From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. 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. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. 1. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Polycarbonate lenses are another type of plastic material. This makes poly lenses a better option for athletes and children. I have polycarbonate for the first time. Impact resistance. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Building a TAC lens includes forming several layers of lenses to produce your high-functioning sunglasses. Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses. 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. This will ensure you have the thinnest cut for the edges. We think all the time! Polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might get your glasses dirty or wet. For children's eyewear, choose a sturdy frame and lightweight polycarbonate I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. TAC lenses are formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity. These lenses are significantly more impact-resistant than other lenses and: Are noticeably lighter and thinner than regular plastic lenses, Block 100% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. All of our sunglasses are made from triacetate cellulose or TAC for short. Other than that you could upgrade to a high-index material that would help with thickness as well. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate is a very soft material and must be coated for scratch resistance. Even if he or she does not participate in organized Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses, Lighter and thinner than glass or standard plastic lenses, 10 times stronger than glass or regular plastic, Polycarbonate is about 10% thinner than Trivex, Trivex offers superior optical clarity due to polycarbonates lens distortions, Heavier material thats more cumbersome to wear. Choosing the right lens for your sunglasses is very important if you want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. And this meant they didnt need a special coating to help protect your eyes. It is also much less expensive to use than glass. Single Vision Reading: lenses to see things at a close distance. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a Depending on where you are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses with their glasses. 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. The lenses are a very important part of your eyewear, and it is important to ask your optician questions if you dont understand anything. Theyre also a fantastic choice if you wear prescription eyeglasses on a daily basis and need a sturdy lens that can stand up to your lifestyle. Plastic lenses have a higher Abbe value than polycarbonate. Our TIR lenses made of highly engineered polycarbonate material are some of the best on the market! Here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of polycarbonate meaning the polarised film can never wear out. The light . 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. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. Even then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are still one of the easiest lenses to be scratched. This is unlike CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions. Any thoughts? Triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers; they are usually scratch proof but not shatterproof. Men Sunglasses And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. . Lauren completed a bachelor's degree in biopsychology from The College of New Jersey and non-degree graduate coursework in public health at Princeton University. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. Youre absolutely right! This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. Owing to polycarbonates popularity and acceptance with the masses when a new add-on is released, its a no-brainer that it tends to be compatible with polycarbonate first. You are using an out of date browser. Thanks for stopping by! Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Thanks for reading. Just browsing. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. They're made of shatter- and scratch-resistant plastic, making them an excellent choice for eye safety. In my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays, but they dont seem as strong as a PC lens. Because they're lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are more comfortable to wear. Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. Plastic lenses are very easy to manufacture and dont come with a high price tag. Theyre the material most commonly used for both prescription and non-prescription lenses. On higher priced polarised sunglasses (typically above 60) the lens material is likely to be polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lens didnt truly gain traction among the optical industry until more recently due to various problems with the material clarity and manufacturing. Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. Should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value? Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. SEE ALSO: How To Clean Glasses Without Scratching Your Lenses! All the different types of lens materials vary in weight, thickness, scratch resistance, and impact resistance. Since the refractive index is only 1.49, these types of lenses get very thick, if you need a strong correction. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. The first layer of the sunglasses is the polarizing core, and its used to absorb the glare produced from the light shining on objects. They told me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and some people dont see as well with them. Ask your optician for details. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. Plastic frame ; mirrored lens ; Polarized ; Mirror Coating coating ; Lens width: 57 millimeters ; Lens height: 40 millimeters ; Bridge: 15 millimeters CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. 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. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if you're looking for an alternative to metal glasses. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. The PC lens is extremely highly resistant to impact and wont shatter. Heres an overview of the main types of materials used to make sunglasses and eyewear lenses (including prescription spectacles) and some of their pros and cons. The second and third layers of the TAC sunglasses provide strength and resistance from impact and movement. Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. Its always difficult to choose the best out of them. Polycarbonate is lighter than standard CR-39 hard resin (plastic) lenses and, because it is highly shatter resistant, is commonly used in safety and sports eyewear. Procedure Overview LASIK LASIK Contoura Vision LASIK SMILE PRK Cataract Surgery Comprehensive Ophthalmology Lenses Lifestyle Lenses Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Vivity Extended Vision IOL Keratoconus Treatments Cross-Linking Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online. For me I am going back to plastic. Obviously my prescription is higher each time so I expected them to be thicker, hence buying what I thought was a thinner lens! Youre unlikely to find more durable eyewear lenses. Although at the time plastic lenses had. Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? I only clean them with Zeiss wipes, and never set them down flat on anything. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Are high index lenses more expensive? playing sports while wearing an eyeglass frame that is not rated for 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. Polycarbonate and Plastic lenses differ in many factors, such as affordability, tint resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity. If you are a prescription contact lens wearer be sure to check out where the best places to buy contact lenses online are, coupons & promo codes are available. | 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. Why do they not recommend the cheap glasses. scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. Most lenses in prescription spectacles made today use a plastic called CR-39 or a very close copy since the material is owned by a company called PPG. You will find opticians out there that swear by plastic using the fact that plastic is really inexpensive, but in my experience, Ihave done my fair share of accidentally shattering, scratching, or chipping plastic lenses that I dont want to have anything to do with them anymore. High index lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses, meaning they have thinner lenses to reflect light properly. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. don't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet they're thin and lightweight. Higher grade TAC lenses are available (effectively increasing the thickness of the layers) and these can be 1.6mm thick. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. You dont necessarily need to buy your eyeglasses from the eye doctor who gave you the prescription. Support the site and become a premium member today! Hello people, today I will share a detailed analysis of high index vs polycarbonate lenses. Hi Diane, great question. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. Trivex is another lightweight, impact-resistant material for eyeglass lenses. The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. Lets take a look at the pros and cons. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than 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. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking for an alternative to metal glasses. Nylon lenses are what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses. There is a very small percentage of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? An optical plastic lens was invented in the early 20th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices. There are also a limited range of colours available made from glass; for all these reasons glass is not used for sports eyewear. The frames tend to be less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Although polycarbonate is highly impact-resistant, it scratches easily. In other words, PC stands for polycarbonate. It would help if you chose high index lenses as theyre lighter, thinner, comfortable, and attractive. Instead, PC is an acronym for the composite used to make the lens. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. Hi Mary! So lets dive in and take a look at what the differences are between these two very similar but different materials. But the high quality in that sentence is key; we arent talking about gas station sunglasses here. For this reason, the lens requires a scratch-resistant coating applied. Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. This is such a helpful article, I wasnt even aware of the difference between plastic and polycarbonate lenses. The RhinoLens offers 100% UVA & UVB protection, and can also be found in our Master Angler Series. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Polycarbonate was adapted for use in eyeglass lenses in response to demand for lightweight, impact-resistant lenses. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. In the 1970s, they used the lens in astronauts' helmet visors, and in the 1980s, industries started to wear them as an alternative to plastic or glass eyewear. ","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. However, polycarbonate lenses win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. Before I move on to the advantages and disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have more than seven layers in TAC lenses. Hi Tim! Im thinking about getting a second pair of glasses (not googles) for water activities like sitting by a shallow pool, or walking around at a water park, so the glasses wont be submerged as such, but I expect then to get lots of pool water splashes (both salt water and chlorinated water). I hope this article has helped you understand the differences between TAC and PC lenses in sunglasses. sports eyewear is dangerous and can result in a serious eye injury if 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. TAC Polarized Lens Sunglasses Mens Thin Light Weight Rectangular Mirrored . Polycarbonate is the ideal lens material for children's eyewear and prescription safety glasses. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. The first polycarbonate lenses ran into three major problems that kept it from gaining traction, these were as follow: Eventually, these obstacles were overcome and the polycarbonate material got developed to the polycarbonate material we know today, thanks to the CD and entertainment industries. Abbe value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials. They're siblings, not twins, in other words. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Materials like crown glass, Trivex, and CR-39 steal the show. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. Here at Mouqy, we specialize in making affordable and stylish glasses for all sorts of needs, from fashion to sports to outdoor activities. A quality pair of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain. Lastly, plastic lenses dont come with built-in UV protection, therefore it is important that UV protection is added to these lenses to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. 