenses for Our RX Glasses
At Blinded Wear, all our prescription glasses come standard with 1.61 high-index lenses without any upcharge. This is because:
- Balanced Thickness & Weight: 1.61 lenses are thin enough to reduce frame bulk but thick enough to maintain optical clarity and strength.
- Superior Visual Clarity: Compared to polycarbonate, 1.61 lenses provide sharper vision with less distortion—crucial during fast-paced pickleball rallies.
- Durability for Active Use: While polycarbonate is known for impact resistance, 1.61 lenses at Blinded Wear are coated with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective layers designed to withstand active sports.
- Cost-Effective: 1.61 lenses offer a great balance between performance and price, helping us keep your RX glasses affordable without sacrificing quality.
Comparing Lens Materials for Pickleball Players
| Lens Type | Thickness | Weight | Optical Clarity | Impact Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.61 High-Index | Thin | Light | Excellent | Good (with coatings) | Standard at Blinded Wear (no extra charge) |
| 1.67 High-Index | Thinner | Lighter | Very Good | Moderate | Higher cost, not standard |
| Polycarbonate | Thicker | Light | Moderate | High | Lower cost but less clarity |
What This Means for Your Game
Choosing 1.61 high-index lenses means your glasses will:
- Stay lightweight and comfortable during long tournament days
- Provide crisp, clear vision to track fast-moving balls and opponents
- Reduce frame bulk and pressure points on your nose and ears
- Resist scratches and reflections that can distract during play
Try Our Top RX Frames with 1.61 Lenses
Our customers love pairing 1.61 lenses with these top-performing frames:
Learn More
Want to dive deeper into choosing lenses for your active lifestyle? Check out these related reads:
- Why We Don’t Charge Extra for 1.61 High-Index Lenses
- What Breaks Most Often in RX Sports Glasses (And What Doesn’t Here)
- How to Pick RX Lenses Based on Game Schedule
Ready to Upgrade Your Vision?
Discover our full collection of prescription sports eyewear with premium 1.61 lenses here and experience the difference on court.
At Blinded Wear, we’re committed to giving you the sharpest, lightest, and most durable RX glasses to elevate your pickleball game.