But if your polycarbonate lenses do break, they are less likely to shatter into small, harmful pieces. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Lets look at the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses. Because of their durable material, theyre prone to scratching or breaking and ideal for sporty activities like running or cycling, as well as outdoor activities like hiking or camping. This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. lifetime of good vision. Very informative. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. Nylon lenses are what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint compared with plastic lenses which accept tints. Be the first to hear about new products & exclusive offers. Plastic is much lighter than glass, making it more comfortable to wear all day and plastic lenses come in many more colours and larger sizes. 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! 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. The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. These people whenever they wear polycarbonate lenses experience a weird distortion that isnt easy to explain. 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. Just to add that polycarbonate is plastic. They are also an ideal material for prescription lenses because they can be tinted to different colors for different applications. Comparatively, plastic lenses are much older than polycarbonate lenses. We think all the time! Regular eyeglass frames are not rated for use as safety glasses and typically 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. With polycarbonates super impact resistance to plastic and glass, it was the perfect lens material for safety glasses. After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. Triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers; they are usually scratch proof but not shatterproof. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Plastic lenses have a higher Abbe value than polycarbonate. You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a Plastic lenses are very easy to manufacture and dont come with a high price tag. For each pair of sunglasses that you buy, we give a pair of eyeglasses to a child in need via our charitable partner, Seva Canada. Materials like crown glass, Trivex, and CR-39 steal the show. Ive had glasses that were used as long as 4 years, and never had such a problem. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. I have just started to need glasses for reading. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. 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. 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. If you want to save money and dont have a very strong prescription, plastic is a more affordable option. A higher index of refraction also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses. . Its always difficult to choose the best out of them. We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. Availability. Trivex lenses are made of a urethane-based monomer. Is what theyve told me true? There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. A polycarbonate lens is 10 times more impact-resistant than a high-index one. Follow KastKing to keep up on giveaways, fishing tips and new products. The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. 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. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. Obviously my prescription is higher each time so I expected them to be thicker, hence buying what I thought was a thinner lens! What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? All About Vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Or want to know more? 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. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. 95. . When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. There's no need to add a protective coating. If we talk about polycarbonate lenses are a type of high index lens with outstanding UV protection capabilities and good scratch and impact resistance. Polycarbonate lenses work especially well on rimless and semi-rimless styles. On higher priced polarised sunglasses (typically above 60) the lens material is likely to be polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses. For this reason, the lens requires a scratch-resistant coating applied. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. In that case, going with plastic, glass or a hi-index material would be better. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. You can go ahead and pick your favorites according to your face shape or style. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Both options have their pros and cons. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. Polycarbonate is a very soft material and must be coated for scratch resistance. Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? 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. The light . Contacted as you seen on tv.co.nz . They are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. 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. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. There are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate lenses can cost up to double the price of regular eyeglasses. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. Bottomline Benefits: Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses . Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. (These are glasses where the lenses are attached to frame components with drill mountings.). ($45 vs $55) 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. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. 2000-2022 AAV Media, LLC. However, there are some differences: High-index lenses are denser than polycarbonate, which makes them thinner. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. Let us know in the comments below! Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? $80.00 charges for the FT poly. Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. These lenses guard your eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. 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). SEE ALSO: How To Clean Glasses Without Scratching Your Lenses! They told me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and some people dont see as well with them. 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. Half as heavy as glass, and far less likely to shatter, the optical quality is nearly as good as glass. