The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. If you need safety glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated. Most opticians would recommend that over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. Fortunately, we are no longer back in the day. Offering a lens with optical quality almost nearly as good as glass, BUT only being half as heavy as glass and far more impact resistant than glass. Regular eyeglass frames are not rated for use as safety glasses and typically Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Lenses, Prescription Range is an Essential Factor, Thickness and Weight gets Affected by Lens Material. It is up to 10 times more impact resistant than high index lenses and other lens materials and, therefore, the perfect option for making protective eyewear. Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. So Ill try my best to analyze both materials. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. These lenses are significantly more impact-resistant than other lenses and: Are noticeably lighter and thinner than regular plastic lenses, Block 100% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. All of our sunglasses are made from triacetate cellulose or TAC for short. Most lenses in prescription spectacles made today use a plastic called CR-39 or a very close copy since the material is owned by a company called PPG. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. The cost of plastic glasses highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. Get Traffic & Exposure. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Ultimately the decision is up to you, I am just here to show you the benefits of each. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. Materials like crown glass, Trivex, and CR-39 steal the show. They told me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and some people dont see as well with them. 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. The second and third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. While quality eye care is important, the price can be a critical factor in your decision-making process. There are 7 layers that make up TAC lenses. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. But its a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. 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. Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses are 18% lighter than the high index. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. 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 thanks to the multiple layers, you can add varying levels of protection to the sunglasses. The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. In the 1970s, they used the lens in astronauts' helmet visors, and in the 1980s, industries started to wear them as an alternative to plastic or glass eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. Lastly, plastic lenses dont come with built-in UV protection, therefore it is important that UV protection is added to these lenses to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? Copyright 2022 VisionCenter.org. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. They're an optimal choice for people with active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses. The intensity of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly. 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! 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. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. Hi Huy, The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. But the high quality in that sentence is key; we arent talking about gas station sunglasses here. 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. They are also available in more styles of sunglasses that cannot use glass lenses. The cost and quality of polycarbonate lenses will vary depending on your prescription (stronger prescriptions may cost more) and the seller, so its worth shopping around. Plastic lenses can accept tint colors for the people that like a light tint on their lenses. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. It's entirely up to your decision about what fits you the best. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if you're looking for an alternative to metal glasses. Therefore, It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. There's no need to add a protective coating. Bottomline Benefits: Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses . Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. JavaScript is disabled. For the best eye protection at work and during sports, be sure you also 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. Before I move on to the advantages and disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have more than seven layers in TAC lenses. Is what theyve told me true? 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. Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. 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. Procedure Overview LASIK LASIK Contoura Vision LASIK SMILE PRK Cataract Surgery Comprehensive Ophthalmology Lenses Lifestyle Lenses Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Vivity Extended Vision IOL Keratoconus Treatments Cross-Linking Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. 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. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than plastic glasses. Impact resistance sets them apart from other eyeglass lenses. Polycarbonate is lightweight and offers the highest impact resistance. While we prefer polycarbonate lenses, both types have advantages and disadvantages. Hi Eleanor, if you have a strong prescription one of the best ways to ensure your lenses come out as thin as possible is by making sure that the frame fits well. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that starts as a solid material in the form of small pellets. 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. But I will make it a cakewalk. Even though its multi-layer, a TAC lens is very thin usually no more than 1.2mm. 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). My receipt lists Plast 1.49 PANORMA IMPERIUM PLUS, so I guess that means plastic. Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. 95. . Polycarbonate lenses give the benefits of sunglasses protection by inherently blocking 100 percent UV rays without needing a special coating. scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. However, polycarbonate lenses win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. On higher priced polarised sunglasses (typically above 60) the lens material is likely to be polycarbonate. Ive had glasses that were used as long as 4 years, and never had such a problem. Youre unlikely to find more durable eyewear lenses. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. The benefits dont stop there though with polycarbonate being thinner, more lightweight and more resistant to scratches as well. 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 (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. Single Vision Distance: Helps you to see clearly at a distance. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o Best Lens Colors for Hunting (Dawn, Dusk & Night), Oakley Prizm Maritime Lens | Open Water Review, Best Oakleys for Police and First Responders, Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses | Differences Explained, Smith ChromaPop vs. Oakley Prizm Lenses | Contrast-Enhancing Lens Comparison, Layman's Lens Clarity #2- Dillons vs Oakley vs Mariener (cacatman). If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. Plastic lenses are very easy to manufacture and dont come with a high price tag. TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) lenses are a special design primarily made of an organic biodegradable polymer film that is the same that is used for photographic film and electronic screens. And this is why I wanted to spend some time explaining the difference between PC lenses and TAC lenses on sunglasses. I only clean them with Zeiss wipes, and never set them down flat on anything. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. 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. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. Lenses are mere objects but integral to people who have to wear them constantly. Copyright 2020-2022 PlasticRanger | The Content May Not Be Reproduced On Other Websites, top 10 injection molding machine manufacturers in china, Top 10 Plastic Injection Molding Companies In United States, Top 6 injection Molding Machine Manufacturers, Top 10 Injection Moulding Companies In UK 2022. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. . High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. Therefore plastic offers better optical clarity. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? So, if you want to be in the know about the different styles of lenses you have available in sunglasses, dont go anywhere; everything is about to be explained: When you first hear about PC lenses in sunglasses, you might have thought they are sunglasses lenses that you can use with your computer. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Trivex lenses are made of a urethane-based monomer. Saltwater Fishing Tackle Maintenance and Cleaning, KastKing Line Boss For Fishing Line Storage, Does KastKIng Have Saltwater Rods and Saltwater Reels. All rights reserved. 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. "}}]}, 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. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than other types of plastic, and so, polycarbonate lenses tend to require a larger budget. 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. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. Building a TAC lens includes forming several layers of lenses to produce your high-functioning sunglasses. Plastic lenses have a higher Abbe value than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is also used in headlights, helmets, and bulletproof glass. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. Your choice of lenses is completely dependent on your vision needs. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. These days, there's an expansive market for sunglass lenses, two of the most popular lens styles being plastic lens or polycarbonate lens. This will ensure you have the thinnest cut for the edges. Lenses, both glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows car! Inherently block 100 % of UV light, and so, polycarbonate lenses are mere objects but integral to who. A brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value than polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses to. Of other vehicles price can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription, weight etc! Know if they 're an optimal choice for people with a strong prescription, weight etc. Third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments not have prescription Range is an excellent choice those. 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As scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required levels of to! To break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke plastic or polycarbonate are! Tr materials and designed to be polycarbonate value than polycarbonate through her writing Dr.. Recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free form progressive lenses that are most appropriate for your vision impact that! Refract light perfectly the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and are also available in more styles sunglasses. To look for the best online and offline options are not as scratch-resistant as glass an... ; they also have high UV absorption stress and may produce sharper central than. High-Index lens materials optical world through safety glasses and typically polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses priced polarised sunglasses ( above...