Choosing the right eyeglass lenses is essential for achieving clear, comfortable vision — and protecting your long-term eye health. At Town Eyecare, we believe that your vision deserves the best quality lenses available, not just what’s cheapest or most common.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the differences between four popular lens materials — CR-39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, and High Index 1.67 — and explain why we proudly recommend Shamir lenses for our patients.
CR-39 lenses have been around since the 1940s and are often offered as an inexpensive choice. While the optical clarity can be acceptable for simple prescriptions, they are heavier, thicker, and far less durable compared to better materials.
At Town Eyecare, we recommend CR-39 lenses only in very limited cases — usually for budget single-vision prescriptions where safety and weight aren’t a concern.
Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for children, athletes, and anyone needing impact protection. They also include natural UV protection, helping safeguard your eyes from sun damage.
However, compared to higher-end materials like Trivex, polycarbonate may have slightly lower optical clarity.
Trivex lenses offer a remarkable combination of strength, lightweight comfort, and crystal-clear vision. Originally designed for military applications, Trivex is now considered the gold standard for premium eyeglass lenses.
Patients who switch to Trivex often notice sharper vision with less eye strain — especially for all-day wear.
👉 Patient Tip: Ask us about Trivex lenses if you’re concerned about comfort, durability, and clarity!
High Index 1.67 lenses are designed for people with stronger prescriptions who want thinner, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing glasses. They reduce lens thickness significantly, making even high prescriptions look stylish in modern frames.
Why Town Eyecare Trusts Shamir Lenses
At Town Eyecare, we proudly partner with Shamir Optical, a world leader in lens innovation and technology.
✅ Personalized Visual Comfort: Every Shamir lens is digitally designed for your prescription, frame, and lifestyle needs.
✅ Sharper, Clearer Vision: Shamir’s advanced technology minimizes distortion and maximizes clarity — especially in progressive lenses.
✅ Superior Coatings: Scratch resistance, glare reduction, blue light filtering, and smudge-proof protection outperform many standard coatings.
✅ Better Lifestyle Options: Whether you need computer lenses, outdoor sports lenses, or elite progressive lenses, Shamir offers a custom solution.
Shamir lenses help ensure that what you see — and how you feel wearing your glasses — is always at its absolute best.
Choosing higher quality lenses improves more than just clarity — it affects:
At Town Eyecare in Downers Grove, we recommend lens materials with your best interests in mind, not just based on cost. Our goal is for you to enjoy exceptional vision, comfort, and style — every day.
Schedule your personalized eye exam today at Town Eyecare and let us help you find the perfect lenses for your lifestyle.
📞 Call us at (630) 627-3001
🌐 Or book your appointment online at www.towneyecare.com
