Polarized high index lenses for sunglasses can be pretty tough to find. High index lenses do not come in as many colors or types as some other types of lenses, such as polycarbonate or standard plastic.

Sunglasses with Polarized High Index Lenses

The reason for this is that the material either will not work with the type of coating needed to achieve the desired lens color, or the cost of making such a lens would be prohibitively expensive. If you are interested in getting prescription glasses with polarized high index lenses for sunglasses, there are a few things you should know:

• Polarized high index lenses are more expensive than regular high index lenses.
• Polarization for high index is often a steeper price increase compared to polarization for less expensive lens materials, because the process of polarizing high index lenses is more costly.
• Polarized high index lenses for sunglasses are generally only available in regular (street) frames, not larger wraparound frames. This is because the larger lens diameters in polarized high index do not exist.
• Polarized high index only exists in 1.67 high index plastic. You will not find it in 1.70, 1.74, or glass high index. It is also only available in Single Vision in high index; you will not find high index polarized bifocals.
• You should always get anti-reflective coating on polarized high index lenses. If you are interested in a mirror coating, it will help with glare as well, but you should still get anti-reflective coating on the back side of the lenses.
• Polarization is best for lenses used in bright sunlight, anything involving water activities (boating, fishing, beach wear), and to reduce glare while driving. Polarization is not good for using electronics, dim or dark conditions, or indoor use.

If you are unsure of whether polarized high index lenses are right for your sunglasses, consider these questions:

1. Are you sensitive to bright sunlight?
2. Do you experience problems with reflected light off of cars or water?
3. Are you using the glasses for fishing, boating, or skiing?
4. Will you rarely use electronics with your glasses?
5. Do you have a very strong prescription or prefer high index lenses?

If your answer is “yes” to these questions, polarized high index lenses lenses are probably right for you. If you answered no to most or all of these questions, it’s worth considering a different lens color or a different lens material. We hope this answers all of your questions about polarized high index lenses. If you would like more information on high index lenses, please browse our other postings, and thanks for reading!