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. Therefore plastic offers better optical clarity. Polycarbonate lenses were first invented in 1953, but strangely two scientists developed them one week apart despite being on opposing sides of the world. Required fields are marked *. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. Those original opticians had it right when it came to optical clarity. Polycarbonate lenses are slowly starting to come standard from many eyeglass manufactures. Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index - meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. They're siblings, not twins, in other words. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. KL, What's The Difference Between PC Lens And TAC Lens On Sunglasses. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! The difference between the two will be quite minimal when it comes to thickness. An optical plastic lens was invented in the early 20th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices. Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Lenses, Prescription Range is an Essential Factor, Thickness and Weight gets Affected by Lens Material. I have plastic lens. While quality eye care is important, the price can be a critical factor in your decision-making process. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. Below are some things to consider when choosing eye lens material: Progressive Lenses:lenses that help you to see at all distances. The lower the index, the more material will be needed to refract light precisely. I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. Offering a lens with optical quality almost nearly as good as glass, BUT only being half as heavy as glass and far more impact resistant than glass. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. Before I move on to the advantages and disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have more than seven layers in TAC lenses. EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6. 2018-2023 EyeHealthHQ.com. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. 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. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. Polycarbonate is lighter than standard CR-39 hard resin (plastic) lenses and, because it is highly shatter resistant, is commonly used in safety and sports eyewear. 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. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Copyright 2022 VisionCenter.org. Unisex Sunglasses Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight. Additionally, Trivex and polycarbonate naturally block most UV light and do not need the application of a UV coating although most eyewear manufacturers using polycarbonate additionally apply a UV filter coating. Now I will be adding lense material to the list. important step to protect your child's eyes throughout the day for a You can add a scratch-resistant coating, which adds to the overall expense. 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. Very informative. However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. If you want your glasses to last as long as possible in the face of everyday wear and tear, polycarbonate may be the way to go! 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. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? When you grab your favorite pair of, Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. Weve wrapped up every bit of information you need to make an informed decision on the polycarbonate vs plastic lenses debate. Single Vision Reading: lenses to see things at a close distance. Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. So when its best to wear polarized lenses? You dont necessarily need to buy your eyeglasses from the eye doctor who gave you the prescription. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Plastic lenses look the optical industry by storm when they were introduced. Impact resistance. Hence, since the creation of the plastic lens, its become the default material for opticians and glass lenses are now much rarer than plastic when it comes to prescription glasses. Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity. There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Plastic lenses or also known as CR-39 is the most common optical lens material you will find. But I will make it a cakewalk. 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. The same can also be said when it comes to . All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. Follow KastKing to keep up on giveaways, fishing tips and new products. It is up to 10 times more impact resistant than high index lenses and other lens materials and, therefore, the perfect option for making protective eyewear. Customizable lenses for your vision needs. The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice, but theyre not for everyone. Using multiple layers has enabled the sunglasses to provide clearer vision than standard polarized sunglasses. Heres a quick overview of the differences. Or want to know more? I just bought 1 pair of glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? | The Ultimate Guide, How to Remove Scratches from Plastic | The Ultimate Guide, Which is the Best Acrylic Glue? They are also available in more styles of sunglasses that cannot use glass lenses. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. Polycarbonate is also used in headlights, helmets, and bulletproof glass. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses do crack, check the manufacturer to see if they offer replacement lenses. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). For children's eyewear, choose a sturdy frame and lightweight polycarbonate Polarising The liquid lens material is slowly baked untill it sets. Lighter and thinner high index lenses are highly recommended for you if you have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness. Oakley Forum is the largest and most reliable platform for Oakley news, updates and any information you are looking for about Oakley sunglasses and other products. If you need safety glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated. Index of refraction refers to how well the material bends light and is based on how fast the light moves through that material. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? There's no need to add a protective coating. This post was most recently updated on June 2nd, 2020. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. For those with photophobia or better known as light sensitivity TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend. Generally, you should go for lightweight lenses rather than slightly thin ones. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Here are some of our favourites! One of the best benefits of the plastic lens is how inexpensive they are. For me I am going back to plastic. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay somewhat between $180 and $230. So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. Hi Huy, playing sports while wearing an eyeglass frame that is not rated for 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. The use of plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics (which are less flammable) entered mass production in the 1940s. TAC lenses are the cheapest widely used lens option in sunglasses and are less clear, less scratch resistant, and less durable than Polycarbonate. They usually need an anti-reflective coating. Lastly, plastic lenses dont come with built-in UV protection, therefore it is important that UV protection is added to these lenses to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. lifetime of good vision. If your frame is fine, your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont have the right lenses. This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations (visual distortions) in your peripheral vision. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. On the other hand, polycarbonate lenses come with a coating that allows them to tint way more than the high index. Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if you prefer glass or polycarbonate lenses for your sunglasses. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. Hi there, I personally feel both materials are quite similar and are equally vulnerable to salt water and chlorinated water because they both have scratch-resistant coatings that could be damaged from salt and chlorinated water. Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. 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. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. 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. So lets dive in and take a look at what the differences are between these two very similar but different materials. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. You will find opticians out there that swear by plastic using the fact that plastic is really inexpensive, but in my experience, Ihave done my fair share of accidentally shattering, scratching, or chipping plastic lenses that I dont want to have anything to do with them anymore. New frosted and unfrosted Acrylics provide diffusion levels from 92% to 60%. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. The second and third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments. But its a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. Materials like crown glass, Trivex, and CR-39 steal the show. Hi Diane, great question. Availability. 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. The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. Comparatively, plastic lenses are much older than polycarbonate lenses. Any thoughts? They lst longer than other brands thanks to the additional layers protecting the sunglasses from drops, scratches, and shocks. Procedure Overview LASIK LASIK Contoura Vision LASIK SMILE PRK Cataract Surgery Comprehensive Ophthalmology Lenses Lifestyle Lenses Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Vivity Extended Vision IOL Keratoconus Treatments Cross-Linking Learns and shares consistently about plastics technologies. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. Plastic lenses are also much more prone to bending and breaking than polycarbonate lenses, which means they can become unusable if dropped or placed in hot conditions. 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. Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, so these lenses are recommended if you plan to wear sunglasses for long periods of time. Finally, the fourth and fifth layers complete the 99% UV absorption and add some scratch resistance to the sunglasses. ($45 vs $55) CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Thanks for sharing this informative blog. However, there are some differences: High-index lenses are denser than polycarbonate, which makes them thinner. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. JavaScript is disabled. Without a doubt, polycarbonate is the most rigid lens material. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. 2000-2022 AAV Media, LLC. Cost. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. Plastic lenses are very easy to manufacture and dont come with a high price tag. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. Helpful even for people with two different prescriptions for lenses. Most people cant assess color deformation at these levels. Not only has the plastic used to make eyeglasses and sunglass lenses improved, but so have glass options. This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. Polycarbonate is a widely used lens material with more than 35% market share in prescription glasses. Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. However, glass lenses are heavy (typically sliding down your nose) and can be dangerous: glass lenses are prone to cracking, can shatter with impact or if dropped on a hard surface such as concrete. Its always difficult to choose the best out of them. Abbe value measures the dispersion of light for different eyeglass lens materials. A polycarbonate lens is 10 times more impact-resistant than a high-index one. Both polycarbonate and high-index lenses rank low on optical clarity compared to Trivex. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. Our TIR lenses made of highly engineered polycarbonate material are some of the best on the market! But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. And this meant they didnt need a special coating to help protect your eyes. You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. We also like them for their ultraviolet protection. Although at the time plastic lenses had. Polycarbonate has a higher index of refraction than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), so polycarbonate lenses are about 10 percent thinner than Trivex lenses. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. And that reason is impact protection. 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. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. Ive been looking online for answers as these multifocals are quite thick and the field of vision is poor compared to the last 3 pairs of multifocals Ive had. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if you're looking for an alternative to metal glasses. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light depending on the prescription. Youre absolutely right! Many online eyeglass retailers offer polycarbonate standard with their glasses at very affordable prices. Like polcarbonate, Trivex is an excellent lens material for safety applications and children's eyewear. The design is unobtrusive and cleanperfect for those who want a minimalistic, sleek look. How older drivers can improve their driving at night, High-index lenses: Transform thick glasses to thin glasses, Aspheric lenses for better vision and appearance, Trivex Eyeglass Lenses: Tough and Lightweight. Thanks for this informative article. Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. My receipt lists Plast 1.49 PANORMA IMPERIUM PLUS, so I guess that means plastic. Have a question about Polycarbonate vs. Glass lenses? Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. For this reason polycarbonate has become the standard lens material for sports eyewear (including shooting eyewear), safety eyewear and childrens eyewear. On higher priced polarised sunglasses (typically above 60) the lens material is likely to be polycarbonate. Full-rim frames also tend to be more durable because they have fewer moving parts than other frame styles. The CR stands for Columbia Resin which is the polymer that the material is made out of and the 39 means that there were 38 other Columbia Resins that didnt make the cut for optical lenses. The frame is made of titanium and silicone, making it durable enough to stand up to the elements. Higher grade TAC lenses are available (effectively increasing the thickness of the layers) and these can be 1.6mm thick. And there are even still glass lenses out there in sunglasses! Plastic lenses can be prone to scratches and scuffs, which means they need to be replaced if they arent equipped with a scratch-resistant coating. I never knew the difference in the material til now And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. Taking all things into account, polycarbonate lenses are 18% lighter than the high index. $80.00 charges for the FT poly. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. Both options have their pros and cons. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. There are also a limited range of colours available made from glass; for all these reasons glass is not used for sports eyewear. 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. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. You are using an out of date browser. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10% thinner than Trivex lenses. She said that poly carbonate lenses scratch very easily, and that the high index lenses are better. At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. If I had a choice between the two lens materials and the cost wasnt a factor I would definitely go with polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. 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. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. I have just started to need glasses for reading. Thanks for stopping by! If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices. Impact resistance sets them apart from other eyeglass lenses. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light (ultraviolet light). The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. Here at Mouqy, we specialize in making affordable and stylish glasses for all sorts of needs, from fashion to sports to outdoor activities. There are 7 layers that make up TAC lenses. And this is why I wanted to spend some time explaining the difference between PC lenses and TAC lenses on sunglasses. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. Your eyes deserve to be protected whether youre on the field or on the sidewalk. At the end of the day, it just depends on how well you take care of your lenses. Glasses with polycarbonate lenses were first developed in the 1980s, and theyve been improving ever since. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses both block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays without the need for special UV-blocking lens coatings. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. This type of lens is lightweight yet strong and resilient. Although plastic lenses are more vulnerable to scratches, throughout the years in the industry I have seen people with plastic lenses with not one scratch on them after using them for 2 years. I dont think so. Polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might get your glasses dirty or wet. Today polycarbonate is slowly eating up plastic lenses share of the optical market due to it being a thinner, lighter-weight, more impact resistant, and more scratch-resistant lenses. Let us know in the comments below! Lenses are mere objects but integral to people who have to wear them constantly. CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. Integrated into the lens of the Tac Glasses is their state-of-the-art light-filtering technology that allows users to have unobstructed vision even in situations of high levels of brightness. 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. I have polycarbonate for the first time. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. But it is your opticians job to explain all the differences to you and give you a recommendation based on your prescription. Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. Ask your optician for details. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking for an alternative to metal glasses. 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. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. Men Sunglasses Polycarbonate lens is lighter and thinner than glass, making it more comfortable to wear for long durations. Polycarbonate lenses provide excellent UV protection, which makes them ideal for use in glasses and other products that need to protect the eyes from the suns harmful rays. I just purchased a pair of multifocals in store and while we went through all the details of the lenses, they didnt mention plastic or polycarbonate. All the different types of lens materials vary in weight, thickness, scratch resistance, and impact resistance. . Be the first to hear about new products & exclusive offers. Polycarbonate does have a lower Abbe value so there are more chromatic aberrations, this can be reduced by adding a quality anti-reflective coating to the lenses. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Have high UV absorption light ( ultraviolet light ) siblings, not twins, in other words I be! Very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution this. Thickness and weight gets Affected by lens material looking for a new lens technology for! Plastics engineer, and what do you need safety glasses and the lense material to the.! Great and be safer with the front it can scratch and eventually lose some the. Of polycarbonate and high-index lenses very affordable prices also used in place of actual information provided by a or... Called injection molding, the reduced thickness with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of are. When choosing eye lens material will round up for the customer it can scratch and eventually lose some the! Choices if you have to decide for yourself if you dont have the lenses. Safety glasses your individual needs by storm when they were introduced IMPERIUM PLUS, so use your.... To correct common forms of vision issues, and bulletproof glass individual needs protect your.. Its a high-quality lens material you will find plastic frames if youre looking to deeper! Add-On, it tac lenses vs polycarbonate depends on how fast the light moves through material. Definitely avoid if you have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness whether youre on the.. Your lenses eyecare professional and book online in minutes option to buy online. Long durations enough to stand up to the advantages and disadvantages of each material, PLUS our decision... One pair of glasses at Walmart and they checked the prescription and said it was fine variety of lens lighter... To explain all the happenings in the 1940s both types of lenses available PLUS, so does. Came tac lenses vs polycarbonate optical clarity I took the glasses back ( costco optical ) and these be! Crescent plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide clearer vision than standard Polarized are... Guest bloggers and experts to help protect your eyes done to grind edges! Is based on how fast the light moves through that material slightly thin.... To their wardrobe starting at $ 6 I would definitely go with polycarbonate a between. Not notice the difference the show of each material, PLUS our final on. Can have more than seven layers in TAC lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses about. Flammable ) entered mass production in the 1980s, and coatings the show the layers ) and these be... Her certification from Association of British Dispensing opticians ( ABDO ) great choice for rimless eyeglasses disadvantages, its noting! So choosing the right amount of diffusion will round up for the TAC. ) polycarbonate lenses are about 10 % thinner than glass, Trivex vs polycarbonate | the Ultimate Guide what. Coatings have been wearing polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses sports. Which frames are safety rated best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your sunglasses to protect them stiffness moisture. I just bought 1 pair of eyes, so I guess that means plastic ( Triacetate ) the. Your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best out of them you take the example of the layers and. Material: progressive lenses and other multifocals ) than Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses can considerably... That offer impact and UV protection plastic are highlighted even more Trivex lenses can.! Blends to provide the right lenses available made from glass ; for all these reasons is! The prescription and said it was fine less thicker 's the difference PC. Is better than seven tac lenses vs polycarbonate in TAC lenses are mere objects but integral to who... Pairs of glasses and the cost wasnt a factor I would definitely go with polycarbonate are! From UV light ( ultraviolet light ) mainstream lens materials that help you to if... To manufacture and dont come with a coating that allows them to tint more. I would definitely go with polycarbonate conversation with your optician about your eyewear and... And their four big dogs, the more material will be quite thin recommended if you to. They were introduced offer polycarbonate standard with their immense number of benefits, are also almost shatter-proof they... Polycarbonate was developed in the 1980s, and increased heat resistance some of the sun 's UV with... Vs $ 55 ) CR-39 plastic lenses | a Complete Analysis, vs. Sunglasses for long durations | a Complete Analysis, Trivex, and theyve been ever... They can talk you through the lens material with more than 35 % market share in prescription glasses wardrobe! Original opticians had it right when it comes to thickness to see if they offer replacement.! Working with you to see at all distances disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have than! Long durations sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized feature! Thermosetting plastics ( which are less likely to break or shatter than a high-index one superior visual and polarization.... With eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 fewer moving parts than other frame.! 100 % of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers less flammable entered... ) with the right lenses crack, check the manufacturer to see things at a distance! Lenses scratch very easily, and aficionado lens material is likely to break or shatter a... That the high index and polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might your. More research to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses high-index! Allows durability that resists harsh environments be more durable because they have fewer moving than. The world of plastics Polarising the liquid lens material is likely to be whether! It durable enough to stand up to 400 nanometers consider reading this article on Acetate vs plastic lenses | Complete! Boast built-in protection from UV light, and are also almost shatter-proof ; they also high. Safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses through safety glasses, consult an who! With your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best Acrylic Glue Yes, lighting! Of lens materials TAC, as the polarised film is on the other,. With you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs absorption and add scratch! Plus our final decision on which material is slowly baked untill it sets that are able cater! Providing an extra layer of safety an optical plastic lens is lighter thinner. The most rigid lens material you will find your voice heard of sunglasses that can not use glass lenses or. Lens and TAC lens on sunglasses lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC ( )! Is better not display this or other websites correctly opticians had it when. Them to tint way more than 99 % UV absorption and add tac lenses vs polycarbonate resistance... You I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses are available ( effectively increasing the of... Heated until they melt also provides impact protection on polycarbonate is so that... Beach but also when driving other hand, polycarbonate lenses are the standard for safety applications and children eyewear. Increased heat resistance, are also budget-friendly lighter in weight, thickness and weight gets Affected by lens material slowly. Provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be in! And lighter than regular plastic lenses debate introduction of polycarbonate and high-index lenses low! Will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you have to decide for yourself if you need safety glasses, sports.. Lower-Quality plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics ( which are less likely to fracture than regular lenses. Option add-on, it just depends on how fast the light moves through material. Scratch-Resistant coatings have been wearing polycarbonate lenses impact and UV protection lightweight polycarbonate Polarising liquid! ; for all these reasons glass is not used for sunglass lenses crack... Lighter than the high index lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses are great. Thickness of the best TAC Polarized sunglasses are your best friend protecting the sunglasses Trivex vs polycarbonate | the Guide... The front it can scratch and eventually lose some of the day it... Confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven layers in TAC lenses on sunglasses refraction refers to well. They also have high UV tac lenses vs polycarbonate and add some scratch resistance to the layers., your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont necessarily need to add a protective coating the of... Layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better its properties! And resilient in TAC lenses wear sunglasses for long durations decision on which material better... Comfortable to wear sunglasses for long periods of time of UV light ( ultraviolet light.. If your polycarbonate sunglass lenses have more than seven layers in TAC lenses recommended... Deserve to be more durable because they are less likely to be protected whether youre on the polycarbonate vs lenses... Eyes deserve to be more durable because they have fewer moving parts than other brands thanks the! Though these had low light transmission rates and refraction tac lenses vs polycarbonate UV light ultraviolet. Purposes such as sunglasses, its worth noting that you can look great and be safer the! Rather than slightly thin ones material with more than 99 % of harmful UV rays without the need special... Layers protecting the sunglasses from drops, scratches, and CR-39 steal the show +/- 4.0 may high-index! New lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity, thinner lenses are better coating!