Optically clear, reinforced cross-linked silicone elastomers of the invention contain 12 to 18 mol percent of aryl substituted siloxane units of the formula R4 R5 -SiO, end blockers containing silioxane units of the formula R1 R2 R3 -SiO.5, and dialkyl siloxane units of the formula R6 R7 -SiO. R1 and R2 are alkyl, aryl or substituted alkyl or substituted aryl groups, and R3 is an alkenyl group.