MICHAEL / Lens & Optical Guides
Polycarbonate vs. High-Index Optical Resin Lenses
Comparing traditional polycarbonate lenses against MICHAEL’s 1.56, 1.61, 1.61 Pro, 1.67 and 1.74 high-index optical resin lineup.
MICHAEL OPTICAL · LENS & OPTICAL GUIDES
Polycarbonate vs. High-Index Optical Resin Lenses
Comparing traditional polycarbonate lenses against MICHAEL’s 1.56, 1.61, 1.61 Pro, 1.67 and 1.74 high-index optical resin lineup.
Shop all 17 EM frames (US$25.70)Polycarbonate vs. High-Index Optical Resin
Shoppers comparing eyewear across major optical websites often ask how Polycarbonate (1.59 index) compares with High-Index Optical Resin (1.61, 1.67 and 1.74):
| Property | Polycarbonate (1.59) | 1.61 & 1.61 Pro High-Index Resin (Available at MICHAEL) | 1.67 & 1.74 High-Index Resin (Available at MICHAEL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive Index | 1.59 | 1.61 (thinner than 1.56 and 1.59) | 1.67 & 1.74 (significantly thinner for strong prescriptions) |
| Optical Clarity (Abbe Value) | Lower Abbe value (~30), which can cause slight colour fringing (chromatic aberration) in stronger prescriptions. | Higher optical clarity with less peripheral colour distortion. | Engineered for strong sphere and cylinder corrections up to -20.00 / +16.00. |
| Weight & Tensile Strength | Lightweight thermoplastic originally developed for industrial/sports visor use. | Lightweight high-index resin; 1.61 Pro offers enhanced everyday durability. | Ultra-slim profile reduces lens weight in stronger prescriptions. |
What MICHAEL stocks and recommends
MICHAEL’s active lens schedule uses precision-cast 1.50, 1.56, 1.61, 1.61 Pro, 1.67 and 1.74 optical resin lenses rather than polycarbonate. If you are looking for a lightweight, durable everyday pair, we recommend pairing our 1.61 or 1.61 Pro High-Index lenses with a flexible MICHAEL 8019 TR90 frame or full-rim acetate frame.
Safety notice: Dress optical lenses are designed for everyday vision and lifestyle wear, not as ANSI Z87.1 industrial safety goggles or high-impact sports eye protectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MICHAEL lens option should I pick if I usually wear polycarbonate?
Choose 1.61 High-Index (Single Vision index fee +US$10) or 1.61 Pro Extra-Hardened High-Index (Single Vision index fee +US$25) for a slimmer profile, light weight and crisp optical Abbe clarity.
Are MICHAEL dress optical glasses rated as industrial safety goggles?
No. All MICHAEL frames and lenses are designed for everyday prescription and lifestyle wear, not as ANSI Z87.1 industrial or contact-sport safety eyewear.
Which frame material is lightest to pair with 1.61 or 1.67 lenses?
MICHAEL 8019 is crafted from flexible TR90 memory polymer, while compact full-rim acetate models like EM23107 (40 mm) and EM23218 (42 mm) also keep overall weight very low.