One important factor to consider when choosing lenses is lens material.
Plastic and polycarbonate are common lens materials used in eyewear.
Plastic is lightweight and durable but thicker.
Polycarbonate is thinner and provides UV protection but scratches easily and is more expensive than plastic.
Each lens material has unique qualities that make it more appropriate for certain age groups, needs and lifestyles. When selecting a lens material, it is important to consider:
●Weight
●Impact-resistance
●Scratch-resistance
●Thickness
●Ultraviolet (UV) protection
●Cost
Overview of plastic lenses
Plastic lenses are also known as CR-39. This material has been widely used in eyewear since the 1970s and is still a popular choice among people who wear prescription glasses due to its low cost and durability. Scratch-resistant coating, a tint and ultraviolet (UV) protective coating can be easily added to these lenses.
●Lightweight – Compared to crown glass, plastic is lightweight. Glasses with plastic lenses are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
●Good optical clarity – Plastic lenses provide good optical clarity. They do not cause much visual distortion.
●Durable – Plastic lenses are less likely to break or shatter than glass. This makes them a good choice for active people, although they are not as shatter-proof as polycarbonate.
●Less expensive – Plastic lenses usually cost quite a bit less than polycarbonate.
●Partial UV protection – Plastic offers only partial protection from harmful UV rays. A UV coating should be added for 100% protection if you plan to wear the glasses outdoors.
Overview of polycarbonate lenses
Polycarbonate is a type of highly impact-resistant plastic commonly used in eyewear. The first commercial polycarbonate lenses were introduced in the 1980s, and they quickly rose in popularity.
This lens material is ten times more impact-resistant than plastic. For this reason, it is often recommended for children and active adults.
●Durable – Polycarbonate is one of the strongest and safest materials used today in glasses. It is often recommended for young children, active adults, and people who need safety eyewear.
●Thin and lightweight – Polycarbonate lenses are up to 25 percent thinner than traditional plastic.
●Total UV protection – Polycarbonate blocks UV rays, so there is no need to add a UV coating to your glasses. These lenses are a good choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
●Scratch-resistant coating is recommended – Though polycarbonate is durable, the material is still prone to scratches. A scratch-resistant coating is recommended to help these lenses last longer.
●Anti-reflective coating is recommended – Some people with higher prescriptions see surface reflections and color fringing when wearing polycarbonate lenses. An anti-reflective coating is recommended to reduce this effect.
●Distorted vision – Polycarbonate can cause some distorted peripheral vision in those with stronger prescriptions.
●More expensive – Polycarbonate lenses usually cost more than plastic lenses.
You can find more options for lens materials and functions by looking through our website https://www.universeoptical.com/stock-lens/. For any questions, you are welcome to contact us to get more information.