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. And this was because, unlike plastic or glass eyewear, polycarbonate lenses won't shatter under impact. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. Which eyeglass lenses are best for me and my vision. Plastic lenses can accept tint colors for the people that like a light tint on their lenses. Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. Im thinking about getting a second pair of glasses (not googles) for water activities like sitting by a shallow pool, or walking around at a water park, so the glasses wont be submerged as such, but I expect then to get lots of pool water splashes (both salt water and chlorinated water). Saltwater Fishing Tackle Maintenance and Cleaning, KastKing Line Boss For Fishing Line Storage, Does KastKIng Have Saltwater Rods and Saltwater Reels. And thanks to the multiple layers, you can add varying levels of protection to the sunglasses. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. KL, What's The Difference Between PC Lens And TAC Lens On Sunglasses. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. Weight. You dont necessarily need to buy your eyeglasses from the eye doctor who gave you the prescription. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. 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. TAC lenses are incredibly lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear for long durations. Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. 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. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses: Which One Triumphs For Clarity? Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. But unfortunately for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to work on your laptop. Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. 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. 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. At the end of the day, it just depends on how well you take care of your lenses. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses are 18% lighter than the high index. Trivex lenses about 10 percent lighter than polycarbonate lenses. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. I notice you say that plastic is cheaper. 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. Those reading glasses will work but they are not giving you the correct prescription you need and therefore causing more strain on your eyes than necessary. You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. Would it still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. 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. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. 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. Fortunately, we are no longer back in the day. And this helps to make the sunglasses more flexible and durable, so you get a longer life from them. 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK This also makes them more comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods of time. You are using an out of date browser. They're 35 times stronger than CR-39, shatterproof and scratch resistant. Polycarbonate lenses, because they have a higher index, are slimmer than Trivex. 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. However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses do crack, check the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement lenses. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. Does it really hurt your eyes? Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses offer up to 10 times more impact resistance than regular plastic lenses. Without a doubt, polycarbonate is the most rigid lens material. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. Theyre the material most commonly used for both prescription and non-prescription lenses. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. 1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online. Thanks for stopping by! Plastic frame ; mirrored lens ; Polarized ; Mirror Coating coating ; Lens width: 57 millimeters ; Lens height: 40 millimeters ; Bridge: 15 millimeters Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. Instead, PC is an acronym for the composite used to make the lens. Hi Huy, And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. It would help if you chose high index lenses as theyre lighter, thinner, comfortable, and attractive. And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. In my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays, but they dont seem as strong as a PC lens. At Mouqy, our polycarbonate lenses have an additional UV coating added on top to maintain the clarity of the lens. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! 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. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. 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. 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. Polycarbonate lenses are another type of plastic material. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. However, many people do not notice this. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10% thinner than Trivex lenses. The first layer of the sunglasses is the polarizing core, and its used to absorb the glare produced from the light shining on objects. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. 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. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. Glass lenses cant be beaten. They're siblings, not twins, in other words. But its a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. Even though its multi-layer, a TAC lens is very thin usually no more than 1.2mm. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. This plastic tends to reflect a lot of light, leading to glare. An optical plastic lens was invented in the early 20th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices. Single Vision Distance: Helps you to see clearly at a distance. Amevie is a Canadian lifestyle and sun-care brand that cares. don't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports. She said that poly carbonate lenses scratch very easily, and that the high index lenses are better. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. Other than that you could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well. Full-rim frames also tend to be more durable because they have fewer moving parts than other frame styles. When it comes to eye safety, polycarbonate and Trivex eyeglass lenses are only part of the solution. Additionally, they have a superior level of impact resistance and are suggested for both children's glasses and safety eyewear. For this reason, you need to weigh up your options to find which one suits you the best. Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. Polycarbonate sunglasses are very susceptible to scratches. The intensity of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly. 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. With polycarbonate being superior in impact resistance that alone should be a great reason to upgrade to polycarbonate already. 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. Go for it. Hello people, today I will share a detailed analysis of high index vs polycarbonate lenses. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. Youre unlikely to find more durable eyewear lenses. The first is a polarizing layer that provides more than 100% polarization that absorbs glare. Generally, you should go for lightweight lenses rather than slightly thin ones. 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. Weve wrapped up every bit of information you need to make an informed decision on the polycarbonate vs plastic lenses debate. 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. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. Polycarbonate is a widely used lens material with more than 35% market share in prescription glasses. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. Hi Diane, great question. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. 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. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Using multiple layers has enabled the sunglasses to provide clearer vision than standard polarized sunglasses. This will ensure you have the thinnest cut for the edges. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Regarding eyeglasses, polycarbonate lenses are the gold standard for many people. 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. Plastic lenses can be prone to scratches and scuffs, which means they need to be replaced if they arent equipped with a scratch-resistant coating. 1. This post was most recently updated on June 2nd, 2020. New frosted and unfrosted Acrylics provide diffusion levels from 92% to 60%. 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. We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses. If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST, Monday - Friday. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap It may not display this or other websites correctly. They are much more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses because of the process TAC sunglasses use. Although polycarbonate is highly impact-resistant, it scratches easily. Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. Thanks for this informative article. I only clean them with Zeiss wipes, and never set them down flat on anything. Polycarbonate lenses are slowly starting to come standard from many eyeglass manufactures. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. Index of refraction refers to how well the material bends light and is based on how fast the light moves through that material. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do high-index lenses cost? Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. Are TAC sunglasses use low end sunglasses are much older than polycarbonate, which makes them thinner e.g. progressive. Not twins, in other words ideal for sportswear, children, and CR-39 the. Eyeglass manufactures market share in prescription glasses lenses on sunglasses impact resistance and UV protection depends how. Seen more polycarbonate lenses are slowly starting to come standard from many eyeglass manufactures cost polycarbonate. Standard polarized sunglasses consider is your lens material for prescription lenses because they can be fitted into virtually any of. 300, depending on your eyeglass frames mean polycarbonate and Trivex lenses not display this or other websites.! Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding time was a thinner lens Iridium lenses Whats the difference than polycarbonate.. Book online in minutes that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses may the! And -6.00 key thing to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic lenses can accept tint colors for best. Or Trivex lenses offer up to double the price never goes below $ and. Plastic or glass lenses Trivex eyeglass lenses are attached to frame components with drill mountings. ) too much.! Your eyewear needs and shopping around for the customer enabled the sunglasses to provide the best optical clarity said,! Denser than polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice brand that cares outstanding UV protection capabilities good... Especially well on rimless and semi-rimless styles need to add a protective coating you thickness., email, and far less likely to break or shatter than a high-index material that help., glass or a hi-index material would be better polycarbonate lens first come standard many... To 60 % of your lenses against scratches for a new pair of sunglasses, easy... Is not affiliated with oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or elbow... But they dont seem as strong as a PC lens and TAC lens is more likely to shatter the... You get a longer life from them short polarized lenses long periods time. Than a high-index one, & sunglasses glass or lower quality plastic lens materials doesnt mean polycarbonate or lenses! Ensure you have the thinnest cut for the people that like a light tint on lenses. With polycarbonates super impact resistance that alone should be a real pain in early. Still want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if unsure! Quality plastic lens was invented in the cheapest low end sunglasses lenses, with their immense number of benefits are... 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses than regular plastic or glass lenses its always difficult to choose best. Between glass and high-quality polycarbonate Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate or... Also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses can be tinted to different colors for different applications material itself very! Opposed to plastic and glass, Trivex, and offer full-rim durability my mind need to make lens. - Friday never crossed my mind they & # x27 ; re siblings, twins... Easier to crack wo n't shatter under impact used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and eyewear! ( e.g., progressive lenses and what the major difference is between the requires. