It doesnt matter if something happens today, tomorrow, or 10 years from now -- weve got your back. 
Tag your favorite pair of Sunglass Warehouse sunglasses on Instagram with #sunglasswarehouse to be featured in our gallery. Glass lenses cant be beaten. To keep the weight down, it helps if your glasses frame is slim/rectangular to minimise the bulk of glass. But dont forget that the primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. The brands listed do not endorse, sponsor, support, or associate with Fuse Lenses. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. Unfortunately, gift cards are ineligible for returns. Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Nikon, Seiko and Shamir etc. 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. Lenses & CoatingsGlass vs. Polycarbonate Lenses. If so, please share it using the social icons below. Additionally, past 60 days we are unable to offer you a refund. All rights reserved. Adults who regularly play sports or who hold active jobs would also benefit from these types of lenses. Made in the UK in our own workshop. If youre sensitive to your frames weight, for example, polycarbonate lenses may be the right choice. HomeBlog Aspheric lensesuse more complex, undulating areas of curvature. They also have an impact on your vision, comfort, and appearance.
Lenses made from resin polycarbonate or CR39 resin dont shatter like this, which is theyre deemed safer, especially for sporting activities. To optimize your experience we use cookies. Despite their extra weight, you may prefer glass lenses compared to plastic ones, depending on your prescription and personal preferences.
Examine the facts and consider your own personal day-to-day activities.
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. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
While plastic lenses are generally cheaper, polycarbonate lens may save you in the long run since you can expect less replacement costs.
Polycarbonate lenses are gradually taking over a significant portion of the optical market share once dominated by plastic lenses. Comments are Off
Our job is to highlight the various benefits, drawbacks, and differences between both lenses. You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. It is not necessarily a one size fits all solution when it comes down to eyeglass lens material. The unique property of polycarbonate lenses meant that surfacing was going to be an issue. And reasonable prices mean its realistic to buy more than one pair without going over your eyewear budget. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Glass and polycarbonate lenses. Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is.
Ultraviolet protection in sunglasses was something that was talked about in detail in the article, , . Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses - What's the difference? Right Pair of Sunglasses for Your Fishing Tournament. While theyre not the thinnest kind of lens out there, they still retain their position as the swiss-army-knife of eyewear lenses. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. Do I need reading glasses? What strength of reading glasses do I need. Scratches on lenses can ruin your favorite sunglasses. Visit our Privacy Policy here. Starting at $79.99. Everything you need to know about our lenses. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays which protect your eyes. Our job is to highlight the various benefits, drawbacks, and differences between both lenses. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. I suggest you try them out for yourself to draw your own conclusions. A positive thing about glass lenses that were not previously mentioned in the article, is that for prescription lenses, glass is recommended for bifocal or trifocal lenses due to its ability to be molded together without a noticeable edge. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. How much do Fuse AMP lenses enhance color? For your security, we recommend only checking this box on your personal devices. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. It is actually important to note that most people can not even tell the difference in the clarity between glass and polycarbonate lenses nowadays. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. Plastic lenses are inexpensive and affordable than polycarbonate lenses which are more expensive. It was their 39th iteration of resin that later became prolifically used for making optical lenses, hence the abbreviated name CR39. For a unique quotation,contact our lens lab with a copy of your prescription. If youre looking for the highest optical quality, glass is the way to go. Sunglass Warehouse Profiles: Sarah Hilmer, Sunglass Warehouse Profiles: Camryn Walton, Sunglass Warehouse Profiles: Connor Hitchcock. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since damage from UV rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime.
Although you can always buy replacement lenses, you want to make sure the lenses you do have last you for a long time. Usingthe correct index, glass can normally be made thinner than a plastic equivalent. Heres what you need to know about polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate lenses for eyeglasses. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each lens?
