polycarbonate vs glass sunglasses
polycarbonate vs glass sunglasses
Earn points for purchases, reviews, likes, and track them all from your account. But the rumours are true. At EyeBuyDirect, youll findpolycarbonate lenses built into stylish and high-quality frames at affordable prices. This then makes it crucial for you to make the right decision or risk ending up with an ineffective item. And reasonable prices mean its realistic to buy more than one pair without going over your eyewear budget. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays which protect your eyes. are the most prevalent plastic lens material and are nearly half the weight of glass. Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated. HomeBlog 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. So in this round who offers better scratch resistance? What does camera lenses, microscopes, and binoculars all have in common? Socialize with us. A rare thing in todays throw away culture. They also have an impact on your vision, comfort, and appearance. damage from UV rays is cumulative over a persons lifetime. 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. 1.50 index, anti-glaresingle vision glass lenses begin at around 52in 2022. Ophthalmologists often recommend polycarbonate lenses for children because of the lenses durability. This doesnt mean polycarbonate lenses are unclear. Examine the facts and consider your own personal day-to-day activities. are the oldest material for making ophthalmic lenses and can reach a refractive index as high as 1.9. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. When we think of the lenses in our glasses, most of us would never assume that the lenses are actually glass. Lenses & CoatingsGlass vs. Polycarbonate Lenses. The overall winner based on these five rounds is polycarbonate lenses. Get an exclusive first look at our latest promotions and collections! Here are some few differences between both lenses to determine which one is better: The decision between a plastic or polycarbonate lens should be made based on personal preference, cost, weight, durability, impact, and scratch resistance. It is not necessarily a one size fits all solution when it comes down to eyeglass lens material. Not ideal when they could easily weigh more than your spectacles themselves. What do you do when your lenses get scratched or crack? Which is the best option, though? Theyre superbly scratch resistant, even more so than modern hard-multi-coatings (HMC) on plastic lenses. Heres a quick rundown of their top features to help you decide. 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. Lenses made from resin polycarbonate or CR39 resin dont shatter like this, which is theyre deemed safer, especially for sporting activities. 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. 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. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. It is actually important to note that most people can not even tell the difference in the clarity between glass and polycarbonate lenses nowadays. Glass lenses cant be beaten. Glass lenses are clearer than polycarbonate plastic and will provide you with the crispest visual experience. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. We make stand out, heavyweight, robust eyewear in classic, timeless styles. Then, cash in those points for exclusive discounts! However, depending on your prescription, coatings and the index used, glass spectacle lenses can vastly vary in price. Impact protection means that the lens will not shatter if it takes a hit. In other words, glass is more efficient at bending light than plastic lenses. Do I need reading glasses? 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. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. Generally, the higher the index of lens, the thinner it is. This comparison is very two-dimensional though. Polycarbonate is a specific type of plastic. Any Frames. Lens Hub 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 receive an RMA number once you have started a return or exchange. But dont forget that the primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities. Despite their extra weight, you may prefer glass lenses compared to plastic ones, depending on your prescription and personal preferences. 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. It was seen as a lens material with lots of potential for optimal optical success though it did not gain traction due to three main issues: Surfacing Problems:Surfacing is the process of placing a prescription onto a polycarbonate lens and preparing its surface before it is cut for the glass frame. To keep the weight down, it helps if your glasses frame is slim/rectangular to minimise the bulk of glass. To start a return or exchange, contact us at from our Help Center. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. 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. Glass is more resistant to scratching than plastic; however, to reduce your plastic lenses susceptibility to scratching, you can apply an anti-scratch coating. Fuse Lenses logo and images are the copyright of EyeCandy Eyewear LLC. 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. Adults who regularly play sports or who hold active jobs would also benefit from these types of lenses. 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. If you want hard-wearing lenses, polycarbonate or Trivex are safer for sport or protective prescription eyewear. Which is better- plastic or polycarbonate lenses? But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. Our expert team have vast years of working experience in the optical industry and can help guide you through the decision making process. While glass lenses wont exactly weigh you down, they are significantly heavier than polycarbonate plastic (twice as heavy, in some cases!) Here at Fuse, we believe the benefits of polycarbonate outweigh the drawbacks and therefore we only sell polycarbonate lenses. If youve browsed for prescription or non-prescription frames you know both types of lenses offer their own benefits and disadvantages. If youre looking for the highest optical quality, glass is the way to go. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. You choose from over 20+ colors and tints. Polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, but the difference is not really significant to most people. Nowadays, choosing a pair of eyeglasses is about more than just style. