Should I get plastic 1.74 high index lenses or glass high index 1.9?

Question

I’ve been wearing contact for over 10 years and I’m only 25. I recently became diagnosed with corneal neovascularization. Basically I can never wear contacts ever again from what I’ve been told by my ophthalmologist. My prescription is right (-10.50) left (-10.00, -.50, 20). I need to buy a pair of great glasses but have a few questions…. Should I get plastic 1.74 high index lenses or glass high index 1.9? What’s the difference between glass and plastic? What’s the thinnest? I like the rimless look; should I get them with this prescription or what other type of frames? Please help… Thanks!

Answer 1

First...the 1.9 glass lenses are a very dangerous lens, they can't be made shatter resistant. Many opticians or optometrists won't even sell them...I won't.

The 1.74 plastic would do a very nice job, providing the frame choice is right. Rimless are out of the question if you are concerned about the thickness.

A plastic frame would hide the edge thickness best of course , but even a small metal frame that your eyes are quite well centered in could look fine too. A frame that is more oval or roundish will eliminate a lot more thickness than a square or rectangular shape also.

That is where the experience of the one helping you choose your frame comes into play.

The 1.9 glass would be thinner, but the lack of safety isn't worth it.

Answer 2

The way light travels through glass is better, although just like the other optician, I won't sell glass 1.9, it can shatter and take your eye with it, not worth the risk. Also, no lab in the country will use glass lenses on a rimless frame.

The plastic 1.74 is a great choice, how thin they will be will depend on your frame, the smaller and rounder (I know, rectangle is all the style) the frame is, the thinner your lenses will be. Also, your eyes need to be well centered in the frame, if the frame is just a little wide on your face, it will add a lot of thickness to your lens. Show your optician your prescription and ask for help choosing a frame.

Neovascularization? I'm sorry. Did you over wear your contacts? Sleep in them? Please help us to convince people how bad this is, maybe they will listen to someone who had this happen because not many of them are listening to us...