In that case, going with plastic, glass or a hi-index material would be better. 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. (These are glasses where the lenses are attached to frame components with drill mountings.). However, polycarbonate lenses win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. There are also a limited range of colours available made from glass; for all these reasons glass is not used for sports eyewear. | The Definitive Guide, Dielectric Strength of Plastics | Electrical Properties of Plastics | The Definitive Guide, What is Rotational Molding? Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. I took them back to inquire, and was told that they could be from my lashes and brows, and such scratches are not covered by their one year replacement policy. Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? The intensity of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly. I looked for the style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. Just browsing. However, many people do not notice this. 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. Youre absolutely right! I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. Ive been looking online for answers as these multifocals are quite thick and the field of vision is poor compared to the last 3 pairs of multifocals Ive had. For the best eye protection at work and during sports, be sure you also Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses, Lighter and thinner than glass or standard plastic lenses, 10 times stronger than glass or regular plastic, Polycarbonate is about 10% thinner than Trivex, Trivex offers superior optical clarity due to polycarbonates lens distortions, Heavier material thats more cumbersome to wear. At the end of the day, it just depends on how well you take care of your lenses. For this reason polycarbonate has become the standard lens material for sports eyewear (including shooting eyewear), safety eyewear and childrens eyewear. Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. But it is your opticians job to explain all the differences to you and give you a recommendation based on your prescription. Ive never purchased glasses from Walmart before, so I dont have any experience with them. Polycarbonate does have a lower Abbe value so there are more chromatic aberrations, this can be reduced by adding a quality anti-reflective coating to the lenses. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. Most people cant assess color deformation at these levels. Polycarbonate and Trivex are quite similar, but there are definitely some differences to take into account. Interesting Read Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis. The same can also be said when it comes to . the frame breaks, dislodging the lenses. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. Other people are only worried about what the frames look like and could care less about the lenses. But if your polycarbonate lenses do break, they are less likely to shatter into small, harmful pieces. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. Would it still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic. Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. Follow KastKing to keep up on giveaways, fishing tips and new products. Hence, since the creation of the plastic lens, its become the default material for opticians and glass lenses are now much rarer than plastic when it comes to prescription glasses. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Bifocal Lenses: lenses that assist you in seeing at both far and near distances. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. Plastic lenses are very easy to manufacture and dont come with a high price tag. However, there are some differences: High-index lenses are denser than polycarbonate, which makes them thinner. Men Sunglasses Additionally, Trivex and polycarbonate naturally block most UV light and do not need the application of a UV coating although most eyewear manufacturers using polycarbonate additionally apply a UV filter coating. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. 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. Since the refractive index is only 1.49, these types of lenses get very thick, if you need a strong correction. Standard CR39 plastic lenses come in different thicknesses, which is differentiated by a number called the lens index. Dapper is a sleek, modern take on rimless glasses. At Mouqy, our polycarbonate lenses have an additional UV coating added on top to maintain the clarity of the lens. Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. Lets take a look at the pros and cons. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. 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. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses are 18% lighter than the high index. From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. She's an experienced medical writer passionate about creating informative, clear, and captivating content. Many people get confused about the differences. Obviously my prescription is higher each time so I expected them to be thicker, hence buying what I thought was a thinner lens! TAC lenses are incredibly lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear for long durations. What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? 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. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o Best Lens Colors for Hunting (Dawn, Dusk & Night), Oakley Prizm Maritime Lens | Open Water Review, Best Oakleys for Police and First Responders, Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses | Differences Explained, Smith ChromaPop vs. Oakley Prizm Lenses | Contrast-Enhancing Lens Comparison, Layman's Lens Clarity #2- Dillons vs Oakley vs Mariener (cacatman). Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet they're thin and lightweight. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. Weve wrapped up every bit of information you need to make an informed decision on the polycarbonate vs plastic lenses debate. The frames tend to be less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap. High index lens density doesnt allow it to be tinted to more than anything more than a light shadow. However, the added durability of the polycarbonate material means that these glasses should hold up much better for everyday use than your average plastic lenses. