Best eye glass lenses for severe astigmastism?

I have severe astigmatism (-4.00) with very little distance correction for farsightedness and have to get some new glasses soon. The problem is that I have a new vision insurance plan that lists that they only cover polycarbonate lenses. I remember a couple of years back getting a pair of glasses made of polycarbonate lenses from Lenscrafters (after being assured by them that polycarbonate was the best out there for severe astigmatism) and finding that the clarity of the lenses was cloudy and there seemed to be too much distortion. After that bad experience I paid a ton of money to get glasses from an expensive eye center, and the quality was well worth the money. However, I don't know if they simply used a higher index lense, or what exactly they might have used. I want to use this new insurance to cut the cost of the exam and frames, and am willing to pay out of pocket for the best lenses for my severe astigmatism, but I want to know what to ask for. THANKS!

Hi Index lenses would be better. It may be worth it even if your insurance doesn't cover them. Hi-Index lenses a plastic lens; not polycarbonate. In fact, I'm not a fan of polycarbonate at all, unless we are talking about children's or safety glasses due to the lens' impact resistance. Other than that, in my opinion, poly lenses are the worst, especially for those with higher prescriptions - lots of distortion. Hi-Index plastic lenses are actually thinner than poly (available in a 1.67 and I think it even comes a little higher index than that now, although I cannot think what it is. The higher the index, the thinner the lenses) I'm positive that you'll do much better with those. As you said, you paid a little more for them last time but they are well worth it because you'll be able to wear them without the distortion.

Good luck!

Well, it depends on your eye "insurance". If it is either eyemed or vsp, there are provisions for higher index lenses (but it also depends on what plan you have).

You want a lens material that will cover the curvature of your prescription. Usually 1.67 hi index will do just fine. Also remember that because of the lens curvature, you will want the smallest frame that you can handle. In other words, make sure the frame FITS your face, don't go by the the words "oh, they're cute." And rounder the better.