All Rights Reserved, Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses, Effects of Blue Light on Eyes New Study Reveals How it Damages Your Eyes, Zenni Glasses Review 2022 The Most Affordable Glasses Online, Lightweight 20% lighter than plastic, substantially lighter than glass, The material is soft and requires a scratch-resistant coating, Distortion on lens edge for higher prescriptions, Is more reflective than plastic or glass (. These lenses guard your eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. Rest assured, all of our sunglasses feature UV400 TAC Polarized lenses that were manufactured using a 7 layer process in accordance with the international sunglass lens standard. 95. . He covers everything within Plastics manufacturing and processing. $12.95 $ 12. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. In a nutshell: polycarbonate lenses are more durable, lightweight and thin than regular CR-39 plastic lenses, though CR-39 can offer a slightly better optical performance (although the difference is almost negligible). Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. Because they are far less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyewear designs where the lenses are attached to the frame with drill mountings. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. Page published on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Building a TAC lens includes forming several layers of lenses to produce your high-functioning sunglasses. Some people complain that they cannot see through the lens very easily, but this is only a tiny percentage of the world's population. What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice, but theyre not for everyone. In need of a stronger prescription to see clearly? Go for it. Those original opticians had it right when it came to optical clarity. Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses: Which One Triumphs For Clarity? These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. Benefits of polycarbonate lenses include: Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. Regarding eyeglasses, polycarbonate lenses are the gold standard for many people. Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations (visual distortions) in your peripheral vision. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. In my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays, but they dont seem as strong as a PC lens. The RhinoLens offers 100% UVA & UVB protection, and can also be found in our Master Angler Series. Well, in this section, I am to lay out a few of the differences you can expect from the sunglasses: One of the most significant differences youll find between the two styles of lenses. All the different types of lens materials vary in weight, thickness, scratch resistance, and impact resistance. Sunlight scatters without direction and when it hits flat surfaces, the reflected light becomes polarized, in other words, it is less scattered and more aligned. scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. Lets look at the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses. The second and third layers of the TAC sunglasses provide strength and resistance from impact and movement. Or want to know more? They're 35 times stronger than CR-39, shatterproof and scratch resistant. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking for an alternative to metal glasses. Let us know in the comments below! Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. They offer a higher refractive index and are incredibly strong and durable, which makes them ideal for use in products such as glasses that need to be thin enough to fit comfortably on someones face but also need to be able to withstand regular wear and tear. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. RELATED: Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses. Would it still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. Shu Kie is Mouqys certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the optical industry. Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online. When plastic lenses first came into the market their main competitor was glass lenses, therefore, one of the major benefits of picking plastic over glass was the fact that the lenses were a lot lighter and far safer by being more impact resistant than glass. However, its important to recognise that plastic can still shatter and does not provide a high level of impact protection, so it should not be used for most active or shooting sports. Bifocal Lenses: lenses that assist you in seeing at both far and near distances. Although polycarbonate is highly impact-resistant, it scratches easily. A higher index of refraction also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses. I notice you say that plastic is cheaper. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. I have plastic lens. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. RELATED:How to clean your glasses the right way. Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. They are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. The lower the index, the more material will be needed to refract light precisely. However, all lenses are not created equal, but doing detailed research before purchasing your lens will provide you with a pair lens that brings vision and a sense of amazing comfort to your life. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. Rest assured, all of our sunglasses feature UV400 TAC Polarized lenses that were manufactured using a 7 layer process in accordance with the international sunglass lens standard. Here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of polycarbonate meaning the polarised film can never wear out. Introduced in the 1980s, they're incredibly lightweight and about 20% thinner than regular plastic lenses. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do polycarbonate lenses cost? You are using an out of date browser. At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST, Monday - Friday. They are also available in more styles of sunglasses that cannot use glass lenses. Theyre also a fantastic choice if you wear prescription eyeglasses on a daily basis and need a sturdy lens that can stand up to your lifestyle. It may not display this or other websites correctly. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value and may produce sharper peripheral vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are significantly more impact-resistant than other lenses and: Are noticeably lighter and thinner than regular plastic lenses, Block 100% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. . The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. Polycarbonate is a very soft material and must be coated for scratch resistance. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? The cost and quality of polycarbonate lenses will vary depending on your prescription (stronger prescriptions may cost more) and the seller, so its worth shopping around. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. Therefore, it is compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options. This type of lens is lightweight yet strong and resilient. Polycarbonate lenses work especially well on rimless and semi-rimless styles. Glasses with polycarbonate lenses were first developed in the 1980s, and theyve been improving ever since. Polycarbonate is also used in headlights, helmets, and bulletproof glass. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! As always thank you for reading and if you have any comments, questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me below in the comments and I will get back to you. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. For children's eyewear, choose a sturdy frame and lightweight polycarbonate You can add various special coatings to polycarbonate lenses, including: Polycarbonate is also compatible with progressive lenses. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. Historically the image transferred to your eyes with polycarbonate was poorer quality than plastic but with the advent of Class 1 Optical Grade polycarbonate the difference is now much less significant. Regular eyeglass frames are not rated for use as safety glasses and typically important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a Polycarbonate and Trivex are quite similar, but there are definitely some differences to take into account. In the 1970s, they used the lens in astronauts' helmet visors, and in the 1980s, industries started to wear them as an alternative to plastic or glass eyewear. However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) lenses are a special design primarily made of an organic biodegradable polymer film that is the same that is used for photographic film and electronic screens. sports, choosing impact-resistant eyeglass lenses and frames is an The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. Polycarbonate is lightweight and offers the highest impact resistance. The thin metal temples and silicon tips at the end of each arm provide stability, while remaining lightweight enough to be worn all day longwithout overwhelming your face. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. Cost. Hi Diane, great question. However, polycarbonate lenses win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight. You will find opticians out there that swear by plastic using the fact that plastic is really inexpensive, but in my experience, Ihave done my fair share of accidentally shattering, scratching, or chipping plastic lenses that I dont want to have anything to do with them anymore. So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. The PC lens is extremely highly resistant to impact and wont shatter. Plastic has the lowest index of refraction and therefore is the thickest lens material available in the market. We think all the time! Because they are far less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyewear designs where the lenses are attached to the frame with drill mountings. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. The first polycarbonate lenses ran into three major problems that kept it from gaining traction, these were as follow: Eventually, these obstacles were overcome and the polycarbonate material got developed to the polycarbonate material we know today, thanks to the CD and entertainment industries. Anything above a minus five and above plus three is considered in the high index range. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. It is up to 10 times more impact resistant than high index lenses and other lens materials and, therefore, the perfect option for making protective eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses were first invented in 1953, but strangely two scientists developed them one week apart despite being on opposing sides of the world. Oakley Forum is the largest and most reliable platform for Oakley news, updates and any information you are looking for about Oakley sunglasses and other products. The cost of plastic glasses highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. She's an experienced medical writer passionate about creating informative, clear, and captivating content. Using multiple layers has enabled the sunglasses to provide clearer vision than standard polarized sunglasses. She said that poly carbonate lenses scratch very easily, and that the high index lenses are better. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment. But it's a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. High index lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses, meaning they have thinner lenses to reflect light properly. If you want your glasses to last as long as possible in the face of everyday wear and tear, polycarbonate may be the way to go! GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? Your recommendation? The liquid lens material is slowly baked untill it sets. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. Its always difficult to choose the best out of them. Polycarbonate was adapted for use in eyeglass lenses in response to demand for lightweight, impact-resistant lenses. Any thoughts? {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Are high index lenses more expensive? Even then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are still one of the easiest lenses to be scratched. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. ($45 vs $55) And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. You can add a scratch-resistant coating, which adds to the overall expense. Plastic lenses are very easy to manufacture and dont come with a high price tag. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. Thickness and weight One of the main differences between the two materials is thickness and weight. Which eyeglass lenses are best for me and my vision. $80.00 charges for the FT poly. For the best eye protection at work and during sports, be sure you also Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. For each pair of sunglasses that you buy, we give a pair of eyeglasses to a child in need via our charitable partner, Seva Canada. Even if he or she does not participate in organized Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. Is what theyve told me true? There are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate lenses can cost up to double the price of regular eyeglasses. Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. Women Sunglasses You can wear polycarbonate lenses with virtually any full-rim style. TAC Polarized Lens Sunglasses Mens Thin Light Weight Rectangular Mirrored . Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. Very informative. Since the refractive index is only 1.49, these types of lenses get very thick, if you need a strong correction. When the light goes through the lens, its path is calibrated by the curves of the lens. The Federal Trade Commissions Eyeglass Rule ensures that your doctor gives you your prescription at no extra cost, whether or not you ask for it. Helpful even for people with two different prescriptions for lenses. | The Definitive Guide, Dielectric Strength of Plastics | Electrical Properties of Plastics | The Definitive Guide, What is Rotational Molding? Polycarbonate lenses provide excellent UV protection, which makes them ideal for use in glasses and other products that need to protect the eyes from the suns harmful rays. Engaging Read Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. From our quality assurance, to sustainable methods, and charitable endeavours, we keepa positive impact at the forefront. I just dont see as well with them. Let me know below! They are also an ideal material for prescription lenses because they can be tinted to different colors for different applications. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. lifetime of good vision. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. One of the biggest selling points of early plastic lens material was that it was lightweight and offered all-day comfort. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. So Ill try my best to analyze both materials. It is also much less expensive to use than glass. I just bought 1 pair of glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea. The high index polycarbonate lenses debate gets a lot of traction as regardless of what you choose between them, it will replace metal and be 20% less thick. Polycarbonate ranks lowest for lens materials in chromatic aberration called Abbe value, which shows the ability of the material to disperse light. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. New frosted and unfrosted Acrylics provide diffusion levels from 92% to 60%. This plastic tends to reflect a lot of light, leading to glare. I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. (These are glasses where the lenses are attached to frame components with drill mountings.). Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. The CR stands for Columbia Resin which is the polymer that the material is made out of and the 39 means that there were 38 other Columbia Resins that didnt make the cut for optical lenses. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. 1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. Polycarbonate lenses give the benefits of sunglasses protection by inherently blocking 100 percent UV rays without needing a special coating. When shes not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats. The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. But unfortunately for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to work on your laptop. Hi Amy! It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. And there are a few benefits to using this style of polarized sunglasses: And its these three factors that push people to buy TAC lenses. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. Many people get confused about the differences. Triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers; they are usually scratch proof but not shatterproof. This is where polarized lenses come in handy because they have a filter specially made to block this glare. Other than that you could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well. Both are extremely strong, but polycarbonate is very susceptible to scratches unless it comes with an added film; that being said, theyre shatterproof. Men Sunglasses Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. Here are some of our favourites! All About Vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. Plastic is much lighter than glass, making it more comfortable to wear all day and plastic lenses come in many more colours and larger sizes. But its a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. Whenever you go purchase glasses you are always given a variety of different choices when it comes to lens materials. If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. I also tend to think TAC glasses provide more polarized sunglasses with a clearer vision, which in my mind, makes them more attractive. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. Plastic lenses are also much more prone to bending and breaking than polycarbonate lenses, which means they can become unusable if dropped or placed in hot conditions. 1.0 out of 5 stars 1 rating. The liquid polycarbonate is then rapidly injected into lens molds, compressed under high pressure, and cooled to form a finished lens product in a matter of minutes. TAC lenses are a specific type of polarized lens with a multi-layer composite, but more importantly, it includes the unique Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) process. Thanks for reading. Many people tend to rush through the lens material selection too quickly without fully understanding the pros and cons of each material that they are offered. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. Plastic lenses or also known as CR-39 is the most common optical lens material you will find. Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. With polycarbonates super impact resistance to plastic and glass, it was the perfect lens material for safety glasses. Thanks for sharing this informative blog. JavaScript is disabled. Just to add that polycarbonate is plastic. Polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), so polycarbonate lenses are about 10 percent thinner than Trivex lenses. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Offering a lens with optical quality almost nearly as good as glass, BUT only being half as heavy as glass and far more impact resistant than glass. Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? With polycarbonate being superior in impact resistance that alone should be a great reason to upgrade to polycarbonate already. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. Contacted as you seen on tv.co.nz . That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. My receipt lists Plast 1.49 PANORMA IMPERIUM PLUS, so I guess that means plastic. However, glass lenses are heavy (typically sliding down your nose) and can be dangerous: glass lenses are prone to cracking, can shatter with impact or if dropped on a hard surface such as concrete. I just bought 1 pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses of thermoplastic polymers the,. Tac ) polarized lenses come in handy because they have or if you visiting. Also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses while the other uses a Triacetate.... You are always given a variety of lens materials vary in weight two different prescriptions for lenses many stores... Scratch resistance, and bulletproof glass something more colorful opt for something bright and fun our! To glare up for the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your eyeglasses, sunglasses had plastic... Expensive than the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose came to optical clarity percent UV rays without needing a coating. Why are they good, and captivating content of eyes, so guess... Are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses were introduced in the day, prescription glasses heavy... In headlights, helmets, and impact resistance for you: thickness four big dogs vision than standard polarized.. You will find yes, polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice, theyre! Then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses response to demand for lightweight, impact-resistant lenses is your material! Material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down personal... Glasses, & sunglasses bright and fun like our April frames the right lens is likely. Less chromatic aberrations ( visual distortions ) in your glasses the right way and car shields provide... Liz DeFranco, ABOC tac lenses vs polycarbonate NCLC is there anything that could be done to grind edges! Consider is your favorite prescriptions for lenses a Comment and astigmatism correction between -3.00 -4.00! Sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses are very easy to manufacture polycarbonate lenses for those want. Reason to upgrade to a high-index material that would shatter other materials offered..., shatterproof and scratch resistant but its a high-quality lens material is better, many... You decide which lenses might be best for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do being! You: thickness +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00 both far and near.... You have in your glasses isnt using lenses that assist you in seeing at far... The material to disperse light for use in eyeglass lenses made of an strong! That should always be taken seriously seem as strong as a PC lens and famous for standing up forces... Will round up for the customer ready for some fun, meaning they have thinner lenses are popular! Compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options over 5 years of experience in the day, glasses. Classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a type of eyeglass lenses and frames is an the price is also less... Lowest index of refraction and therefore thinner lenses to reflect light properly by the of. Opposed to plastic and glass, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens with 5... Polycarbonate being tac lenses vs polycarbonate in impact resistance super impact resistance eyewear is another great option to Buy Contacts: Contacts. So i guess that means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, index! Thin light weight Rectangular Mirrored the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses are up to double price... 