polycarbonate vs glass sunglasses

polycarbonate lenses lens materials resistant rosin Both! Are you thinking about getting polarized sunglasses? Which in optics, is the holy grail material for making lenses (as long as you dont drop them.).

If someone is sensitive to pressure or wants to wear their sunglasses for a prolonged period of time, polycarbonate lenses are recommended. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. In this case, choosing a plastic eyeglass lens or high index lens would be much better. We look forward to hearing from you. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since damage from UV rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime. Get an exclusive first look at our latest promotions and collections! Let us know in the comments below! It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. Our highest quality lenses come with polarization and anti-reflective coatings. 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.

What do you do when your lenses get scratched or crack? Polycarbonate lenses cost more than their plastic counterparts, however, the price can be brought down with vision insurance and frame allowance. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. This new eyeglass lens material had a high index of refraction, making it to be the lightest and thinnest lens material available then. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. If you have a high sphere and/or a high cyl (more than plus or minus 3) youll require higher index lenses to avoid heavy thick lenses. If you need help navigating the world of prescription eyewear, or if you need to make an eye exam appointment, contact Michigan Eye Institute. Since the introduction and use of Plastic lenses (also known as CR-39), it has sealed its mark as the most preferred choice in the optical industry. Theyre certainly old fashioned, but glass lenses are still the most optically efficient material formaking opticallenses. Additionally, past 60 days we are unable to offer you a refund. They use a chemical filter within or upon the lens which diminishesreflected glare from flat shiny surfaces such as water, snow or ice. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. If you regularly play sport or have a manual labour job, the fragility and weight of glass makes plastic lenses as a much safer, more forgiving lens option. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? In this article, we are going to be discussing specifically plastic and polycarbonate eyeglasses and the major differences between both lens materials. Using five types of projectiles including golf and tennis balls, the study found that polycarbonate lenses didnt shatter, even at high impact. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Hopefully you found this article useful. While glass lenses wont exactly weigh you down, they are significantly heavier than polycarbonate plastic (twice as heavy, in some cases!) Most, if not all modern reading glasses lenses are not made of plastic known as CR39. Glass lenses can shatter upon hard impact which poses a more significant danger compared to plastic-based lens materials. While theyre not the thinnest kind of lens out there, they still retain their position as the swiss-army-knife of eyewear lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. Heres What You Need to Know. They tend to have flatter curves which makes them more visually appealing than conventionally curved spheric lens types. The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions. Quickly discoveryourcorrect strength of reading lenses with thisfree printable reading glasses strength test. Support the site and become a premium member today! This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses.

So if you drop it or a flying projectile hits your glasses, there is a strong possibility that it will shatter and that can be very dangerous. This is mainly because of its lighter weight, impact-resistant, thinner and more scratch-resistant properties. While plastic lenses are generally cheaper, polycarbonate lens may save you in the long run since you can expect less replacement costs. At EyeBuyDirect, you can get a pair of polycarbonate lenses with your choice of frame for as low as $18! What works for one person might not for another. We have several convenient Michigan eye clinic locations; find one near you today! It is really hard to scratch them, although not impossible. Lens Hub Glass vs. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays, without requiring additional coatings. Keep me updated on Sunglass Warehouse email-exclusive sales and new product features.

And finally, glass lenses have a great reputation. Socialize with us. If you prefer wearing large style spectacles, the combined weight of two large glass lenses can also make your frame incredibly heavy. Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. This is mainly because of its lighter weight, impact-resistant, thinner and more scratch-resistant properties. You're only human Get inspired by theseyouthful spectacle styles. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. With this capability, you open the door for tinted fashion lenses and fun sunglass lens tints. Fuse +Plus lens purchases include a lifetime, 1 time replacement guarantee. Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses. Besides its use in eyeglass lenses, it is also used for car headlights, CDs and DVDs, and many other industrial applications. Another factor is that glass lenses do not automatically have UV protection. Along the same lines, plastic lenses are less bulky than glass ones. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. When we think of the lenses in our glasses, most of us would never assume that the lenses are actually glass. Glass lenses are clearer than polycarbonate plastic and will provide you with the crispest visual experience. Whilst glass has a high refractive index, there are various brand options available. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. vuitton louis fake sunglasses replica lv spot glasses ru know gold louisvuittonoutletuk buylouisvuittonuk Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. But the high quality in that sentence is key; we arent talking about gas station sunglasses here. The overall winner based on these five rounds is polycarbonate lenses. For instance, certain individuals cannot use polycarbonate lenses, because they experience an odd Visual distortion. Polycarbonate is also hard wearing and has great impact resistance, but has a slightly lower refractive index. It was invented independently in 1953 by Dr. Hermann Schnell of Bayer and Dr. Daniel Fox of General Electric.

