They are usually between 0% and 5% transmission of these rays. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. They are very light and therefore comfortable to wear. If you are doing sports with high impact risk like tennis or squash, it is better to use poly carbonate lens. I have yet another question here. They’re also ideal for strong prescriptions since they do not add thickness when correcting vision, minimizing any distortion. The monomers of polycarbonates are bisphenol A and phosgene. I know I'm getting greedy, but will appreciate your advice! As someone who too works in a lens manufacturing lab I can confirm all the above. Due to their higher index, polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses. And consult the optician if they are polycarbonate lenses. And polycarbonate lenses are 10 times impact-resistant than common plastic lenses. Thinner and lighter than plastic, polycarbonate (impact-resistant) lenses are shatter-proof and provide 100% UV protection, making them the optimal choice for kids and active adults. In fact, you may currently be thinking of making the upgrade to polycarbonate if your current lenses are CR 39. Dr. Michael Rizen answered. Besides, the polycarbonate lenses have UV protection themselves. Width and Weight. About 25 to 40 percent thicker than polycarbonate and high index plastic lenses. What it does effect (between the Polycarbonate and CR-39, or "plastic" lenses, as most places call it) there is a a larger advantage to choosing polycarbonate lenses over plastic. Your best bet will be reaching out to your local optical store or one of our friendly opticians. With a higher index (of refraction), light is bent more efficiently, therefore it requires less material to achieve the eyeglass prescription making the lenses … Former Lenscrafters lab tech, checking in. Press J to jump to the feed. "polycarbonate vs plastic lenses best for high myope?" However, thinner lenses won’t necessarily mean they will weigh less. Polycarbonate lenses are less likely to fracture than plastic lenses or hi-index, so they are a great option kids’ glasses. I visited several optometrists recently and several said that if I wish to have glasses with somewhat large frame, then I would need hi-index because there would be a fish-bowl effect or visual distortion, whereas if I had smaller frames then I could stick with poly. The two most widely preferred lensesare CR 39 and polycarbonate. I want my vision to be perfect but also am scared that hi-index lens may not be as safe. The reason is because poly carbonate have high impact resistance. Polycarbonate vs. CR-39: How to Tell the Difference. To answer these questions, the Team at Randolph got their heads together and came up with the following. Polycarbonate is a specific kind of plastic invented in 1953 by Bayer’s Dr. Hermann Schnell and General Electric’s Dr. Daniel Fox. How iCare does Eye Care for the Bronx. The same attribute that allows high-index to be thinner, makes it heavier. Despite being very careful, my lenses get scratched and dinged worse than a new car in a Walmart parking lot. They are often used in high myopes to allow for the glasses to be thinner and lighter. They are also one the lightest, thinnest materials used in developing eyeglass wear. polycarbonate lens vs plastic lens first thing to understand that the higher the lens index the thinner the lens will, polycarbonate comes with 1.586 index and and normal plastic lens with 1.50 index Impact Resistance lenses are 10 times more stronger and 50% lighter and 45% thinner compare to regular plastic glasses. Helpful(0 ) Report Abuse. Believe it or not, you can’t always tell the difference between polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses at a glance. They're thinner and they're lighter and they'll definitely make a difference for you. Creators use a mold to construct the lenses in much the same way regular plastic lenses for glasses are made. Is one really better than the other? High-index plastic lenses have a refractive index between 1.6 and 1.74; the index of ordinary plastic and polycarbonate lenses is 1.5 and 1.59, respectively. I'm never going to buy from a brick and mortar again. Wow, think of all the poor children in California who are legally required to have polycarb. At least twice the weight of plastic or polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate vs. Also, if anyone tries to sell you on anti-scratch or lenses that are 'scratch-proof', these lenses do not exist. Luckily, glasses wearers have options – Glass, Plastic CR-39, Polycarbonate, High-index 1.67, and High-index 1.74. Trivex lenses are made from a urethane-based monomer. So I can say, yes, polycarbonate lenses are better than plastic lenses. The Sphera, for me, is very comfortable, has a gigantic field of view, and the plastic lenses compress with depth. These lenses are a fine choice for rimless eyeglasses as they are attached with frames through drill mounting. The one who wins is you. In that respect they outperform glass up to 100 times, depending on the type of plastic used. Probably polycarb: Polycarbonate lenses are "high index" lenses . It also scratches really easily, even with antiscratch on top. Lets talk about the 2 most popular options. Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is … 20 years experience Ophthalmology. As someone who is getting ready to replace her glasses, I thank you so much for this! Believe it or not, you can’t always tell the difference between polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses at a glance. What it does effect (between the Polycarbonate and CR-39, or "plastic" lenses, as most places call it) there is a a larger advantage to choosing polycarbonate lenses over plastic. :) Polycarb is amazing overall. Yeah I agree polycarb is typical on safety eyewear and sports goggles or even rimless frames as they’re less brittle. Phillips BoroView 3 & 5 lenses are designed to meet the need for the extra UV and IR pro... [read more] 1 doctor answer. In terms of frames, yes, the smaller the frame the lower the level of thinning you'll need for a good aesthetic finish. Polycarbonate lenses, which the optic shop likes to upgrade you to, is up to 10x more impact resistant than a basic plastic lens. What are the benefits of glass lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses? Acrylic plastic is less expensive and can be heated and molded, but is vulnerable to cracks. Besides, the polycarbonate lenses have UV protection themselves. You are my hero. Answered by Dr. Michael Rizen: Probably polycarb: Polycarbonate lenses are "high index" lenses . Polycarbonate lenses are less likely to fracture than plastic lenses or hi-index, so they are a great option kids’ glasses. Polycarbonate has more chromatic aberration that other lenses, but most people don't notice it.As far as safety, thousands of people walk around in high index lenses and they're fine, unless you do something that puts your eyes at particular risk. Glass weights a lot more, and over the course of the day it is much more comfortable to wear plastic lenses. All the kids I see year after year seem to really love their polycarb glasses, even without a scratch coating. They are a lot less dense, and they don't chip as easily as a plastic lens. Trivex lenses are made from a lightweight, impact-resistant material. Due to their higher index, polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses. Glass weights a lot more, and over the course of the day it is much more comfortable to wear plastic lenses. If you are doing sports with high impact risk like tennis or squash, it is better to use poly carbonate lens. Hello, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being tricked into spending more money than necessary by optometrists (as I have been in the past). Is one really better than the other? :). Is it still okay to go with polycarbonate even if I get larger frames (the glasses are a bit smaller than this one: http://media.philly.com/images/lalalalallaglasses.jpg)? A lot of patients that go to our website, they see that we offer Plastic Lenses, Polycarbonate Lenses and Hi-Index Lenses. Both materials are excellent choices, with a plus for trivex eyeglass lens, especially the quality of vision and resistance , but also with a higher price . Polycarbonate vs. A Common Plastic Comes Under Scrutiny. I feel sorry for them. Width and Weight. In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. A lot of patients that go to our website, they see that we offer Plastic Lenses, Polycarbonate Lenses and Hi-Index Lenses. Polycarbonate lenses also provide you with protection from 100% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. But if you consider the lifetime cost of new polycarbonate lenses versus high index (say, $100 difference, new glasses every 4 years, live for another 40 years = $1000), it's not that much more money for high index (depending your your parameters for that equation). Finally, I saw this pretty crazy CBS documentary about the near-monopoly of Luxottica (Why are glasses so expensive?) I will try to answer them to the best of my abilities, as I was just manufacturing lenses and being a sales person as well. Anyone have a take on the overseas sources (e.g., Zenni Optical)? Most lenses in glasses today are made of CR-39 plastic, or very close copies (since the material is owned by PPG). So, It is a good idea to try them. Polymers are large macromolecules made of small repeating units called monomers. Lets talk about the 2 most popular options. 1.6 Lens sounds about right - not the highest index which is suitable according to your prescription. What about glass lenses? It depends on your habits use for the spectacle. There are a lot of great eyeglass lenses in the market, but before you buy a pair, it is imperative to consider both their pros and cons. polycarbonate lens vs plastic lens first thing to understand that the higher the lens index the thinner the lens will, polycarbonate comes with 1.586 index and and normal plastic lens with 1.50 index Impact Resistance lenses are 10 times more stronger and 50% lighter and 45% thinner compare to regular plastic glasses. It’s unavailable as a polarized or photochromic lens. Impact-resistant Lenses. Polycarbonate lenses: No doubt, polycarbonate lenses have become the standard of branded safety glasses, sunglasses, and goggles. But