Whilst glass has a high refractive index, there are various brand options available. You will receive an RMA number once you have started a return or exchange. This is primarily because of its high optical clarity, low cost, impact-resistant, and durable property. And reasonable prices mean its realistic to buy more than one pair without going over your eyewear budget. Is one type of lens significantly better than the other? damage from UV rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime. This doesnt mean polycarbonate lenses are unclear. I suggest you try them out for yourself to draw your own conclusions. For this reason, glass lenses dont really require any additional scratch-resistant coating. Get an exclusive first look at our latest promotions and collections! Plastic lenses have a higher optical clarity than polycarbonate lenses. Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. How much do Fuse AMP lenses enhance color? Within 60 days after the date of delivery, you may exchange or return your item for a full refund. To keep the weight down, it helps if your glasses frame is slim/rectangular to minimise the bulk of glass. Polycarbonate lenses, also known as the plastic lenses, were developed in 1953. There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. This is because polycarbonate lenses have the best impact protection overall. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Theyre superbly scratch resistant, even more so than modern hard-multi-coatings (HMC) on plastic lenses. Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. High-index lensesrefers to any type of plastic or mineral lens material with a refractive index higher than 1.5 (standard index.) These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. It is really hard to scratch them, although not impossible. Choosing the lens for your frames relies on you. Lighter, thinner eyeglasses are less likely to slip off your nose and are more comfortable for everyday wear. We make the assumption that each category has the same weight which is not true. 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. This allows them to be available in a wider variety of colors than glass lenses. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. Polycarbonate lenses can be tinted a wide range of colors. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. All rights reserved. Get inspired with these 40 examples of the best colour glasses for grey hair. Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to your eyes. We look forward to hearing from you. If so, please share it using the social icons below. you will decrease your chances of scratches, regardless if you have a glass or polycarbonate lenses. Aspheric lensesuse more complex, undulating areas of curvature. It is actually important to note that most people can not even tell the difference in the clarity between glass and polycarbonate lenses nowadays. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. As a general rule of thumb, glass lenses will cost you more than plastic ones. This is why it has an additional layer to help with scratch resistant and improve durability. Warranty redemptions may only be used for a lens of the same value and for the same frame as the original purchase. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always, See The Road Ahead with Night Driving Glasses. Glass is a heavier material than plastic, therefore, glass sunglasses can become uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. They're especially popular for water-sportsor driving to reduce visual fatigue over long periods of exposure. You're only human Get inspired by theseyouthful spectacle styles. This includes dropping your sunglasses on the ground or flying projectiles hitting your sunglasses. Lenses made from resin polycarbonate or CR39 resin dont shatter like this, which is theyre deemed safer, especially for sporting activities. Polycarbonate lenses cost more than their plastic counterparts, however, the price can be brought down with vision insurance and frame allowance. Polarised lensesare a sunglasses-specific lens designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. It is really hard to scratch them, although not impossible. 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. You also need to consider the material your lenses are made from. They use a chemical filter within or upon the lens which diminishesreflected glare from flat shiny surfaces such as water, snow or ice. Besides its use in eyeglass lenses, it is also used for car headlights, CDs and DVDs, and many other industrial applications. 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. Keep me updated on Sunglass Warehouse email-exclusive sales and new product features. Eventually, the final decision is up to you. Theyreideal for activeuseif you put high physical demands on your eyewear. are the most prevalent plastic lens material and are nearly half the weight of glass. Fun fact: The material polycarbonate was originally used to manufacture the windshields of fighter planes!Fun fact: Polycarbonates lenses are worth it. The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions. CR39 lensesare the most prevalent plastic lens material and are nearly half the weight of glass. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. 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. 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. For a unique quotation,contact our lens lab with a copy of your prescription. Here at Fuse, we believe the benefits of polycarbonate outweigh the drawbacks and therefore we only sell polycarbonate lenses. 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. 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. Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Nikon, Seiko and Shamir etc. While we prefer polycarbonate lenses, both types have advantages and disadvantages. Polycarbonate is easier to treat with virtually all tints. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. They tend to have flatter curves which makes them more visually appealing than conventionally curved spheric lens types. 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? Since then, plastic has become a popular and widely used material for making eyeglass lenses. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since damage from UV rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime. While plastic lenses are generally cheaper, polycarbonate lens may save you in the long run since you can expect less replacement costs. Glass lenses can shatter upon hard impact which poses a more significant danger compared to plastic-based lens materials. Famously, mineral lenses also have the capability of shattering. If you want hard-wearing lenses, polycarbonate or Trivex are safer for sport or protective prescription eyewear. Our job is to highlight the various benefits, drawbacks, and differences between both lenses. Now that we have a brief overview of polycarbonate lenses let us consider some of its advantages and disadvantages. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. No particular lens material is best. This depends on your prescription, lifestyle and budget. Scratches on lenses can ruin your favorite sunglasses. If you want a lightweight frame for intense physical use, sports glasses with CR39, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are better suited. You choose from over 20+ colors and tints. Glass lenses will shatter when it undergoes a hard impact, which can be very dangerous if it shatters while you are wearing them. In indoor environments, photochromic lenses emulate normal plastic lenses. What strength of reading glasses do I need. Most, if not all modern reading glasses lenses are not made of plastic known as CR39. Polycarbonate lenses are gradually taking over a significant portion of the optical market share once dominated by plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. All lens purchases include a 60-day guarantee. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. And there are even still glass lenses out there in sunglasses! Inherent Ultraviolet (UV) protection:Polycarbonate lens surfaces offer inbuilt ultraviolet protection. 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. This is mainly because of its lighter weight, impact-resistant, thinner and more scratch-resistant properties. Both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. You may unsubscribe at any time. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. They are more than 10-times more impact resistant than your average plastic or glass lens. Depending on your prescription and lifestyle, real glass lenses may or may not be suitable. Starting at $79.99. Polycarbonate lenses are more than just durable: they also have 100% protection from the suns UV rays! 1.50 index, anti-glaresingle vision glass lenses begin at around 52in 2022. You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. 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. Benefits of Polycarbonate Lenses in Michigan, Why Michigan Residents Choose Polycarbonate Vs Glass/Plastic For Lenses, How To Choose A Top-Rated LASIK Surgeon in Michigan. Lens material is normally glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. March 14, 2018 It was their 39th iteration of resin that later became prolifically used for making optical lenses, hence the abbreviated name CR39. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always contact our support team for advice. 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. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays which protect your eyes. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. For Fuse +Plus lenses, this add-on is for one extra lens replacement over the lifetime of your lenses. Right Pair of Sunglasses for Your Fishing Tournament. The unique property of polycarbonate lenses meant that surfacing was going to be an issue. Impact protection means that the lens will not shatter if it takes a hit. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused, in the original packaging, and in the same condition that you received it. Which is the best option, though? 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. Which in optics, is the holy grail material for making lenses (as long as you dont drop them.). In this article, we are going to be discussing specifically plastic and polycarbonate eyeglasses and the major differences between both lens materials. Fuse +Plus lens purchases include a lifetime, 1 time replacement guarantee. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. Quickly discoveryourcorrect strength of reading lenses with thisfree printable reading glasses strength test. Socialize with us. Polycarbonate lenses alone are more prone to scratches. Subscribe to our newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase. For instance, certain individuals cannot use polycarbonate lenses, because they experience an odd Visual distortion. Despite their extra weight, you may prefer glass lenses compared to plastic ones, depending on your prescription and personal preferences. Some people might value some qualities more than others. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Glass lenses won clarity and scratch resistant. Although you can always buy replacement lenses, you want to make sure the lenses you do have last you for a long time. This is because these tools require precision clarity which means that glass lenses are the most optically clear. Our job is to highlight the various benefits, drawbacks, and differences between both lenses. Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses. Their remote service keeps the prices of your lenses competitively low and lets us get on with manufacturing our spectacle and sunglasses frames. However, depending on your prescription, coatings and the index used, glass spectacle lenses can vastly vary in price. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. For prescription lens fitting, weve partnered with Lensology. This is why it has an additional layer to help with scratch resistant and improve durability. Just add the extra warranty to your cart, and we will add on another 1 year, 1 time replacement to your purchase. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. It may not display this or other websites correctly. And that reason is impact protection. Not ideal when they could easily weigh more than your spectacles themselves. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? Glass and polycarbonate lenses. For this reason, glass lenses dont really require any additional scratch-resistant coating. If you need any assistance in selecting the right lenses for your eyewear, please contact us now. Polycarbonate is very strong, making it an excellent lens material. Polycarbonate is over 200 times stronger than glass, extending the average lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. Polarized Sunglasses: How Does It Help You Fish? But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays, without requiring additional coatings. Plastic lenses are inexpensive and affordable than polycarbonate lenses which are more expensive. Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. 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. By checking this box you won't have to sign in as often on this device. Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated. Support the site and become a premium member today! are the oldest material for making ophthalmic lenses and can reach a refractive index as high as 1.9. Polycarbonate plastic lenses are. 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. Then, cash in those points for exclusive discounts! Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. Both are viable lens materials. You can still have glass lenses fitted to your spectacles. For questions or a quote, please contact our lens lab. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? Free shipping on all orders within the continental U.S. 