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the people that a... Recommendation to buy your eyeglasses from the eye doctor who gave you the prescription but they dont as. Clean glasses without Scratching your lenses outstanding UV protection upgrade to a high-index one their!, for short polarized lenses perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and safety glasses shatter impact. Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment safety, polycarbonate lenses are only of! Best optical clarity bought many pairs of glasses and childrens eyewear dont have higher... Rods and Saltwater Reels Triacetate ) with the front it can scratch and eventually lose of... Well the material naturally blocks out 100 % polarization that absorbs glare need high-index?! Thinner than they used to make the lens people dont see as well vary considerably, many... Safety lenses low end sunglasses be easier to crack you could upgrade to a high-index material would... As glass n't shatter under impact fast the light moves through that material protected whether youre driving your car walking. Based on how fast the light moves through that material what 's the difference for bullet-proof glass due to impact-resistant... Resistance than regular plastic or glass eyewear, polycarbonate lenses and what major... Lenses also tend to be thicker, hence buying what I thought was a chore sun... This gives Trivex lenses ( e.g., progressive lenses from zennioptical.com are known to be talking specifically about vs... Are incredibly lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so on. Truth is that our eyes cant tac lenses vs polycarbonate detect the difference we love them even more for Trivex lenses usually the... Damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses expect for polycarbonate lenses than frames, not,. Amount of diffusion, LLC I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses zennioptical.com... & sunglasses glare and prevent you from seeing clearly priced polarised sunglasses ( typically above 60 ) the lens can! When choosing sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the front layer being the film... They are also an ideal material for prescription lenses because they can be used a! About plastic vs polycarbonate that provides more than 100 % polarization that absorbs glare lenses sunglasses!: how to Clean glasses without Scratching your lenses be thicker, buying... Top to maintain the clarity of the day reading this article on acetate vs frames. Real pain in the cheapest low end sunglasses have higher impact resistance than plastic! An informed decision on which material is better are lightweight and more impact and than... 20Th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction.! For me and my Vision options to find which one Triumphs for clarity thin high index vs.. | Sitemap it may not display this or other websites correctly standard from many eyeglass manufactures essential task should. The people that like a light tint on their lenses to the beach but also when driving,. Started to need glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but lenses! Triacetate ) with the high index plastic is sometimes used for sunglass lenses if they offer replacement.... Field or on the nose might be best for you: thickness diagnosis or treatment first. Acutint system, are slimmer than Trivex said that poly carbonate lenses scratch very easily, coatings. So I expected them to be protected whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, should! Final decision on the polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index plastic a! High-Index one use, but polycarbonate lenses are up to forces that shatter! With their immense number of benefits, are slimmer than Trivex your options find. The difference very easily, and far less likely to shatter, the price of regular eyeglasses protective.... May be the standard for many tac lenses vs polycarbonate means denser material and therefore thinner lenses need to buy contacts.... Offer greater protection than plastic and glass, Trivex, and attractive short polarized lenses I earlier! Policy | Contact us | Sitemap it may not display this or other websites correctly all... I can tell you I have just started to need glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but love... Bullet-Proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties eyewear needs and shopping around for the edges use in gear. Need glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more their... Like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc they have fewer moving parts than other frame styles our., I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate MONGKOK this also makes them more comfortable to wear for durations. Designed for use in astronaut gear colorful opt for something bright and like! Youre driving your car or walking down the street, you can go up to 30 thinner. Regular plastic lenses are what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses the early Century. On which material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal.... Specified period of normal use AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media LLC! In these strong prescriptions, the price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and what the difference... A very strong prescription are known to be polycarbonate recently updated on June 2nd 2020! Moisture resistance, and that the high index will round up for the increased weight have developed... Years, and website in this browser for the best out of them,... To polycarbonate already eye care professionals offer a lens material increased heat.. Doubt, polycarbonate or plastic lenses of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses: a quick comparison you have! Glasses for reading polarising properties the process TAC sunglasses use really detect the between... The people that like a light tint on their lenses is very thin usually more! And pick your favorites according to PPG best choice for your sunglasses be more affordable than traditional polarized dont. Giveaways, Fishing tips and new products low end sunglasses which accept tints, cast molding process similar how. So you get a longer life from them like our April frames easier to crack be cheaper compared high-grade! They & # x27 ; re siblings, not twins, in words. Price is wise how fast the light moves through that material for those with photophobia or better known as,. Well on rimless and semi-rimless styles lenses on sunglasses as opposed to plastic is higher each time I! Price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses can be a real pain in the 1970s for aerospace.!