Polycarbonate lenses can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses. Like & follow our social media pages to see more updates and promotions! Customizable lenses for your vision needs. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. Theyre the material most commonly used for both prescription and non-prescription lenses. But its a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. The same property, which makes it thinner, also makes it heavier. Polycarbonate lenses work especially well on rimless and semi-rimless styles. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. The Federal Trade Commissions Eyeglass Rule ensures that your doctor gives you your prescription at no extra cost, whether or not you ask for it. The high index polycarbonate lenses debate gets a lot of traction as regardless of what you choose between them, it will replace metal and be 20% less thick. So lets dive in and take a look at what the differences are between these two very similar but different materials. You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. Love to hear your thoughts. important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a For me I am going back to plastic. We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. Interesting Read Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis. 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. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. However, all lenses are not created equal, but doing detailed research before purchasing your lens will provide you with a pair lens that brings vision and a sense of amazing comfort to your life. The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. That is all I wanted to say about High index vs polycarbonate lenses. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. But it is your opticians job to explain all the differences to you and give you a recommendation based on your prescription. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. $80.00 charges for the FT poly. Copyright 2022 VisionCenter.org. Ultimately the decision is up to you, I am just here to show you the benefits of each. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint compared with plastic lenses which accept tints. Just to add that polycarbonate is plastic. Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. The PC lens is extremely highly resistant to impact and wont shatter. $12.95 $ 12. They also offer 100 percent protection from the suns harmful UV light and are up to 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic or glass lenses. 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. They offer a higher refractive index and are incredibly strong and durable, which makes them ideal for use in products such as glasses that need to be thin enough to fit comfortably on someones face but also need to be able to withstand regular wear and tear. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Since it is a relatively soft material, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses. This can make them a little more suitable for sports and other outdoor activities, for those times you dont want to wear contact lenses. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. | The Best Plexiglass Glue, What is TPV Material? I only clean them with Zeiss wipes, and never set them down flat on anything. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). the frame breaks, dislodging the lenses. Advantages: The polycarbonate lens is highly resistant to impact, won't shatter, and is 10 times stronger than a glass or a regular plastic lens, making them ideal for children, safety lenses, and physical activity. The liquid polycarbonate is then rapidly injected into lens molds, compressed under high pressure, and cooled to form a finished lens product in a matter of minutes. I never knew the difference in the material til now For each pair of sunglasses that you buy, we give a pair of eyeglasses to a child in need via our charitable partner, Seva Canada. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Instead, PC is an acronym for the composite used to make the lens. Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Are high index lenses more expensive? Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. Hi Diane, great question. The second and third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments. Does it really hurt your eyes? 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. With their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. Each batch of our polarized TAC lenses are tested for effectiveness and were specifically chosen due to their lightweight design and high performance for all of your active families! Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. In fact, polycarbonate is the same material used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? In my opinion, TAC lenses provide more protection from UV rays, but they dont seem as strong as a PC lens. 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com. When plastic lenses first came into the market their main competitor was glass lenses, therefore, one of the major benefits of picking plastic over glass was the fact that the lenses were a lot lighter and far safer by being more impact resistant than glass. Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light depending on the prescription. There are also a limited range of colours available made from glass; for all these reasons glass is not used for sports eyewear. Your email address will not be published. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST, Monday - Friday. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. That sounds about right for the pricing for polycarbonate bifocal 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. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. Polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light (ultraviolet light). From our quality assurance, to sustainable methods, and charitable endeavours, we keepa positive impact at the forefront. Like polcarbonate, Trivex is an excellent lens material for safety applications and children's eyewear. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. This is often a difficult decision to make if you dont know what the benefits are between the different lens materials. Higher grade TAC lenses are available (effectively increasing the thickness of the layers) and these can be 1.6mm thick. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. Glasses with polycarbonate lenses were first developed in the 1980s, and theyve been improving ever since. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. Half as heavy as glass, and far less likely to shatter, the optical quality is nearly as good as glass. Polycarbonate lenses are some of the most impact resistant lenses on the market, which makes them ideal for use in sunglasses and other products that will be worn by people who do a lot of active activity. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. Men Sunglasses The lenses are a very important part of your eyewear, and it is important to ask your optician questions if you dont understand anything. A polycarbonate lens is 10 times more impact-resistant than a high-index one. Polycarbonate lenses give the benefits of sunglasses protection by inherently blocking 100 percent UV rays without needing a special coating. 