The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. This allows them to be available in a wider variety of. Depending on your prescription and lifestyle, real glass lenses may or may not be suitable. Some people have a strong loyalty to one side, so in this article glass lenses and polycarbonate lenses will battle it out in five rounds. Both! Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since. refers to any type of plastic or mineral lens material with a refractive index higher than 1.5 (standard index.) It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Just add the extra warranty to your cart, and we will add on another 1 year, 1 time replacement to your purchase. Polycarbonate is easier to treat with virtually all tints. Polycarbonate lenses have come a long way since their creation and are actually considered the standard lenses in the sunglasses industry. However, in some instances, glass lenses can still be ordered and may be the preferred choice. Fuse Lenses is not associated with any other brand. Our highest quality lenses come with polarization and anti-reflective coatings. It is important to note that if you follow our guide to. This can include cataracts and macular degeneration, along with other eye problems. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always, See The Road Ahead with Night Driving Glasses. There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses. 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.
Is one type of lens significantly better than the other? Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. Socialize with us. Any Frames. Trivex lenses are made from plastic. So we put each material to the test to find out which would duke it out to be the winner! Color Enhancing Lenses vs. Polarized Lenses: What are they best for? Fuse +Plus lens purchases include a lifetime, 1 time replacement guarantee. Your eye doctor can help you decide if polycarbonate lenses are appropriate for your specific prescription and lifestyle. They can be incredibly heavy, bulky and yes, they can shatter like in the old movies. Plastic: Which Lenses Are Right for You? Which in optics, is the holy grail material for making lenses (as long as you dont drop them.). High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. CR39 lensesare the most prevalent plastic lens material and are nearly half the weight of glass. Lens material is normally glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. Who is the winner of polycarbonate lenses vs. glass lenses?
Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. Our expert team have vast years of working experience in the optical industry and can help guide you through the decision making process. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. This includes dropping your sunglasses on the ground or flying projectiles hitting your sunglasses. Compared to plastic lenses, glass lenses can be disproportionally heavy if theyre made from a low-index lens in a strong prescription. And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate 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. Are you thinking about getting polarized sunglasses? Both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses.
By visiting our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. We will not specifically recommend one over another if it will not be suitable for your visual needs.
20 examples of grey-haired glasses wearers absolutely nailing it. If youre looking for durability, then you may want to choose plastic. They're especially popular for water-sportsor driving to reduce visual fatigue over long periods of exposure. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. One of the biggest selling points of early plastic lens material was that it was lightweight and offered all-day comfort. However, glass lenses do not have impact resistance. 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. You will receive an RMA number once you have started a return or exchange. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. 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. Glass lenses are also more scratch resistant than modern plastic lenses, even with protective hard coatings. This kind of UV protection is an inherent part of the material theyre made out of, which glass and plastic lenses lack. Quickly discoveryourcorrect strength of reading lenses with thisfree printable reading glasses strength test. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. It took manufacturers some time to develop surfacing equipment that could be used to surface a polycarbonate lens. Polycarbonate is also hard wearing and has great impact resistance, but has a slightly lower refractive index. To complete your return, we require proof of purchase.. We get a ton of packages, so please do not send your items back without first receiving a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Here are some few differences between both lenses to determine which one is better: The decision between a plastic or polycarbonate lens should be made based on personal preference, cost, weight, durability, impact, and scratch resistance. If you need any assistance in selecting the right lenses for your eyewear, please contact us now. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes.
Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated. Polycarbonate lenses are more than just durable: they also have 100% protection from the suns UV rays! Polycarbonate lenses, also known as the plastic lenses, were developed in 1953. Polycarbonate is easier to treat with virtually all tints. Eventually, the final decision is up to you. Earn points for purchases, reviews, likes, and track them all from your account. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. This allows them to be available in a wider variety of colors than glass lenses. You have to make sure the pair of glass lenses you buy have that additional coating to protect your eyes from UV rays. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. Do you buy a whole new pair of sunglasses? It was invented independently in 1953 by Dr. Hermann Schnell of Bayer and Dr. Daniel Fox of General Electric. This makes them ideal for people with strong prescriptions. Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. We make the assumption that each category has the same weight which is not true. People who wear their sunglasses while being active and parents who are shopping for their smaller children may be concerned with the impact protection of certain sunglasses. Theyre the heaviestcommon lens material today, but give the best refractive index for their thickness. CR39 is very easily tinted making it ideal for prescription sunglasses. Fun fact: The material polycarbonate was originally used to manufacture the windshields of fighter planes!Fun fact: Polycarbonates lenses are worth it.
and to use during sports and other physical activities. Using five types of projectiles including golf and tennis balls, the study found that polycarbonate lenses didnt shatter, even at high impact. At EyeBuyDirect, you can get a pair of polycarbonate lenses with your choice of frame for as low as $18! Ophthalmologists often recommend polycarbonate lenses for children because of the lenses durability. Within 60 days after the date of delivery, you may exchange or return your item for a full refund. Thats because, over the years, plastic (polycarbonate) lenses have become mainstream due to the lower cost of production, lightweight nature, and lower risk of eye injury. Heres a quick rundown of their top features to help you decide. In this case, choosing a plastic eyeglass lens or high index lens would be much better. The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions.