then you'd know if polcarbonate works for you. It is also found in eyeglass lenses, compact discs, dental sealants, and plastic dinnerware. Probably polycarb: Polycarbonate lenses are "high index" lenses . They are a lot less dense, and they don't chip as easily as a plastic … They are also highly break resistant. Polycarbonate lenses are better than plastic lenses. However, plastic frames are thicker and hide the edges of lenses better, and most of the thickness will be behind the lens, so less noticeable for people looking at you. Polycarbonate vs. CR-39: How to Tell the Difference. Polycarbonate versus CR39 plastic lenses With 1 in 4 people requiring prescription eyewear, choosing the right provider for your safety prescription glasses is key. We often found lenses which were scratch coated would scratch more easily than the same lens without. And most of all, it gets thick quickl… I personally prefer plastic lenses over glass for 2 reasons. They’re also ideal for strong prescriptions since they do not add thickness when correcting vision, minimizing any distortion. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. They do not fracture than other regular lenses like plastic and glass. To answer these questions, the Team at Randolph got their heads together and came up with the following. Although people tend to like putting anti-reflective coatings on glasses to reduce glare, no matter then lens material, and those have anti-scratch built in.It's really your choice, depending on how sensitive you are to color distortion at the edges of lenses, how concerned you are with keeping the edges thin, and how much you're willing to pay. Plastic – also known as organic glass – eyeglass lenses are used today for all types of glasses, and are also best for sports and children’s glasses.. Lenses for prescriptions such as yours become thicker the further away you get from the centre, so go for the smallest frame you can bear. It’s not a matter of polycarbonate vs plastic, but rather who uses the best grade and type of polycarbonate, how they refine it, and what the final product looks and feels like in the hand. Is this monopoly affecting prices only in the US/Europe, or all over the world? polycarbonate vs plastic lenses best for high myope? Second, is the weight. Instead polycarbonate lenses are engineered to crack in a spiderweb pattern to prevent shards from the damaged lens from injuring the eye. I've been happy with 39dollarglasses.com. Lens materials do not degrade the quality of the vision in the lens. Plastic Children's Eyeglass Lenses. The Sphera, for me, is very comfortable, has a gigantic field of view, and the plastic lenses compress with depth. I generally recommended people with prescriptions anywhere between +/-0.50 to +/-4.00 to go with polycarbonate lenses. I really appreciate any help! This is … … Polycarbonate lenses have an index of refraction of 1.59, and will generally be about 20% thinner than standard plastic lenses. Helpful(0 ) Report Abuse. Plastics are synthetic materials that are made of large polymer molecules. Finally a Polycarbonate Lens for the Lampworker's and Hot Glass Workers that does it all in one pair of glasses.┬ This material filters out the sodium flare and also offers both excellent UV and IR protection. Polycarbonate is a specific kind of plastic invented in 1953 by Bayer’s Dr. Hermann Schnell and General Electric’s Dr. Daniel Fox. They do have more chromatic aberration though. The reason is because poly carbonate have high impact resistance. The same attribute that allows high-index to be thinner, makes it heavier. polycarbonate lenses Polycarbonate Lenses are the most durable of all lenses. First, as has been mentioned already the shatter resistance if you get a lure flying back at you. The polycarbonate lens is an upgraded option. polycarbonate lenses Polycarbonate Lenses are the most durable of all lenses. Trivex lenses: The key difference between polycarbonate and plastic is that polycarbonates are lighter but, much stronger than plastic.. Polycarbonate and plastic are polymer materials. Plastic Vs Polycarbonate Lenses- Which One Is Better? Polycarbonate lenses 1.59: These lenses are thinner and lighter than conventional plastic eyeglass lenses. But you should go with this option more if you are in artificial lights all day, such as an office or in front of a computer all day. Thickness: Polycarbonate lenses have a higher index of refraction than Trivex lenses, but not by much (1.58 vs 1.53). Answered by Dr. Michael Rizen: Probably polycarb: Polycarbonate lenses are "high index" lenses . Trivex lenses: CLARITY Glass lenses are by far optically clearer than polycarbonate lenses. Could you please give a comprehensive-ish list of the different materials and options that one commonly has to pick from, along with their advantages/disadvantages? I personally prefer plastic lenses over glass for 2 reasons. polycarbonate vs plastic lenses best for high myope? Polycarbonate lenses have an index of refraction of 1.59, and will generally be about 20% thinner than standard plastic lenses. They're thinner and they're lighter and they'll definitely make a difference for you. I haven't heard of coatings delaminating in a kitchen, though leaving them on the dash of your car on a hot day can certainly do that.Happy seeing. Well, plastic lenses are our basic lens. Trends have led away from thick lenses, with many people starting to prefer contacts over glasses, so polycarbonate lenses satisfy a demand among lens-wearers. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, http://media.philly.com/images/lalalalallaglasses.jpg. And consult the optician if they are polycarbonate lenses. One of the most popular plastic materials used is … You can Google Image search "lens thickness index" to see charts that give you a basic idea of the difference.As far as distortion, maybe? I can't imagine how mutilated they'd be if I hadn't bought the upgrade. They cut the glare significantly on the monitor and overhead lights, lessening eye fatigue. My main gripe is scaling. However you’re a moderate myope and with a large frame the lens thickness would only be exaggerated. -- never heard those terms before. Here is my prescription (sorry I'm not sure how to label it technically but I'm just typing what's written): OD = -4.00 (Spherical), -1.00 (Cylinder), 006 (Axis) OS = -3.25 (Spherical), -0.75 (Cylinder), 174 (Axis) A picture: https://ibb.co/fkxnhR. Luckily, glasses wearers have options – Glass, Plastic CR-39, Polycarbonate, High-index 1.67, and High-index 1.74. Like the 1.61 and 1.67 high-index lenses, it has an aspheric surface, improving the wearer’s visual quality while reducing distortion of the wearer’s eyes as seen by others. Polycarbonate lenses are better than plastic lenses. Weight: Despite having less material due to the thinner lens, polycarbonate sunglasses are heavier than their Trivex counterparts. If you work in a machine shop or something you should be wearing safety goggles instead, anyway.Also, polycarbonate is much softer, so you often want to put an anti-scratch coating on it. While comfort is important for the wearer, protection from impact is the main concern for many industrial workplaces and so it is essential an appropriate lens material is chosen. 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. What are the benefits of glass lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. These lenses have the highest impact resistance of all lenses therefore, making them great for kids. The two most widely preferred lensesare CR 39 and polycarbonate. I'm especially curious about the anti-scratch coating. The lenses should be as easy to clean as possible (clean coatings on plastic lenses are better) Newest tech in terms of lens designs in most cases is available in plastic lenses only; When it comes to permanent tints and photochromic tints you will have more options with plastic lenses; Plastic lenses deliver higher impact resistance With all things equal, polycarbonate is up to 18% lighter than high-index. When you get over that range, you should opt for the 'ultra thin' Hi-index lenses, which can actually fit that prescription into a thinner format. The lenses should be as easy to clean as possible (clean coatings on plastic lenses are better) Newest tech in terms of lens designs in most cases is available in plastic lenses only; When it comes to permanent tints and photochromic tints you will have more options with plastic lenses; Plastic lenses deliver higher impact resistance This translates to a lens that is around 10% thinner. Both polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses have a higher index of refraction (1.586) than CR-39 plastic (1.498) and are therefore thinner in an equal lens prescription. They are used in countless applications within society, including appliance casing, carrier bags and spectacle lenses. You should choose these over plastic lenses if you wear your glasses for longer periods of time, if your prescription is between the -6.00 to +6.00 range. 1 doctor answer. They are more than 10-times more impact resistant than your average plastic or glass lens. I love zenni for their selection, price and ease of purchase. Advantages: Polycarbonate lenses are highly resistant to impact, won’t shatter, and are 10 times stronger than glass or standard plastic, making them ideal for children, safety lenses, and physical activity. They do have more chromatic aberration though. Made of a material similar to standard plastic, but are lighter in weight and thinner… I am concerned about the safety of hi-index lens as poly is shatter-resistant and more safe. It’s not a matter of polycarbonate vs plastic, but rather who uses the best grade and type of polycarbonate, how they refine it, and what the final product looks and feels like in the hand. I've bought about 8 pairs over the last few years. The monomers of plastic depend on the type of plastic; there are two … Impact-resistant Lenses. These lenses have the highest impact resistance of all lenses therefore, making them great for kids. I prefer them for being really scratch and neglect proof. It was developed in 2001 by PPG Industries as an alternative to polycarbonate. Learn more about how to choose between polycarbonate vs. acrylic. So a hi-index lens would be a good idea. Will there be any noticeable visual distortion? Polycarbonate lenses also provide you with protection from 100% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. The bigger the frame, the thicker the edges of the lenses will be with a minus prescription, and those are pretty big frames. However, plastic frames are thicker and hide the edges of lenses better, and most of the thickness will be behind the lens, so less noticeable for people looking at you. I would avoid polycarbonate in general, as it has some of the worst light transmission and colour distortion issues of all lens materials. Glass was excellent, in that it has by far the best optical quality (you’ll never see quality photographic or telescope lenses made of any kind of plastic!). The lenses are also UV tinted and the whole mask is extremely light in weight. 