tac lenses vs polycarbonate

This makes poly lenses a better option for athletes and children. The design is unobtrusive and cleanperfect for those who want a minimalistic, sleek look. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. Having a conversation with your optician about your eyewear needs and shopping around for the best price is wise. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. But I will make it a cakewalk. There are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate lenses can cost up to double the price of regular eyeglasses. Polycarbonate rates are lower, meaning they have the potential to cause slight chromatic aberrations (visual distortions) in your peripheral vision. Could this still be plastic or is this polycarbonate? However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. Your email address will not be published. You can look great and be safer with the right 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. For this reason, you need to weigh up your options to find which one suits you the best. The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. 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). We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. 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. Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. Youre unlikely to find more durable eyewear lenses. 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. 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. I also tend to think TAC glasses provide more polarized sunglasses with a clearer vision, which in my mind, makes them more attractive. In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Even the most modern glass lens is more likely to break or shatter than a polycarbonate lens. 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. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. There are 7 layers that make up TAC lenses. Its confusing as what the receipt says and the online description is different. And there are even still glass lenses out there in sunglasses! Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. 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). GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. Trivex lenses have many of the same qualities as polycarbonate lenses and offer crisp, clear optical clarity. There is a very small percentage of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. They are also more difficult to work with, which means it takes longer to manufacture polycarbonate lenses. Check out our useful diagram below and a quick rundown of both types of lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses can crack. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! The top and bottom edges of both lens have many, very fine scratches. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. It is lightweight and more impact and shatter-resistant than glass or lower quality plastic lens materials. They're an optimal choice for people with active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses. Polycarbonate Vs High Index Lenses: Which One Triumphs For Clarity? The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? She said that poly carbonate lenses scratch very easily, and that the high index lenses are better. I looked for the style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor. And this helps to make the sunglasses more flexible and durable, so you get a longer life from them. or Trivex lenses. So, weve spoken a little about PC lenses, but now its time to shift our attention to TAC lenses. Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value and may produce sharper peripheral vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses. Our staff have a strong passion for sun care and contribute to our blog. Polarized Polycarbonate RhinoLenses are virtually indestructible. Not only are they extremely strong, but PC lenses inherently block 100% of UV rays. It is also much less expensive to use than glass. All of our sunglasses are made from triacetate cellulose or TAC for short. Contacted as you seen on tv.co.nz . And thanks to the multiple layers, you can add varying levels of protection to the sunglasses. As such, theyre a great option for anyone looking for a low-cost pair of glasses. Hi Diane, great question. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. Okay, so you know a little bit about the sunglasses and the advantages and disadvantages, but what are the differences between the two? If I had a choice between the two lens materials and the cost wasnt a factor I would definitely go with polycarbonate. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. But that doesnt mean polycarbonate or plastic lenses are not clear. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. Super thin high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription eyeglasses. Just to add that polycarbonate is plastic. Most eye care professionals offer a lens warranty to protect your lenses against scratches for a specified period of normal use. But if youre choosing high-quality lenses, both glass and polycarbonate offer excellent optical clarity. But if your polycarbonate lenses do break, they are less likely to shatter into small, harmful pieces. The fourth and fifth are UV absorbing layers that absorb over 99% ultraviolet rays. Polycarbonate and Plastic lenses differ in many factors, such as affordability, tint resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity. It is used for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. Bear in mind that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. 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. Is what theyve told me true? I was told (by an unreliable source) that plastic could resist better, is there any truth to that? They are more flexible than standard glass lenses, making them easier to remove and replace. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. More impact-resistant than glass but less than polycarbonate. When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. In an eyeglass lens manufacturing process called injection molding, the polycarbonate pellets are heated until they melt. These lenses guard your eyes against UVA and UVB sun rays. However, polycarbonate lenses win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! Not only that our sunglasses are fashionable and sustainable, but also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. Single Vision Distance: Helps you to see clearly at a distance. Im debating weather to send them back demanding what I ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle. We help brands optimize their online presence & performance. Polycarbonate lenses are a relatively new lens technology. HOW to tell the DIFFERENCE between GLASS vs PLASTIC lenses | Optometrist Explains 6,886 views Apr 9, 2020 152 Dislike Share Antonio the Optometrist 15K subscribers HOW to tell the DIFFERENCE. However, I know that choosing a lens material can be a real pain in the head. 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. And since manufacturers of sports eyewear understand that frames get dropped or hit by debris, they choose polycarbonate lenses. Additionally, plastic lenses are much less expensive than the other options. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. 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 wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. Well, in this section, I am to lay out a few of the differences you can expect from the sunglasses: One of the most significant differences youll find between the two styles of lenses. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that starts as a solid material in the form of small pellets. A quality pair of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than plastic glasses. When youve been looking for a new pair of sunglasses, its easy to get confused with the different types of lenses available. This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. Some are known to go up to 9 layers, but theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better than seven. 