They shipped me polycarbonate 1.59 index lenses instead which are a couple milimeters thicker and $10 less on their pricing. Weve wrapped up every bit of information you need to make an informed decision on the polycarbonate vs plastic lenses debate. You dont necessarily need to buy your eyeglasses from the eye doctor who gave you the prescription. Have a lovely day. 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. Because they're lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are more comfortable to wear. 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. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. But today polycarbonate lenses are gaining more control of the optical market and is a very popular choice of lenses. I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of polycarbonate meaning the polarised film can never wear out. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. The top and bottom edges of both lens have many, very fine scratches. Hi Diane, great question. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if you're looking for an alternative to metal glasses. When you grab your favorite pair of, Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. Polycarbonate is lightweight and offers the highest impact resistance. Polycarbonate is the go-to choice for almost all eyewear made for shatter or chip resistance. "}}]}, 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extrusion, and compression molding techniques of which Ashish holds tremendous knowledge, Your email address will not be published. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. Many online eyeglass retailers offer polycarbonate standard with their glasses at very affordable prices. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. A polycarbonate lens is 10 times more impact-resistant than a high-index one. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. More impact-resistant than glass but less than polycarbonate. All rights reserved. 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. They also offer 100 percent protection from the suns harmful UV light and are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic or glass lenses. If you feel like it is worth the time and hassle then send them back. Polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the optical world. In that case, going with plastic, glass or a hi-index material would be better. Therefore, it is compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options. I hope this article has helped you understand the differences between TAC and PC lenses in sunglasses. The RhinoLens offers 100% UVA & UVB protection, and can also be found in our Master Angler Series. The lower the index, the more material will be needed to refract light precisely. Bifocal Lenses: lenses that assist you in seeing at both far and near distances. You are using an out of date browser. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? Our staff have a strong passion for sun care and contribute to our blog. Dapper is a sleek, modern take on rimless glasses. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Support the site and become a premium member today! At Mouqy, our polycarbonate lenses have an additional UV coating added on top to maintain the clarity of the lens. 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. Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. All eyeglass wearers should weigh the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses before making a purchase. UV protection. Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. 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. Lauren completed a bachelor's degree in biopsychology from The College of New Jersey and non-degree graduate coursework in public health at Princeton University. RELATED: Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses. 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. Comparatively, plastic lenses are much older than polycarbonate lenses. 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. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. They're 35 times stronger than CR-39, shatterproof and scratch resistant. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than other types of plastic, and so, polycarbonate lenses tend to require a larger budget. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Are high index lenses more expensive? I never knew the difference in the material til now | The Ultimate Guide, How to Remove Scratches from Plastic | The Ultimate Guide, Which is the Best Acrylic Glue? This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. 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. HO KING COMM CTR Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. Amevie is a Canadian lifestyle and sun-care brand that cares. Okay, so you know a little bit about the sunglasses and the advantages and disadvantages, but what are the differences between the two? It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. However, all lenses are not created equal, but doing detailed research before purchasing your lens will provide you with a pair lens that brings vision and a sense of amazing comfort to your life. And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. 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. Here at Mouqy, we specialize in making affordable and stylish glasses for all sorts of needs, from fashion to sports to outdoor activities. If you need safety glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated. Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. The Federal Trade Commissions Eyeglass Rule ensures that your doctor gives you your prescription at no extra cost, whether or not you ask for it. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. Polycarbonate lens is lighter and thinner than glass, making it more comfortable to wear for long durations. Ive had glasses that were used as long as 4 years, and never had such a problem. 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. Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. Single Vision Distance: Helps you to see clearly at a distance. Your recommendation? Other than that you could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well. Any thoughts? Even then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are still one of the easiest lenses to be scratched. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? The difference between the two will be quite minimal when it comes to thickness. I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. For this reason, the lens requires a scratch-resistant coating applied. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. For me I am going back to plastic. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. The CR stands for Columbia Resin which is the polymer that the material is made out of and the 39 means that there were 38 other Columbia Resins that didnt make the cut for optical lenses. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. Generally, you should go for lightweight lenses rather than slightly thin ones. 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. Which eyeglass lenses are best for me and my vision. This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. ","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. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations (visual distortions) in your peripheral vision. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. This post was most recently updated on June 2nd, 2020. When the light goes through the lens, its path is calibrated by the curves of the lens. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. 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! Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. Availability. 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. In my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays, but they dont seem as strong as a PC lens. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. The fourth and fifth are UV absorbing layers that absorb over 99% ultraviolet rays. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. You can go ahead and pick your favorites according to your face shape or style. Bottomline Benefits: Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses . Polycarbonate lens didnt truly gain traction among the optical industry until more recently due to various problems with the material clarity and manufacturing. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Or want to know more? There is a very small percentage of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. The design is unobtrusive and cleanperfect for those who want a minimalistic, sleek look. Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Both options have their pros and cons. Required fields are marked *. 1. Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses: Which One Triumphs For Clarity? And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. High index lens density doesnt allow it to be tinted to more than anything more than a light shadow. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6. 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. sports eyewear is dangerous and can result in a serious eye injury if Hi Amy! If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. Polycarbonate lenses are another type of plastic material. However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. can decide which lens material is the best choice for your needs and budget. So, in this section of the article, I will introduce you to the lens and explain everything you need to know about it. Men Sunglasses I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. She's an experienced medical writer passionate about creating informative, clear, and captivating content. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Those original opticians had it right when it came to optical clarity. 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. 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. Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. 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. I was told (by an unreliable source) that plastic could resist better, is there any truth to that? Be the first to hear about new products & exclusive offers. 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. Trivex lenses are made of a urethane-based monomer. 1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. >. JavaScript is disabled. Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. 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. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. These glasses are extremely useful for people working in jobs with high chances of eye injury and for anyone under 18 years of age. The liquid lens material is slowly baked untill it sets. Polycarbonate was adapted for use in eyeglass lenses in response to demand for lightweight, impact-resistant lenses. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. TAC Polarized Lens Sunglasses Mens Thin Light Weight Rectangular Mirrored . People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. While quality eye care is important, the price can be a critical factor in your decision-making process. October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment. Impact resistance. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. Your choice of lenses is completely dependent on your vision needs. Like & follow our social media pages to see more updates and promotions! High index lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses, meaning they have thinner lenses to reflect light properly. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that starts as a solid material in the form of small pellets. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. So Ill try my best to analyze both materials. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. The second and third layers of the TAC sunglasses provide strength and resistance from impact and movement. | The Best Plexiglass Glue, What is TPV Material? Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. Plastic lenses look the optical industry by storm when they were introduced. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. Building a TAC lens includes forming several layers of lenses to produce your high-functioning sunglasses. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. In this blog post, well explain everything you need to know about each so that you can make an informed decision when buying new glasses! Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. Polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light (ultraviolet light). Customizable lenses for your vision needs. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. Plastic lenses can accept tint colors for the people that like a light tint on their lenses. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. 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. The cost of plastic glasses highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. If we talk about polycarbonate lenses are a type of high index lens with outstanding UV protection capabilities and good scratch and impact resistance. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. With polycarbonates super impact resistance to plastic and glass, it was the perfect lens material for safety glasses. Therefore, Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? Half as heavy as glass, and far less likely to shatter, the optical quality is nearly as good as glass. We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. Is what theyve told me true? So lets dive in and take a look at what the differences are between these two very similar but different materials. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. . But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. 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. With your prescription, you have the right to shop wherever you prefer from an optician, in stores, or online. Let me know below! Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. Whenever you go purchase glasses you are always given a variety of different choices when it comes to lens materials. Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Lenses, Prescription Range is an Essential Factor, Thickness and Weight gets Affected by Lens Material. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. . Abbe value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials. Here are some of our favourites! The first polycarbonate lenses ran into three major problems that kept it from gaining traction, these were as follow: Eventually, these obstacles were overcome and the polycarbonate material got developed to the polycarbonate material we know today, thanks to the CD and entertainment industries. Just to add that polycarbonate is plastic. 425 Oak St, Unit A, Garden City, NY 11530, RM 18 27/F, HO KING COMM CTR, 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK KL, Room 1001, Building E, Bantian International Central, Shenzhen, CN 518129, RM 18 27/F Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. 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. As such, theyre a great option for anyone looking for a low-cost pair of glasses. Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. Plastic lenses are the typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses. We think all the time! The use of plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics (which are less flammable) entered mass production in the 1940s. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. But unfortunately for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to work on your laptop. Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. The frames tend to be less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap. 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. Since it is a relatively soft material, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. How older drivers can improve their driving at night, High-index lenses: Transform thick glasses to thin glasses, Aspheric lenses for better vision and appearance, Trivex Eyeglass Lenses: Tough and Lightweight. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. 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