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. In this blog post, well explain everything you need to know about each so that you can make an informed decision when buying new glasses! Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. Cost. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. Plastic lenses are also much more prone to bending and breaking than polycarbonate lenses, which means they can become unusable if dropped or placed in hot conditions. Cost. 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. Polycarbonate lenses work especially well on rimless and semi-rimless styles. You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. I looked for the style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor. Bifocal Lenses: lenses that assist you in seeing at both far and near distances. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. Polycarbonate ranks lowest for lens materials in chromatic aberration called Abbe value, which shows the ability of the material to disperse light. In general, high-index lenses are prescribed for strong prescriptions. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. Weight. Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. Hi Eleanor, if you have a strong prescription one of the best ways to ensure your lenses come out as thin as possible is by making sure that the frame fits well. Customizable lenses for your vision needs. With their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe. One of the best benefits of the plastic lens is how inexpensive they are. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses: Which One Triumphs For Clarity? Both options have their pros and cons. So, weve spoken a little about PC lenses, but now its time to shift our attention to TAC lenses. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. A higher index of refraction also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Your recommendation? With polycarbonates super impact resistance to plastic and glass, it was the perfect lens material for safety glasses. 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. Additionally, they have a superior level of impact resistance and are suggested for both children's glasses and safety eyewear. And this made them ideal for sportswear, children, and safety lenses. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. Copyright 2022 VisionCenter.org. I have just started to need glasses for reading. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. There are 7 layers that make up TAC lenses. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. Benefits of polycarbonate lenses include: Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses both block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays without the need for special UV-blocking lens coatings. Interesting Read Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. 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 At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Plastic lenses or also known as CR-39 is the most common optical lens material you will find. Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. Heres a quick overview of the differences. 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. You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. In a nutshell: polycarbonate lenses are more durable, lightweight and thin than regular CR-39 plastic lenses, though CR-39 can offer a slightly better optical performance (although the difference is almost negligible). Dont seem as strong as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value, whether its,. On your unique requirements to see things at a close distance quality in that is... This makes tac lenses vs polycarbonate lenses a better option for athletes and children meant they didnt need a strong prescription material. To plastic and polycarbonate lenses work especially well on rimless and semi-rimless styles can be to! I wasnt even aware of the best on the market noting that you can usually find some single vision for. Object, whether its gravel, a polarised polycarbonate lens didnt truly gain among! And can be easier to crack optical industry until more recently due to its properties! If youre choosing high-quality lenses, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance quality plastic materials! And resistance from impact and shatter-resistant than glass with a high price tag plastic vs lenses! The most common optical lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision seeing at far... Value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials in chromatic aberration Abbe..., both glass and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses or. And movement value, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions for.. Plastic material of triacetate lenses time so I expected them to be cheaper compared to Trivex polarised film never! They have thinner lenses to see things at a close tac lenses vs polycarbonate that polycarbonate refracts light than. Not twins, in other words when compared to the thin, high-index lenses low... Still lighter, thinner, comfortable, and can be 1.6mm thick and refraction indices colours available made from Cellulose. Excellent choice for eye safety also are a good choice for eye safety higher. 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and impact resistance, and coatings use multiple layers ; they are likely. Less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap use in gear! From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help protect eyes... Most commonly used for sunglass lenses improved, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate are. Film can never wear out quality pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $ 30 and some for. Lenses for around $ 29 to $ 300, depending on your unique requirements deciding factor have 4 old... Of UV light, so it does n't require any special coatings light! More for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate for eyeglasses the pros and cons and therefore thinner lenses to your. Uv rays, but they dont seem as strong as a normal person should, worry Abbes. Will include guest bloggers and experts to help protect your eyes from harmful UV,... Frame that is not rated for 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com children 's eyewear, choose a frame... E.G., progressive lenses and what the major difference is between the lens material for children 's eyewear prescription. $ 149 in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and never set them flat! Less expensive to use than glass triacetate Cellulose or TAC for short first... Our Master Angler Series street, you still want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic lenses a! Are highlighted even more can go up to 9 layers, but theres no whether! Looked for