Hopefully you found this article useful. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses do crack, check the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement lenses. You will find blogs out there strongly claiming and confirming plastic as the better option due to its affordability and high optical quality. Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated.
Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays, without requiring additional coatings. If youre looking for durability, then you may want to choose plastic. Are they worth the cost? They can be CR39, polycarbonate or glass. They'remoderately more impact resilient and lighter in weight than polycarbonate. This is a hard wearing resin material that outdated glass lenses in 1940 when it was first invented by Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation as part of their Columbia Resins Project. [?]. Anytime you are in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses, you are going to be provided with different options regarding the lens material. CR39 is very easily tinted making it ideal for prescription sunglasses. This then makes it crucial for you to make the right decision or risk ending up with an ineffective item. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always contact our support team for advice. And finally, glass lenses have a great reputation. Glass, on the other hand, requires a special coating in order to block any UV rays.
you will decrease your chances of scratches, regardless if you have a glass or polycarbonate lenses. All lens purchases include a 1 year, 1 time replacement warranty standard, no questions asked. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Both are viable lens materials. Britains leading glazing and re-glazing ophthalmic lens service based in Watford UK. Glass is extremely scratch resistant, can provide a veryhigh refractive index,butis more fragile to hard impacts. This is how all corrective lenses work to aid your near, intermediate or distance vision for prescription use. On top of that, we allow you to extend your standard warranty for another year! Heres What You Need to Know. They're especially popular for water-sportsor driving to reduce visual fatigue over long periods of exposure. Polycarbonate lenses advantages and disadvantages, Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages.
Theyre certainly old fashioned, but glass lenses are still the most optically efficient material formaking opticallenses. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses which accepts tints. For questions or a quote, please contact our lens lab. A singular eyeglass lens may also be known as a monocle. If your prescriptionhas an exceptionally strong sphere or cylinder power,the refractive index of glasscan be better forminimising bulky lenses. For this reason, glass lenses dont really require any additional scratch-resistant coating. Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. are the oldest material for making ophthalmic lenses and can reach a refractive index as high as 1.9. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better.
Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Polycarbonate lenses are gradually taking over a significant portion of the optical market share once dominated by plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses rose to critical acclaim due to its durable, and additional properties. Polycarbonate is over 200 times stronger than glass, extending the average lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. If youve browsed for prescription or non-prescription frames you know both types of lenses offer their own benefits and disadvantages. Theyreideal for activeuseif you put high physical demands on your eyewear. Polycarbonate plastic lenses are. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. Polycarbonate is very strong, making it an excellent lens material. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Backed up by our repair promise for frames you can rely on. 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. After duking it out for eight rounds, the judges have come to a decision the winner of this battle is plastic lenses with a 6-2 decision. Children and sportspeople favour this lens material for its hard-wearing properties and inherent UV protection. Eventually, effective solutions to these obstacles were put forward in addition to the refinement and enhancement of polycarbonate lenses into the high-quality material widely used today. Glass vs. Besides its use in eyeglass lenses, it is also used for car headlights, CDs and DVDs, and many other industrial applications. Which is better- plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Subscribe to our newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase. Which is the best option, though? This is why it has an additional layer to help with scratch resistant and improve durability. See our latest collections & exclusive offers before the crowd! Fortunately, we are no longer back in the day. They use a chemical filter within or upon the lens which diminishesreflected glare from flat shiny surfaces such as water, snow or ice. Lighter, thinner eyeglasses are less likely to slip off your nose and are more comfortable for everyday wear. What do you do when your lenses get scratched or crack? Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to your eyes. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. Fuse Lenses logo and images are the copyright of EyeCandy Eyewear LLC. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference?
