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How to Choose Lenses

Index and budget — a complete guide to picking the right lenses for your prescription and budget in China.

Sep 27, 2026

Refractive Index Explained

Higher index lenses are thinner. Common indexes: 1.50, 1.60, 1.67, 1.74. Pick by prescription strength and budget.

Budget Table

IndexBest ForPrice (RMB/pair)
1.50Low prescription under ±2.00100–200
1.60±2.00 to ±4.00200–400
1.67±4.00 to ±8.00300–600
1.74Above ±8.00, thinnest edge600–1200

Refractive Index Cheat Sheet

1.56 = common low-to-mid index (not recommended, Abbe ~36)
1.60 = mid index, good value
1.67 = high index, thin (Abbe ~32)
1.74 = ultra thin, premium
Last updated:Oct 22, 2026