In 1987, Optima Inc. introduced the first 1.60 high index plastic lens, HYPERINDEX® 1.60. In a major industry breakthrough, Optima combined the three most sought-after lens benefits -- lightweight, thinness, and truly distortion-free optics into one lens product. Not only was the lens lightweight and ultra thin, it also delivered an unprecedented level of optical quality when compared to other high index materials. The lens dramatically improved the cosmetic appearance of the eyes and glasses, and eliminated many common eyeglass complaints --the rainbow swim effect (associated with polycarbonate), peripheral distortion, magnification and minification of objects, or the "bug eyes" or "coke bottle eyes" look.

For the first time, eyeglass wearers could wear thinner and lighter lenses without giving up optical quality which was so lacking in polycarbonate lenses. For the first time, they could wear lenses that were lighter than conventional or regular plastic (CR-39), had dramatically thinner edges, and had superior optical qualities. HYPERINDEX® 1.60 had the perfect combination of thinness and lightness for great cosmetic appeal and the benefits of superior optics, too. The 1.60 lens was the thinnest, lightest, and most optically superior lens until Optima introduced the "next generation" of high index lenses, the 1.66 high index lens, in 1992, and the 1.66 progressive (no line bifocal) in 1995.

PROS OF 1.60 HIGH INDEX PLASTIC LENSES

• superior optical qualities
• thinner computer-designed lenses eliminate distortion
• greatly enhanced cosmetic appearance
• lighter weight for unsurpassed comfort
• better scratch resistance than polycarbonate
• impact resistance is five times that of conventional plastic or glass

CONS OF 1.60 HIGH INDEX PLASTIC LENSES

• not as thin or as light as the "next generation" 1.66 high index lenses
• easier to scratch than glass
• slightly higher cost than polycarbonates
• impact resistance is slightly less than polycarbonate