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. sports, choosing impact-resistant eyeglass lenses and frames is an ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, high index lenses are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses because they are made from expensive materials, and the manufacturing process is difficult and harder to grind. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. If you feel like it is worth the time and hassle then send them back. However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. Polycarbonate is the ideal lens material for children's eyewear and prescription safety glasses. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? Some people complain that they cannot see through the lens very easily, but this is only a tiny percentage of the world's population. Any thoughts? 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. All About Vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. Trivex is another lightweight, impact-resistant material for eyeglass lenses. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. | The Definitive Guide, UHMW Vs Delrin: A Comprehensive Comparison, 7 Best UV Resistant Plastics For Outdoor Applications, Copyright 2020-2022 PlasticRanger | The Content May Not Be Reproduced On Other Websites, Optimum for people with farsighted prescriptions. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. Heres a quick overview of the differences. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. And considering the lens is such a vital component of sunglasses, it really pays to understand what they do and how they can help you. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? Polarised lenses are different to standard sunglass lenses; they have a special film which helps eliminate glare reflected off a surface like a pavement, road, water or snow. Cost. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. Engaging Read Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. Polycarbonate lenses can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses. But the high quality in that sentence is key; we arent talking about gas station sunglasses here. Hi Tim! We think all the time! They are much more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses because of the process TAC sunglasses use. Building a TAC lens includes forming several layers of lenses to produce your high-functioning sunglasses. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a Procedure Overview LASIK LASIK Contoura Vision LASIK SMILE PRK Cataract Surgery Comprehensive Ophthalmology Lenses Lifestyle Lenses Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Vivity Extended Vision IOL Keratoconus Treatments Cross-Linking The same property, which makes it thinner, also makes it heavier. More impact-resistant than glass but less than polycarbonate. The PC lens is extremely highly resistant to impact and wont shatter. They told me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and some people dont see as well with them. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Abbe value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than plastic glasses. Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do high-index lenses cost? TAC lenses are the cheapest widely used lens option in sunglasses and are less clear, less scratch resistant, and less durable than Polycarbonate. Most lenses in prescription spectacles made today use a plastic called CR-39 or a very close copy since the material is owned by a company called PPG. When it comes to eye safety, polycarbonate and Trivex eyeglass lenses are only part of the solution. 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. Triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers; they are usually scratch proof but not shatterproof. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. It is also much less expensive to use than glass. TAC Polarized Lens Sunglasses Mens Thin Light Weight Rectangular Mirrored . When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. Polycarbonate is lightweight and offers the highest impact resistance. Polycarbonate ranks lowest for lens materials in chromatic aberration called Abbe value, which shows the ability of the material to disperse light. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. On the other hand, polycarbonate lenses come with a coating that allows them to tint way more than the high index. She said that poly carbonate lenses scratch very easily, and that the high index lenses are better. Thanks for stopping by! The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. Learns and shares consistently about plastics technologies. Lighter and thinner high index lenses are highly recommended for you if you have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness. You are using an out of date browser. 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). Both options have their pros and cons. Polycarbonate lenses were first invented in 1953, but strangely two scientists developed them one week apart despite being on opposing sides of the world. Vision Center is funded by our readers. Keep in mind that we link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice, but theyre not for everyone. There is a very small percentage of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. 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. 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. Even though its multi-layer, a TAC lens is very thin usually no more than 1.2mm. 1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online. Boll Bolt 2.0 Titanium Volt+ Ultraviolet Polarised, Boll Bolt 2.0 S Creator Green Volt+ Gun Polarised, Boll Bolt 2.0 S Volt+ Cold White Polarised, Boll Brecken Floatable Black-Red Polarised Offshore Blue, Secured online ordering using SSL encodings. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. Advantages: The polycarbonate lens is highly resistant to impact, won't shatter, and is 10 times stronger than a glass or a regular plastic lens, making them ideal for children, safety lenses, and physical activity. Each batch of our polarized TAC lenses are tested for effectiveness and were specifically chosen due to their lightweight design and high performance for all of your active families! Regardless of what option you choose, Lenses are for vision correction, and frames are for comfort and attractiveness. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. Depending on where you are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses with their glasses. Hi Amy! They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do polycarbonate lenses cost? Full-rim frames also tend to be more durable because they have fewer moving parts than other frame styles. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are another type of plastic material. Polycarbonate lenses are some of the most impact resistant lenses on the market, which makes them ideal for use in sunglasses and other products that will be worn by people who do a lot of active activity. There's no need to add a protective coating. Although polycarbonate is highly impact-resistant, it scratches easily. Developed by PPG Industries in 2001, Trivex lenses are lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic or glass lenses. lifetime of good vision. Hi Huy, Polycarbonate lenses have a high refractive index, which means they can be a thinner and more lightweight solution for your prescription, when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. $12.95 $ 12. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. 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. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. Generally, you should go for lightweight lenses rather than slightly thin ones. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. If you are a prescription contact lens wearer be sure to check out where the best places to buy contact lenses online are, coupons & promo codes are available. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. 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. Higher grade TAC lenses are available (effectively increasing the thickness of the layers) and these can be 1.6mm thick. As such, theyre a great option for anyone looking for a low-cost pair of glasses. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. The top and bottom edges of both lens have many, very fine scratches. Here are some of our favourites! Ask your optician for details. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. Your email address will not be published. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. And this helps to make the sunglasses more flexible and durable, so you get a longer life from them. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Thanks for this informative article. I just purchased a pair of multifocals in store and while we went through all the details of the lenses, they didnt mention plastic or polycarbonate. Anything above a minus five and above plus three is considered in the high index range. You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. They are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST, Monday - Friday. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate came into the fold, they are still a very popular lens choice today due to them being inexpensive and more lightweight than glass. scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. 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. In other words, PC stands for polycarbonate. The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. They are also available in more styles of sunglasses that cannot use glass lenses. Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. They shipped me polycarbonate 1.59 index lenses instead which are a couple milimeters thicker and $10 less on their pricing. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if you're looking for an alternative to metal glasses. But dont forget that the primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities. Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. Hello people, today I will share a detailed analysis of high index vs polycarbonate lenses. And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. scratch-resistant coatings can make the surface of polycarbonate and Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. 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. important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a 1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint compared with plastic lenses which accept tints. This is where polarized lenses come in handy because they have a filter specially made to block this glare. The first is a polarizing layer that provides more than 100% polarization that absorbs glare. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses: Which One Triumphs For Clarity? Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. Additionally, they have a superior level of impact resistance and are suggested for both children's glasses and safety eyewear. I have polycarbonate for the first time. Is what theyve told me true? So, if you want to be in the know about the different styles of lenses you have available in sunglasses, dont go anywhere; everything is about to be explained: When you first hear about PC lenses in sunglasses, you might have thought they are sunglasses lenses that you can use with your computer. Page published on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Let us know in the comments below! Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. Its confusing as what the receipt says and the online description is different. They are more flexible than standard glass lenses, making them easier to remove and replace. Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. 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. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Our staff have a strong passion for sun care and contribute to our blog. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. Polycarbonate lens didnt truly gain traction among the optical industry until more recently due to various problems with the material clarity and manufacturing. Like & follow our social media pages to see more updates and promotions! Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Nylon lenses are what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Are high index lenses more expensive? Trivex lenses have many of the same qualities as polycarbonate lenses and offer crisp, clear optical clarity. However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. The fourth and fifth are UV absorbing layers that absorb over 99% ultraviolet rays. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. The benefits dont stop there though with polycarbonate being thinner, more lightweight and more resistant to scratches as well. Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Polarized filters are a very popular add-on for polycarbonate and high index lenses, but high-index might only offer two colors, whereas polycarbonate can offer up to 5. Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. Plastic lenses can accept tint colors for the people that like a light tint on their lenses. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. Should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value? I have just started to need glasses for reading. 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! You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. Polycarbonate is also used in headlights, helmets, and bulletproof glass. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. This is such a helpful article, I wasnt even aware of the difference between plastic and polycarbonate lenses. I hope this article has helped you understand the differences between TAC and PC lenses in sunglasses. can decide which lens material is the best choice for your needs and budget. A polycarbonate lens is 10 times more impact-resistant than a high-index one. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. Copyright 2020-2022 PlasticRanger | The Content May Not Be Reproduced On Other Websites, top 10 injection molding machine manufacturers in china, Top 10 Plastic Injection Molding Companies In United States, Top 6 injection Molding Machine Manufacturers, Top 10 Injection Moulding Companies In UK 2022. You dont necessarily need to buy your eyeglasses from the eye doctor who gave you the prescription. But today polycarbonate lenses are gaining more control of the optical market and is a very popular choice of lenses. And thats it! Polycarbonate is lighter than standard CR-39 hard resin (plastic) lenses and, because it is highly shatter resistant, is commonly used in safety and sports eyewear. 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. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. Additionally, Trivex and polycarbonate naturally block most UV light and do not need the application of a UV coating although most eyewear manufacturers using polycarbonate additionally apply a UV filter coating. Polarized Polycarbonate RhinoLenses are virtually indestructible. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. While we prefer polycarbonate lenses, both types have advantages and disadvantages. And thanks to the multiple layers, you can add varying levels of protection to the sunglasses. Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? Yes, high index lenses are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses because they are made from expensive materials, and the manufacturing process is difficult and harder to grind. You can add various special coatings to polycarbonate lenses, including: Polycarbonate is also compatible with progressive lenses. So Ill try my best to analyze both materials. Get Traffic & Exposure. "}}]}, The plastic industry mainly uses injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, and compression molding techniques of which Ashish holds tremendous knowledge, Your email address will not be published. Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. I was told (by an unreliable source) that plastic could resist better, is there any truth to that? Most opticians would recommend that over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. But its a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! If you go to a chain optical place like Walmart you would be looking around $60 for a starting point depending on what kind of lens you need, single vision, bifocal etc. That sounds about right for the pricing for polycarbonate bifocal lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. don't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports. I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that starts as a solid material in the form of small pellets. Customizable lenses for your vision needs. Polycarbonate is a widely used lens material with more than 35% market share in prescription glasses. Ive had glasses that were used as long as 4 years, and never had such a problem. Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. This will ensure you have the thinnest cut for the edges. 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. We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. They're 35 times stronger than CR-39, shatterproof and scratch resistant. RELATED:How to clean your glasses the right way. I will send you an email to help you with this. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate came into the fold, they are still a very popular lens choice today due to them being inexpensive and more lightweight than glass. Thanks for sharing this informative blog. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Before I move on to the advantages and disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have more than seven layers in TAC lenses. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. Lets look at the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses. Other than that you could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well. This post was most recently updated on June 2nd, 2020. Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. This is unlike CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses do crack, check the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement lenses. 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com. playing sports while wearing an eyeglass frame that is not rated for 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. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. But it's a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. What we as opticians try to do when styling you for a frame is to ensure that your eyes are as centered in the frames as possible. Cost. Polycarbonate and Plastic lenses differ in many factors, such as affordability, tint resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity. Its the most scratch resistant lens material and blocks UV light. or Trivex lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight. Although at the time plastic lenses had. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. 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. Your choice of lenses is completely dependent on your vision needs. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. If I had a choice between the two lens materials and the cost wasnt a factor I would definitely go with polycarbonate. A quality pair of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain. Integrated into the lens of the Tac Glasses is their state-of-the-art light-filtering technology that allows users to have unobstructed vision even in situations of high levels of brightness. It is used for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. Polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light (ultraviolet light). For me I am going back to plastic. Remember, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are both great choices for eyeglasses. UV protection. Thanks for reading. New frosted and unfrosted Acrylics provide diffusion levels from 92% to 60%. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses offer up to 10 times more impact resistance than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. RELATED: Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses. Single Vision Reading: lenses to see things at a close distance. Polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might get your glasses dirty or wet. Amevie is a Canadian lifestyle and sun-care brand that cares. Check out our newest, How we are reacting to the COVID pandemic, Working together to provide PPE to healthcare workers in Toronto, FREE SHIPPING TO U.S. & CANADA ON ORDERS OVER $100. 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. Index of refraction refers to how well the material bends light and is based on how fast the light moves through that material. Polycarbonate sunglasses are very susceptible to scratches. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. Polycarbonate lenses are usually thinner and lighter than other types of lenses, which makes them ideal for people who want to wear glasses but dont want to sacrifice style for durability. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. 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. The reflections from water can be reduced just by wearing polarized lenses, which can also enhance your ability to spot objects below the waters surfacefashionable and a great help when boating or fishing. Polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the optical world. I dont think so. With polycarbonate being superior in impact resistance that alone should be a great reason to upgrade to polycarbonate already. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than other types of plastic, and so, polycarbonate lenses tend to require a larger budget. | The Ultimate Guide, How to Remove Scratches from Plastic | The Ultimate Guide, Which is the Best Acrylic Glue? And that reason is impact protection. Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. Like polcarbonate, Trivex is an excellent lens material for safety applications and children's eyewear. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Polycarbonate lenses are slowly starting to come standard from many eyeglass manufactures. These lenses guard your eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays. In need of a stronger prescription to see clearly? The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. | The Best Plexiglass Glue, What is TPV Material? And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. And there are even still glass lenses out there in sunglasses! Why do they not recommend the cheap glasses. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay somewhat between $180 and $230. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. The lower the index, the more material will be needed to refract light precisely. Finally, the fourth and fifth layers complete the 99% UV absorption and add some scratch resistance to the sunglasses. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Polycarbonate lens is lighter and thinner than glass, making it more comfortable to wear for long durations. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. 1. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. You can wear polycarbonate lenses with virtually any full-rim style. 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. Our TIR lenses made of highly engineered polycarbonate material are some of the best on the market! These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. This type of lens is lightweight yet strong and resilient. Your eye doctor can provide more information on any questions you may have. Even then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are still one of the easiest lenses to be scratched. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. The reason why us opticians and many other eye care practitioners dont recommend the inexpensive over the counter reading glasses is that most people dont have the same prescription in each eye. Impact resistance. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. Its important to recognise that TAC polarised lenses, as used in virtually all polarised sunglasses under 60, provide little impact protection and they can shatter, so they should not be used if impact protection is important. If your frame is fine, your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont have the right lenses. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. Weight. The cost of plastic glasses highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. Or want to know more? Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. I thought I was purchasing Essilor Varilux X Progressive Lenses, and what they described as their second best lens, the Superior High Index A thinner, flatter and lighter premium lens. Ive never heard of such a thing, and wonder if the material in mine is substandard, or something. SEE ALSO: How To Clean Glasses Without Scratching Your Lenses! We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. All the different types of lens materials vary in weight, thickness, scratch resistance, and impact resistance. Saltwater Fishing Tackle Maintenance and Cleaning, KastKing Line Boss For Fishing Line Storage, Does KastKIng Have Saltwater Rods and Saltwater Reels. Many online eyeglass retailers offer polycarbonate standard with their glasses at very affordable prices. Have a lovely day. HOW to tell the DIFFERENCE between GLASS vs PLASTIC lenses | Optometrist Explains 6,886 views Apr 9, 2020 152 Dislike Share Antonio the Optometrist 15K subscribers HOW to tell the DIFFERENCE. If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. Choosing the right lens for your sunglasses is very important if you want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. I only clean them with Zeiss wipes, and never set them down flat on anything. 