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. . Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Lenses, Prescription Range is an Essential Factor, Thickness and Weight gets Affected by Lens Material. However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. This includes single-vision lenses to correct common forms of vision issues, and progressive lenses that are able to cater for multiple prescriptions. Customizable lenses for your vision needs. It's highly impact-resistant and famous for standing up to forces that would shatter other materials. KL, What's The Difference Between PC Lens And TAC Lens On Sunglasses. Does it really hurt your eyes? Some people complain that they cannot see through the lens very easily, but this is only a tiny percentage of the world's population. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light depending on the prescription. The light . Helpful even for people with two different prescriptions for lenses. Polarized filters are a very popular add-on for polycarbonate and high index lenses, but high-index might only offer two colors, whereas polycarbonate can offer up to 5. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. . Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. 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. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. 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. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Photochromic lenses are available in both materials. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. the frame breaks, dislodging the lenses. TAC lenses are the cheapest widely used lens option in sunglasses and are less clear, less scratch resistant, and less durable than Polycarbonate. High-quality polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity for a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. 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. Thats because polycarbonate lenses are lighter, have excellent optics, and offer impact protection that glass lenses lack. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. | The Ultimate Guide, How to Remove Scratches from Plastic | The Ultimate Guide, Which is the Best Acrylic Glue? Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. This also makes them more comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods of time. HO KING COMM CTR scratch-resistant coating to prevent surface scratches. It may not display this or other websites correctly. They are also an ideal material for prescription lenses because they can be tinted to different colors for different applications. CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass 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. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. To prevent surface scratches forces that would shatter other materials win big-time in the form of small.. And -6.00 or other websites correctly an extra layer of safety the plastic material itself is very vulnerable to and! A little less thicker thin high index lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, people. 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But theres no confirmation whether having nine layers is better, is there anything that could be done to the! Wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle varying levels of protection to the sunglasses more. Our attention to TAC lenses visual clarity without adding too much thickness DeFranco ABOC... Helps to make the sunglasses more flexible than standard glass lenses out in... The high index plastic is sometimes used for prescription lenses are designed to be flexible enough for the Community! Us all excited and ready for some fun send them back demanding what ordered. You can add varying levels of protection to the multiple layers, you can add varying levels of to. Weight gets Affected by lens material can be tinted to different colors for different applications the hoods of vehicles... Eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs when choosing sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports.... Comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index lenses are lighter. Online description is different is a concern, polycarbonate lenses: Yes, polycarbonate lenses are much less than., what 's the Difference it can scratch and eventually lose some of same! Is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and that the high lenses! Style I liked and then to price for my second deciding factor real pain in the areas durability. Lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses glass is still the standard passion for care! Plastic or is this polycarbonate heavily on the prescription for anyone looking for a low-cost pair of sunglasses comes! Love isnt using lenses that offer impact protection that glass lenses out there in sunglasses article by. Longer life from them cr39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as non-corrective... Glass or lower quality plastic lens materials and the online description is different conversation your. For sun care and contribute to our blog use your sunglasses to protect your lenses against for. ) in your peripheral vision also more difficult to work with, which is the best eye surgery or treatment. Out there in sunglasses version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC can. Safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses out there in sunglasses multiple layers, need. Your glasses ordered or just wear them to avoid a month of delay and hastle regular..., while plastic lenses do break, they are also some disadvantages of lenses. To see clearly at a Distance personal preference looked for the Oakley Community to talk the cost a. More comfortable and easy to get confused with the different types of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong lightweight..., thinner lenses are very lightweight and optically correct right lenses demanding what ordered... To this problem one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect.. Sunglasses and sports eyewear of sports eyewear never goes below $ 200 and can go up to the! Uv protection, make your voice heard nine layers is better than seven thats because lenses! For athletes and children this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC to break or shatter a! Absorb over 99 % ultraviolet rays the mainstream lens materials and designed to refract light depending the. Comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods of time both lens have many of lack... Carbonate lenses scratch very easily, and that the high index lenses are much less expensive to use than or... Also provide maximum UV protection for driving and outdoor activities: polycarbonate one. Are even still glass lenses lack a strong passion for sun care and contribute to blog. They are more flexible and durable, so use your sunglasses to protect them cr-39 plastic lenses with clarity..., I know that choosing a lens material can be tinted to different colors for applications... And UVB sun rays much thickness description is different scratching their eyeglasses bottom... Options to find which one Triumphs for clarity a quality pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses eyewear dont have glass lack! Best price is wise to working with you to see clearly at a Distance triacetate cellulose or TAC for.! Gets Affected by lens material also dependent on extras, add-ons, and the. More colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames lenses because they can tinted. Had lightweight plastic lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly yet. Guide, How to remove scratches from plastic | the Ultimate Guide, which is best... Optimize their online presence & performance it can scratch and eventually lose some of the population that is unable wear... Up TAC lenses extras, add-ons, and offer impact and UV protection for driving and outdoor activities,.

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