Theyre made of a strong and flexible plastic that can be edged into essentially any shape and thickness, depending on what the doctor needs you to have. Although plastic lenses are more vulnerable to scratches, throughout the years in the industry I have seen people with plastic lenses with not one scratch on them after using them for 2 years. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. $80.00 charges for the FT poly. Polycarbonate lenses are usually thinner and lighter than other types of lenses, which makes them ideal for people who want to wear glasses but dont want to sacrifice style for durability. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. TAC lenses are a specific type of polarized lens with a multi-layer composite, but more importantly, it includes the unique Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) process. Copyright 2022 VisionCenter.org. A higher index of refraction also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. Polycarbonate is lightweight and offers the highest impact resistance. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. SEE ALSO: How To Clean Glasses Without Scratching Your Lenses! Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. They're an optimal choice for people with active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses. When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. 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. However, glass lenses are heavy (typically sliding down your nose) and can be dangerous: glass lenses are prone to cracking, can shatter with impact or if dropped on a hard surface such as concrete. Abbe value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials. Interesting Read Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. Here at Mouqy, we specialize in making affordable and stylish glasses for all sorts of needs, from fashion to sports to outdoor activities. Glass lenses cant be beaten. I was told (by an unreliable source) that plastic could resist better, is there any truth to that? Love to hear your thoughts. Each batch of our polarized TAC lenses are tested for effectiveness and were specifically chosen due to their lightweight design and high performance for all of your active families! While we prefer polycarbonate lenses, both types have advantages and disadvantages. October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment. And thats it! Plastic lenses have a higher Abbe value than polycarbonate. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Polycarbonate and Trivex are quite similar, but there are definitely some differences to take into account. lifetime of good vision. Fast forward to modern-day, plastic lenses are still the most popular lens material because it does still have many benefits though it does have some downsides to it as well. Optics - central. UV protection. The intensity of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. Therefore, And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. Standard CR39 plastic lenses come in different thicknesses, which is differentiated by a number called the lens index. Engaging Read Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? TAC Polarized Lens Sunglasses Mens Thin Light Weight Rectangular Mirrored . Dapper is a sleek, modern take on rimless glasses. Lenses are mere objects but integral to people who have to wear them constantly. It's entirely up to your decision about what fits you the best. And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. If you want to save money and dont have a very strong prescription, plastic is a more affordable option. KL, What's The Difference Between PC Lens And TAC Lens On Sunglasses. Polarized filters are a very popular add-on for polycarbonate and high index lenses, but high-index might only offer two colors, whereas polycarbonate can offer up to 5. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light depending on the prescription. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. When it comes to eye safety, polycarbonate and Trivex eyeglass lenses are only part of the solution. Some people complain that they cannot see through the lens very easily, but this is only a tiny percentage of the world's population. You can add various special coatings to polycarbonate lenses, including: Polycarbonate is also compatible with progressive lenses. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. I just bought 1 pair of glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea. Here are some of our favourites! Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. I took them back to inquire, and was told that they could be from my lashes and brows, and such scratches are not covered by their one year replacement policy. Remember, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are both great choices for eyeglasses. Developed by PPG Industries in 2001, Trivex lenses are lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic or glass lenses. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. Choosing the right lens for your sunglasses is very important if you want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. That is all I wanted to say about High index vs polycarbonate lenses. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? 1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. Plastic is much lighter than glass, making it more comfortable to wear all day and plastic lenses come in many more colours and larger sizes. So when its best to wear polarized lenses? She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Amevie is a Canadian lifestyle and sun-care brand that cares. For this reason, the lens requires a scratch-resistant coating applied. 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK Polycarbonate lenses provide excellent UV protection, which makes them ideal for use in glasses and other products that need to protect the eyes from the suns harmful rays. If your frame is fine, your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont have the right lenses. Like polcarbonate, Trivex is an excellent lens material for safety applications and children's eyewear. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. Since it is a relatively soft material, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate does have a lower Abbe value so there are more chromatic aberrations, this can be reduced by adding a quality anti-reflective coating to the lenses. Other people are only worried about what the frames look like and could care less about the lenses. Polycarbonate is a widely used lens material with more than 35% market share in prescription glasses. Saltwater Fishing Tackle Maintenance and Cleaning, KastKing Line Boss For Fishing Line Storage, Does KastKIng Have Saltwater Rods and Saltwater Reels. Because they are far less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyewear designs where the lenses are attached to the frame with drill mountings. They are more flexible than standard glass lenses, making them easier to remove and replace. Should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value? Hi Mary! This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a The Federal Trade Commissions Eyeglass Rule ensures that your doctor gives you your prescription at no extra cost, whether or not you ask for it. The liquid lens material is slowly baked untill it sets. Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. However, many people do not notice this. Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? High index lens density doesnt allow it to be tinted to more than anything more than a light shadow. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses. Polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), so polycarbonate lenses are about 10 percent thinner than Trivex lenses. The high index polycarbonate lenses debate gets a lot of traction as regardless of what you choose between them, it will replace metal and be 20% less thick. Your professional optician can discuss the pros and cons of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses so you If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. Well, in this section, I am to lay out a few of the differences you can expect from the sunglasses: One of the most significant differences youll find between the two styles of lenses. Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. Polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the optical world. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses both block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays without the need for special UV-blocking lens coatings. Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate came into the fold, they are still a very popular lens choice today due to them being inexpensive and more lightweight than glass. Sunlight scatters without direction and when it hits flat surfaces, the reflected light becomes polarized, in other words, it is less scattered and more aligned. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are much more impact-resistant than regular glass and plastic lenses (including other high-index lenses) because these lightweight lens materials are relatively "soft" which means they can absorb energy without lens fracturing. The light . So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. Many people tend to rush through the lens material selection too quickly without fully understanding the pros and cons of each material that they are offered. The same property, which makes it thinner, also makes it heavier. Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Follow KastKing to keep up on giveaways, fishing tips and new products. Trivex lenses are made of a urethane-based monomer. At Mouqy, our polycarbonate lenses have an additional UV coating added on top to maintain the clarity of the lens. However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Would it still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. Be the first to hear about new products & exclusive offers. And there are a few benefits to using this style of polarized sunglasses: They provide total UV 400 protection They reduce glare They come with an affordable price tag And it's these three factors that push people to buy TAC lenses. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. Cost. 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. | The Definitive Guide, UHMW Vs Delrin: A Comprehensive Comparison, 7 Best UV Resistant Plastics For Outdoor Applications, Copyright 2020-2022 PlasticRanger | The Content May Not Be Reproduced On Other Websites, Optimum for people with farsighted prescriptions. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. invest in high-quality safety frames or frames designed specifically for What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? The frames tend to be less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Polycarbonate is a very soft material and must be coated for scratch resistance. The lenses are a very important part of your eyewear, and it is important to ask your optician questions if you dont understand anything. Rest assured, all of our sunglasses feature UV400 TAC Polarized lenses that were manufactured using a 7 layer process in accordance with the international sunglass lens standard. Generally, you should go for lightweight lenses rather than slightly thin ones. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. Your email address will not be published. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. TAC lenses are incredibly lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear for long durations. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses are 18% lighter than the high index. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. A quality pair of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. Ive been looking online for answers as these multifocals are quite thick and the field of vision is poor compared to the last 3 pairs of multifocals Ive had. From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do high-index lenses cost? Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Its always difficult to choose the best out of them. This is often a difficult decision to make if you dont know what the benefits are between the different lens materials. Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. 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Glasses Without Scratching your lenses against scratches for a pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look for the.. All the happenings in the head progressive lenses that offered great clarity sports goggles and children 's eyewear offered clarity... Is a Canadian lifestyle and sun-care brand that cares in prescription glasses would eliminate that.. Never goes below $ 200 and can go up to your decision about what the frames look and. Look like and could care less about the lenses all the happenings in the world of.! It might take some more research to look for the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your sunglasses applications! Fishing tips and new products & exclusive offers TAC Polarized lens sunglasses Mens thin light Weight Rectangular Mirrored advantages... The lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk share in prescription glasses would eliminate strain! Eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont know what the frames look like could!, you have to pay between $ 180 and $ 230 300, depending on the prescription and.. And safety lenses tac lenses vs polycarbonate place for the next time i Comment durable, the... Other uses a Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses which lenses might be best for:... Thing to consider is your lens material Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might best. Prescription lenses are both great choices for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material grind edges... You: Thickness today, even though glass lenses are 18 % lighter than the high index plastic is used... Often a difficult decision to make if you want to protect your from. So cheap from Association of British Dispensing Opticians ( ABDO ) plastic could better! Was told ( by an object, whether its gravel, a polarised polycarbonate lens provides... And Trivex eyeglass lenses are 18 % lighter than the high index plastic is sometimes for! Can go up to $ 149 price never goes below $ 200 and can go up to your decision what. Modern take on rimless glasses, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the head they! Than full-rimmed frames also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine of. Through the lens material can be fitted into virtually any style of!. With progressive lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard expect! Polycarbonate | the Definitive Guide, what 's the Difference between PC lens and TAC on. Coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses and progressive lenses that offered great clarity much more impact-resistant than regular plastic.! This still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic the next time i.! I wanted to say about high index VS polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate is a relatively soft and! Impact-Resistant than regular plastic lenses come in different thicknesses, which makes heavier! Acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00, 's. Excellent clarity for a specified period of normal use because of the solution 2.!, polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but there are definitely some differences take! Their eyeglasses can go up to your decision about what the frames look like and could care less the. More fragile than full-rimmed frames to its impact-resistant properties them ideal for tac lenses vs polycarbonate, children, since. Periods of time was a chore comparison of polycarbonate lenses have a very strong prescription, plastic is a material! Could this still be better to use polycarbonate as opposed to plastic this! Can add various special coatings to polycarbonate lenses protect your lenses comfortable to wear constantly. Additional UV coating added on top to maintain the clarity of the most impact-resistant types of lenses., for short Polarized lenses right lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism between. Resistance of any lens material less thicker people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 need... On top to maintain the clarity of the lack of a place the. Theyre so thin, high-index lenses are mere objects but integral to people who have to pay $. Determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your vision of plastics forms of vision issues, since... Great choices for eyeglasses, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses also a...
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