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? Along the same lines, plastic lenses are less bulky than glass ones. However, in some instances, glass lenses can still be ordered and may be the preferred choice. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Within 60 days after the date of delivery, you may exchange or return your item for a full refund. For questions or a quote, please contact our lens lab. The have excellent scratch resistance and can be good forespecially strongprescriptions. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. So we put each material to the test to find out which would duke it out to be the winner! But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. Of course, if youre unsure of which to choose, you can always, See The Road Ahead with Night Driving Glasses. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. This new eyeglass lens material had a high index of refraction, making it to be the lightest and thinnest lens material available then. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. With this capability, you open the door for tinted fashion lenses and fun sunglass lens tints. Polycarbonate lenses have come a long way since their creation and are actually considered the standard lenses in the sunglasses industry. Usingthe correct index, glass can normally be made thinner than a plastic equivalent. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each lens? In this case, choosing a plastic eyeglass lens or high index lens would be much better. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. Support the site and become a premium member today! Are they worth the cost? We have several convenient Michigan eye clinic locations; find one near you today! For instance, certain individuals cannot use polycarbonate lenses, because they experience an odd Visual distortion. You will find blogs out there strongly claiming and confirming plastic as the better option due to its affordability and high optical quality. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. Trivex lenses are regularly used for prescription safety spectaclesfor their high resilience, but cost slightly more than standard polycarbonate equivalents. Additionally, past 60 days we are unable to offer you a refund. 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? Also called mineral lenses, they can be tinted for sun use and/or anti-glare coated. Using five types of projectiles including golf and tennis balls, the study found that polycarbonate lenses didnt shatter, even at high impact. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. This allows them to be available in a wider variety of colors than glass lenses. Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to your eyes. If youre sensitive to your frames weight, for example, polycarbonate lenses may be the right choice. Since then, plastic has become a popular and widely used material for making eyeglass lenses. Besides its use in eyeglass lenses, it is also used for car headlights, CDs and DVDs, and many other industrial applications. All replacement lenses are custom-made to order by Fuse Lenses and will not contain any other brand's associated logo or markings. 20 examples of grey-haired glasses wearers absolutely nailing it. This is a hard wearing resin material that outdated glass lenses in 1940 when it was first invented by Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation as part of their Columbia Resins Project. [?]. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We make the assumption that each category has the same weight which is not true. Now that we have a brief overview of polycarbonate lenses let us consider some of its advantages and disadvantages. Lens material is normally glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. Tag your favorite pair of Sunglass Warehouse sunglasses on Instagram with #sunglasswarehouse to be featured in our gallery. This plastic tends to reflect a lot of light, leading to glare. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. They have the highest uncoated scratch resistance amongst all types of plastic lenses. Glass lenses have been around for about 1,000 years. You can still have glass lenses fitted to your spectacles. Oakley Forum is the largest and most reliable platform for Oakley news, updates and any information you are looking for about Oakley sunglasses and other products. And, unlike some other types of eyeglass lenses, they do not require any additional coating for sun protection. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent of UV rays which protect your eyes. Choosing the lens for your frames relies on you. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. You have to make sure the pair of glass lenses you buy have that additional coating to protect your eyes from UV rays. What strength of reading glasses do I need. 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. Glass however is not suitable for sporting activities due to it's susceptibilityto shattering. If you are purchasing glass lenses, make sure they have this additional coating to protect your eyes from the UV rays. In this article, we are going to be discussing specifically plastic and polycarbonate eyeglasses and the major differences between both lens materials. If you need help navigating the world of prescription eyewear, or if you need to make an eye exam appointment, contact Michigan Eye Institute. eye doctor, Eye Exam Appointment, Eyeglass Lenses, michigan eye institute, Polycarbonate Lenses, Polycarbonate Lenses for Eyeglasses, Prescription Eyewear. Plastic: Which Lenses Are Right for You? Glass vs. Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. How much do Fuse AMP lenses enhance color? And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Nikon, Seiko and Shamir etc. Polycarbonate lenses are gradually taking over a significant portion of the optical market share once dominated by plastic lenses. Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. Depending on your prescription and lifestyle, real glass lenses may or may not be suitable. Some people might value some qualities more than others. Inherent Ultraviolet (UV) protection:Polycarbonate lens surfaces offer inbuilt ultraviolet protection. On top of that, we allow you to extend your standard warranty for another year! At EyeBuyDirect, you can get a pair of polycarbonate lenses with your choice of frame for as low as $18! They can be made from polycarbonate, CR39 or high-index plastic. If your prescriptionhas an exceptionally strong sphere or cylinder power,the refractive index of glasscan be better forminimising bulky lenses. Our highest quality lenses come with polarization and anti-reflective coatings. Polycarbonate lenses are made from plastic, known for their impact resistance and can be exceptionally thin and lightweight. For a unique quotation,contact our lens lab with a copy of your prescription. Polycarbonate plastic lenses are. