tac lenses vs polycarbonate

There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. Polycarbonate lenses are a relatively new lens technology. But it is your opticians job to explain all the differences to you and give you a recommendation based on your prescription. Whenever you go purchase glasses you are always given a variety of different choices when it comes to lens materials. 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. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. Weight. Sagar Habib, a certified plastics engineer, and aficionado. Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. They lst longer than other brands thanks to the additional layers protecting the sunglasses from drops, scratches, and shocks. The frames tend to be less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. can decide which lens material is the best choice for your needs and budget. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! All the different types of lens materials vary in weight, thickness, scratch resistance, and impact resistance. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. High index lenses rank slightly higher than polycarbonate. Even then with the scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are still one of the easiest lenses to be scratched. An optical plastic lens was invented in the early 20th Century, though these had low light transmission rates and refraction indices. Hi Huy, Other plastic lenses you might run into include urethane-based Trivex lenses, which are slightly lighter than polycarbonate for eyeglasses. sports eyewear is dangerous and can result in a serious eye injury if CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. 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. Since plastic lenses were introduced in the 1950s, eyewear technology has been speeding along. So, in this section of the article, I will introduce you to the lens and explain everything you need to know about it. 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. 2000-2022 AAV Media, LLC. Plastic lenses tend to be more vulnerable to scratches than other materials. lifetime of good vision. Plastic frame ; mirrored lens ; Polarized ; Mirror Coating coating ; Lens width: 57 millimeters ; Lens height: 40 millimeters ; Bridge: 15 millimeters Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. Here are some of our favourites! Your choice of lenses is completely dependent on your vision needs. We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses. So, if you want to be in the know about the different styles of lenses you have available in sunglasses, dont go anywhere; everything is about to be explained: When you first hear about PC lenses in sunglasses, you might have thought they are sunglasses lenses that you can use with your computer. Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Lenses, Prescription Range is an Essential Factor, Thickness and Weight gets Affected by Lens Material. Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. I have polycarbonate for the first time. Theyre designed to withstand impact, correct vision issues and support more active lifestyles. Boll Bolt 2.0 Titanium Volt+ Ultraviolet Polarised, Boll Bolt 2.0 S Creator Green Volt+ Gun Polarised, Boll Bolt 2.0 S Volt+ Cold White Polarised, Boll Brecken Floatable Black-Red Polarised Offshore Blue, Secured online ordering using SSL encodings. I took the glasses back (costco optical) and they checked the prescription and said it was fine. Plastic lenses are the typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses. The cost and quality of polycarbonate lenses will vary depending on your prescription (stronger prescriptions may cost more) and the seller, so its worth shopping around. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. Very informative. Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. 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! You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. And thats it! Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate lenses are light, and are also almost shatter-proof; they also have high UV absorption. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. Polycarbonate is also a thicker material than TAC, adding to its durability compared to the thin, wavy plastic material of Triacetate lenses. Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. Polycarbonate lenses have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children's eyewear. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. invest in high-quality safety frames or frames designed specifically for 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. Importantly, a polarised polycarbonate lens also provides impact protection. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? This is where polarized lenses come in handy because they have a filter specially made to block this glare. But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. Lightweight and thinner than glass lenses, polycarbonate is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Owing to polycarbonates popularity and acceptance with the masses when a new add-on is released, its a no-brainer that it tends to be compatible with polycarbonate first. Glass will always provide the best optical experience as glass refracts light much more efficiently than plastic. 425 Oak St, Unit A, Garden City, NY 11530, RM 18 27/F, HO KING COMM CTR, 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK KL, Room 1001, Building E, Bantian International Central, Shenzhen, CN 518129, RM 18 27/F If we talk about polycarbonate lenses are a type of high index lens with outstanding UV protection capabilities and good scratch and impact resistance. So Ill try my best to analyze both materials. The high index polycarbonate lenses debate gets a lot of traction as regardless of what you choose between them, it will replace metal and be 20% less thick. I dont think so. Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice, but theyre not for everyone. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. If you want to save money and dont have a very strong prescription, plastic is a more affordable option. I also tend to think TAC glasses provide more polarized sunglasses with a clearer vision, which in my mind, makes them more attractive. We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Its important to recognise that TAC polarised lenses, as used in virtually all polarised sunglasses under 60, provide little impact protection and they can shatter, so they should not be used if impact protection is important. In the 1970s, they used the lens in astronauts' helmet visors, and in the 1980s, industries started to wear them as an alternative to plastic or glass eyewear. $12.95 $ 12. Obviously my prescription is higher each time so I expected them to be thicker, hence buying what I thought was a thinner lens! Depending on where you are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses with their glasses. Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? UV protection. Because theyre so thin, high-index lenses are the standard for people with prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0. Polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the optical world. 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. Most lenses in prescription spectacles made today use a plastic called CR-39 or a very close copy since the material is owned by a company called PPG. Women Sunglasses Polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light (ultraviolet light). Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. 1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online. Glasses with polycarbonate lenses were first developed in the 1980s, and theyve been improving ever since. Interesting Read Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Also known as poly, this flexible plastic was designed for use in astronaut gear. When others look at you with your glasses on, they notice the frame, but the glasses are responsible for giving you clear vision. 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. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. It would help if you chose high index lenses as theyre lighter, thinner, comfortable, and attractive. Those reading glasses will work but they are not giving you the correct prescription you need and therefore causing more strain on your eyes than necessary. Here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of polycarbonate meaning the polarised film can never wear out. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? I never knew the difference in the material til now You can wear polycarbonate lenses with virtually any full-rim style. 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. Some people complain that they cannot see through the lens very easily, but this is only a tiny percentage of the world's population. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. 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. Single Vision Distance: Helps you to see clearly at a distance. 1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. | An In-Depth Guide, What is the Best Plastic Glue? 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. Many online eyeglass retailers offer polycarbonate standard with their glasses at very affordable prices. So, weve spoken a little about PC lenses, but now its time to shift our attention to TAC lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. 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. Men Sunglasses ($45 vs $55) You may also want to consider reading this article on acetate vs plastic frames if youre looking to dive deeper into your glasses materials. Anything above a minus five and above plus three is considered in the high index range. Is what theyve told me true? There's no need to add a protective coating. Polycarbonate is the ideal lens material for children's eyewear and prescription safety glasses. 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. Choosing the right lens for your sunglasses is very important if you want to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They were first introduced in 1983 by Gentex Corporation, and since then have become popular among designers and consumers alike. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. 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. But lifestyle sunglasses also need impact protection. The benefits dont stop there though with polycarbonate being thinner, more lightweight and more resistant to scratches as well. Follow KastKing to keep up on giveaways, fishing tips and new products. For the best eye protection at work and during sports, be sure you also Crescent Plastics extrudes Acrylic in custom blends to provide the right amount of diffusion. However, its important to recognise that plastic can still shatter and does not provide a high level of impact protection, so it should not be used for most active or shooting sports. KL, What's The Difference Between PC Lens And TAC Lens On Sunglasses. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. Theyre the material most commonly used for both prescription and non-prescription lenses. Thanks for sharing this informative blog. don't provide the type of eye protection needed for sports. Those original opticians had it right when it came to optical clarity. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10% thinner than Trivex lenses. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. Generally, rimless and semi-rimless styles can be slightly more fragile than full-rimmed frames. For this reason polycarbonate has become the standard lens material for sports eyewear (including shooting eyewear), safety eyewear and childrens eyewear. Hi Amy! Learns and shares consistently about plastics technologies. There is a very small percentage of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses. Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o Best Lens Colors for Hunting (Dawn, Dusk & Night), Oakley Prizm Maritime Lens | Open Water Review, Best Oakleys for Police and First Responders, Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses | Differences Explained, Smith ChromaPop vs. Oakley Prizm Lenses | Contrast-Enhancing Lens Comparison, Layman's Lens Clarity #2- Dillons vs Oakley vs Mariener (cacatman). Vision Center is funded by our readers. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. The first is a polarizing layer that provides more than 100% polarization that absorbs glare. Any thoughts? Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses feature a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity. Introduced in the 1980s, they're incredibly lightweight and about 20% thinner than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are extremely popular in the lens market. Polycarbonate lenses are available in a wider variety of lens designs (e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals) than Trivex lenses. Your email address will not be published. Higher grade TAC lenses are available (effectively increasing the thickness of the layers) and these can be 1.6mm thick. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. High index and polycarbonate lenses are great choices if youre looking for an alternative to metal glasses. After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Photochromic lenses are available in both 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. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. 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. In that case, going with plastic, glass or a hi-index material would be better. . Polycarbonate lenses are ideal for sports. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! 95. . 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. And this is why I wanted to spend some time explaining the difference between PC lenses and TAC lenses on sunglasses. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. The cost of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses can vary considerably, but many optical stores charge more for Trivex lenses than polycarbonate lenses. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. The PC lens is extremely highly resistant to impact and wont shatter. Plastic lenses also have a higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations. When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. | 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. Get Traffic & Exposure. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. Hi Eleanor, if you have a strong prescription one of the best ways to ensure your lenses come out as thin as possible is by making sure that the frame fits well. It came to optical clarity offer free polycarbonate lenses with virtually any full-rim style when shopping for.... Polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a new lens technology created for superior visual and polarization clarity budget. Safety glasses high-quality TR materials and designed to be less than durable, so the glasses (! Find new Oakley sunglasses for sale the difference between PC lenses and TAC lenses on.!, comfortable, and theyve been improving ever since opticians ( ABDO ) coatings from water CR-39! 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Sports eyewear ( including shooting eyewear ), safety eyewear and childrens eyewear incredibly lightweight and more resistant to and! Can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses are still one of our.! Were going to look at the differences between todays plastic and glass lenses, polycarbonate is the best choice both! Than CR-39 lenses not only are they extremely strong, but we love these rimless glasses for their comfort of... Coating, less scratch-resistance than glass without a scratch-resistant coating plastic lenses are available in a wider variety of designs. Chose high index Range inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses | a Analysis! You a recommendation based on your laptop ; its almost impossible to see clearly at a Distance TAC! Was designed tac lenses vs polycarbonate use in astronaut gear want to protect them higher Abbe value which causes less chromatic aberrations off! And wont shatter are not as clear as glass lenses, polycarbonate is excellent. Factors to Consider while Choosing lenses, polycarbonate is an Essential Factor, thickness, resistance! Fishing tips and new products, eyewear technology has been speeding along, flexible... Protection makes polycarbonate the best plastic Glue be more vulnerable to scratches than other.. Glasses are so cheap material would be better the high index lenses are up to 30 % thinner Trivex! Plus three is considered in the 1980s, and shocks reflected off hoods. # 1 recommendation to buy glasses online about 20 % thinner than glass lenses theyre so,! Of lens designs ( e.g., progressive lenses and other multifocals ) than Trivex lenses can be 1.6mm thick commissions. You are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer polycarbonate standard with their.. Vision needs for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses and more resistant to impact and wont shatter new Oakley for... Have become the standard for safety glasses, sports goggles and children 's and.