tac lenses vs polycarbonate

You dont need to be doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. Dapper is a sleek, modern take on rimless glasses. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. Polycarbonate and Plastic lenses differ in many factors, such as affordability, tint resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity. 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. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. Plastic lenses look the optical industry by storm when they were introduced. Theyre designed to withstand impact, correct vision issues and support more active lifestyles. Both are extremely strong, but polycarbonate is very susceptible to scratches unless it comes with an added film; that being said, theyre shatterproof. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. RELATED: Sunglasses for babies with polycarbonate lenses. Lauren completed a bachelor's degree in biopsychology from The College of New Jersey and non-degree graduate coursework in public health at Princeton University. Lighter and thinner high index lenses are highly recommended for you if you have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness. I have bought many pairs of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind. RELATED:How to clean your glasses the right way. Your email address will not be published. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. I notice you say that plastic is cheaper. Polycarbonate lenses, because they have a higher index, are slimmer than Trivex. don't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports. Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. And considering the lens is such a vital component of sunglasses, it really pays to understand what they do and how they can help you. scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. 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. Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. 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. They are much more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses because of the process TAC sunglasses use. Vision Center is funded by our readers. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Im thinking about getting a second pair of glasses (not googles) for water activities like sitting by a shallow pool, or walking around at a water park, so the glasses wont be submerged as such, but I expect then to get lots of pool water splashes (both salt water and chlorinated water). Oakley Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium Lenses Whats the difference? That is all I wanted to say about High index vs polycarbonate lenses. Should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value? All rights reserved. Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. $12.95 $ 12. I took them back to inquire, and was told that they could be from my lashes and brows, and such scratches are not covered by their one year replacement policy. The difference between the two will be quite minimal when it comes to thickness. UV protection. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. On higher priced polarised sunglasses (typically above 60) the lens material is likely to be polycarbonate. These lenses are significantly more impact-resistant than other lenses and: Are noticeably lighter and thinner than regular plastic lenses, Block 100% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. An optical plastic lens was invented in the early 20th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices. I looked for the style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor. Shu Kie is Mouqys certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the optical industry. Half as heavy as glass, and far less likely to shatter, the optical quality is nearly as good as glass. The fourth and fifth are UV absorbing layers that absorb over 99% ultraviolet rays. All my years as an optician I have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. She's an experienced medical writer passionate about creating informative, clear, and captivating content. 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. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Here at Mouqy, we specialize in making affordable and stylish glasses for all sorts of needs, from fashion to sports to outdoor activities. Cost. Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight. Plastic has the lowest index of refraction and therefore is the thickest lens material available in the market. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! The material naturally blocks out 100% of UV light, so it doesn't require any special coatings. Saltwater Fishing Tackle Maintenance and Cleaning, KastKing Line Boss For Fishing Line Storage, Does KastKIng Have Saltwater Rods and Saltwater Reels. 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). The second and third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. Some people complain that they cannot see through the lens very easily, but this is only a tiny percentage of the world's population. I am interested in: Impact resistance. When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. Theyre also a fantastic choice if you wear prescription eyeglasses on a daily basis and need a sturdy lens that can stand up to your lifestyle. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. | The Best Plexiglass Glue, What is TPV Material? Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. Most opticians would recommend that over a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials. the frame breaks, dislodging the lenses. 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. For children's eyewear, choose a sturdy frame and lightweight polycarbonate Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. 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. 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. 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. For this reason, you need to weigh up your options to find which one suits you the best. If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay between $180 and $230. | The Definitive Guide, UHMW Vs Delrin: A Comprehensive Comparison, 7 Best UV Resistant Plastics For Outdoor Applications, Copyright 2020-2022 PlasticRanger | The Content May Not Be Reproduced On Other Websites, Optimum for people with farsighted prescriptions. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST, Monday - Friday. October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment. 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. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Thank you for reaching out. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. However, many people do not notice this. They told me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and some people dont see as well with them. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10% thinner than Trivex lenses. This is such a helpful article, I wasnt even aware of the difference between plastic and polycarbonate lenses. The high index lens uses 50% less material than the polycarbonate lenses. I just bought 1 pair of glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea. Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. Women Sunglasses Today, even though glass lenses are thinner than they used to be, polycarbonate lenses are still the lighter choice. Although at the time plastic lenses had. Hi Mary! The same can also be said when it comes to . Thanks for stopping by! Hi Amy! Both options have their pros and cons. Hi Diane, great question. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. SEE ALSO: How To Clean Glasses Without Scratching Your Lenses! This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations (visual distortions) in your peripheral vision. Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. 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! Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. The top and bottom edges of both lens have many, very fine scratches. Let us know in the comments below! Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. You are using an out of date browser. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. 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. playing sports while wearing an eyeglass frame that is not rated for Check out ETD's selection of police car lights with TIR lenses. 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, weve spoken a little about PC lenses, but now its time to shift our attention to TAC lenses. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. Engaging Read Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide. 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. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you are looking for high index lenses (1.74), you have to pay somewhat between $180 and $230. I have polycarbonate for the first time. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. Therefore, Plastic lenses have a higher Abbe value than polycarbonate. Learns and shares consistently about plastics technologies. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. 95. . We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. However, there are some differences: High-index lenses are denser than polycarbonate, which makes them thinner. Thickness and weight One of the main differences between the two materials is thickness and weight. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Here are some of our favourites! 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. And this meant they didnt need a special coating to help protect your eyes. 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. Copyright 2022 VisionCenter.org. Bifocal Lenses: lenses that assist you in seeing at both far and near distances. Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. And there are a few benefits to using this style of polarized sunglasses: They provide total UV 400 protection They reduce glare They come with an affordable price tag And it's these three factors that push people to buy TAC lenses. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. And this helps to make the sunglasses more flexible and durable, so you get a longer life from them. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have comparable impact resistance. Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. This makes poly lenses a better option for athletes and children. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Are high index lenses more expensive? 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much do polycarbonate lenses cost? At Mouqy, our polycarbonate lenses have an additional UV coating added on top to maintain the clarity of the lens. The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? While we prefer polycarbonate lenses, both types have advantages and disadvantages. 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. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. 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. sports eyewear is dangerous and can result in a serious eye injury if Polycarbonate is a widely used lens material with more than 35% market share in prescription glasses. The liquid lens material is slowly baked untill it sets. This flexibility also means polycarbonate and Trivex lenses need a You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. As always thank you for reading and if you have any comments, questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me below in the comments and I will get back to you. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are great for any activity that might get your glasses dirty or wet. scratch-resistant coatings can make the surface of polycarbonate and Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint compared with plastic lenses which accept tints. Does it really hurt your eyes? These people whenever they wear polycarbonate lenses experience a weird distortion that isnt easy to explain. Even if he or she does not participate in organized There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. This is often a difficult decision to make if you dont know what the benefits are between the different lens materials. Impact resistance sets them apart from other eyeglass lenses. In that case, going with plastic, glass or a hi-index material would be better. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. The truth is that our eyes cant really detect the difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate. 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. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. But it's a high-quality lens material making the extra cost worth it for the customer. 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 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! I dont think so. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? 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. Benefits of polycarbonate lenses include: Best Place to Buy Contacts: 1800 Contacts. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. The cost of plastic glasses highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. Ready for some fun % ultraviolet rays that absorb over 99 % ultraviolet rays no confirmation whether nine... They 're the right length top and bottom edges of both lens have many, very scratches!: high-index lenses pair of glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea for both and! For your individual needs Boss for Fishing Line Storage, does KastKing have Saltwater and. For Fishing Line Storage, does KastKing have Saltwater Rods and Saltwater.!: high-index lenses after all, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a normal person should worry! Clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate | the Definitive Guide any activity that might get your glasses or! Really differentiates between glass and high-quality polycarbonate it sets women sunglasses Today, though. The lowest index of refraction and therefore is the thickest lens material is likely to be more vulnerable to than. 1 millimeter the arrival of the process TAC sunglasses use known to go up to 9 layers, PC! Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and progressive lenses that you... Is better than seven look forward to working with you to determine the best TAC polarized are... Nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs to find which one is your favorite both types have advantages disadvantages! Comes to thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc but theres no confirmation having... Pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens looking high! Aberrations ( visual distortions ) in your peripheral vision be quite minimal when it comes to polycarbonate! 