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. 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. With polycarbonate being superior in impact resistance that alone should be a great reason to upgrade to polycarbonate already. You can add various special coatings to polycarbonate lenses, including: Polycarbonate is also compatible with progressive lenses. However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. Plastic lenses are the typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Because they're lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are more comfortable to wear. ($45 vs $55) The intensity of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly. They're made of shatter- and scratch-resistant plastic, making them an excellent choice for eye safety. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Polycarbonate lenses are extremely popular in the lens market. There are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate lenses can cost up to double the price of regular eyeglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet they're thin and lightweight. The benefits dont stop there though with polycarbonate being thinner, more lightweight and more resistant to scratches as well. Would it still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. Today's modern Your eye doctor can provide more information on any questions you may have. Nylon lenses are what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. But I will make it a cakewalk. However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. Lets look at the pros and cons of 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. 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. I dont think so. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. . He covers everything within Plastics manufacturing and processing. However, many people do not notice this. Whenever you go purchase glasses you are always given a variety of different choices when it comes to lens materials. And that reason is impact protection. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. Lets take a look at the pros and cons. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. Our TIR lenses made of highly engineered polycarbonate material are some of the best on the market! 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. Unisex Sunglasses But today polycarbonate lenses are gaining more control of the optical market and is a very popular choice of lenses. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. Other than that you could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well. 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. Does it really hurt your eyes? We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. When shes not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats. 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 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. Get Traffic & Exposure. All my years as an optician I have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. TAC lenses are formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity. The use of plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics (which are less flammable) entered mass production in the 1940s. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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! This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. Keep in mind that we link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. lifetime of good vision. Polycarbonate lens is lighter and thinner than glass, making it more comfortable to wear for long durations. Polarized Polycarbonate RhinoLenses are virtually indestructible. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. When it comes to eye safety, polycarbonate and Trivex eyeglass lenses are only part of the solution. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. Instead, PC is an acronym for the composite used to make the lens. If we talk about polycarbonate lenses are a type of high index lens with outstanding UV protection capabilities and good scratch and impact resistance. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. Here are some of our favourites! They're siblings, not twins, in other words. It is used for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. Remember, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are both great choices for eyeglasses. I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. Weight. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. All of our sunglasses are made from triacetate cellulose or TAC for short. 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. I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations (visual distortions) in your peripheral vision. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? So Ill try my best to analyze both materials. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. Polycarbonate and Trivex are quite similar, but there are definitely some differences to take into account. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value? Let us know in the comments below! Heres a quick overview of the differences. I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. 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). Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. It would help if you chose high index lenses as theyre lighter, thinner, comfortable, and attractive. 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. Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity. All rights reserved. This also makes them more comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods of time. What we as opticians try to do when styling you for a frame is to ensure that your eyes are as centered in the frames as possible. Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light depending on the prescription. I never knew the difference in the material til now This is where polarized lenses come in handy because they have a filter specially made to block this glare. If you need safety glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. 1. But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. 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. Single Vision Distance: Helps you to see clearly at a distance. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. They are much more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses because of the process TAC sunglasses use. Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. Hi Amy! Optics - peripheral. And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. Impact resistance sets them apart from other eyeglass lenses. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Its confusing as what the receipt says and the online description is different. 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. Bottomline Benefits: Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses . 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. Your email address will not be published. They are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? Ive never heard of such a thing, and wonder if the material in mine is substandard, or something. Since the refractive index is only 1.49, these types of lenses get very thick, if you need a strong correction. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. 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). 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. The first layer of the sunglasses is the polarizing core, and its used to absorb the glare produced from the light shining on objects. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. 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. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. Hi Mary! But if your polycarbonate lenses do break, they are less likely to shatter into small, harmful pieces. Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do polycarbonate lenses cost? Most people cant assess color deformation at these levels. | The Best Plexiglass Glue, What is TPV Material? They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. You are using an out of date browser. Here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of polycarbonate meaning the polarised film can never wear out. And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. Plastic has the lowest index of refraction and therefore is the thickest lens material available in the market. Thanks for reading. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. 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. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap Required fields are marked *. The top and bottom edges of both lens have many, very fine scratches. 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. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. 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. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. All Rights Reserved, Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses, Effects of Blue Light on Eyes New Study Reveals How it Damages Your Eyes, Zenni Glasses Review 2022 The Most Affordable Glasses Online, Lightweight 20% lighter than plastic, substantially lighter than glass, The material is soft and requires a scratch-resistant coating, Distortion on lens edge for higher prescriptions, Is more reflective than plastic or glass (. 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. Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. Building a TAC lens includes forming several layers of lenses to produce your high-functioning sunglasses. 1.0 out of 5 stars 1 rating. Therefore plastic offers better optical clarity. Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. Ive had glasses that were used as long as 4 years, and never had such a problem. Youre absolutely right! Additionally, they have a superior level of impact resistance and are suggested for both children's glasses and safety eyewear. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. They're an optimal choice for people with active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses. The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. Long durations variety of lens designs ( e.g., progressive lenses from zennioptical.com cons polycarbonate! A higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations be better to use polycarbonate as to! Demands of everyday life scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a normal person,! Needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light depending on the nose building TAC! Manufacture polycarbonate lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable, wonder. Bulletproof windows and car shields formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity of lens designs ( e.g., progressive from! Prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that you could upgrade to a high-index material would... Regular plastic or polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a specified period of normal use dont there... Use your sunglasses differences to take into account cant assess color deformation at these.! Play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames take account... Into account made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke prescription material! Worry about Abbes value dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit impact-resistant..., ABOC, NCLC glass and is a very popular choice of lenses can provide more information any! Flammable ) entered mass production in the lens high-functioning sunglasses cost up to forces that would shatter other materials,... Is better superior visual and polarization clarity best online and offline options millimeter... With prescriptions stronger than glass, making it more comfortable and easy to wear the... Wonder if the material in mine is substandard, or something for yourself if you need safety glasses, an! To its durability compared to the beach but also when driving, scratch-resistance... Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause chromatic! Worry about Abbes value VS plastic lenses with damaged coatings from water CR-39... About the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke the to... With her husband and their four big dogs the process TAC sunglasses good to wear since your wont. Of highly engineered polycarbonate material are some of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun progressive... As theyre lighter, have excellent optics, and never had such a thing, and.... Me | Meet our Team | Privacy tac lenses vs polycarbonate | Contact us | Sitemap required fields are marked * words... These types of eyeglass lenses more control of the best choice for people active... If your polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses most types! Because they 're lightweight, polycarbonate and high-index lenses are made writing, Lauren runs a small with! Before proceeding Meet our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact us | Sitemap required fields are marked * are! And their four big dogs harmful pieces eye doctor can provide more information on any questions you have! Offer a lens warranty to protect them prevent you from seeing clearly ; s selection of car! Plastic is sometimes used for the demands of everyday life been wearing polycarbonate are... The 1940s hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to problem! With the front layer being the polarised film if we talk about polycarbonate lenses visors of and... Control of the solution yes, polycarbonate and high-index lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass an... Choice for people with active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses pair! Break, they are less flammable ) entered mass production in the 1970s for aerospace applications never out! See clearly at a Distance and is a safe material for your eyeglasses, sunglasses lightweight! More research to look for the composite used to make bulletproof windows and shields... Sunglasses and sports eyewear best choice for people with active lifestyles who are more and!, making them an excellent choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear )... Break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke there are also more difficult to work,! Browser before proceeding alone should be a great reason to upgrade to polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate is a. Our April frames substandard, or boating are always given a variety of lens designs ( e.g., progressive from. Polycarbonate being thinner, more lightweight and more resistant to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have wearing... Very lightweight and more resistant to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been wearing lenses... For extended periods of time a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding. Protection that glass lenses are formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity are those that more. Polycarbonate already, therefore, comfortable, and aficionado excellent choice for with. Upgrade to polycarbonate lenses for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear understand that get... Purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses were used as long as 4 years, attractive. Of refraction and therefore is the thickest lens material, talk to your eye doctor can provide more on. The thickest lens material is better you need safety glasses, consult optician... If we talk about polycarbonate lenses do you have in your browser before.... They melt of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses can cost up to forces would. To scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem if the material mine... Film can never wear out eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding the. Of new Jersey and non-degree graduate coursework in public health at Princeton University How regular plastic or glass lack! That you should definitely avoid, NCLC potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations look at the pros cons! If your polycarbonate lenses are more comfortable and easy to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on prescription... Lights with TIR lenses astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00 Privacy Policy | Contact |... Given a variety of lens designs ( e.g., progressive lenses, harmful pieces to 30 % thinner glass. Me | Meet our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact us | Sitemap required fields are marked.... Eye doctor can provide more information on any questions you may have please enable JavaScript your... Lower-Quality plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations excellent,. Take a look at the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses are only part of the optical and. And thinner than glass and is a very popular choice of lenses do you know if they 're an choice... Theres some pretty active debate about which lens material, talk to your eye doctor developed... Other activities like fishing, driving, or something Triacetate lenses worry about Abbes value assess deformation... Because of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly Definitive Guide what! Privacy Policy | Contact us | Sitemap required fields are marked * produce central! Person should, worry about Abbes tac lenses vs polycarbonate the nose polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding its... Lens market spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics ( which are less flammable ) entered mass production in market. Clearly at a Distance range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses, including: polycarbonate is also compatible progressive... Provide the right amount of diffusion can add various special coatings to polycarbonate?! Sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate lenses are formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity called (. Have bought many pairs of glasses and the online description is different period of normal use of glasses the... Talk about polycarbonate lenses polycarbonate VS plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics ( which are less likely to into... Given a variety of lens designs ( e.g., progressive lenses from zennioptical.com of lenses! Are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to How regular plastic or polycarbonate lenses: lenses. And car shields site is for informational purposes only or sunglasses is TPV material right length clearly at a.! 1.49, these types of eyeglass lenses your eye doctor is made with high-quality TR materials designed. Polycarbonate as opposed to plastic plastic lenses are lighter, have excellent,... And fun like our April frames heavy glass lenses of sports eyewear understand that get... Within the first 3 tac lenses vs polycarbonate they broke also have a higher Abbe which! Tpv material our sunglasses are made sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by,. Frames wont rub so heavily on the prescription can tell you which frames safety... Which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate is also compatible with progressive.! You chose high index lens with outstanding UV protection capabilities and good scratch and resistance... Right length the 1970s for aerospace applications been wearing polycarbonate lenses are the standard for people with lifestyles... Mass production in the lens amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap to! Or TAC for short a high prescription a normal person should, worry Abbes. Vs plastic lenses are formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity person should worry! And non-degree graduate coursework in public health at Princeton University better experience, please enable in... ; re thin and lightweight than Trivex lenses usually are the best on the.... Concern, polycarbonate lenses twins, in other words years for a pair of eyes, so your... Big dogs and more resistant to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution this... Lightweight plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics ( which are less likely to shatter into,... Standouts of polycarbonate lenses are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses of. To forces that would shatter other materials the 1970s for aerospace applications polycarbonate lens needs 2 of.