High Index vs. Standard Lenses: What Every Athlete Needs to Know

✨ High Index vs. Standard Lenses: Why It Matters for Athletes

Whether you're sprinting across the pickleball court or crushing a cycling climb, the quality of your lenses isn't just a preference—it's a performance factor. At Blinded Wear Co., every prescription lens we offer is high-index (1.61) by default. Why? Because athletes shouldn't have to compromise.

Let’s break down the key differences between standard lenses and high-index lenses, and why making the right choice matters more than you might think.


🕵️ What Are High Index Lenses?

High index lenses are made with advanced materials that bend light more efficiently, allowing the lens to be thinner and lighter while still delivering the same prescription power.

Benefits of High Index Lenses:

  • 🧨 Thinner and sleeker

  • 🏃♂️ Lighter on the face during sports

  • 📷 Reduces distortion and improves clarity

  • 😎 Looks better (no bug-eye effect for strong prescriptions)

Compared to standard plastic lenses, high index 1.61 lenses offer superior performance without the bulk.


📊 Real-World Comparison: High Index vs. Standard Lenses

Feature High Index 1.61 Standard Plastic Lenses
Thickness Thin Thick
Weight Lightweight Heavier
Prescription Accuracy High precision Good but lower index
Appearance Sleek, subtle Bulky, noticeable
Athletic Comfort Excellent Can slide or weigh down

🔮 Why Blinded Wear Only Uses 1.61 High Index Lenses

We believe athletes shouldn't pay extra for the best lens option. That's why all Rx glasses in our Prescription Collection come with high index 1.61 lenses included.

No upsell. No gimmicks. Just better eyewear.

Check out our fan favorites like:


📲 Still Unsure? Take the 30-Second Quiz

If you're not sure which glasses are right for your game, take our fast Pickleball Sunglasses Quiz and get AI-matched to the best fit.


🚫 What Other Brands Get Wrong

Other brands charge more for high index. Some don’t offer it at all. Worse, they don’t tailor their eyewear for sport-specific needs.

At Blinded Wear, we engineer for performance from lens to frame. From premium lenses to clear lens options for low-light matches, every detail is intentional.


✅ Global Delivery, Lifetime Coverage

You don’t just get performance. You get peace of mind:


💬 Real Reviews from Real Athletes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used to wear thick, heavy glasses for racquetball. Blinded Wear's Rx are thin and feel weightless. Game-changer.” — James T., NV

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My prescription is strong, so I always hated how big my lenses looked. The 1.61 index made them so much more stylish and comfy.” — Lauren M., CA


🚀 Take Your Game (and Vision) to the Next Level

If you're still using standard lenses for sports, it's time to upgrade. Every athlete deserves clarity without compromise.

✅ Explore our High-Performance Rx Collection ✅ Learn why we're ranked among the Best Sports Sunglasses of 2025 ✅ Start with our Pickleball Sunglasses Quiz to find your match

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.