CORNING, N.Y.—Corning Inc. is releasing Corning Clear 15, a new high-performance glass that provides a thinner and more scratch-resistant solution compared with plastic materials commonly used for prescription lenses. This new glass is now available from select U.S. distributors that utilize state-of-the-art, free-form equipment to produce the newest-style lenses, including dual-sided progressive designs.

Clear 15 glass has a proprietary molecular structure that undergoes an ion-exchange process, resulting in higher resistance to superficial scratches, compared with plastic materials commonly used for prescription lenses, Corning said. The 1.523-index glass can be ground as thin as 1.5 mm; an Abbe value of 57.1 gives it better vision and optical clarity. Corning Clear 15 glass also has high chemical durability, making it more immune than plastic to household solvents or common cleaning formulas often used to clean lenses.

“Corning Clear 15 can be ground 25 percent thinner and lighter than common glass lenses and is ideal for individuals who need clear, sharp vision that only comes with precision optics,” noted Lyle Rubin, sales and marketing manager, Americas for Corning Specialty Glass.

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