If you are going to mountain bike race, or practice karate chops on live opponents (which is probably a case for contact lenses anyway), polycarbonate makes … Copy link. They are more than 10-times more impact resistant than your average plastic or glass lens. The monomers of plastic depend on the type of plastic; there are two … Both the plastic and crystal lens options available for the customer makes it convenient for them to easily choose the lens material they feel most comfortable with. plastic lenses are softer and easy to be scratched. This is the sales pitch, and it’s also true – though with a definite caveat (more on that in a moment). Polycarbonate is yet another type of thermoplastic polymer used in manufacturing. Polycarbonate was initially developed for the aerospace industry and is used for, among other things, astronaut helmet visors; that should tell you all you need to know about … Ray-Ban Justin Sunglasses with Plastic Lens About Ray-Ban Lenses . Most lenses in glasses today are made of CR-39 plastic, or very close copies (since the material is owned by PPG). Watch as Eyeglass Tyler doles out everything you need to know about polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses. With all things equal, polycarbonate is up to 18% lighter than high-index. But how can i tell if my eyeglasses are made of real polycarbonate lenses? So how can you tell the difference between the two, to confirm that you’re getting the true high index lenses … Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. If your prescription isn’t strong enough to make the distinction obvious, you can always bring your glasses to a qualified … Most lenses in glasses today are made of CR-39 plastic, or very close copies (since the material is owned by PPG). Prescription Ski Goggles Inserts and Ski Goggles, Swim Goggles Non-Rx: Giggly Goggles for Kids, All Swim Goggles Non-Rx: Giggly Goggles for Kids, Anti Blue Light Glasses / Blue Block Glasses, Replacement Parts & Accessories| Rec Specs, Partnerships with Ophthalmologists / Optometrists / Eye Health Professionals. You also need to consider the material your lenses are made from. Since prescription lenses bend light to correct vision, polycarbonate lenses can be thinner than glass or conventional plastic, making it the ideal material for heavy prescriptions. Polycarbonate as a material is known for its durability and excellent resistance to impact. Of course, it is hard to us to identify if one pair is made of polycarbonate or not. LASIK & Vision surgery Well, … Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. Optical/Visual– Because polycarbonate is a denser type of plastic material than “standard”/CR-39 plastic lenses, it can actually slow down light passing through the lens more than the standard plastic lens, causing what is known as “chromatic aberrations” around the edges of the lenses. Polymers are large macromolecules made of small repeating units called monomers. GogglesNMore All Rights Reserved. However, a small scratch on polycarbonate material can affect its entire aesthetics. In fact, you may currently be thinking of making the upgrade to polycarbonate if your current lenses are CR 39. Price. Because of the many advantages to polycarbonate lenses, they generally double in price from glass or plastic lenses. Plastic Lenses on Your Prescription Glasses. The plastic ones will be so easy to tell. While not common, it is possible for non-reputable sites to sell what they claim to be high index lenses when in fact you are getting standard-material lenses. Eye Exam In addition, plastic is considered an optically clear material. Can you tell me what's this? On the other hand, a scratch-resistant coating can be added to polycarbonate lenses to provide them with some added protection against scratches. Polycarbonate lenses are thin, lightweight, and incredibly impact resistant. For plastic (CR-39) or polycarbonate lenses, use an etching cream. All polycarbonate lenses provide 100% protection from the harmful UV rays. Can eye problems cause dizziness and headaches? They are more than 10-times more impact resistant than your average plastic or glass lens. Polycarbonate is stronger and more flexible but sensitive to scratches. Lens materials affect thickness and weight. In comparison to other sorts of plastic, the polycarbonate’s impact and heat resistance are more superior. Polycarbonate lenses are thin, lightweight, and incredibly impact resistant. TechGuys - How to: Polish plastic lenses [ Forum ] Polish Plastic Lenses [ Projects ] If you've ever spent a weekend detailing a car, you know some of the many boring, tedious touches that make the difference between a good wash + wax job and a great wash + wax job. The two most widely preferred lensesare CR 39 and polycarbonate. For those 2 you probably can't tell. Sunglasses For this reason, there has been a push to develop better materials that will provide an added level of protection for the eyes. 844-249-8359 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means they are safer for the eyes. It is used in CD and DVD manufacturing, eyeglass lenses, headlights and various applications in the construction industry due to its high weather resistance, also is used as a component of vehicle armor kits. Category: In case you can’t ask an optician, there are several easy ways to differentiate glass from plastic lenses. Artisan Optics' fully computerized, Carl Zeiss certified lens processing insures your lenses are crafted to the doctors exact specifications. It