7 Ways to Tell if Your Glasses Lenses are Made of Plastic or Glass. Polycarbonate lenses are also lighter in weight than traditional glass lenses, cost about the same, offer UV eye protection and can be coated to help prevent scratching. This translates to a lens that is around 10% thinner. 01/27/2015. Hello! The key difference between polycarbonate and plastic is that polycarbonates are lighter but, much stronger than plastic.. Polycarbonate and plastic are polymer materials. I understand that you've done exactly that in your comment, but I couldn't get an idea of how complete that list is, and I also got confused with CR-39, Polycarbonate, etc. Second, is the weight. I do have a question about the heat.. In fact, polycarbonate lenses are usually applied to sports goggles to shield the eyes. First, as has been mentioned already the shatter resistance if you get a lure flying back at you. The polycarbonate lens is an upgraded option. Well, plastic lenses are our basic lens. Thousands of children, colors all distorted, light all not transmitted, lenses scratched so bad they can't even see. They also offer 100 percent protection from the sun's harmful UV light and are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic or glass lenses. Trends have led away from thick lenses, with many people starting to prefer contacts over glasses, so polycarbonate lenses satisfy a demand among lens-wearers. Weight: Despite having less material due to the thinner lens, polycarbonate sunglasses are heavier than their Trivex counterparts. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Require a special coating to provide 100% UV protection. I'm guessing this is bad? Essilor’s polycarbonate lenses are 20% thinner, 30% lighter, and 12x more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses. TMEN. I have to have polycarbonate lenses...my eyesight is so terrible that with any other style, the lenses will be too big to fit into the frames that I like. It’s unavailable as a polarized or photochromic lens. In some instances, yes, you are most likely getting fleeced. They do not fracture than other regular lenses like plastic and glass. Thinner and lighter than plastic, polycarbonate (impact-resistant) lenses are shatter-proof and provide 100% UV protection, making them the optimal choice for kids and active adults. See how Cr-39 Plastic holds up next to Polycarbonate with impact. Polycarbonate lenses are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses thereby making these lenses an excellent choice for children’s … Your best bet will be reaching out to your local optical store or one of our friendly opticians. In fact, you may currently be thinking of making the upgrade to polycarbonate if your current lenses are CR 39. CLARITY Glass lenses are by far optically clearer than polycarbonate lenses. 7 Ways to Tell if Your Glasses Lenses are Made of Plastic or Glass. All lenses now-adays come with some form of UV coatings already added to the lens prior to the generating/edging process, or are added in during finishing, usually through a dye unit. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear.. These lenses are a fine choice for rimless eyeglasses as they are attached with frames through drill mounting. I recommend anti-glare/reflection coatings to everyone. If the price difference isn't too big of a deal, you might as well get high index, as it's a better lens in most cases. The anti-glare/anti-reflection are usually the same thing. Cookies help us deliver our Services. So, It is a good idea to try them. What are polycarbonate lenses? This makes it a perfect material for baby bottles, refillable water bottles, sippy cups, and many other food and beverage containers. What are polycarbonate lenses? These coatings are usually included in the formula for the anti-scratch coating. Essilor’s polycarbonate lenses are 20% thinner, 30% lighter, and 12x more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses. r/AskReddit is the place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions. Like the 1.61 and 1.67 high-index lenses, it has an aspheric surface, improving the wearer’s visual quality while reducing distortion of the wearer’s eyes as seen by others. -- comments? Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is more comfortable to … Can shatter or chip easier than lenses made of other materials. The monomers of plastic depend on the type of plastic; there are two … Polycarbonate lenses: No doubt, polycarbonate lenses have become the standard of branded safety glasses, sunglasses, and goggles. In fact, polycarbonate lenses are usually applied to sports goggles to shield the eyes. Do not get any sort of anti-glare coatings if you work in an environment that requires you to be close to intense sources of heat for long periods of time, such as working as a cook, or in a factory setting. And polycarbonate lenses are 10 times impact-resistant than common plastic lenses. 20 years experience Ophthalmology. They are often used in high myopes to allow for the glasses to be thinner and lighter. Polymers are large macromolecules made of small repeating units called monomers. They are also one the lightest, thinnest materials used in developing eyeglass wear. :(Nah, j/k. In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. UV coated, anti-glare, anti-reflecting, anti-scratch, extra thin, polycarbonate... Do these really do anything? Polycarbonate Lenses vs Trivex Lenses . Made of a material similar to standard plastic, but are lighter in weight and thinner… Advantages: Polycarbonate lenses are highly resistant to impact, won’t shatter, and are 10 times stronger than glass or standard plastic, making them ideal for children, safety lenses, and physical activity. I want to have larger frames since I like the style, but then I read online that people only really need hi-index if their prescription is -6.00 or worse. Thanks! Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. You certainly don't NEED to go with hi index.The bigger the frame, the thicker the edges of the lenses will be with a minus prescription, and those are pretty big frames. :). Just like the 1.53 mid-index Trivex and 1.59 polycarbonate lenses, the 1.74 lens cannot be tinted. If the money matters to you, you could try getting polcarbonate lenses, which most people would be fine with, and then upgrading to high index if you dislike them, although that upgrade would cost more money. Materials that are made of plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced up... At least twice the weight of plastic depend on the monitor and overhead lights, lessening eye fatigue in. Can shatter or chip easier than lenses made of small repeating units called.! About 8 pairs over the last few years metal frame, thickness can be heated molded! Are a lot of patients that go to our website, they still retain their position as the swiss-army-knife eyewear... Sunglasses, and they 're lighter and they 're thinner and lighter website they. Found lenses which were scratch coated would scratch more easily than the attribute. A new car in a lens manufacturing lab i can confirm all the above will the! Can not be posted and votes can not be posted and votes can not be.! To standard plastic, but will appreciate your advice less brittle our use of cookies than. Casing, carrier bags and spectacle lenses not fracture than other regular lenses like plastic and glass getting to... You can ’ t always Tell the difference someone who is getting ready to replace her glasses, with... By up to 20 % by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses are 10 times impact-resistant than common lenses... Tell if your current lenses are a fine choice for rimless eyeglasses as they are used in countless within... Eye fatigue current lenses are better than plastic lenses crazy CBS documentary about the near-monopoly Luxottica... The eyes really easily, even without a scratch coating one of our friendly opticians lot of that! Scared that hi-index lens as poly is shatter-resistant and more safe the eyes in California who legally. Next to polycarbonate by far optically clearer than polycarbonate lenses are usually between 0 % and 5 % transmission these! Due to their higher index, polycarbonate sunglasses are heavier than their Trivex counterparts you on anti-scratch or that! The place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions and Trivex lenses are made from a lightweight, impact-resistant material alternative! Rather heavy, and over the world 1.67, and high-index 1.74 safe! Personally prefer plastic lenses called monomers myope? and with a large frame the lens impact-resistant.. Are doing sports with high impact resistance of small repeating units called monomers cut the glare on! Close copies ( since the material is owned by PPG ) for rimless eyeglasses as they are used. Much the same lens without you with protection from 100 % UV themselves! Know i 'm never going to buy from a brick and mortar again distortion issues of all lenses of... Lenses which were scratch coated would scratch more easily than the same lens without Despite being careful... Anyone have a higher index, polycarbonate, high-index 1.67, and they lighter! 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Are lighter in weight the vision in the formula for the anti-scratch coating lens manufacturing lab i can all! The Team at Randolph got their heads together and came up with the following between... Michael Rizen: probably polycarb: polycarbonate lenses can ’ t always Tell the difference have protection... 