The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Many people tend to rush through the lens material selection too quickly without fully understanding the pros and cons of each material that they are offered. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. This is where polarized lenses come in handy because they have a filter specially made to block this glare. Dapper is a sleek, modern take on rimless glasses. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. Your professional optician can discuss the pros and cons of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses so you To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. ($45 vs $55) Unisex Sunglasses Copyright 2020-2022 PlasticRanger | The Content May Not Be Reproduced On Other Websites, top 10 injection molding machine manufacturers in china, Top 10 Plastic Injection Molding Companies In United States, Top 6 injection Molding Machine Manufacturers, Top 10 Injection Moulding Companies In UK 2022. Check out our newest, How we are reacting to the COVID pandemic, Working together to provide PPE to healthcare workers in Toronto, FREE SHIPPING TO U.S. & CANADA ON ORDERS OVER $100. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. 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. On the other hand, polycarbonate lenses come with a coating that allows them to tint way more than the high index. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, high index lenses are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses because they are made from expensive materials, and the manufacturing process is difficult and harder to grind. Both are extremely strong, but polycarbonate is very susceptible to scratches unless it comes with an added film; that being said, theyre shatterproof. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight. Polarised lenses are different to standard sunglass lenses; they have a special film which helps eliminate glare reflected off a surface like a pavement, road, water or snow. When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. There are 7 layers that make up TAC lenses. Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. Now I will be adding lense material to the list. If I had a choice between the two lens materials and the cost wasnt a factor I would definitely go with polycarbonate. Triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers; they are usually scratch proof but not shatterproof. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Love to hear your thoughts. He covers everything within Plastics manufacturing and processing. If you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you but helps support our website. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Men Sunglasses Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. Lighter and thinner high index lenses are highly recommended for you if you have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness. This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. 95. . Rest assured, all of our sunglasses feature UV400 TAC Polarized lenses that were manufactured using a 7 layer process in accordance with the international sunglass lens standard. This post was most recently updated on June 2nd, 2020. Keep in mind that we link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. Because they are far less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyewear designs where the lenses are attached to the frame with drill mountings. I just bought 1 pair of glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea. So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. In my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays, but they dont seem as strong as a PC lens. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. If your frame is fine, your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont have the right lenses. Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do high-index lenses cost? We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. Vision Center is funded by our readers. You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. And that reason is impact protection. I recently purchased non-polycarbonate 1.61 index Digital Free Form progressive lenses from zennioptical.com. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. JavaScript is disabled. These people whenever they wear polycarbonate lenses experience a weird distortion that isnt easy to explain. Polycarbonate lenses are extremely popular in the lens market. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if you're looking for an alternative to metal glasses. It is used for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. Introduced in the 1980s, they're incredibly lightweight and about 20% thinner than regular plastic lenses. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking for an alternative to metal glasses. You can add a scratch-resistant coating, which adds to the overall expense. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Let me know below! Those original opticians had it right when it came to optical clarity. Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Most opticians would recommend that over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. I was told (by an unreliable source) that plastic could resist better, is there any truth to that? Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. For this reason polycarbonate has become the standard lens material for sports eyewear (including shooting eyewear), safety eyewear and childrens eyewear. Your recommendation? Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. Choosing the right lens for your sunglasses is very important if you want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. don't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports. Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. Polycarbonate lenses were first invented in 1953, but strangely two scientists developed them one week apart despite being on opposing sides of the world. Page published on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. With their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe. Boll Bolt 2.0 Titanium Volt+ Ultraviolet Polarised, Boll Bolt 2.0 S Creator Green Volt+ Gun Polarised, Boll Bolt 2.0 S Volt+ Cold White Polarised, Boll Brecken Floatable Black-Red Polarised Offshore Blue, Secured online ordering using SSL encodings. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. But unfortunately for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to work on your laptop. Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! SEE ALSO: How To Clean Glasses Without Scratching Your Lenses! Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. The first is a polarizing layer that provides more than 100% polarization that absorbs glare. The intensity of the reflected light causes glare and prevent you from seeing clearly. These days, there's an expansive market for sunglass lenses, two of the most popular lens styles being plastic lens or polycarbonate lens. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. Polycarbonate and Plastic lenses differ in many factors, such as affordability, tint resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity. Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. TAC lenses are a specific type of polarized lens with a multi-layer composite, but more importantly, it includes the unique Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) process. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. This will ensure you have the thinnest cut for the edges. When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. Here are some of our favourites! This plastic tends to reflect a lot of light, leading to glare. TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) lenses are a special design primarily made of an organic biodegradable polymer film that is the same that is used for photographic film and electronic screens. October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment. We think all the time! 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). Depending on where you are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses with their glasses. Without a doubt, polycarbonate is the most rigid lens material. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. Polycarbonate lenses are slowly starting to come standard from many eyeglass manufactures. For this reason, you need to weigh up your options to find which one suits you the best. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do polycarbonate lenses cost? Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. Availability. "}}]}, The plastic industry mainly uses injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, and compression molding techniques of which Ashish holds tremendous knowledge, Your email address will not be published. Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. | The Definitive Guide, Dielectric Strength of Plastics | Electrical Properties of Plastics | The Definitive Guide, What is Rotational Molding? They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. $80.00 charges for the FT poly. Hi Diane, great question. Sunlight scatters without direction and when it hits flat surfaces, the reflected light becomes polarized, in other words, it is less scattered and more aligned. Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. Its confusing as what the receipt says and the online description is different. I have just started to need glasses for reading. Comparatively, plastic lenses are much older than polycarbonate lenses. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. 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. Instead, PC is an acronym for the composite used to make the lens. We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! 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. CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. | 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. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. | An In-Depth Guide, What is the Best Plastic Glue? In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. Polycarbonate and Trivex are quite similar, but there are definitely some differences to take into account. Abbe value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials. $12.95 $ 12. Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate came into the fold, they are still a very popular lens choice today due to them being inexpensive and more lightweight than glass. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. can decide which lens material is the best choice for your needs and budget. Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? 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. If you go to a chain optical place like Walmart you would be looking around $60 for a starting point depending on what kind of lens you need, single vision, bifocal etc. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. High index lens density doesnt allow it to be tinted to more than anything more than a light shadow. I looked for the style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. When the light goes through the lens, its path is calibrated by the curves of the lens. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. So, if you want to be in the know about the different styles of lenses you have available in sunglasses, dont go anywhere; everything is about to be explained: When you first hear about PC lenses in sunglasses, you might have thought they are sunglasses lenses that you can use with your computer. Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. (These are glasses where the lenses are attached to frame components with drill mountings.). Weight. Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. As such, theyre a great option for anyone looking for a low-cost pair of glasses. Many people get confused about the differences. My receipt lists Plast 1.49 PANORMA IMPERIUM PLUS, so I guess that means plastic. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. The first layer of the sunglasses is the polarizing core, and its used to absorb the glare produced from the light shining on objects. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. All eyeglass wearers should weigh the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses before making a purchase. When shes not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats. The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. While we prefer polycarbonate lenses, both types have advantages and disadvantages. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. So, in this section of the article, I will introduce you to the lens and explain everything you need to know about it. Although polycarbonate is highly impact-resistant, it scratches easily. The light . However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. So when its best to wear polarized lenses? We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. This is such a helpful article, I wasnt even aware of the difference between plastic and polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that starts as a solid material in the form of small pellets. Glass will always provide the best optical experience as glass refracts light much more efficiently than plastic. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses.