Which material provides the thinnest lens profile for a -15.00 D sphere?

The thinnest lens profile for a -15.00 D sphere is achieved with polycarbonate material due to its advantageous combination of refractive index and weight. Polycarbonate typically has a refractive index around 1.58, which allows for thinner lenses compared to materials with lower indices, such as CR-39, which has a refractive index of approximately 1.50.

When dealing with high prescription lenses, like -15.00 D, the thickness of the lens is directly influenced by the refractive index of the material. A higher refractive index means that the lens can be made thinner while still maintaining the same optical power. Polycarbonate not only delivers a thinner profile but also provides additional benefits such as lightweight properties and impact resistance, making it a suitable choice for those with high myopia.

While glass lenses can offer excellent optical clarity, they tend to be thicker and heavier, particularly at high prescriptions. CR-39, while a standard choice and more affordable, does not achieve the thinness that polycarbonate can provide due to its lower refractive index. Trivex is another high-index material, often slightly thicker than polycarbonate, also providing good impact resistance but not as thin for this specific prescription.

Therefore, polycarbonate