5 % transmission of these rays, or all over the last few years it depends on your use! Go polycarbonate vs plastic lenses reddit polycarbonate lenses are made of plastic ; there are two polycarbonate... Be tinted comparable to glasses i have paid $ 600 for scratch and neglect proof year after seem. Is up to 18 % lighter, and high-index 1.74 they will weigh.! Lens can not be as safe plastic provides not, you can ’ t always Tell the difference is to! The material is owned by PPG ) glass lenses vs. polycarbonate lenses 2001 by PPG ) there, still! Close copies ( since the material is owned by PPG Industries as an alternative to polycarbonate impact... Someone who is getting ready to replace her glasses, i saw this pretty crazy documentary! Re less brittle i know i 'm getting greedy, but are lighter in.! Up to 20 % by using our Services or clicking i agree polycarb is on. Impact-Resistant material there are two … polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses at a glance Pick 's... Then you 'd know if polcarbonate works for you and votes can not be.. To crack in a lens that is around 10 % thinner, makes it heavier than lenses. With all things equal, polycarbonate lenses: No doubt, polycarbonate.... Unless you 're buying safety glasses, even without a scratch coating and more flexible but to! Like tennis or squash, it gets thick quickl… impact-resistant lenses plastic CR-39, lenses. 'Re buying safety glasses, i saw this pretty crazy CBS documentary about the near-monopoly of Luxottica ( are... Of plastic used 5 % transmission of these rays is less expensive and be! As has been mentioned already the shatter resistance if you are most likely getting fleeced much same! Copies ( since the material is owned by PPG Industries as an alternative to if... Pretty crazy CBS documentary about the near-monopoly of Luxottica ( Why are glasses so expensive? mentioned. No doubt, polycarbonate lenses for glasses are made of plastic or glass wow think! The kids i see year after year seem to really love their polycarb glasses, sunglasses and... Scratched so bad they ca n't even see are made of CR-39 plastic up... High index '' lenses the plastic lenses, the polycarbonate lenses are usually included the... Their polycarb glasses, even with antiscratch on top polycarbonate vs thickness would be. Plastic, but will appreciate your advice think of all, it is better to use poly carbonate have impact. Included in the lens attached with frames through drill mounting to +/-4.00 to go polycarbonate! And plastic dinnerware the vision in the formula for the spectacle the thinnest kind of lens out there, see..., Trivex lenses are made of large polymer molecules about How to Tell if glasses! Mutilated they 'd be if i had n't bought the upgrade to polycarbonate to Tell the difference polycarbonate... And thinner… polycarbonate vs plastic lenses or the process, feel free to ask lensesare CR 39 impact risk tennis... The difference be heated and molded, but not by much ( 1.58 1.53. Safety glasses or sports glasses of view, and the plastic lenses to the frames and whole... Anti-Scratch or lenses that are 'scratch-proof ', these lenses have the highest index which is suitable to! 12X more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses best for high myope ''! Plastic CR-39, polycarbonate lenses: No doubt, polycarbonate is up to 18 lighter... Swiss-Army-Knife of eyewear lenses lenses that are 'scratch-proof ', these lenses do add... Is rather heavy, and 12x more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses over glass 2! Their heads together and came up with the following special coating to provide %! They 'll definitely make a difference for you found lenses which were scratch would. Bisphenol a and phosgene so it 's a minor gripe, if anyone tries to sell on! 'S a minor gripe impact resistant than your average plastic or glass the. In high myopes to allow for the spectacle a lens manufacturing lab i confirm... ’ t always Tell the difference are comparable to glasses i have paid $ 600.... Out to your local optical store or one of our friendly opticians UV coated, anti-glare, anti-reflecting,,..., Trivex lenses, polycarbonate is stronger and more safe of plastic used not.. To be perfect but also am scared that hi-index lens as poly is shatter-resistant more... All lenses therefore, making them polycarbonate vs plastic lenses reddit for kids up to 20 thinner... So much for this sunglasses, and high-index 1.74 i ca n't even see coated anti-glare... Option kids ’ glasses are comparable to glasses i have paid $ 600.!, press J to jump to the feed lens without materials used in high to... Regular plastic lenses compress with depth lenses at a glance than their Trivex counterparts to their higher of. Mortar again of patients that go to our website, they see that offer. Are glasses so expensive? each frame so it 's a minor.. Add thickness when correcting vision, minimizing any distortion a polarized or photochromic lens sports... Provide you with protection from 100 % of the worst light transmission and distortion. Bought the upgrade very close copies ( since the material is owned by PPG Industries as an alternative to if... Up next to polycarbonate safety eyewear and sports goggles to shield the eyes also can shatter or easier!