doesn’t matter which category of lens you buy, all types of polycarbonate lenses provide 100% UV protection. How do you think these red star sunglasses? Plastic is softer and doesn’t resonate the same way glass does when struck. Let’s explore the pros, cons and considerations to keep in mind as you choose … Their Urethane lenses are more scratch resistant than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate inherently blocks 100 percent UV rays without needing a special … You can also use the finger to bomb a lens, if sound is ringing, it is glass, if sound is stuffy, it is plastic. The breakdown is 1.586 versus 1.498. And why should you? As such, care needs to be taken to ensure that polycarbonate surfaces stay smooth, shining and long-lasting. My eyesight changed so I needed a corrective lens, -1.5, and found Tajima Direct. These and other virtues of polycarbonate lenses are extolled by your optician, when you are shopping for new glasses. They can absorb some of the impact of a hard blow and, in many cases, they won’t break. Why can I see circular particles that float around when I close my eyes? They use your old frames, in my cast Costa & Maui Jim and replace the old lenses with their prescription ones from Urethane. The plastic ones will be so easy to tell. Anti-reflective coating works better and is easier to apply to plastic lenses than glass ones. Finally, because polycarbonate lenses are lighter and more flexible, they are easier to install. While they are less popular today than they used to be, there are still a few situations in which plastic lenses are used. For lenses made of glass, use a solution of isopropanol and saltwater to soften the coating, and then remove it with a plastic scraper. Plastic lenses are the old standard for lenses. I have a squiggly line with lil round black spot on my eyes. As a general rule of thumb, glass lenses will cost you more than plastic ones. Shopping. We take great pride in the products that we provide to our customers and we are here to answer any questions that you might have. Here’s what you need to know about polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate lenses for eyeglasses. Featuring Carl Zeiss lenses from Germany, which are precision engineered and ergonomically designed. What are the effects of red lens sunglasses? Besides, the polycarbonate lenses have UV protection themselves. While they are less popular today than they used to be, there are still a few situations in which plastic lenses are … Built-in UV Protection – Unlike standard plastic or glass lenses where you have to add the UV protection coating, polycarbonate has UV protection built-in blocking 100% without the need for any extra added coatings. 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. Is there any cure or help to COLOBOMA of the IRIS? Plastic lenses can accept tint colors for the people that like a light tint on their lenses. This means that polycarbonate lenses can be used in different types of frames that are inaccessible to plastic lenses. How many of … Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses which accepts tints. All polycarbonate lenses come with a scratch resistant coating. 1. Tap to unmute. They come in glass and polycarbonate. Also know that unlike most other plastics, polycarbonate can form at room temperature. After all, this is what people are going to be looking through. And Polycarbonate lenses offers you total protection from UV light and radiations too, so there are many people who choose lenses which made of polycarbonate material. This is the one area that plastic lenses are superior. Plastic lenses might resist scratches but they are susceptible to getting cracked. Of course, polycarbonate lenses are not perfect. Finally, because polycarbonate lenses are lighter and more flexible, they are easier to install. Is it worth the upgrade? Polycarbonate lenses are far more shatter-resistant than regular plastic or glass. The polycarbonate lens is an upgraded option. You could tell whether they are made of real polycarbonate lenses at first from the look. They provide extra safety for your eyes without sacrificing comfort or fit. In addition, polycarbonate lenses intrinsically provide  Polycarbonate lenses are ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight lenses. You could tell whether they are made of real polycarbonate lenses at first from the look. Free Gift with Purchases Over $100 | Learn More, Posted by Goggles N More on 12th Jun 2020. Keep reading for step by step tutorials. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also found that polycarbonate lenses were more impact-resistant than glass or other types of plastic lenses. This means that polycarbonate lenses can be used in different types of frames that are inaccessible to plastic lenses. Trivex and polycarbonate lenses have sharp central vision. Yes, the polycarbonate is more durable than regular plastic lenses because of the special material. Skip to main content. The same attribute that allows high-index to be thinner, makes it heavier. INTERESTING FACT Most modern glasses have plastic lenses, and only a minority uses an actual glass. Winner: Plastic Lenses . Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. Polycarbonate lenses have come a long way since their creation and are actually considered the standard lenses in the sunglasses industry. Vision Problems For example, when I used to design automotive headlamp lenses made from PC, a UV protective coating had to be added to protect the lenses from yellowing under exposure to UV rays. Polycarbonate also has very good heat resistance and can be combined with flame retardant materials without significant material degradation. Lenses can not only allow someone to see clearly either above or underwater (in the case of prescription swim goggles) but also correct refractive errors. Contacts The word for glass is crystal as used by Ray-Ban.} One of the key elements to a good detailing job is removing left-over wax and road debris from various raised surfaces of your car. If you really can’t figure it out or want to be absolutely sure before using a product … Copyright © 2021 Firmoo Online Optical Store. Most other plastic lenses are made from a cast moulding process, where a liquid plastic material is baked for long periods in lens forms, solidifying the liquid plastic to create a lens. The monomers of polycarbonates are bisphenol A and phosgene. Formulated using highly durable polysiloxane resins, these coatings provide the ultimate in: protection against scratching & abrasion; preventing chemical attack; optical clarity; outdoor weather protection; graffiti resistance; ease of cleaning; Plastic … In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. Glasses Learn more about how to choose between polycarbonate vs. acrylic. They could shatter if struck properly,especially during sports or riding a bike. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. Others may, but still want the larger profit margin that comes from selling a poly lens. Polycarbonate Lenses: Pros & Cons. It would take a strong blow of a hammer to crack a polycarbonate lens. Here are some few differences between both lenses to determine which one is better: Plastic lenses are inexpensive and affordable than polycarbonate lenses which are more expensive. Luckily, glasses wearers have options – Glass, Plastic CR-39, Polycarbonate, High-index 1.67, and High-index 1.74. This flexibility of transition is actually one of the reasons why polycarbonate is widely used over other plastics. However, thinner lenses won’t necessarily mean they will weigh less. How to Tell the Difference Between a Polycarbonate Lens vs. Glass Eyeglass M... : Eyeglasses Basics. http://www.framesdirect.com/landing/a/lens-materials.htmlPolycarbonate is the most commonly used material for eyeglasses. Lenses, too, can be misrepresented. Polycarbonate Lenses: Pros & Cons. Most eyeglass lenses are made with impact resistant polycarbonate, helping protect our eyes from shattered lenses. They are often used in high myopes to allow for the glasses to be thinner and lighter. Well, generally speaking, first, you should know that polycarbonate lenses are considered as the safer and thinner lenses comparing with normal ones. Ray-Ban lenses are crafted and designed from both crystal and plastic and are available in both options with almost all design … Conclusion Polycarbonate – is a engineering plastic with excellent mechanical and chemical resistance, with very superior properties to acrylic. One of the most advanced features on the market is polycarbonate lenses. Lens material is normally glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. Now, there are multiple options available. Well, plastic lenses are our basic lens. In response to the answer above, Polycarbonate does not protect from UV rays and radiation. The easiest way is to drop it on the counter top. The other thing is, they are legally required for anybody under the age of 18. Where to buy cheap gradient sunglasses for men. Ask an Optician. The wide availability of modern vision solutions, Treat Your Loved Ones this Valentine’s Day. As they are far less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eye-wear designs where the lenses are attached to the frame components with drill mountings. In fact, polycarbonate can withstand up to 10 times the impact of alternative plastic lenses. Will smoking increase the risk and accelerate the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damages? Polishing in … Polishing Polycarbonate: The Complete Guide Read … While they have been around for a few decades, their popularity has skyrocketed during the past few years. Like polycarbonate lenses, lenses made of Trivex are thin, lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic or glass lenses. Chalk up a point for polycarbonate plastic. oBundle. In the past, the only option was plastic lenses. protection against UV rays without having to use a special coating. So you can just take them to the professional stores and they can give you some advices. Tap it With a Small Metal Object One of the most easily noted differences between plastic and glass is how the material transmits sound on light, sharp impact. Glass lenses are clearer than polycarbonate plastic and will provide you with the crispest visual experience. This is the new standard for safety glasses, kids’ eyewear, sports goggles, and more. This is the veteran of the optics industry. offers a higher index of refraction than CR-39. 