If you are sourcing optical lenses, you have probably noticed that prices vary significantly.

Why is a 1.56 single vision lens relatively inexpensive, while a 1.74 progressive lens with AR coating costs much more?

What exactly determines the wholesale price of optical lenses?

As a professional optical lens manufacturer and exporter in China, we have summarized the key factors that influence lens pricing to help wholesale buyers better understand cost structures and make more informed purchasing decisions.

What Factors Influence the Price of Optical Lenses?

1. Refractive Index – The Core Pricing Factor

The refractive index determines the thickness and weight of a lens.

Common Wholesale Index Options:

• 1.499 / 1.50 Standard
• 1.56 Mid-index
• 1.59 Polycarbonate (PC)
• 1.60 / 1.61
• 1.67
• 1.74 Ultra-high index

Why Does Higher Index Mean Higher Cost?

Raw Material Cost: High-index materials require more advanced chemical compounds and more complex polymerization processes.

Manufacturing Difficulty: High-index lenses demand greater precision in mold casting or freeform surfacing. Quality control standards are stricter, and production yield rates are typically lower.

Equipment Requirements: Processing high-index materials (especially 1.67 and above) requires specialized surfacing and coating equipment.

The higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lens under the same prescription.

For low prescriptions (within ±4.00), thickness differences are minimal — standard 1.56 lenses are usually sufficient.

However, for moderate to high prescriptions (±6.00 and above), upgrading to 1.61, 1.67, or even 1.74 can significantly improve lens appearance, enhance wearing comfort, and expand frame selection options.

2. Lens Type – Design Complexity Impacts Cost

The more complex the lens design, the higher the manufacturing cost.

1) Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses are the most basic lens type used to correct a single vision issue. They cost differences mainly come from material (index) and coating options.

2) Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses feature two distinct optical zones — distance on top and near at the bottom — separated by a visible line. The precise joining of the two zones requires specific mold and surfacing processes. However, as this is a mature technology gradually being replaced, pricing typically falls within the low-to-mid range.

3) Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses provide seamless power transition from top to bottom:

• Distance vision at the top
• Intermediate (computer) vision in the middle
• Near vision at the bottom
• No visible dividing line

The design complexity increases exponentially. Each progressive lens relies on advanced optical algorithms and freeform surfacing technology. Since progressive lenses include standard progressives and customized lab (freeform) progressives, price differences can be substantial.

4) Blue Light Blocking / Photochromic Lenses

These special-function lenses cost more than clear lenses due to additional design and production processes. They can be integrated into single vision, progressive, and other lens types.

5) Sunglass Lenses

Sunglass lenses require uniform tinting, mirror coating, or polarized lamination. Because they combine vision correction and sun protection functions, manufacturing complexity is higher and pricing increases significantly. The production time are usually longer, and they have minimum order quantities.

3. Coating Options – More Features, Higher Cost

Lens coatings are one of the most important pricing variables.

Common Wholesale Coating Options:

Hard Coating:

• Basic scratch resistance protection.
• No noticeable colored reflection.
• Entry-level pricing.

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating / Anti-Glare Coating:

• Provides scratch resistance and reduces reflection.
• Light transmission can exceed 98%, improves night vision, and makes lenses nearly invisible.

Hydrophobic Coating:

• Includes all AR benefits plus water, oil, and dust resistance.
• Easier cleaning and smoother lens surface.
• Higher cost.

Anti-Fog Coating:

• Ideal for winter conditions when moving between warm indoor and cold outdoor environments.
• Available in temporary and permanent versions, with significant price differences.

Why Do Coatings Increase Cost?

Each coating requires:

• Additional vacuum coating processes
• Multiple chemical layers
• Longer production cycles

4. Prescription Strength

Sphere (SPH) – Myopia / Hyperopia

• Standard Range (-6.00 to +6.00): Within this range, sphere power itself has minimal impact on price.
• High Prescription (Beyond ±6.00): Cost increases progressively as power increases.

Cylinder (CYL) – Astigmatism Correction

Within the standard sphere range, cylinder power is often the primary price driver.

• Standard Range (0.00 to -2.00): Basic pricing level.
• Moderate Range (-2.25 to -4.00): Price typically increases by 15% to 25%.
• High Range (-4.25 to -6.00): Price may increase by 30% to 50% or more.

Why Do High Prescriptions Cost More?

High prescriptions typically require:

• Higher index materials
• More precise surfacing processes
• Stricter quality inspection

This naturally increases production cost.

Why Does Higher Cylinder Increase Cost?

Cylinder correction requires non-rotationally symmetric surface generation.

This type of surface is more complex to produce, often consumes more semi-finished blanks, and requires extremely strict axis alignment tolerance.

Higher cylinder values result in lower production yield rates, further increasing the effective cost per lens.

5. Lens Quality Grades

Even with the same index and coating, different quality grades can result in different prices.

Grade A Lenses (Premium Quality)

• Manufacturing Standard: Strict quality control from raw material inspection to final packaging.
• Inspection: 100% visual inspection plus automated testing. Strict screening for bubbles, scratches, wave patterns, and surface defects.
• Tolerance: Meet or exceed ISO/ANSI standards, with tighter internal tolerances for sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism parameters.
• Price: Higher — but delivers reliability, lower return rates, and stronger customer satisfaction.

Grade B Lenses (Economy / Standard Quality)

• Manufacturing Standard: Meet basic optical requirements, but process control is relatively relaxed.
• Inspection: May adopt sampling inspection; minor cosmetic defects may be tolerated.
• Tolerance: Within ISO/ANSI limits, but closer to the allowable range.
• Price: More competitive — typically 20%–40% lower than Grade A.

For European and North American markets, premium quality standards are especially important.

6. Order Quantity – Volume Determines Unit Cost

For manufacturers, order volume directly affects unit cost.

Higher quantities mean:

✔ Lower equipment setup cost per unit

✔ Better raw material purchasing leverage

✔ Reduced packaging cost per lens

✔ More optimized sea freight efficiency

Stable purchasing volume allows buyers to secure more competitive pricing.

How to Optimize Your Lens Purchasing Strategy?

As a wholesaler, you can control costs by:

• Selecting the appropriate index based on prescription distribution
• Establishing product grading tiers
• Bundling coating features
• Increasing order quantities
• Building long-term partnerships with stable suppliers

Why Choose a Professional Optical Lens Manufacturer?

A reliable supplier can provide:

✔ Stable quality control

✔ Factory-direct pricing

✔ Custom packaging and private labeling

✔ Fast production lead time

✔ OEM / ODM support

✔ Market technical assistance

Whether you are purchasing standard bulk lenses or customized complex prescription products, we look forward to working with you.

Contact us today. Share your detailed requirements, prescription distribution, and quantity plan — and we will provide a competitive, itemized, customized quotation tailored to your needs.