Which type of optical lens do optometrists prefer? Which type of optical lens do!

Why don't you go interview local optometrists and opticians in your area in person? That would be much better references than an open internet website.

Also, your questions really don't make much sense from an optical standpoint, which is why it sounds like it would be very beneficial for you to have an interview with someone who does this on a day-to-day basis.

But for a quick input, there is no material that works better for a certain person because every person has a different prescription and a different lifestyle and a different frame. All of these things and more are what decides is the best lens material.

It also depends for the "ordinary people"! Some people want the cheapest thing they can buy to save money, and don't care about anything else. Some people are very concerned with keeping their lenses thin and light (if they have a high prescription) and don't care what the cost is as long as it looks good.

There are so many variables that you can't make a "preference" because everything is a case-by-case basis.

CR-39 is the most basic lens material and the cheapest.

Trivex is the "next step up" with a slighter higher index of refraction than CR-39 which makes the lens thinner. It also is safer than CR-39 because of its optical properties.

Polycarbonate has a higher index than Trivex and is thus thinner (and more expensive). It also is the material used in safety glasses and children's glasses because of its safey properties (less likely to shatter on impact) and it also has a built-in UV filter.

High-Index lenses are just as their names says: high index. They are tyipcally available in 1.60, 1.65, 1.70, and rarey 1.75. The higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lens is, but the more expensive it is. Because of the higher index, it is a very good idea to have an anti-reflective coating (aka anti-glare) because high index materials have more glare and reflections. Usually, high index lenses are most useful for people over a -3.50 D prescription, but again, it is a case-by-case basis.

There are also aspheric lens options for people who have a high + prescription. Aspheric lenses is just another method to make the lens to help cut down on the "coke bottle" effect plus lenses have.

And there is TONS of more options to consider. This is only a small sampling.

And again, there is no "preference" by a optometrist or ordinary people because every case and every person is different.

experience