LENS MATERIAL COMPARISON · BUYING GUIDE

1.60 vs. 1.67 Lenses:
Which Should You Choose?

Comparing 1.60 vs. 1.67 high-index eyeglass lenses? See the real differences in thickness potential, price, frame fit and prescription suitability—then choose replacement lenses for compatible frames you already own.

1.60 vs. 1.67 thicknessReal pricesFrame fit mattersNationwide ordering

Both indexes describe optical materials. Neither is automatically the right choice for every prescription.

Precision optical lens preparation in an eyeglass laboratory1.60 vs. 1.67 · Material and price comparison
✓ 1.60 clear: $152.99*
✓ 1.67 clear: $179.99*
✓ Save compatible frames
✓ Free eligible shipping

THE SHORT ANSWER

What Is the Difference Between 1.60 and 1.67 Lenses?

1.67 lenses have a higher refractive index than 1.60 lenses. They can often be made thinner for the same prescription and frame, especially when edge thickness is noticeable. The trade-off is usually a higher price; 1.60 may be a better value when your lenses are already reasonably thin. Neither index by itself guarantees lighter glasses, sharper vision or a fixed percentage thickness reduction.

SIDE-BY-SIDE BUYING COMPARISON

1.60 vs. 1.67 High-Index Lenses: Thickness, Price and Trade-Offs

Comparison1.60 High Index1.67 High Index
Lens material index1.601.67
Thickness potentialThinner than standard 1.50 plastic in many comparable casesCan be thinner than 1.60 in the same prescription/frame
RenewLens clear single-vision pair$152.99$179.99
Listed price differenceBase comparison$27 more than listed 1.60 pair
Typical deciding factorValue and sufficient thinnessMore noticeable thickness concerns
WeightDepends on finished geometry/material densityNot automatically lighter; finished shape matters
Optics & safetyMaterial-specific optical and impact propertiesMaterial-specific optical and impact properties
Best selection methodReview prescription, PD, lens design, frame dimensions, fit and budget

*As checked against the referenced clear single-vision product listings. This is not a price quote for every lens type, add-on or specialty mount. Final prices are shown on live product pages.

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT LENSES

Shop 1.60 or 1.67 Replacement Lenses

Clear single vision eyeglasses for a 1.60 lens choice
THINNER WITH VALUE

1.60 High-Index Clear Single Vision

A good candidate when you want a slimmer profile without automatically paying for a higher index. Suitable prescription and frame selection are important.

$152.99 / pairShop 1.60 lenses →
Single vision eyeglasses with higher-index 1.67 replacement lens options
MORE THICKNESS REDUCTION POTENTIAL

1.67 High-Index Clear Single Vision

Consider when your prescription makes outer edges noticeably bulky and you want extra thinning in your existing frames.

$179.99 / pairShop 1.67 lenses →

Not sure which one to buy? Upload your prescription and include a photo or model of your frames. We can explain available options before you mail your glasses. Request a quote →

HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

When 1.60 Is Enough—and When 1.67 Is Worth Considering

CHOOSE 1.60 WHEN

You Want Better Value

  • Your current lens edges are not especially bulky.
  • You wear modestly sized, well-centered frames.
  • Your prescription doesn't justify paying more for minimal cosmetic benefit.
  • You're balancing lens price with coatings or other upgrades.
CONSIDER 1.67 WHEN

Thinner Edges Matter Most

  • Your minus prescription creates visibly thick edges.
  • You prefer existing frames but want a sleeker lens profile.
  • You have compared 1.60 and are comfortable with the extra price.
  • Frame and lens design support the material choice.

Why Your Frame May Matter More Than You Expect

A small, round frame usually requires a different lens shape and amount of material than an oversized rectangular frame. PD, optical-center position, cylinder/axis and lens minimum thickness also affect the outcome. This is why broad claims such as “1.67 is always 30% thinner” are unreliable without frame and prescription data.

Plus prescriptions often have thicker centers; minus prescriptions tend to have thicker edges. A useful material recommendation starts with these basics.

See the full lens thickness comparison →
Prescription eyewear in a modern setting showing how frame size influences appearance

OTHER BUYING FACTORS

Lens Clarity, Weight, Coatings and Progressives

Optical quality

Optical Abbe Value

Higher index is not the only optical consideration. Material dispersion, coatings, prescription, lens design and fit all affect the experience.

Finished weight

1.67 Does Not Always Mean Lighter

Because lens density can differ, less thickness does not automatically mean less weight. Your exact finished frame/lens assembly matters.