If you are shopping for a new eyeglass be sure to find out the lens materials available. Impact protection means that the lens will not shatter if it takes a hit. Theyre durable and impact-resistant, lightweight and thin, and even offer extremely effective UV protection. The first lightweight Plastic eyeglass lens made its debut sometime in 1947. Lens Hub And that reason is impact protection. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. Materialistically, glass has a higher refractive index than plastic. Theyre superbly scratch resistant, even more so than modern hard-multi-coatings (HMC) on plastic lenses. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses.
This is because polycarbonate lenses have the best impact protection overall.
Get an exclusive first look at our latest promotions and collections! Choosing the lens for your frames relies on you. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. When we think of the lenses in our glasses, most of us would never assume that the lenses are actually glass. In brightly lit environments, they automatically darken to provide bettervisual comfort, handy if you're sensitive to bright light. All lens purchases include a 60-day guarantee. A rare thing in todays throw away culture. Get inspired with these 40 examples of the best colour glasses for grey hair. Trivex lenses are regularly used for prescription safety spectaclesfor their high resilience, but cost slightly more than standard polycarbonate equivalents.
Nowadays, choosing a pair of eyeglasses is about more than just style. They have the highest uncoated scratch resistance amongst all types of plastic lenses. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Along the same lines, plastic lenses are less bulky than glass ones. 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.
When people ask about your stylish spectacles, theyre renowned for their optical quality and carry retro notions of being made to last. Photochromic lenses are characterised by their 'darkening' reaction to varying strengths of UV light. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. Furthermore, glass is much heavier at nearly twice the weight of CR39 plastic lenses. eye doctor, Eye Exam Appointment, Eyeglass Lenses, michigan eye institute, Polycarbonate Lenses, Polycarbonate Lenses for Eyeglasses, Prescription Eyewear. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. You are using an out of date browser. Glass lenses are also known as mineral lenses or crown glass lenses.
In this article, we are going to be discussing specifically plastic and polycarbonate eyeglasses and the major differences between both lens materials. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. 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.
Here's 6 of the signs you should look out for if your close reading isn't quite what it used to be. For prescription lens fitting, weve partnered with Lensology. We make stand out, heavyweight, robust eyewear in classic, timeless styles. To start a return or exchange, contact us at from our Help Center. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. This is mainly because of its lighter weight, impact-resistant, thinner and more scratch-resistant properties.
Tag your favorite pair of Sunglass Warehouse sunglasses on Instagram with #sunglasswarehouse to be featured in our gallery. Glass lenses cant be beaten. To keep the weight down, it helps if your glasses frame is slim/rectangular to minimise the bulk of glass. But dont forget that the primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. The brands listed do not endorse, sponsor, support, or associate with Fuse Lenses. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. Unfortunately, gift cards are ineligible for returns. Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Nikon, Seiko and Shamir etc. 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. Lenses & CoatingsGlass vs. Polycarbonate Lenses. If so, please share it using the social icons below. Additionally, past 60 days we are unable to offer you a refund. All rights reserved. Adults who regularly play sports or who hold active jobs would also benefit from these types of lenses. Made in the UK in our own workshop. If youre sensitive to your frames weight, for example, polycarbonate lenses may be the right choice. HomeBlog Aspheric lensesuse more complex, undulating areas of curvature. They also have an impact on your vision, comfort, and appearance. Lenses made from resin polycarbonate or CR39 resin dont shatter like this, which is theyre deemed safer, especially for sporting activities. To optimize your experience we use cookies. Despite their extra weight, you may prefer glass lenses compared to plastic ones, depending on your prescription and personal preferences.
Examine the facts and consider your own personal day-to-day activities.
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. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
While plastic lenses are generally cheaper, polycarbonate lens may save you in the long run since you can expect less replacement costs.