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. If you are shopping for a new eyeglass be sure to find out the lens materials available. They also have an impact on your vision, comfort, and appearance. You're grey haired glasses inspiration starts and ends here. Who is the winner of polycarbonate lenses vs. glass lenses? Nowadays, choosing a pair of eyeglasses is about more than just style. Compared to plastic lenses, glass lenses can be disproportionally heavy if theyre made from a low-index lens in a strong prescription. They'remoderately more impact resilient and lighter in weight than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses are much lighter in weight than plastic lenses. California Residents: Click Here for Proposition 65 warning. At EyeBuyDirect, youll findpolycarbonate lenses built into stylish and high-quality frames at affordable prices. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. 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. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. Fuse Lenses logo and images are the copyright of EyeCandy Eyewear LLC. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. The overall winner based on these five rounds is polycarbonate lenses. A rare thing in todays throw away culture. But dont forget that the primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities. Materialistically, glass has a higher refractive index than plastic. Hopefully you found this article useful. 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. We make stand out, heavyweight, robust eyewear in classic, timeless styles. Britains leading glazing and re-glazing ophthalmic lens service based in Watford UK. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. You'll also get early access to our BIGGEST sale of the year. According to your prescription, glass lenses create dioptric correction for the eye by bending and directing light towards the correct area of the retina. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. Polycarbonate lenses were introduced sometime in the 1980s by the Gentex Corporation. All replacement lenses are custom-made to order by Fuse Lenses and will not contain any other brand's associated logo or markings. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. Both! It took manufacturers some time to develop surfacing equipment that could be used to surface a polycarbonate lens. To recap, it is important you use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection since. This comparison is very two-dimensional though. The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Trivex lenses are made from plastic. A significant percent of harmful ultraviolet rays from a variety of sources are blocked by these lenses. 5 signs to look out for, Glasses that make you look younger: 20 examples. They use a chemical filter within or upon the lens which diminishesreflected glare from flat shiny surfaces such as water, snow or ice. You will find blogs out there strongly claiming and confirming plastic as the better option due to its affordability and high optical quality. We will not specifically recommend one over another if it will not be suitable for your visual needs. Examine the facts and consider your own personal day-to-day activities. If youve browsed for prescription or non-prescription frames you know both types of lenses offer their own benefits and disadvantages. And finally, glass lenses have a great reputation. 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. However, in some instances, glass lenses can still be ordered and may be the preferred choice. Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. Photochromic lenses are characterised by their 'darkening' reaction to varying strengths of UV light. Our highest quality lenses come with polarization and anti-reflective coatings. If someone is sensitive to pressure or wants to wear their sunglasses for a prolonged period of time, polycarbonate lenses are recommended. Something to consider if youre fairly active or your occupation poses impacts on your eyewear. However, glass lenses do not have impact resistance. If you prefer wearing large style spectacles, the combined weight of two large glass lenses can also make your frame incredibly heavy. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses which accepts tints. Polycarbonate lenses advantages and disadvantages, Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. If you are purchasing glass lenses, make sure they have this additional coating to protect your eyes from the UV rays. What works for one person might not for another. Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. Trivex lenses are regularly used for prescription safety spectaclesfor their high resilience, but cost slightly more than standard polycarbonate equivalents. Glass lenses are optically clear, clearer than polycarbonate lenses. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. Which is better- plastic or polycarbonate lenses? The first lightweight Plastic eyeglass lens made its debut sometime in 1947. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Any usage of their trademarks is only to describe the products bearing those marks. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Please contact our lens labif youd like to explore our array of mineral lens options. The brands listed do not endorse, sponsor, support, or associate with Fuse Lenses. This is how all corrective lenses work to aid your near, intermediate or distance vision for prescription use. Made in the UK in our own workshop. And, unlike some other types of eyeglass lenses, they do not require any additional coating for sun protection. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. 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 lenses cant be beaten. In this case, choosing a plastic eyeglass lens or high index lens would be much better. 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. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. Theyre the heaviestcommon lens material today, but give the best refractive index for their thickness. Heres a quick rundown of their top features to help you decide. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. 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. Lenses & CoatingsGlass vs. Polycarbonate Lenses. Eventually, the final decision is up to you. So in this round who offers better scratch resistance? Your Script. Children and sportspeople favour this lens material for its hard-wearing properties and inherent UV protection. Theyre certainly old fashioned, but glass lenses are still the most optically efficient material formaking opticallenses. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. 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. To optimize your experience we use cookies. This can include cataracts and macular degeneration, along with other eye problems. If your prescriptionhas an exceptionally strong sphere or cylinder power,the refractive index of glasscan be better forminimising bulky lenses. You are using an out of date browser. Lens Hub and to use during sports and other physical activities.
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