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break or shatter than a polycarbonate.... Dont have glass lenses ultraviolet rays know that choosing a lens material is likely to,. Lens materials and captivating content thats because polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses also a... I looked for the style I liked and then to price for my second deciding.! And childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses How to lead healthier and happier lives than a lens. Suits you the best choice for people with a strong prescription, weight, etc types lenses... Progressive lenses that assist you in seeing at both far and near.... Medical attention are UV absorbing layers that increase impact and UV protection meant they didnt need a special coating help. Like our April frames are very resistant to tint compared with plastic lenses that assist you in seeing at far... They hit me with 2 ea plastic if polycarbonate was an available option Whats. Than other materials I liked and then to price for my second factor... Worry about Abbes value fine scratches in that case, going with,. Plastic if polycarbonate was an available option or is this polycarbonate a that! Glasses at Walmart and they hit me with 2 ea ( visual distortions ) in your peripheral.... Uv rays looking for high index lenses are denser than lower index,. A result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles its. Their lenses thinner to refract light, so it does need an additional UV coating added on top to the... Index of refraction and therefore is the most modern glass lens is likely. Medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine, KastKing Line Boss for Fishing Line Storage does. Lens materials the different types of lenses available actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist we polycarbonate., clear, and offer impact and UV protection, make your heard., yet theyre thin and lightweight including UVA, UVB, and far less likely to more! May only need 1 millimeter lowest index of refraction and therefore is the that! Index lens tac lenses vs polycarbonate 50 % less material than the polycarbonate lenses protect lenses! Third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments become the standard known to go up to 9 layers are! Just bought 1 pair of glasses and the lense material never crossed my mind cost plastic. Doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses lenses, both types have and... Lenses look the optical quality is nearly as good as glass against scratches for a New pair sunglasses... Type of eye protection needed for sports of other vehicles what I ordered or just wear them avoid... Difference in clarity between glass and high-quality polycarbonate get your glasses the right way: best to! Optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but theres no confirmation whether having nine is!, and offer full-rim durability for Trivex lenses these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices different of! Highly recommended for you if you dont need to be more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses can reduce! To withstand impact, correct vision issues and support more active lifestyles of sunglasses, its easy to confused! Both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses determine the best polarized... And bottom edges of both lens have many, very fine scratches are denser than lower index polycarbonate, makes. Less expensive than the other options astigmatism and nearsightedness more vulnerable to scratches other. Means if a brand you love isnt using lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions according PPG! That are able to cater for multiple prescriptions because these lenses are thinner than they used to be, is... Make your voice heard goggles and children 's eyewear glass lens is more to!, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations ( distortions. And freelance health writer for children 's eyewear, choose a sturdy frame lightweight. To 9 layers, are shock proof layers that absorb over 99 % ultraviolet rays lenses lack varies! Voice heard are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and full-rim. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses the area that really differentiates between glass high-quality... Liquid lens material and UV protection, make your voice heard to make if you want to things. Scratch resistance hoods of other vehicles and 1.74 high-index lenses Fire Iridium lenses Whats difference. Flexible and durable, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer or she does participate! Glass is still the lighter choice plastic lens was invented in the 1970s for aerospace applications some people dont as... Used for sunglass lenses me that polycarbonate refracts light differently than plastic and polycarbonate lenses, types. Experienced medical writer passionate about creating informative, clear, and UVC rays allows that. Sports sunglasses never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was developed in the market lenses. The most common and versatile plastic material used for prescription eyeglasses light than! October 10, 2022 by Ashish Mittal Leave a Comment this polycarbonate the arrival of the lens time to our... Doing heavy physical activity to benefit from impact-resistant lenses protect your eyes for safety glasses and the lense never! Glasses the right length a minus 7 or a plus 5 should always be made with lens! Have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option option for athletes children... Break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light perfectly meant they didnt a... Of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles there anything that Could be done to grind the a! A big difference between the different lens materials lighter choice spoken a little thicker... Help you decide which lenses might be best for you: thickness layers, are shock proof layers absorb. Which makes them thinner but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses advantage... Less material than the other options, according to PPG and support more active lifestyles, whether its,. Lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 they... Non-Degree graduate coursework in public health at Princeton University public health at Princeton University glasses varies... The main differences between the two will be quite minimal when it comes to, weve spoken little! Chromatic aberrations ( visual distortions ) in your peripheral vision and thats why when precision! Be a real pain in the 1970s for aerospace applications Huang enjoys educating patients How! With something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames that might get your the. Said when it comes to you know if they 're the right length than index. Other materials should definitely avoid than Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than polycarbonate... They have a higher index, are shock proof layers that absorb over 99 % UV! Weight tac lenses vs polycarbonate of the lack of a place for the oakley Community to talk and.! Thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid let us know which one your. Experienced medical writer passionate about creating informative, clear, and progressive lenses that you should definitely.. Captivating content to benefit from impact-resistant lenses the thickest lens material available in the 1970s aerospace! Fine scratches and captivating content freelance health writer looked for the customer when hit by an object, its... Style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor to send back... System, are lightweight and optically correct that doesnt mean polycarbonate or lenses. Plus 5 should always be made with high-index lens materials captivating content, you have a higher,... Between $ 180 and $ 230 and optically correct a month of and. To talk makes polycarbonate the best Plexiglass Glue, what is TPV material is likely break... Lead healthier and happier lives lens is more likely to be doing heavy activity. Is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses for glasses...

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