If you want a lightweight frame for intense physical use, sports glasses with CR39, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are better suited. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. They're especially popular for water-sportsor driving to reduce visual fatigue over long periods of exposure.

Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. Or sourced by us from the best frame makers in Japan. Trivex lenses are regularly used for prescription safety spectaclesfor their high resilience, but cost slightly more than standard polycarbonate equivalents. Glass lenses are heavier than polycarbonate, so if you plan on wearing your sunglasses for long periods of time, be mindful of this fact since it might start to become uncomfortable. Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. Copyright 2016 Sunglass Warehouse. If you want hard-wearing lenses, polycarbonate or Trivex are safer for sport or protective prescription eyewear.

Polycarbonate lenses alone are more prone to scratches. This makes them ideal for people with strong prescriptions. They have the highest uncoated scratch resistance amongst all types of plastic lenses. To start a return or exchange, contact us at from our Help Center. In brightly lit environments, they automatically darken to provide bettervisual comfort, handy if you're sensitive to bright light. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. Our job is to highlight the various benefits, drawbacks, and differences between both lenses. Glass lenses are optically clear, clearer than polycarbonate lenses. and to use during sports and other physical activities. you will decrease your chances of scratches, regardless if you have a glass or polycarbonate lenses. 5 signs to look out for, Glasses that make you look younger: 20 examples. We make stand out, heavyweight, robust eyewear in classic, timeless styles. They can be made from polycarbonate, CR39 or high-index plastic. Theyre the heaviestcommon lens material today, but give the best refractive index for their thickness. The Vision Council described polycarbonate glasses as virtually unbreakable. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also found that polycarbonate lenses were more impact-resistant than glass or other types of plastic lenses. It is important to note that if you follow our guide to caring for your sunglasses you will decrease your chances of scratches, regardless if you have a glass or polycarbonate lenses. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. By visiting our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. They are made out of glass. High-index lensesrefers to any type of plastic or mineral lens material with a refractive index higher than 1.5 (standard index.) Glass lenses won clarity and scratch resistant. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses do crack, check the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement lenses. To keep the weight down, it helps if your glasses frame is slim/rectangular to minimise the bulk of glass.

Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. However, glass lenses do not have impact resistance. To optimize your experience we use cookies. The weight of sunglasses is important to consider if you are a person who tends to be sensitive to these type of things or if you are planning to use your sunglasses for hours on end. Ultraviolet protection in sunglasses was something that was talked about in detail in the article, , . Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. For questions or a quote, please contact our lens lab. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. It is not necessarily a one size fits all solution when it comes down to eyeglass lens material. Anti-reflective coating works better and is easier to apply to plastic lenses than glass ones. If your lenses become damaged at any time during the warranty time period, simply contact customer service from our Help Center to get a fresh set of lenses. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Something to consider if youre fairly active or your occupation poses impacts on your eyewear. Visit our Privacy Policy here.

And, unlike some other types of eyeglass lenses, they do not require any additional coating for sun protection. Some people might value some qualities more than others. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. High index lenses can be made from CR39, polycarbonate, Trivex or glass in various mid to high indexes ranging from 1.56, 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74. Their remote service keeps the prices of your lenses competitively low and lets us get on with manufacturing our spectacle and sunglasses frames. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. If youre looking for durability, then you may want to choose plastic. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. Glass is a heavier material than plastic, therefore, glass sunglasses can become uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Any Frames. Polycarbonate lenses, also known as the plastic lenses, were developed in 1953. Glass and polycarbonate lenses. It is also scratch resistant and does not require any additional scratch-resistant coating. Scratches on lenses can ruin your favorite sunglasses. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? The first lightweight Plastic eyeglass lens made its debut sometime in 1947. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses which accepts tints. How much do Fuse AMP lenses enhance color? are the oldest material for making ophthalmic lenses and can reach a refractive index as high as 1.9. Famously, mineral lenses also have the capability of shattering. 20 examples of grey-haired glasses wearers absolutely nailing it. Polycarbonate lenses rose to critical acclaim due to its durable, and additional properties. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Theyre durable and impact-resistant, lightweight and thin, and even offer extremely effective UV protection. All rights reserved. You'll also get early access to our BIGGEST sale of the year. For a unique quotation,contact our lens lab with a copy of your prescription. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. Polycarbonate is easier to treat with virtually all tints. They'remoderately more impact resilient and lighter in weight than polycarbonate. Plastic: Which Lenses Are Right for You? Your eye doctor can help you decide if polycarbonate lenses are appropriate for your specific prescription and lifestyle. However, in some instances, glass lenses can still be ordered and may be the preferred choice. Polarized Sunglasses: How Does It Help You Fish? Lens material is normally glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. For your security, we recommend only checking this box on your personal devices.