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses which accepts tints. Glass is a heavier material than plastic, therefore, glass sunglasses can become uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. You're only human Get inspired by theseyouthful spectacle styles. Oakley Sunglasses Lens Peeling & Flaking | Top 3 Causes & Fixes, Best Oakleys for Police and First Responders, Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Lenses | Differences Explained, Smith ChromaPop vs. Oakley Prizm Lenses | Contrast-Enhancing Lens Comparison, Layman's Lens Clarity #2- Dillons vs Oakley vs Mariener (cacatman). They are made out of glass. Disclaimer: For the sake of this argument, we are comparing glass against polycarbonate plastic. What works for one person might not for another. Plastic lenses have a higher optical clarity than polycarbonate lenses. A singular eyeglass lens may also be known as a monocle. For prescription lens fitting, weve partnered with Lensology. Fuse Lenses is not associated with any other brand. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. CR39 is very easily tinted making it ideal for prescription sunglasses. However, glass lenses do not have impact resistance. According to your prescription, glass lenses create dioptric correction for the eye by bending and directing light towards the correct area of the retina. 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. Pleasecontact our lens lab if youd like to explore our array of polycarbonate lens options. In brightly lit environments, they automatically darken to provide bettervisual comfort, handy if you're sensitive to bright light. With the right scratch resistant or digital protection coating, their potential increases even more. Because glass is much denser, it can be made thinner than an equivalent plastic lens with the same dioptric power. Color Enhancing Lenses vs. Polarized Lenses: What are they best for? They usually need an anti-reflective coating. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. They'remoderately more impact resilient and lighter in weight than polycarbonate. Hopefully you found this article useful. and to use during sports and other physical activities. Lighter, thinner eyeglasses are less likely to slip off your nose and are more comfortable for everyday wear. Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. Right Pair of Sunglasses for Your Fishing Tournament. Glasses lenses have the upper hand in this round. There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Theyre durable and impact-resistant, lightweight and thin, and even offer extremely effective UV protection. Polarized Sunglasses: How Does It Help You Fish? Theyre certainly old fashioned, but glass lenses are still the most optically efficient material formaking opticallenses. Trivex lenses are made from plastic. These names refer to the alkali-lime silicates theyre made from instead of the commonly used polymer-based CR39 optical lenses. Fuse +Plus lens purchases include a lifetime, 1 time replacement guarantee. Is one type of lens significantly better than the other? To avoid milk bottle lenses click here to discover your ideal lens index. Starting at $79.99. This includes dropping your sunglasses on the ground or flying projectiles hitting your sunglasses. Famously, mineral lenses also have the capability of shattering. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. All lens purchases include a 60-day guarantee. It took manufacturers some time to develop surfacing equipment that could be used to surface a polycarbonate lens. Who is the winner of polycarbonate lenses vs. glass lenses? While plastic lenses are generally cheaper, polycarbonate lens may save you in the long run since you can expect less replacement costs. All rights reserved. Britains leading glazing and re-glazing ophthalmic lens service based in Watford UK. If someone is sensitive to pressure or wants to wear their sunglasses for a prolonged period of time, polycarbonate lenses are recommended. Polycarbonate is much lighter and thinner than other lens materials but can be very expensive depending on your prescription. Photochromic lenses are characterised by their 'darkening' reaction to varying strengths of UV light. Both! Glass is optically superior but is also prone to shattering and can be very heavy if you have a high sphere and /or high cyl prescription. High-index lensesrefers to any type of plastic or mineral lens material with a refractive index higher than 1.5 (standard index.) Glass, on the other hand, requires a special coating in order to block any UV rays. are a sunglasses-specific lens designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. A significant percent of harmful ultraviolet rays from a variety of sources are blocked by these lenses. One of the biggest selling points of early plastic lens material was that it was lightweight and offered all-day comfort. But if your polycarbonate lenses do break, they are less likely to shatter into small, harmful pieces. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Visit our Privacy Policy here. Your eye doctor can help you decide if polycarbonate lenses are appropriate for your specific prescription and lifestyle. For Fuse +Plus lenses, this add-on is for one extra lens replacement over the lifetime of your lenses. It was invented independently in 1953 by Dr. Hermann Schnell of Bayer and Dr. Daniel Fox of General Electric. Both are viable lens materials. 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. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. Fun fact: The material polycarbonate was originally used to manufacture the windshields of fighter planes!Fun fact: Polycarbonates lenses are worth it. Polycarbonate lenses win the categories of impact protection, weight, and UV protection. Or want to know more? Aspheric lensesuse more complex, undulating areas of curvature. They have the highest uncoated scratch resistance amongst all types of plastic 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.
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