Lens design

Single Vision vs. Progressive

1.60 and 1.67 describe material, not viewing design. Progressive lenses have separate fitting, corridor and measurement requirements.

CONSIDERING SOMETHING EVEN THINNER?

1.60 vs. 1.67 vs. 1.74: When to Compare a Third Option

For some strong prescriptions, 1.74 high-index lenses can reduce thickness further, but they may cost more and are not available or appropriate for every design and mount. Choose based on your actual frame and prescription—not the highest index number alone. Read the 1.67 vs. 1.74 comparison →

Already decided on 1.67? Use our dedicated buying page to explore the available design options.

Explore 1.67 Lenses

ORDER FROM HOME

How to Replace Your Existing Lenses With 1.60 or 1.67

1

Compare Options

Review how the indexes differ and choose the viewing design needed by your prescription.

2

Upload Your Rx

Submit a current eyeglass prescription or send it later as permitted by checkout.

3

Ship Your Frames

Once compatible, mail securely with your own box and prepaid label or an eligible kit.

4

Get Them Back

The optical lab prepares your lenses and return tracking follows shipment.

Glasses protected in packaging for mail-in replacement lens ordering

Standard Processing and Shipping

Typical laboratory processing is 3–7 business days once suitable frames, prescription and necessary measurements are received. Shipping times and specialty work are additional.

RenewLens offers prepaid shipping both ways for eligible replacement-lens orders and a 60-day quality guarantee subject to applicable terms.

SERVING CUSTOMERS NATIONWIDE

1.60 and 1.67 Lens Replacement in New York & Massachusetts

New York, NYC & Long Island

Customers in New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties can compare 1.60 and 1.67 lenses online and mail compatible frames through the nationwide service.

New York lens replacement →

Massachusetts & Boston Area

From Boston and Cambridge to Worcester and Springfield, eligible customers can submit their prescription and arrange lens replacement by mail.

Massachusetts lens replacement →

These are mail-in service areas, not local fitting shops. RenewLens also serves eligible customers elsewhere in the USA.

QUICK ANSWERS TO POPULAR SEARCHES

1.60 vs. 1.67 High-Index Lenses FAQs

Are 1.67 lenses thinner than 1.60?

In the same prescription and frame, 1.67 can often be made thinner because the material bends light more efficiently. Actual finished thickness depends on multiple measurements.

Is 1.67 worth the extra money?

It may be worth it when reducing visible lens bulk is important. If your prescription and frame already yield thin lenses, 1.60 may offer better value.

How much more do 1.67 lenses cost at RenewLens?

The referenced 1.60 clear single-vision pair is $152.99 and the 1.67 pair is $179.99, a $27 difference before optional upgrades. Live listing/checkout prices control.

Is 1.60 good for a -4.00 prescription?

It can be suitable for some prescriptions in that range, but lens dimensions, cylinder, frame style, PD and your thickness expectations matter more than one sphere number alone.

Is 1.67 better for a -6.00 prescription?

A 1.67 material may be useful for thickness concerns in some stronger prescriptions, but the choice still depends on frame geometry, prescription and other optical requirements.

Is 1.67 always lighter than 1.60?

No. Finished weight depends on lens thickness, geometry and material density, and the lens with the higher index is not automatically lighter.

Do 1.60 and 1.67 lenses have the same optical clarity?

Both can produce excellent prescription eyewear, but their optical material properties may differ, including dispersion. Lens design, coatings and fitting also matter.

Can I replace the lenses in my existing frames with either material?

Often yes, subject to frame condition, material availability, prescription and mounting requirements. Specialty frames need additional assessment.

Does a larger frame change which lens index I should buy?

Yes. Lens size and optical centering can significantly affect edge thickness, especially for minus prescriptions.

Do you serve customers in New York and Massachusetts?

Yes. RenewLens serves eligible customers in both states through its nationwide mail-in lens replacement process.

Should I choose 1.74 instead?

For some strong prescriptions, 1.74 is worth comparing. It can provide additional thinness but may have different cost or availability considerations.

Can I buy 1.60 or 1.67 lenses online?

Yes. The page links to actual RenewLens clear single-vision product listings and lets you submit your prescription for a quote.

EXPLORE RELATED RENEWLENS rlcmpS

Helpful Guides, Prices and Lens Replacement Links

READY TO CHOOSE A LENS MATERIAL?

Compare 1.60 vs. 1.67.
Keep the Frames You Love.

Choose a real RenewLens product or upload your prescription to ask which index makes sense in your frame.

U.S. mail-in service · Eligible prepaid shipping · 60-day quality guarantee

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