If you’re sensitive to your frame’s weight, for example, polycarbonate lenses may be the right choice. Polycarbonate lenses advantages and disadvantages, Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. High-index plastic lenses have a refractive index between 1.6 and 1.74; the index of ordinary plastic and polycarbonate lenses is 1.5 and 1.59, respectively. Polycarbonate lenses are highly resistant to impact, won’t shatter, and are 10 times stronger than glass or standard plastic, making them ideal for children, safety lenses, and physical activity. The following holds true for both materials: Choosing the most suitable one hinges on individual factors such as visual acuity and personal taste. Is one really better than the other? © 2021 Randolph Engineering, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It’s strongly recommended with polycarbonate or high-index lenses, which reflect more light than basic plastic CR-39 or glass lenses. However, thinner lenses won’t necessarily mean they will weigh less. They are more than 10-times more impact resistant than your average plastic or glass lens. Lens materials affect thickness and weight. Trivex lenses, however, are composed of a urethane-based monomer and are made from a cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. They’re the go-to lens material for safety glasses, and extremely versatile when it comes to outfitting them with features such as Transitions, polarization, or other feature combinations. It was developed in 2001 by PPG Industries as an alternative to polycarbonate. The two best-selling eyeglass lenses are the most basic ones: CR-39 and the polycarbonate, both plastic. Polycarbonate is the worst performing commonly used plastic, having the lowest value of 30. Glass is the most vulnerable in this category. Plastics are graded in numbers, such as 1.50 or 1.67. These advantages include increased light filtration, impact resistance, increased strength, and improved weight and viscosity flow characteristics. 1-855-393-2891 If you’re the type to have a pair of glasses for a long period of time, then glass lenses are a better choice. "polycarbonate vs plastic lenses best for high myope?" These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Plastic lenses are less reflective than glass lenses, making them clearer and less prone to glare. Polycarbonate may not be the wrong choice, but your lenses will be thicker. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. Today polycarbonate is the standard lens material for many online eyeglass retailers, and they are standard in all children’s glasses, safety glasses, and sports goggles. Eyeglasses – St Michel in Silver and Prism in Cafe Glace. Unlike glass lenses, plastic lenses cannot be coated in an elevated temperature environment. With hi-index lenses, vision can be corrected with less material, making the lens much thinner. Trivex lenses are made from a urethane-based monomer. Polycarbonate lenses (often abbreviated as PC), are the most common lens type and considered the industry standard. Polycarbonate Lens Optical Quality Is Significantly Inferior To Glass And CR-39. First of all, there are glass and plastic materials. Material Index vs. Abbe Value. Weight: A lens weight becomes noticeable when wearing your frames for long periods. By visiting our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy. What is the best and proper setup for glass under the welding hood? Glass lenses are the traditional ones, having been used for some time now, while plastic lenses are relatively newer. Glass vs. Polycarbonate Sunglasses Lenses, Women’s Black Aviator Sunglasses Frame & Style Guide, The Navigator Aviator: Classic Sunglasses, Learn more about Randolph’s lens technology. Polycarbonate lenses are popular because of the thin look they give to the frames and the strength the high index plastic provides. To optimize your experience we use cookies. Even plastic shaded lenses on the cheap hoods. Trivex lenses are made from a lightweight, impact-resistant material. Plastic Vs Polycarbonate Lenses- Which One Is Better? Glass and polycarbonate lenses can handle occasional falls but aren’t invincible against long drops. Polycarbonate lenses are thin, lightweight, and incredibly impact resistant. Here’s a quick rundown of their top features to help you decide. Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. If you’ve browsed for prescription or non-prescription frames you know both types of lenses offer their own benefits and disadvantages. Inspired by the earlier post about cleaning the hood lenses. Polycarbonate is 10 times stronger. If you really can’t figure it out or want to be absolutely sure before using a product … And if you actually compare the two you can actually see that the plastic on the right compared to the polycarbonate on my left is about 25-30% thicker with the same exact prescription. What you gain in impact resistance and higher index, you pay for in how the lens transfers light into your eye. Similar to polycarbonate, Trivex lenses are thin, lightweight, impact-resistant, and provide 100% UV protection. The higher the number, the thinner the lens. Trivex ® Lenses. Polycarbonate lenses have a built-in UV protection by nature, and they also easily allow for special treatments to be added to the lenses to protect your eyes. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST This is somebody who has a -5.00 prescription. Who is the winner of polycarbonate lenses vs. glass lenses? Unlike traditional lenses, polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that begins as solid small pellets. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. Making the Correct Choice: Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Luminaire Lenses. Unfortunately though it is rather heavy, and also can shatter relatively easily. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. In the end, neither glass nor polycarbonate is necessarily better than the other. Glass lenses are by far optically clearer than polycarbonate lenses. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your glasses, sunglasses, and sports eyewear. Plastic vs Glass lenses. When compared to standard glass, both acrylic and polycarbonate materials provide many benefits that standard glass does not afford. Plastic vs glass lenses 03-05-2004, 12:14 PM. Like polycarbonate lenses, lenses made of Trivex are thin, lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic or glass lenses. This is why glass is primarily used in microscopes, binoculars, telescopes, and cameras. However, it must be noted that with either glass or polycarbonate, as long as you clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth and keep your eyewear in a case, you will help protect against day to day scratching and your lenses will last longer. In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate and tempered glass are two materials that can be used when placing windows or constructing any sort of building that requires large amounts of see-through or semi-transparent material. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the glass. And the difference is significant. Plastic lenses are much lighter than glass lenses, and are less likely to shatter. Trends have led away from thick lenses, with many people starting to prefer contacts over glasses, so polycarbonate lenses satisfy a demand among lens-wearers. Choosing the lens for your frames relies on you. Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. Glass lenses generally have a higher index than plastic lenses, making them slightly thinner and more attractive looking. For those sensitive to pressure or who plan to wear eye protection for long hours, polycarbonate may be a better choice for its lightweight and pliable properties. Upon hard impact, glass will shatter which could lead to further injury. While they’re not the thinnest kind of lens out there, they still retain their position as the swiss-army-knife of eyewear lenses. To help your eyewear last, the best rule to live by is: In the case or on your face! Polycarbonate lenses are more than just durable: they also have 100% protection from the sun’s UV rays! Let’s be friends! Polycarbonate Lenses: Pros & Cons. Which is the best option, though? Choosing the lens for your frames relies on you. These are the two most popular forms of glasses currently on the market. I see both plastic and glass clear lens material at the stores. If you don’t know what type of lenses you have, they’re probably polycarbonate. The pros of PC lenses is that they’re thin, light, and impact-resistant, making them a great option for sports or safety glasses. And reasonable prices mean it’s realistic to buy more than one pair without going over your eyewear budget. What are the benefits of glass lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses? Learn more about Randolph’s lens technology. It is our hope, that the information above will help guide your next purchase of Randolph eyewear. Borosilicate Glass vs. Polycarbonate Outdoor Lights: The Verdict. They’re durable and impact-resistant, lightweight and thin, and even offer extremely effective UV protection. Ask an Optician. (Few people now use glass, which is heavy and breakable.) Both polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. “Good enough for fighter pilots, good enough for us.”. Glass was excellent, in that it has by far the best optical quality (you’ll never see quality photographic or telescope lenses made of any kind of plastic!). Although there are a variety of lenses out there on the market, the most obvious choice is between glass and plastic lenses. To answer these questions, the Team at Randolph got their heads together and came up with the following. There are a lot of great eyeglass lenses in the market, but before you buy a pair, it is imperative to consider both their pros and cons. This kind of UV protection is an inherent part of the material they’re made out of, which glass and plastic lenses lack. Of course, if you’re unsure of which to choose, you can always. Considering their price and the many pros that come with polycarbonate lenses, they are definitely worth it in both the long run and short term. Over time, UV damage may lead to eye problems such as cataracts or cancer. Hands down, polycarbonate lenses are a better choice for impact protection. This is why you will only see polycarbonate lenses used for safety and/or sports eyewear. Glass tends to be a heavier material than polycarbonate lenses. Most glass will absorb UV radiation, but when it comes to protecting your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays, polycarbonate plastic is the best bet. With the right scratch resistant or digital protection coating, their potential increases even more. Polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the optical world. A new, brand-name type of lightweight and resistant plastic has hit shelves: Trivex. The coating materials must be deposited in room temperature condition. Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Creators use a mold to construct the lenses in much the same way regular plastic lenses for glasses are made. It is similar to polycarbonate, but it has some distinct advantages. Independent, authentic American eyewear since 1973. The strength of polycarbonate is largely dependent on its thickness. This way you will have an easier time deciding if you want to buy a pair of glass or plastic lenses next time you need new glasses. Fun fact: The material polycarbonate was originally used to manufacture the windshields of fighter planes!Fun fact: Polycarbonates lenses are worth it. Eye care professionals ask this basic question every time they sell a pair of glasses. All blog comments are checked prior to publishing. It comes down to your needs and comfort level when choosing a proper lens. Glass tends to be a heavier material than polycarbonate lenses. In this article, you will find in-depth information about glass and plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are a version of plastic lenses that provide impact and scratch resistance. If you’re sensitive to your frame’s weight, for example, polycarbonate lenses may be the right choice. Plastic or glass lenses? Plastic lenses are impact resistant, making them a better choice … Plastic lenses are also known as organic lenses. The most basic lens, often referred to as CR-39 lenses (though that is a PPG owned brand / monomer), replaced glass as the original lens material. Try not to use your shirt! Both! See our latest collections & exclusive offers before the crowd! The choice is up to you. For those sensitive to pressure or who plan to wear eye protection for long hours, polycarbonate may be a better choice for its lightweight and pliable properties. Subscribe to our newsletter. They have similar properties, as well as different advantages and disadvantages. It is also not easily scratched. Polycarbonate lenses have an index of refraction of 1.59, and will generally be about 20% thinner than standard plastic lenses. Can Color Blind Glasses Help You See Color. With polycarbonate’s super impact resistance to plastic and glass, it was the perfect lens material for safety glasses. So, polycarbonate lenses vs plastic or glass? Anytime you are in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses, you are going to be provided with different options regarding the lens material. Hi-index lenses are made of a special plastic material that refracts light in a different way than regular plastic lenses. And most of all, it gets thick quickly, … At EyeBuyDirect, you’ll find polycarbonate lenses built into stylish and high-quality frames at affordable prices. Most commonly used ophthalmic plastic lens materials have Abbe values between 30 and 58, the higher the number the better optical performance. Answered by Dr. Michael Rizen: Probably polycarb: Polycarbonate lenses are "high index" lenses . Glass and polycarbonate lenses. This results in softer and less durable coatings unless newer deposition techniques such … Plastic lenses come in more colors and larger sizes than glass lenses… At EyeBuyDirect, you can get a pair of polycarbonate lenses with your choice of frame for as low as $18! Choose glasses that are sturdy, attractive, shatter-resistant, comfortable – and easy to wear. Start browsing our catalog of eyewear and sunglasses to see our selection of fashionable frames. Our guarantees — a 12-Month Product Guarantee and a 14-Day Style & Fit Guarantee — also ensure that you’re happy with your purchase by replacing, refunding, or exchanging your frames if they become damaged or aren’t quite your style. During the manufacturing process, commonly known as injection molding, those small solid pellets are heated until they completely melt. Glass is the undeniable winner in this category. Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST. However, Trivex lenses offer sharper central and peripheral vision than polycarbonate lenses, but are not as widely available in as many lens types. No matter whether you prefer glass or polycarbonate, always make sure your lenses have 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. Of course, if you’re unsure of which to choose, you can always contact our support team for advice. So, while ⅛” of polycarbonate may be more shatter-resistant than ⅛” of glass, some manufacturers may cut costs by using thinner polycarbonate. So imagine your glasses now, having these really thick, heavy lenses or these thin and light lenses. Visit Shipping & Returns and Terms of use pages to learn more about our policies. On the market, the most obvious choice is between glass and plastic.. 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