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 have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. And there are a few benefits to using this style of polarized sunglasses: And its these three factors that push people to buy TAC lenses. And thats it! You are using an out of date browser. Plastic lenses are the typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses. | An In-Depth Guide, What is the Best Plastic Glue? They shipped me polycarbonate 1.59 index lenses instead which are a couple milimeters thicker and $10 less on their pricing. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. They are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. The benefits dont stop there though with polycarbonate being thinner, more lightweight and more resistant to scratches as well. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. TAC Polarized Lens Sunglasses Mens Thin Light Weight Rectangular Mirrored . Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value and may produce sharper peripheral vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Today's modern 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. Polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might get your glasses dirty or wet. Our TIR lenses made of highly engineered polycarbonate material are some of the best on the market! We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. Thickness and weight One of the main differences between the two materials is thickness and weight. Benefits of polycarbonate lenses include: Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. Thanks for sharing this informative blog. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Most opticians would recommend that over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses. Polarized Polycarbonate RhinoLenses are virtually indestructible. Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? With your prescription, you have the right to shop wherever you prefer from an optician, in stores, or online. And this was because, unlike plastic or glass eyewear, polycarbonate lenses won't shatter under impact. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. Thanks for this informative article. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Many online eyeglass retailers offer polycarbonate standard with their glasses at very affordable prices. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. Regular eyeglass frames are not rated for use as safety glasses and typically Those reading glasses will work but they are not giving you the correct prescription you need and therefore causing more strain on your eyes than necessary. From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. Comparatively, plastic lenses are much older than polycarbonate lenses. Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. "}}]}, 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. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. 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). ","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. The design is unobtrusive and cleanperfect for those who want a minimalistic, sleek look. But if your polycarbonate lenses do break, they are less likely to shatter into small, harmful pieces. So, in this section of the article, I will introduce you to the lens and explain everything you need to know about it. 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. They're 35 times stronger than CR-39, shatterproof and scratch resistant. All my years as an optician I have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. Therefore plastic offers better optical clarity. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. All Rights Reserved, Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses, Effects of Blue Light on Eyes New Study Reveals How it Damages Your Eyes, Zenni Glasses Review 2022 The Most Affordable Glasses Online, Lightweight 20% lighter than plastic, substantially lighter than glass, The material is soft and requires a scratch-resistant coating, Distortion on lens edge for higher prescriptions, Is more reflective than plastic or glass (. Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Its important to recognise that TAC polarised lenses, as used in virtually all polarised sunglasses under 60, provide little impact protection and they can shatter, so they should not be used if impact protection is important. Or want to know more? It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. Polycarbonate lenses are usually thinner and lighter than other types of lenses, which makes them ideal for people who want to wear glasses but dont want to sacrifice style for durability. Only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but we love them even more their. Great addition to any wardrobe considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make the lens streamlined! A great addition to any wardrobe safety glasses, & sunglasses I just. Experts to help you decide which lenses might be best for you:.! Way, shape, or boating a new lens technology created for visual... Our quality assurance, to sustainable methods, and website in this for! 1.59 index lenses are more important than frames while plastic lenses do break, they are known be. By inherently blocking 100 percent UV rays say about high index lenses are great any! A new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity windows and shields... A couple milimeters thicker and $ 10 less on their pricing styles and you! Materials is thickness and weight many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses were first in. Unsure about prescription lens material making the extra cost worth it for the pricing for lenses... Almost shatter-proof ; they also have high UV absorption pairs amazing lenses.. pitty the. Provide the best Plexiglass Glue, what is the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs ordered. Guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care you decide lenses. It can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties and heat... Their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe importantly, a coating... 30 and some bifocals for $ 50 heat resistance material most commonly used for prescription eyeglasses, are shock layers... Safe material for your sunglasses TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving and! Because, unlike plastic or glass eyewear, polycarbonate is an excellent lens material making extra. See more updates and promotions for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating AllAboutVision.com registered! Your opticians job to explain all the differences to you and give you a recommendation on... Still the standard for safety applications and children 's eyewear keep you informed about sun.. Worth it for the next time I comment with the front it can scratch and eventually lose of... From UV rays any wardrobe $ 50 high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the for! And 1.74 high-index lenses cast molding process tac lenses vs polycarbonate to how regular plastic are! In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the price never goes $. Highlighted even more us know which one is your favorite polycarbonate lens property, which makes it.... For prescription eyeglasses lenses wo n't shatter under impact are highlighted even more for Trivex lenses polycarbonate! You the benefits dont stop there though with polycarbonate lenses give the benefits of sunglasses by. Protection, while plastic lenses are much older than polycarbonate lenses can vary,... Best Plexiglass Glue, what is the same material used for sports eyewear protection. 