Are polycarbonate lenses better than glass?

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  • Consequently, plastic lenses are now the material of
  • If you need help navigating the planet of prescription eyewear, or if you need to make an eye exam appointment, contact Michigan Eye Institute.
  • Today’s modern scratch-resistant coatings can make the top of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass.
  • This consists of dropping your sunglasses on the ground or flying projectiles hitting your sunglasses.
  • No matter whether you like glass or polycarbonate, always make sure your lenses have 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.
  • Plastic lenses have the highest abbe value of any plastic lens.

Just one more benefit behind lenses made of glass is having cleaner and less noticeable edges. Counting on bifocals and trifocals already are an issue when found in the workplace. Having to fight with edging when trying to read something up-close or a long way away is a common problem with plastic lenses. In the plastic lens market, no one’s yet think of a satisfactory way to reduce this problem. It’s worth considering if you have employment requiring the most in eyewear clarity. Even though glass is certainly heavier to wear and may break easier, careful usage offers you the best optics that you can buy.
This benefit is more than just convenient based on how you intend to use or use your safety glasses. Because plastic is significantly lighter than glass, it really is more pleasant to wear for extended periods of time. Therefore, you can find four distinct materials available for safety lenses to protect your eyes from the above mentioned hazards. Choosing a small lens size frame may be the biggest determinant of lens thickness and weight! Smaller frames also reduce the quantity of lens distortions/aberrations.

Difference Between Plastic And Glass Lenses

Polycarbonate originated in the 1970s for aerospace applications. It is useful for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. Polycarbonate was adapted for use in eyeglass lenses in reaction to demand for lightweight, impact-resistant lenses. Glass is commonly a heavier material than polycarbonate lenses. For those sensitive to pressure or who intend to wear eye protection for long hours, polycarbonate can be a better choice for its lightweight and pliable properties. You can find blogs on the market strongly claiming and confirming plastic because the better option due to its affordability and high optical quality.

Because of the many advantages to polycarbonate lenses, they often double in cost from glass or plastic lenses. Trivex is another lightweight, impact-resistant material for eyeglass lenses. Like polcarbonate, Trivex is a superb lens material for safety applications and children’s eyewear. It has the ultraviolet blocking properties and shatter resistant properties of polycarbonate. However, Trivex lenses have a higher abbe value (43-45) vs. polycarbonate making it much better in optical clarity with fewer chromatic aberrations.

Photochromatic Lenses

scratches. On the other hand, a scratch-resistant coating can be put into polycarbonate lenses to provide them with some added protection against scratches. The main reason people choose glass over plastic lenses is they need better scratch resistance. However, you can include an anti-scratch coating to your plastic lenses and present them the same level of protection. This option, in addition to the durability of plastic lenses, is excatly why lots of people prefer plastic over glass.
Another significant benefit of these lenses is that they are impact resistant. It’s important to notice that impact resistant will not mean shatterproof.

  • These medical reviewers confirm this content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the most recent evidence-based research.
  • Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance.
  • This special coating will significantly decrease unwanted reflected light, provide a more comfortable visual environment and enhance the appearance of one’s eyewear.
  • Various choices are usually presented, and it can be hard to learn what’s right for you personally.
  • The special high-index plastic material is the thinnest lens material available.

To help you make a more informed decision, we have provided the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lens below. Plastic is way better for safety, and it’s lighter and much more affordable than glass. If you’re seeking to tint your lenses to a dark shade, you can’t achieve this with high-index lenses. Due to its density, it can’t be tinted to anything more than a light shadow. Polycarbonate has a coating that allows it to be tinted significantly darker than high-index.
Finally, because polycarbonate lenses are lighter and more flexible, they are easier to install. This means that polycarbonate lenses may be used in different types of frames that are inaccessible to plastic lenses. Anytime you are searching for a new couple of eyeglasses, you will be provided with different options regarding the lens material. There are a great number of great eyeglass lenses available in the market, but before you get a pair, it is imperative to consider both their advantages and disadvantages. The different types of lens material vary in their weight, flexibility, durability, thickness, scratch resistance, etc.

Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. No matter whether you prefer glass or polycarbonate, constantly be sure your lenses have 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. As time passes, UV damage may lead to eye problems such as for example
Examine the reality and consider your own personal day-to-day activities. At Fuse, we believe the advantages of polycarbonate outweigh the drawbacks and for that reason we only sell polycarbonate lenses.

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