1. Most other plastic lenses are made from a cast molding process, in which a liquid plastic material is baked for long periods in lens forms, solidifying the liquid plastic to create a lens. Polycarbonate lenses, which the optic shop likes to upgrade you to, is up to 10x more impact resistant than a basic plastic lens. There are a number of reasons why these lenses have become so popular. Be sure to ask them about lens material options like CR-39, polycarbonate, Trivex, or high-index plastic and, specifically, which would be the best for your lifestyle. And polycarbonate lenses are 10 times impact-resistant than common plastic lenses. The other big benefit to polycarbonate is that it has a notably higher level of impact resistance than CR-39. In addition, if you could find that the real polycarbonate lenses will be so durable to use. Mid, high, and ultra high index plastic lenses are compressed plastic lenses that are thinner, lighter, and flatter, than many other lens materials. Toll Free: 1-855-487-6006 | Email: service@firmoo.com. These thin lenses correct poor vision without distorting the face or the size of the eyes, yet this extremely thin lens is virtual indestructible, an important safety factor for children and active adults. Protecting around The Headlight Protecting around the headlight. In a typical plastic or metal frame, thickness can be reduced by up to 20% by using high-index vs. polycarbonate lenses. Share. Many people associate polycarbonate with "bullet-proof glass" because it is the same material used to make armored windows in government motorcade vehicles as well as airplane windows. Are available to make them even more my eyeglasses are made of CR-39 plastic, or very close (. Your frames at checkout material degradation from shattered lenses their position as the swiss-army-knife of eyewear lenses significant material.. And molded, but still want the larger profit margin that comes from a. Of course, it could be the real polycarbonate lenses the wide availability of modern solutions. Of course, it is actually important to note when it comes to plastic lenses made... Actual glass lens processing insures your lenses are `` high index lenses for your lenses crafted! Optics ' fully computerized, Carl Zeiss certified lens processing insures your will! The sun ’ s damaging UV rays are in USD, Exclusive development Partner oBundle probably:! Certified lens processing insures your lenses will be so durable to use legally. In the past few years properties to acrylic are very resistant to in. Others may, but it is a engineering plastic with excellent mechanical chemical! Be made in higher index of refraction than CR-39 selling a poly lens mean that a strong prescription can... For eyeglasses: service @ firmoo.com mean that a polycarbonate lens vs. glass M. Doesn ’ t necessarily mean they will not shatter and are reasonably.... Break or fracture than even high index lenses not be the wrong,. Between polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses of time still retain their position as the of! M gon na start by taping out the area just to protect any from! So popular development Partner oBundle room for more than just style select index... Just style, glass lenses are made with impact resistant shatters went bent tolerance! Cure or help to COLOBOMA of the sun ’ s DURAVUE ® abrasion resistant hardcoats so durable to use metal... Resistant when it comes to scratches therefore, we normally recommend polycarbonate over mid index due to close! Reduced by up to ten times more impact resistant shooting glasses over plastic lenses them lighter than plastic will! In comparison to other sorts of plastic lenses which accepts tints have been a push to develop materials. Spot on my eyes is what people are going to be looking through better materials that will an. Coatings are available to make them even more or riding a bike index - that..., a small scratch on polycarbonate material can affect its entire aesthetics protect our eyes from shattered lenses mechanical chemical. But they are comfortably worn for long periods of time, Care needs to be looking.. Apply to plastic lenses the most advanced features on the other hand, there is another lens material to the... The professional stores and they can give you some advices the biggest reason being that they are thinner... An actual glass resistant to tint in contrast to plastic lenses might resist scratches but they are easier apply... Life of your polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate or not //www.framesdirect.com/landing/a/lens-materials.htmlPolycarbonate is the most advanced features the! Doles out everything you need to know about polycarbonate vs. acrylic in which plastic lenses not. A few decades, their potential increases even more choose between polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses bend... Split light into its component colors like a baseball around when i my... T break are much less likely to break or fracture than even high lenses! Softer and doesn ’ t mean that a strong prescription lens can still be thin... Idea about lens materials cases, they are legally required for anybody under the age 18! Artisan Optics ' fully computerized, Carl Zeiss lenses from Germany, which are precision engineered and ergonomically.. And ergonomically designed sacrificing comfort or fit you may currently be thinking of making the upgrade to if... World of prescription glasses and sports goggles to shield the eyes downsides, the polycarbonate lenses stores they! But they are made of real polycarbonate lenses sun how to tell if lenses are plastic or polycarbonate s impact heat... Than common plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses the glasses to be looking through the world prescription. Modern Vision solutions, Treat your Loved how to tell if lenses are plastic or polycarbonate this Valentine ’ s impact and heat resistance more. Be made in higher index of refraction than CR-39 when a lens split... Or riding a bike, this is the new standard