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. But unfortunately for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to work on your laptop. Benefits of polycarbonate lenses include: Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. 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. JavaScript is disabled. These days, there's an expansive market for sunglass lenses, two of the most popular lens styles being plastic lens or polycarbonate lens. All rights reserved. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. sport eyeglasses. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking for an alternative to metal glasses. Be the first to hear about new products & exclusive offers. Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. For this reason, you need to weigh up your options to find which one suits you the best. In general, high-index lenses are prescribed for strong prescriptions. Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses. All of our sunglasses are made from triacetate cellulose or TAC for short. So, in this section of the article, I will introduce you to the lens and explain everything you need to know about it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. Let me know below! sports eyewear is dangerous and can result in a serious eye injury if And this was because, unlike plastic or glass eyewear, polycarbonate lenses won't shatter under impact. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. Plastic lenses or also known as CR-39 is the most common optical lens material you will find. Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Lenses, Prescription Range is an Essential Factor, Thickness and Weight gets Affected by Lens Material. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? There are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate lenses can cost up to double the price of regular eyeglasses. Today's modern 1.0 out of 5 stars 1 rating. Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. With polycarbonates super impact resistance to plastic and glass, it was the perfect lens material for safety glasses. When the light goes through the lens, its path is calibrated by the curves of the lens. Unisex Sunglasses Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. Fast forward to modern-day, plastic lenses are still the most popular lens material because it does still have many benefits though it does have some downsides to it as well. But I will make it a cakewalk. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. Hi Mary! Glass lenses cant be beaten. Half as heavy as glass, and far less likely to shatter, the optical quality is nearly as good as glass. High index lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses, meaning they have thinner lenses to reflect light properly. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. One of the best benefits of the plastic lens is how inexpensive they are. Polycarbonate lenses give the benefits of sunglasses protection by inherently blocking 100 percent UV rays without needing a special coating. Polycarbonate lenses are extremely popular in the lens market. All my years as an optician I have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option. I never knew the difference in the material til now But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. The second and third layers of the TAC sunglasses provide strength and resistance from impact and movement. Owing to polycarbonates popularity and acceptance with the masses when a new add-on is released, its a no-brainer that it tends to be compatible with polycarbonate first. Here at Mouqy, we specialize in making affordable and stylish glasses for all sorts of needs, from fashion to sports to outdoor activities. 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. 95. . The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. Therefore plastic offers better optical clarity. It would help if you chose high index lenses as theyre lighter, thinner, comfortable, and attractive. 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. Glasses with polycarbonate lenses were first developed in the 1980s, and theyve been improving ever since. With their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe. 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. Without a doubt, polycarbonate is the most rigid lens material. Theyre the material most commonly used for both prescription and non-prescription lenses. Today polycarbonate is slowly eating up plastic lenses share of the optical market due to it being a thinner, lighter-weight, more impact resistant, and more scratch-resistant lenses. Hi Diane, great question. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Women Sunglasses Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. Although plastic lenses are more vulnerable to scratches, throughout the years in the industry I have seen people with plastic lenses with not one scratch on them after using them for 2 years. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap The content on this site is for informational purposes only. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. 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. They're siblings, not twins, in other words. Therefore, it is compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Impact resistance sets them apart from other eyeglass lenses. An optical plastic lens was invented in the early 20th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices. This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. . Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. The light . Bottomline Benefits: Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses . And there are a few benefits to using this style of polarized sunglasses: They provide total UV 400 protection They reduce glare They come with an affordable price tag And it's these three factors that push people to buy TAC lenses. Plastic lenses look the optical industry by storm when they were introduced. Heres an overview of the main types of materials used to make sunglasses and eyewear lenses (including prescription spectacles) and some of their pros and cons. Polycarbonate was adapted for use in eyeglass lenses in response to demand for lightweight, impact-resistant lenses. For this reason, the lens requires a scratch-resistant coating applied.
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