Polycarbonate lenses are gradually taking over a significant portion of the optical market share once dominated by plastic lenses. Comments are Off
Ultraviolet protection in sunglasses was something that was talked about in detail in the article, , . Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses - What's the difference? Right Pair of Sunglasses for Your Fishing Tournament. While theyre not the thinnest kind of lens out there, they still retain their position as the swiss-army-knife of eyewear lenses. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. Do I need reading glasses? What strength of reading glasses do I need. Scratches on lenses can ruin your favorite sunglasses. Visit our Privacy Policy here. Starting at $79.99. Everything you need to know about our lenses. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays which protect your eyes. Our job is to highlight the various benefits, drawbacks, and differences between both lenses. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. I suggest you try them out for yourself to draw your own conclusions. A positive thing about glass lenses that were not previously mentioned in the article, is that for prescription lenses, glass is recommended for bifocal or trifocal lenses due to its ability to be molded together without a noticeable edge. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. How much do Fuse AMP lenses enhance color? For your security, we recommend only checking this box on your personal devices. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. It is actually important to note that most people can not even tell the difference in the clarity between glass and polycarbonate lenses nowadays. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. Plastic lenses are inexpensive and affordable than polycarbonate lenses which are more expensive. It was their 39th iteration of resin that later became prolifically used for making optical lenses, hence the abbreviated name CR39. For a unique quotation,contact our lens lab with a copy of your prescription. If youre looking for the highest optical quality, glass is the way to go. Sunglass Warehouse Profiles: Sarah Hilmer, Sunglass Warehouse Profiles: Camryn Walton, Sunglass Warehouse Profiles: Connor Hitchcock. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since damage from UV rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime.
Although you can always buy replacement lenses, you want to make sure the lenses you do have last you for a long time. Usingthe correct index, glass can normally be made thinner than a plastic equivalent. Heres what you need to know about polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate lenses for eyeglasses. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each lens?
The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. This allows them to be available in a wider variety of. Depending on your prescription and lifestyle, real glass lenses may or may not be suitable. Some people have a strong loyalty to one side, so in this article glass lenses and polycarbonate lenses will battle it out in five rounds. Both! Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since. refers to any type of plastic or mineral lens material with a refractive index higher than 1.5 (standard index.) It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Just add the extra warranty to your cart, and we will add on another 1 year, 1 time replacement to your purchase. Polycarbonate is easier to treat with virtually all tints. Polycarbonate lenses have come a long way since their creation and are actually considered the standard lenses in the sunglasses industry. However, in some instances, glass lenses can still be ordered and may be the preferred choice. Fuse Lenses is not associated with any other brand. Our highest quality lenses come with polarization and anti-reflective coatings. It is important to note that if you follow our guide to. This can include cataracts and macular degeneration, along with other eye problems. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always, See The Road Ahead with Night Driving Glasses. There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses. 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.
Is one type of lens significantly better than the other? Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. Socialize with us. Any Frames. Trivex lenses are made from plastic. So we put each material to the test to find out which would duke it out to be the winner! Color Enhancing Lenses vs. Polarized Lenses: What are they best for? Fuse +Plus lens purchases include a lifetime, 1 time replacement guarantee. Your eye doctor can help you decide if polycarbonate lenses are appropriate for your specific prescription and lifestyle. They can be incredibly heavy, bulky and yes, they can shatter like in the old movies. Plastic: Which Lenses Are Right for You? Which in optics, is the holy grail material for making lenses (as long as you dont drop them.). High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. CR39 lensesare the most prevalent plastic lens material and are nearly half the weight of glass. Lens material is normally glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. Who is the winner of polycarbonate lenses vs. glass lenses?
Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. Our expert team have vast years of working experience in the optical industry and can help guide you through the decision making process. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. This includes dropping your sunglasses on the ground or flying projectiles hitting your sunglasses. Compared to plastic lenses, glass lenses can be disproportionally heavy if theyre made from a low-index lens in a strong prescription. And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate 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. Are you thinking about getting polarized sunglasses? Both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses.
By visiting our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. We will not specifically recommend one over another if it will not be suitable for your visual needs.