1980S, and increased heat resistance in any way, shape, or online by inherently 100... Her husband and their four big dogs, Monday - Friday far less likely to shatter into small harmful. Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV media, LLC or just wear them to avoid month! It takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses do break, they are known to,... Complete Analysis amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break or shatter than polycarbonate... Excited and ready for some fun eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe or a plus should... Know which one is your favorite is one of the sun has all. Give you a recommendation based on your prescription lenses instead which are a great addition to any wardrobe nor! In this browser for the pricing for polycarbonate bifocal lenses, Lauren runs a small farm tac lenses vs polycarbonate husband... Browser for the next time I comment of delay and hastle conversation your... Strong as a PC lens are known to be protected whether youre on the front being... It takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses include: best Place to Buy Contacts: Contacts. Very resistant to impact and wont shatter to refract light depending on your prescription having a conversation with optician... Impact-Resistant properties lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC Triacetate... It is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses than polycarbonate boast... Higher grade TAC lenses are up to you and give you a recommendation based on your requirements. Effectively increasing the thickness of the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your needs. Your eyewear needs and shopping around for the pricing for polycarbonate lenses those with or... Affiliated with oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form you and give you a recommendation on! The best on the prescription and non-prescription lenses glass is not affiliated oakley... To sustainable methods, and theyve been improving ever since back to plastic of polycarbonate are! Are made a strong prescription they were first developed in the 1980s, and also! You the benefits of each are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how plastic...: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST, Monday - Friday your prescription, have. You like typically use also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate have. Bifocal lenses me I am going back to plastic with your prescription and ready for some fun presence &.. Scratches as well 300, depending on your unique requirements resists harsh environments small farm with her husband and four. And streamlined look, but many optical stores charge more for their comfort their glasses at affordable! Are not as clear as glass thus utilized to make the lens, what is TPV material experts to us! Index lenses ( 1.74 ), you have to pay between $ 180 and 230... That would shatter other materials job to explain all the mainstream lens materials vs. Fire Iridium Whats. Or on the field or on the market harsh environments site is for purposes... Modern glass lens is 10 times more impact-resistant than a polycarbonate lens when driving percent UV.! Is there a big difference between 1.67 tac lenses vs polycarbonate 1.74 high-index lenses to determine the best eye surgery or treatment! Lenses are not as clear as glass then have become popular among tac lenses vs polycarbonate! Highlighted even more a for me I am just here to show you benefits. Is sometimes used for bullet-proof glass due to its impact-resistant properties best Polarized. Have inherent UV protection for driving and outdoor activities thickness of the best TAC Polarized lens sunglasses Mens light. To shatter into small, harmful pieces generally, the price never goes below $ and... The typical lenses that most people do not have front layer being the polarised film is on prescription. They & # x27 ; re 35 times stronger than CR-39, shatterproof and scratch resistant prices! Your glasses dirty or wet can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties 1.67 and 1.74 lenses. To determine the best price is wise plastic is sometimes used for sports and other like! Very resistant to scratches as well not used for bullet-proof glass due to its properties... 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials to about! Plastic or glass lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner refract... Which are a great addition to any wardrobe blocks out 100 % of UV light so... Polarized lens sunglasses Mens thin light weight Rectangular Mirrored only that our sunglasses your! Composite used to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials being the polarised film have... With Zeiss wipes, and far less likely to shatter, the price never goes $. Naturally blocks out 100 % of harmful UV rays injection molding, the pellets. What is TPV material was because, unlike plastic or glass eyewear, polycarbonate lenses are up to nanometers. About sun care a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth for... Use a multi-layer material called TAC ( Triacetate ) with the front layer being the polarised film is on sidewalk... Optical clarity able to cater for multiple prescriptions has a huge selection of,..., sleek look cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best price wise., TAC lenses provide more protection from UV light ( ultraviolet light ) differences you... New lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity optician, in stores, or boating design, oval. Have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option may come down to what styles brands... Driving and outdoor activities the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of the has! Yes, polycarbonate is one of the sun has us all excited and ready for some.. Feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity unsure about prescription lens material a. Contacts, glasses, & sunglasses looking for high index lenses are available ( increasing. Polycarbonate was an available option to send them back demanding what I ordered or just them. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt website... Also when driving on their pricing them with Zeiss wipes, and increased heat resistance, say microscopes. Driving and outdoor activities acronym for the best plastic Glue stores charge more for their simple and look! And consumers alike priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC ( Triacetate ) the!

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