What Are Index Lenses? Why 1.61 Index Lenses Matter in Rx Sports Eyewear

If you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses, you've likely come across terms like high index lenses or 1.61 lens index. But what do those numbers actually mean—and how do they affect performance on the pickleball court or basketball court?

At Blinded Wear Co., every single prescription pair—like the Cold Slate Rx, Havana Melt Rx, and Crystal Wave II Rx—comes standard with premium 1.61 index lenses at no extra cost.

Let’s unpack what that means, and why it matters for athletes who demand lightweight, impact-resistant clarity from their eyewear.

What Does "Index" Mean in Lenses?

“Index” refers to the index of refraction—basically, how efficiently a lens bends light. The higher the index number, the thinner and lighter the lens can be for the same prescription strength.

  • Standard plastic lenses: 1.50 index

  • High index: 1.61, 1.67, or even 1.74

  • Our go-to for sports eyewear: 1.61 index

A 1.61 index lens is up to 30% thinner than regular plastic lenses. That means less weight on your face, sleeker frames, and more comfort—especially for high prescriptions.

And best of all? At Blinded Wear Co., 1.61 index comes standard on all prescription pairs. No surprise upgrade fees. No fine print.

Why Athletes Need High Index Lenses

For pickleball players, basketball hoopers, or anyone using clear lens sunglasses for indoor sports, index lenses aren’t just about style—they're about performance and protection.

High index lenses are:

✅ Thinner and lighter — More comfortable during long matches
✅ Stronger — Ideal for active use
✅ More compatible with wraparound frames
✅ Better clarity — Less distortion, more precision

Want more insight into performance lenses? Check out our 2025 guide to the best clear lens sunglasses.

Real Customer Testimonial

★★★★★
"I’ve bought Rx sunglasses before, but this is the first time I didn’t have to pay extra for thinner lenses. I play both pickleball and rec basketball, and these are the lightest, clearest lenses I’ve ever worn. The Havana Melts are 🔥."
— Nina L., Arizona

Shop 1.61 Index Rx Sunglasses (No Extra Cost)

Whether you're looking for everyday clarity or court-ready confidence, all our Rx shades—from Cold Slate to Crystal Wave II—come with 1.61 high index lenses included. Explore our full Prescription Sports Eyewear Collection now.

Still not sure what’s right for your sport? Take the Pickleball Sunglasses Quiz and get a custom match.

Extra Resource

Want to dive deeper into lens index options and how they affect your vision? This Vision Center article on high index lenses provides a great breakdown.

Final Take

When it comes to prescription sports sunglasses, lens index matters. Blinded Wear Co. is committed to giving athletes what they need—clarity, comfort, and confidence—without upcharges.

You don’t have to choose between quality and cost. You get both here.

👉 Explore all Rx sunglasses now and feel the difference.

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