20 examples of grey-haired glasses wearers absolutely nailing it. If youre looking for durability, then you may want to choose plastic. They're especially popular for water-sportsor driving to reduce visual fatigue over long periods of exposure. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. One of the biggest selling points of early plastic lens material was that it was lightweight and offered all-day comfort. However, glass lenses do not have impact resistance. 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. You will receive an RMA number once you have started a return or exchange. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. 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. Glass lenses are also more scratch resistant than modern plastic lenses, even with protective hard coatings. This kind of UV protection is an inherent part of the material theyre made out of, which glass and plastic lenses lack. Quickly discoveryourcorrect strength of reading lenses with thisfree printable reading glasses strength test. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. It took manufacturers some time to develop surfacing equipment that could be used to surface a polycarbonate lens. Polycarbonate is also hard wearing and has great impact resistance, but has a slightly lower refractive index. To complete your return, we require proof of purchase.. We get a ton of packages, so please do not send your items back without first receiving a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Here are some few differences between both lenses to determine which one is better: The decision between a plastic or polycarbonate lens should be made based on personal preference, cost, weight, durability, impact, and scratch resistance. If you need any assistance in selecting the right lenses for your eyewear, please contact us now. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes.
Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated. Polycarbonate lenses are more than just durable: they also have 100% protection from the suns UV rays! Polycarbonate lenses, also known as the plastic lenses, were developed in 1953. Polycarbonate is easier to treat with virtually all tints. Eventually, the final decision is up to you. Earn points for purchases, reviews, likes, and track them all from your account. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. This allows them to be available in a wider variety of colors than glass lenses. You have to make sure the pair of glass lenses you buy have that additional coating to protect your eyes from UV rays. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. Do you buy a whole new pair of sunglasses? It was invented independently in 1953 by Dr. Hermann Schnell of Bayer and Dr. Daniel Fox of General Electric. This makes them ideal for people with strong prescriptions. Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. We make the assumption that each category has the same weight which is not true. People who wear their sunglasses while being active and parents who are shopping for their smaller children may be concerned with the impact protection of certain sunglasses. Theyre the heaviestcommon lens material today, but give the best refractive index for their thickness. CR39 is very easily tinted making it ideal for prescription sunglasses. Fun fact: The material polycarbonate was originally used to manufacture the windshields of fighter planes!Fun fact: Polycarbonates lenses are worth it.
and to use during sports and other physical activities. Using five types of projectiles including golf and tennis balls, the study found that polycarbonate lenses didnt shatter, even at high impact. At EyeBuyDirect, you can get a pair of polycarbonate lenses with your choice of frame for as low as $18! Ophthalmologists often recommend polycarbonate lenses for children because of the lenses durability. Within 60 days after the date of delivery, you may exchange or return your item for a full refund. Thats because, over the years, plastic (polycarbonate) lenses have become mainstream due to the lower cost of production, lightweight nature, and lower risk of eye injury. Heres a quick rundown of their top features to help you decide. In this case, choosing a plastic eyeglass lens or high index lens would be much better. The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions.
Hopefully you found this article useful. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses do crack, check the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement lenses. You will find blogs out there strongly claiming and confirming plastic as the better option due to its affordability and high optical quality. Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated.
Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays, without requiring additional coatings. If youre looking for durability, then you may want to choose plastic. Are they worth the cost? They can be CR39, polycarbonate or glass. They'remoderately more impact resilient and lighter in weight than polycarbonate. This is a hard wearing resin material that outdated glass lenses in 1940 when it was first invented by Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation as part of their Columbia Resins Project. [?]. Anytime you are in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses, you are going to be provided with different options regarding the lens material. CR39 is very easily tinted making it ideal for prescription sunglasses. This then makes it crucial for you to make the right decision or risk ending up with an ineffective item. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always contact our support team for advice. And finally, glass lenses have a great reputation. Glass, on the other hand, requires a special coating in order to block any UV rays.
you will decrease your chances of scratches, regardless if you have a glass or polycarbonate lenses. All lens purchases include a 1 year, 1 time replacement warranty standard, no questions asked. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Both are viable lens materials. Britains leading glazing and re-glazing ophthalmic lens service based in Watford UK. Glass is extremely scratch resistant, can provide a veryhigh refractive index,butis more fragile to hard impacts. This is how all corrective lenses work to aid your near, intermediate or distance vision for prescription use. On top of that, we allow you to extend your standard warranty for another year! Heres What You Need to Know. They're especially popular for water-sportsor driving to reduce visual fatigue over long periods of exposure. Polycarbonate lenses advantages and disadvantages, Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages.