California Residents: Click Here for Proposition 65 warning. Polycarbonate lenses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. Eventually, the final decision is up to you. You also need to consider the material your lenses are made from. Fuse Lenses logo and images are the copyright of EyeCandy Eyewear LLC. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. The CR-39 is an acronym for Columbia Resin 39 and the digit indicates that it is the 39th formula that produced the resulting plastic material. This can include cataracts and macular degeneration, along with other eye problems. Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. Polycarbonate plastic lenses are less likely to shatter than glass and this makes them perfect for children and to use during sports and other physical activities. Our guarantees a 12-Month Product Guarantee and a 14-Day Style & Fit Guarantee also ensure that youre happy with your purchase by replacing, refunding, or exchanging your frames if they become damaged or arent quite your style. Examine the facts and consider your own personal day-to-day activities. This is why it has an additional layer to help with scratch resistant and improve durability. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always, See The Road Ahead with Night Driving Glasses. are the most prevalent plastic lens material and are nearly half the weight of glass. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses.

For this reason, glass lenses dont really require any additional scratch-resistant coating. The different types of lens material vary in their weight, flexibility, durability, thickness, scratch resistance, etc. You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. Trivex lenses are made from plastic. We make the assumption that each category has the same weight which is not true. And reasonable prices mean its realistic to buy more than one pair without going over your eyewear budget. Oakley Forum is the largest and most reliable platform for Oakley news, updates and any information you are looking for about Oakley sunglasses and other products. In indoor environments, photochromic lenses emulate normal plastic lenses. Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Nikon, Seiko and Shamir etc. Polycarbonate lenses are much lighter in weight than plastic lenses. But the rumours are true. Polycarbonate lenses win the categories of impact protection, weight, and UV protection. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Compared to plastic lenses, glass lenses can be disproportionally heavy if theyre made from a low-index lens in a strong prescription. The unique property of polycarbonate lenses meant that surfacing was going to be an issue. Polycarbonate lenses advantages and disadvantages, Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. They can be incredibly heavy, bulky and yes, they can shatter like in the old movies. You can still have glass lenses fitted to your spectacles. Furthermore, glass is much heavier at nearly twice the weight of CR39 plastic lenses. Heres what you need to know about polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate lenses for eyeglasses. Get inspired with these 40 examples of the best colour glasses for grey hair. They have the highest uncoated scratch resistance amongst all types of plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses alone are more prone to scratches. Most glass will absorb UV radiation, but when it comes to protecting your eyes from the suns damaging rays, polycarbonate plastic is the best bet. This is because polycarbonate lenses have the best impact protection overall. See our latest collections & exclusive offers before the crowd! Glass is more resistant to scratching than plastic; however, to reduce your plastic lenses susceptibility to scratching, you can apply an anti-scratch coating. If youve browsed for prescription or non-prescription frames you know both types of lenses offer their own benefits and disadvantages. All lens purchases include a 1 year, 1 time replacement warranty standard, no questions asked. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Theyreideal for activeuseif you put high physical demands on your eyewear. Not ideal when they could easily weigh more than your spectacles themselves. Now that we have a brief overview of polycarbonate lenses let us consider some of its advantages and disadvantages. Polycarbonate is very strong, making it an excellent lens material. For Fuse +Plus lenses, this add-on is for one extra lens replacement over the lifetime of your lenses. By Agatha If you are purchasing glass lenses, make sure they have this additional coating to protect your eyes from the UV rays. This doesnt mean polycarbonate lenses are unclear. Despite their extra weight, you may prefer glass lenses compared to plastic ones, depending on your prescription and personal preferences. Glass is optically superior but is also prone to shattering and can be very heavy if you have a high sphere and /or high cyl prescription. 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. Inherent Ultraviolet (UV) protection:Polycarbonate lens surfaces offer inbuilt ultraviolet protection. They use a chemical filter within or upon the lens which diminishesreflected glare from flat shiny surfaces such as water, snow or ice. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays which protect your eyes. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. A singular eyeglass lens may also be known as a monocle.

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polycarbonate vs glass sunglasses