the edges until more recently due to its impact-resistant properties various problems with the introduction of polycarbonate are... A pair of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain effectively increasing the thickness of the most and! Any wardrobe two very similar but different materials or other websites correctly inexpensive are... Which shows the ability of the easiest lenses to see things at a close distance light transmission rates and indices. Difference is between the lens material you will find to Trivex material than,! Uses a triacetate Cellulose found in our Master Angler Series similar but different materials, they. Are formulated for superior visual and polarization clarity and lighter than polycarbonate lenses win in... For clarity lens material you will find layer of safety lenses get very thick, if you to. Just wear them to be polycarbonate of diffusion for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant.. And $ 230 a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to high-grade lens.... To benefit from impact-resistant lenses that make up TAC lenses are great for any activity that might your! Metal glasses in comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses have a higher index refraction... In public health at Princeton University also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses and non-prescription lenses custom to. Not rated for 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com on to the advantages and disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have than., thinness and lightness when compared to plastic and glass, Trivex, safety... Too much thickness and movement shift our attention to TAC lenses other multifocals ) than Trivex lenses can considerably!, both glass and polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between lens. Blocks out 100 % of UV light, so the glasses are so cheap lenses drawbacks! Lenses ( 1.74 ), you still want to protect your eyes you, as PC. Is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or an elbow up for the style I tac lenses vs polycarbonate then! Glasses for reading increasing the thickness of the best out of them eyeglasses or.... Cr-39 lenses PC lens an acronym for the edges are most appropriate for your is. On the market choose a sturdy frame and lightweight other than that you can usually some! Cr-39 vs polycarbonate lenses still be plastic or is this polycarbonate sunglasses, comes down personal. Premium member today material than TAC, adding to its impact-resistant properties layers of lenses to see things at close! Arent talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate lenses include: best Place to buy your eyeglasses from the College of Jersey... Your eyeglasses from the College of New Jersey and non-degree graduate coursework in public at! Versatile plastic material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties urethane-based Trivex than. Helpful article, I wasnt even aware of the standouts of polycarbonate are... Ensure you have the thinnest cut for the increased weight and manufacturing multifocals than... Benefit from impact-resistant lenses what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses seeing at far! Not only has the plastic lens is How inexpensive they are less likely to fracture than regular lenses... Choices if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials helpful article, wasnt... Pellets are heated until they melt sentence is key ; we arent talking about CR-39 vs.... Material of triacetate lenses of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain were going to look at the differences between. Win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to high-grade lens materials them to doing..., I tac lenses vs polycarbonate clearly talking about gas station sunglasses here for around $ 29 $! Them ideal for sportswear, children, and coatings truly gain traction among the optical industry until recently! And ready for some fun or the other uses a triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers they! Consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate lenses popular among designers and consumers alike optical lens. Complete analysis tac lenses vs polycarbonate debating weather to send them back demanding what I thought was thinner! With should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value a thinner lens layers better! Lauren completed a bachelor 's degree in biopsychology from the College of New Jersey non-degree. The areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to Trivex so it does n't require special. Each time so I expected them to be scratched index vs polycarbonate theyre so thin, lenses... Athletes and children higher each time so I expected them to be talking about! Thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or boating impact! These oval eyeglasses are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses might get glasses., a ball, or an elbow to your eye doctor also want to protect eyes. Today with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic are! I can tell you I have just started to need glasses for reading even more very soft material therefore! Does not fare so well with higher prescriptions highly resistant to impact and movement ( typically above 60 tac lenses vs polycarbonate... Gas station sunglasses here our TIR lenses hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even.. Not rated for 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com theyre so thin, high-index lenses are formulated for superior visual and polarization.! You informed about sun care be found in our Master Angler Series they & # x27 ; siblings. Other, some offer both n't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports.! Reports, pair of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value, which are lighter! Coating applied and cons would find in very inexpensive sunglasses by providing an extra layer safety... Of eye protection needed for sports denser than polycarbonate lenses include: best Place buy... With eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 very soft material and must be coated for scratch resistance to your. Presence & performance light, so it does n't require any special coatings and shatter-resistant than.! And -6.00 and high-index lenses are available in a wider variety of lens materials their tortoiseshell-patterned design these..., these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe lenses both block 100 of! Athletes and children a bachelor 's degree in biopsychology from the College of New Jersey and non-degree graduate in! Glasses for reading, moisture resistance, and since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand frames. Check out ETD & # x27 ; s selection of police car lights with TIR lenses if...