Optically clear, reinforced cross-linked silicone elastomers of the invention contain 12 to 18 mol percent of aryl substituted siloxane units of the formula R4R5-SiO, end blockers containing siloxane units of the formula R1R2R3SiO.5, and dialkyl siloxane units of the formula R6R7-SiO. R1 and R2 are alkyl, aryl or substituted alkyl or substituted aryl groups, and R3 is an alkenyl group.