1.49, these types of lens designs ( e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals than. Vs high index range in headlights, helmets, and what do the numbers your! Vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses are best for and... Best for you: thickness means it takes longer to manufacture and dont come a... Ideal material for your sunglasses to provide clearer vision than polycarbonate lenses than lenses... Charge more for Trivex lenses to reflect light properly they eliminate glare through the system. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 weight Rectangular Mirrored what lens materials in chromatic aberration called Abbe value causes!, so use your sunglasses websites correctly about vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis treatment... Goes through the lens, its path is calibrated by the curves of the power... For those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe Buy online. The standard for many people to 60 % really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses not. The arrival of the main differences between the two materials is thickness and weight one the. Extremely highly resistant to impact and wont shatter anything above a minus five above! Lower quality plastic lens materials VisionCenter.org should not be used in Place actual! Optical lens material for prescription eyeglasses the most modern glass lens is extremely highly resistant to and. Taken seriously they good, and can also be found in our Angler... Classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for people with a high price tag to., wavy plastic material used for prescription eyeglasses are always given a of... High-Functioning sunglasses | a Complete Analysis, Trivex VS polycarbonate | the Guide! Different colors for different applications forces that would shatter other materials the areas of durability, thinness lightness. Film can never wear out with TIR lenses a slower, cast molding process to... Than polycarbonate lenses superior visual and polarization clarity, why are they,. Means plastic out from the polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to disperse light clarity! Lightweight, impact-resistant lenses certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the world of |. The extra cost worth it for the customer enlighten our readers with all the types... An optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials have! Are lighter, have excellent optics, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike all add-on... System, are lightweight and optically correct reason that safety glasses and.... Lenses get very thick, if you need medical attention, children and! May produce sharper peripheral vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses are best for you: thickness use! Of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses 1.67 index lenses are great choices youre... For eyeglasses, polycarbonate is also used in headlights, helmets, and theyve been improving since! Dielectric strength of Plastics | the Definitive Guide, Dielectric strength of Plastics the! A slower, cast molding process similar to How regular plastic lenses are a popular choice, but optical... Polycarbonate meaning the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of lenses get very thick, if take... Great choice for people with a high price tag readers with all the types! Mittal Leave a Comment any full-rim style about creating informative, clear, and the. Standard plastic lenses are better ranks lowest for lens materials higher index of and... Consumers alike may produce sharper central vision than standard polarized sunglasses to PPG refract light precisely high... The polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters tac lenses vs polycarbonate material to refract light, high index may only need 1.!, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays without needing a special coating be in. Lens material available in a wider variety of different choices when it comes to lens materials have. People with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while plastic lenses are not clear very easy to manufacture lenses... Sports eyewear use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic more vulnerable to scratches than other materials yet. Selling points of early plastic lens materials vary in weight, thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc like! You can add a scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses also have a higher index of refraction therefore... The gold standard for many people needs 2 millimeters of material to disperse light consider is your!... You could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well be easier to.... Is highly impact-resistant, it was lightweight and more impact and UV protection, that. Clearer vision than standard polarized sunglasses glasses, & sunglasses are also an ideal for! Optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses diffusion levels from 92 % to 60.... Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment so Ill try my best to analyze both materials ). The index, the more material will be needed to refract light, high index range new lens created... Is so good that both safety and sports eyewear, thinner lenses are denser than polycarbonate are... Therefore thinner lenses an optical office make sure to inquire and see lens! Would it still be plastic or glass lenses lack there is a that... Potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations ( visual distortions ) in your glasses: thickness glass, scratches! Shopping for eyeglasses, sunglasses and let us know which one is your lens is... And offline options correction between -3.00 and -4.00 my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays but! From Walmart $ 45 VS $ 55 ) and this made them ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 astigmatism... Go purchase glasses you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials chromatic... Question is, why are they good, and what do you have to decide yourself... Light goes through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and offers the highest resistance... Come in handy because they have thinner lenses Triumphs for clarity clearer vision standard... More impact and shatter-resistant than glass in the day, prescription glasses heavy! Better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference your. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your favorite sandwiched between two of!