Theyre certainly old fashioned, but glass lenses are still the most optically efficient material formaking opticallenses. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses which accepts tints. For questions or a quote, please contact our lens lab. A singular eyeglass lens may also be known as a monocle. If your prescriptionhas an exceptionally strong sphere or cylinder power,the refractive index of glasscan be better forminimising bulky lenses. For this reason, glass lenses dont really require any additional scratch-resistant coating. Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. are the oldest material for making ophthalmic lenses and can reach a refractive index as high as 1.9. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better.
Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Polycarbonate lenses are gradually taking over a significant portion of the optical market share once dominated by plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses rose to critical acclaim due to its durable, and additional properties. Polycarbonate is over 200 times stronger than glass, extending the average lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. If youve browsed for prescription or non-prescription frames you know both types of lenses offer their own benefits and disadvantages. Theyreideal for activeuseif you put high physical demands on your eyewear. Polycarbonate plastic lenses are. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. Polycarbonate is very strong, making it an excellent lens material. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Backed up by our repair promise for frames you can rely on. 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. After duking it out for eight rounds, the judges have come to a decision the winner of this battle is plastic lenses with a 6-2 decision. Children and sportspeople favour this lens material for its hard-wearing properties and inherent UV protection. Eventually, effective solutions to these obstacles were put forward in addition to the refinement and enhancement of polycarbonate lenses into the high-quality material widely used today. Glass vs. Besides its use in eyeglass lenses, it is also used for car headlights, CDs and DVDs, and many other industrial applications. Which is better- plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Subscribe to our newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase. Which is the best option, though? This is why it has an additional layer to help with scratch resistant and improve durability. See our latest collections & exclusive offers before the crowd! Fortunately, we are no longer back in the day. They use a chemical filter within or upon the lens which diminishesreflected glare from flat shiny surfaces such as water, snow or ice. Lighter, thinner eyeglasses are less likely to slip off your nose and are more comfortable for everyday wear. What do you do when your lenses get scratched or crack? Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to your eyes. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. Fuse Lenses logo and images are the copyright of EyeCandy Eyewear LLC. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference?
If you are shopping for a new eyeglass be sure to find out the lens materials available. Impact protection means that the lens will not shatter if it takes a hit. Theyre durable and impact-resistant, lightweight and thin, and even offer extremely effective UV protection. The first lightweight Plastic eyeglass lens made its debut sometime in 1947. Lens Hub And that reason is impact protection. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. Materialistically, glass has a higher refractive index than plastic. Theyre superbly scratch resistant, even more so than modern hard-multi-coatings (HMC) on plastic lenses. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses.
This is because polycarbonate lenses have the best impact protection overall.
Get an exclusive first look at our latest promotions and collections! Choosing the lens for your frames relies on you. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. When we think of the lenses in our glasses, most of us would never assume that the lenses are actually glass. In brightly lit environments, they automatically darken to provide bettervisual comfort, handy if you're sensitive to bright light. All lens purchases include a 60-day guarantee. A rare thing in todays throw away culture. Get inspired with these 40 examples of the best colour glasses for grey hair. Trivex lenses are regularly used for prescription safety spectaclesfor their high resilience, but cost slightly more than standard polycarbonate equivalents.
Nowadays, choosing a pair of eyeglasses is about more than just style. They have the highest uncoated scratch resistance amongst all types of plastic lenses. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Along the same lines, plastic lenses are less bulky than glass ones. 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.
When people ask about your stylish spectacles, theyre renowned for their optical quality and carry retro notions of being made to last. Photochromic lenses are characterised by their 'darkening' reaction to varying strengths of UV light. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. Furthermore, glass is much heavier at nearly twice the weight of CR39 plastic lenses. eye doctor, Eye Exam Appointment, Eyeglass Lenses, michigan eye institute, Polycarbonate Lenses, Polycarbonate Lenses for Eyeglasses, Prescription Eyewear. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. You are using an out of date browser. Glass lenses are also known as mineral lenses or crown glass lenses.
In this article, we are going to be discussing specifically plastic and polycarbonate eyeglasses and the major differences between both lens materials. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. 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.
Here's 6 of the signs you should look out for if your close reading isn't quite what it used to be. For prescription lens fitting, weve partnered with Lensology. We make stand out, heavyweight, robust eyewear in classic, timeless styles. To start a return or exchange, contact us at from our Help Center. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. This is mainly because of its lighter weight, impact-resistant, thinner and more scratch-resistant properties.