Choosing the right lens material makes a big difference to comfort, clarity, and style. Adasat—Dubai’s premier optical retailer built on the legacy of the city’s first traditional optical store (est. 1993)—offers expert guidance, licensed optometrist support, and an extensive range of eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, lens solutions, and accessories. With 30+ years of combined optometry expertise and 500,000+ satisfied customers across the UAE, we make it easy to shop online or in-store and enjoy free UAE delivery and a 30-day warranty.
Key Takeaways:
1. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and highly impact-resistant—great for active lifestyles and children’s eyewear.
2. High-index lenses are thinner and lighter for stronger prescriptions, delivering a sleeker look and improved comfort.
3. Adasat’s licensed optometrists can match your prescription, lifestyle, and style preferences to the best lens material.
What Are Polycarbonate Lenses?
Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice for everyday wear and safety needs. They are significantly more impact-resistant than standard plastic, naturally block 100% of harmful UV rays, and remain comfortable for all-day use due to their low weight.
Key Features & Benefits
1. High impact resistance: Ideal for sports, kids, and safety eyewear.
2. Built-in UV protection: Helps safeguard long-term eye health during outdoor activities.
3. Lightweight comfort: Reduces pressure on the nose and ears for extended wear.
4. Coating-friendly: Works well with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings for clearer vision.
What Are High-Index Lenses?
High-index lenses are engineered to be thinner and lighter than standard plastic for the same prescription strength. They’re especially beneficial for moderate to high prescriptions, minimizing edge thickness and delivering a refined profile in your frames.
Key Features & Benefits
1. Slimmer profile: Reduces lens bulge and ring “magnification/minification” effects in stronger prescriptions.
2. Lightweight feel: Improves comfort for long, daily wear.
3. Optimized optics: Pair with premium anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare and enhance clarity.
4. Multiple indices: Common options include 1.60, 1.67, and 1.74 to balance thinness, optics, and budget.
How to Choose the Right Lens Material
Selecting your lens material depends on prescription strength, frame style, daily activities, and visual comfort preferences. Adasat’s experts will guide you through a quick, professional assessment so you leave with the right solution for your needs.
Prescription Considerations
1. Myopia (nearsightedness): Higher minus powers benefit from high-index to reduce edge thickness; mild prescriptions often do well in polycarbonate.
2. Hyperopia (farsightedness): High plus powers can appear thick centrally; high-index helps streamline the look and weight.
3. Astigmatism: Glasses incorporate cylinder power to correct corneal curvature; stronger combinations may look and feel better in high-index.
Impact Resistance & Durability
If your day involves sports, outdoor work, or frequent travel, polycarbonate’s impact resistance offers peace of mind. High-index materials are generally durable for everyday use but are chosen primarily for their thinness and aesthetics in stronger prescriptions.
Cost Considerations
High-index lenses typically cost more than polycarbonate due to the material and manufacturing process. When comparing options, weigh the benefits of thinness, comfort, and appearance against your budget. Coatings (anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, blue-light) also affect the final price. Our team can recommend the best value for your prescription and lifestyle.
Which Lens Fits Your Lifestyle?
1. Active & family-friendly: Choose polycarbonate for superior impact protection and everyday versatility.
2. Style-forward & higher powers: Choose high-index to keep lenses slim, comfortable, and polished in fashionable frames.
Not sure where to start? Explore Adasat’s extensive eyewear collection online and get tailored guidance from our licensed optometrists.
Adasat’s Expertise in Eye Testing
Our professional eye testing services in Dubai use modern equipment—such as autorefractors for objective measurements and lensometers for prescription verification—so your final eyewear feels natural and performs as expected. From selection to after-care, we support you at every step.
Why Trust Adasat?
Headquartered in Dubai’s Business Bay, Adasat delivers an omnichannel experience with online shopping, in-store service, and international shipping across the GCC. We offer competitive pricing, free UAE delivery, a 30-day warranty, and licensed optometrist consultations—backed by 150+ international brands and 500,000+ happy customers.
30+ Years Serving the UAE
Our heritage spans decades of trusted eye care in Dubai, reflecting deep knowledge of local preferences and needs. Visit us in store or shop online to enjoy seamless service and expert support.
Complete Eyewear Options at Adasat
150+ International Brands
Discover leading names across luxury and sport, including Ray-Ban, Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford, Versace, Oakley, Nike, and Adidas—plus specialist contact lens brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, Dailies, and Bausch & Lomb. Start with our curated collections and explore luxury eyewear brands that match your style.
Additional Services & Benefits
Free UAE Delivery & 30-Day Warranty
Enjoy complimentary UAE shipping and a 30-day warranty for added confidence. From contact lens options at Adasat to prescription sunglasses and blue-light filters, our team ensures you get the most from your eyewear.
Future of Optical Solutions in the GCC
As Adasat expands across the GCC, we continue to support community eye-care initiatives and deliver convenient, high-quality optical solutions online and in store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between polycarbonate and high-index?
Polycarbonate prioritizes impact resistance and everyday durability; high-index prioritizes thinness and a lighter feel for stronger prescriptions.
Which is better for my prescription?
Higher prescriptions often benefit from high-index to reduce thickness and weight. For mild to moderate prescriptions—or when durability is key—polycarbonate is an excellent choice.
Which is safer for sports?
Polycarbonate is generally preferred for sports and active use due to its superior impact resistance.
Do both materials block UV?
Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100% UV. High-index lenses can also provide full UV protection—ensure you choose lenses specified with UV protection and add recommended coatings for best results.
Are coatings important?
Yes. Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings improve clarity, reduce glare, and help lenses last longer—valuable for both materials.
Does Adasat offer contact lenses, too?
Absolutely. We carry daily, bi-weekly, monthly, and six-month contact lens options from leading brands, and our team can recommend the right modality for your routine.
Ready to upgrade your vision? Buy glasses in Dubai online, book an eye exam in Dubai with our licensed optometrists, or try frames from home with our virtual try-on glasses experience. Our team is here to help you choose the perfect lens material and frames—backed by free UAE delivery and a 30-day warranty.