polycarbonate vs glass lenses

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

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