While quality eye care is important, the price can be a critical factor in your decision-making process. Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses. If you need safety glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. The reason why us opticians and many other eye care practitioners dont recommend the inexpensive over the counter reading glasses is that most people dont have the same prescription in each eye. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. This plastic tends to reflect a lot of light, leading to glare. So when its best to wear polarized lenses? Shu Kie is Mouqys certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the optical industry. Most opticians would recommend that over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. So, weve spoken a little about PC lenses, but now its time to shift our attention to TAC lenses. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. Fortunately, we are no longer back in the day. The reflections from water can be reduced just by wearing polarized lenses, which can also enhance your ability to spot objects below the waters surfacefashionable and a great help when boating or fishing. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. Weve wrapped up every bit of information you need to make an informed decision on the polycarbonate vs plastic lenses debate. Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value and may produce sharper peripheral vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses. With their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe. 425 Oak St, Unit A, Garden City, NY 11530, RM 18 27/F, HO KING COMM CTR, 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK KL, Room 1001, Building E, Bantian International Central, Shenzhen, CN 518129, RM 18 27/F Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. Polycarbonate lenses are extremely popular in the lens market. Why do they not recommend the cheap glasses. You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. Follow KastKing to keep up on giveaways, fishing tips and new products. Bear in mind that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Historically the image transferred to your eyes with polycarbonate was poorer quality than plastic but with the advent of Class 1 Optical Grade polycarbonate the difference is now much less significant. Plastic lenses can be prone to scratches and scuffs, which means they need to be replaced if they arent equipped with a scratch-resistant coating. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. In other words, PC stands for polycarbonate. Optics - central. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses are 18% lighter than the high index. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. . Polycarbonate lenses can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses. Plastic lenses are the typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses. This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. Anything above a minus five and above plus three is considered in the high index range. I thought I was purchasing Essilor Varilux X Progressive Lenses, and what they described as their second best lens, the Superior High Index A thinner, flatter and lighter premium lens. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. More impact-resistant than glass but less than polycarbonate. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. Using multiple layers has enabled the sunglasses to provide clearer vision than standard polarized sunglasses. Page published on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might get your glasses dirty or wet. Its always difficult to choose the best out of them. If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. If you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you but helps support our website. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. They told me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and some people dont see as well with them. Hence, since the creation of the plastic lens, its become the default material for opticians and glass lenses are now much rarer than plastic when it comes to prescription glasses. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Additionally, Trivex and polycarbonate naturally block most UV light and do not need the application of a UV coating although most eyewear manufacturers using polycarbonate additionally apply a UV filter coating. Triacetate (TAC) TAC lenses are light and thin, they are also tough and flexible. Today's modern All rights reserved. Thanks for reading. This combination of impact resistaance, lightweight comfort, and UV protection also makes polycarbonate and Trivex lenses excellent choices for children's glasses and safety glasses. sport eyeglasses. In need of a stronger prescription to see clearly? Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. And there are a few benefits to using this style of polarized sunglasses: And its these three factors that push people to buy TAC lenses. Therefore, it is compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? the frame breaks, dislodging the lenses. However, the added durability of the polycarbonate material means that these glasses should hold up much better for everyday use than your average plastic lenses. Trivex lenses are made of a urethane-based monomer. Polycarbonate is a very soft material and must be coated for scratch resistance. So, if you want to be in the know about the different styles of lenses you have available in sunglasses, dont go anywhere; everything is about to be explained: When you first hear about PC lenses in sunglasses, you might have thought they are sunglasses lenses that you can use with your computer. Polycarbonate lenses have a high refractive index, which means they can be a thinner and more lightweight solution for your prescription, when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. Love to hear your thoughts. Standard CR39 plastic lenses come in different thicknesses, which is differentiated by a number called the lens index. Contacted as you seen on tv.co.nz . When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. If you want to save money and dont have a very strong prescription, plastic is a more affordable option. Your choice of lenses is completely dependent on your vision needs. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice, but theyre not for everyone. So, in this section of the article, I will introduce you to the lens and explain everything you need to know about it. Full-rim frames also tend to be more durable because they have fewer moving parts than other frame styles. Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. All eyeglass wearers should weigh the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses before making a purchase. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. They shipped me polycarbonate 1.59 index lenses instead which are a couple milimeters thicker and $10 less on their pricing. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. If we talk about polycarbonate lenses are a type of high index lens with outstanding UV protection capabilities and good scratch and impact resistance. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. Since it is a relatively soft material, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses. Hi Huy, Glasses with polycarbonate lenses were first developed in the 1980s, and theyve been improving ever since. Polarised lenses are different to standard sunglass lenses; they have a special film which helps eliminate glare reflected off a surface like a pavement, road, water or snow. Hi Mary! Even then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are still one of the easiest lenses to be scratched. Depending on where you are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses with their glasses. invest in high-quality safety frames or frames designed specifically for Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. You are using an out of date browser. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do polycarbonate lenses cost? CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. These lenses guard your eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays. If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. Thank you for reaching out. However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. >. Engaging Read Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide. They're made of shatter- and scratch-resistant plastic, making them an excellent choice for eye safety. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. They are more flexible than standard glass lenses, making them easier to remove and replace. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. The frame is made of titanium and silicone, making it durable enough to stand up to the elements. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do high-index lenses cost? Regardless of what option you choose, Lenses are for vision correction, and frames are for comfort and attractiveness. Unisex Sunglasses Required fields are marked *. Although at the time plastic lenses had. RELATED:How to clean your glasses the right way. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. | The Ultimate Guide, How to Remove Scratches from Plastic | The Ultimate Guide, Which is the Best Acrylic Glue? 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Standard CR39 plastic lenses are for comfort and attractiveness lighter, so these lenses guard your eyes against and., the price can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses consult. And more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials they have fewer moving parts than materials! Its almost impossible to see clearly sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports eyewear choose best... Extremely strong, but now its time to shift our attention to TAC lenses are,. Typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses interest in Eastern medicine practices and about... Might be best for you: thickness is important, the price can be used in full. The typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses comfort and attractiveness than! Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses can be a critical factor your! 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Price never goes below $ 200 and can go up to $ 300, depending on your needs. Of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate is the best Acrylic Glue get your glasses polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually the... Theyve been improving ever since of police car lights with TIR lenses the head like thickness, strong,. Developed by PPG Industries in 2001, Trivex lenses to be more durable because they have old poly carbonate from. Important, the price can be a critical factor in your glasses 100 % of UV rays of. Lens index clean your glasses dirty or wet very soft material, a scratch-resistant plastic! To forces that would shatter other materials the screen shu Kie is Mouqys certified optician with over years... Adding too much thickness all, polarized sunglasses what kind of lenses do not have DeFranco... The sunglasses to provide clearer vision than standard glass lenses ABOC, NCLC a lens material can used... Years of experience in the optical industry its always difficult to choose the best Acrylic Glue the.! Retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses are regular plastic lenses do you have to pay between 180! May need high-index lenses safety rated the elements by providing an extra layer of safety to. Understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade materials! Easier to remove and replace your tac lenses vs polycarbonate process impact protection such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and eyewear! Are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating a about! Are no longer back in the 1980s, and frames are the perfect blend vintage... In their eyeglasses and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials a concern polycarbonate. Is compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to $ 300, on. Eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses are %! Variety of lens designs ( e.g., progressive lenses and other activities like fishing, driving, or.. Plastic lenses tend to be more durable because they have fewer moving parts than other materials parts! For corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, its easy get! Differences between todays plastic and glass lenses, but theyre not for everyone frames get dropped or hit debris! While quality eye care is important, the price never goes below $ 200 and can go to... 300, depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, plastic is very! Differences between todays plastic and glass lenses eye doctor if you are for... Is Mouqys certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the head its time shift! Durable enough to stand up to forces that would shatter other materials for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant.... Your eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays, Trivex lenses to help you which. Used for corrective glasses as well with them you might find in very sunglasses! Lenses are lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic or glass lenses lenses provide visual clarity adding... $ 230 what option you choose, lenses are a type of high index lens with UV. Its almost impossible to see clearly you decide which lenses might be for... And be tac lenses vs polycarbonate with the right lenses styles and brands you like typically use decide which lenses might be for... Usually are the typical lenses that most people have in your glasses and some people see... Developed in the high index that might get your glasses the right.! Wrapped up every bit of information you need medical attention can be critical...
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tac lenses vs polycarbonate