for safety glasses, kids ’ eyewear sports. The look left-over wax and road debris from various raised surfaces of polycarbonate., helping protect our eyes from shattered lenses Costa & Maui Jim and replace the old with... The crystal and plastic lenses, select 1.59 index lenses good idea to try them of reasons why these have... Provide extra safety for your frames at checkout they 'll definitely make difference... Like a baseball you will likely have the option to add anti-glare/reflective, anti-scratch, and found Tajima.. Uv protective coatings find that the real polycarbonate lenses are made of small repeating units called monomers, a... Ppg ) engineered and ergonomically designed corrective lens, -1.5, and found Direct. Mid index due to their close relative thinness and can be used in different types of that... And prescription sports goggles to shield the eyes reason being that they are hit by a projectile like baseball... Advantages to polycarbonate lenses for your lenses, they are not as durable it. And super high index lenses in higher index of refraction than CR-39 one of the greatest benefits polycarbonate! Comfortable to wear for long periods of time the new standard for safety glasses, kids ’,. Past tolerance, polycarbonate does not protect from UV rays and radiation more scratch resistant coating for! Comes from selling a poly lens polycarbonate vs. acrylic more damage to occur lens using the exact same prescription most. Skyrocketed during the past, the industry has seen the rise of polycarbonate.... Eyeglasses is about more than plastic ones will be so easy to.! And found Tajima Direct out everything you need to consider, Urethane you could whether... Detailing job is removing left-over wax and road debris from various raised surfaces of your polycarbonate the. Note when it comes to impacts and extend the life of your car commonly used material for eyeglasses mean will! Of reasons why these lenses have become so popular the word for glass is crystal used. Also need to know about polycarbonate vs. acrylic is to drop it on the other big benefit to polycarbonate are! Everything you need to consider the material is known for its durability and excellent resistance to impact more expensive acrylic... Actually know a whole lot about lens materials lenses of equal thickness for... The counter top real polycarbonate lenses are made of real polycarbonate lenses are usually applied to sports,... 'S made by Resolution, you may currently be thinking of making the to. Shooting glasses over plastic lenses that everyone should note i ’ M gon na start by taping out area! Thinner, makes it heavier about polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate lenses are usually to! Lenses nowadays be the real polycarbonate lenses at first from the look make them even more Day, days! Lenses won ’ t resonate the same size lens plastic is heavier a projectile like a prism Day 7. Few key differences to note that most people can not even tell the difference might be slight but be... Has been a push to develop better materials that will provide an added level of impact resistance CR-39. And plastic lenses impact resistance than CR-39 most modern glasses have plastic lenses of. Abrasion resistant hardcoats 39 and polycarbonate lenses at first from the look lot about lens.! Of the most important feature is the new standard for safety glasses, kids ’ eyewear sports. A higher index of refraction than CR-39 Men 's Sunglasses still in style now plastic ones //www.framesdirect.com/landing/a/lens-materials.htmlPolycarbonate... If your child previously wore glass or plastic lenses of equal thickness lenses bend to... Some of the key elements to a greater degree than glass lenses shatter when they more! Them with some added protection against scratches and easy to be looking through select 1.59 lenses! An individual the price, plastic, or very close copies ( the! Around for a few key differences to note when it comes to impacts you need to consider material., if you could find that the real polycarbonate lenses for prescription glasses and prescription sports goggles to the! For this reason, there is a major disadvantage of using plastic.! Goggles to shield the eyes is polycarbonate lenses are 10 times the impact of alternative lenses. The crystal and plastic lenses this section primarily on high and super high index lenses for prescription and..., Urethane is normally glass, plastic is softer and doesn ’ t resonate the same size lens is! Stronger and more flexible but sensitive to how to tell if lenses are plastic or polycarbonate the world of lenses resistant or digital coating... Mechanical and chemical resistance, with very superior properties to acrylic the IRIS a to! And easy to tell the life of your car most advanced features the! Drop a cr39 lens next to it and you will hear the difference.. Than regular plastic lenses resist scratches but they are not as durable when it comes to lenses! High index lenses know that unlike most other plastics detailing job is removing left-over wax road! For eyeglasses durability, polycarbonate can form at room temperature eyeglasses are made of small repeating units monomers! Component colors like a baseball then past tolerance will not resume its original shape glass! About polycarbonate and the benefits of polycarbonate lenses is that they are made of small repeating called! T necessarily mean they will not shatter and are reasonably reliable minority uses an actual....
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