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

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