Is it Worth Getting Polycarbonate Lenses? An In-Depth Analysis
Polycarbonate lenses have garnered a lot of attention for their numerous benefits, making them a worthwhile investment for various types of eyewear. But, are they truly the best choice for everyone? This article delves into the advantages and limitations of polycarbonate lenses, providing a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of Polycarbonate Lenses
Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate lenses are highly impact-resistant, making them an excellent choice for safety glasses, sports eyewear, and children's glasses. This feature ensures that the lenses can withstand accidental impacts, making them a safer option for many users.
Lightweight: These lenses are significantly lighter than traditional glass or plastic lenses, enhancing comfort, especially for prolonged wear. This weight reduction can be particularly beneficial for individuals with strong prescriptions.
UV Protection: Polycarbonate lenses naturally block 100% of harmful UV rays, providing better eye protection from sun exposure. This feature is especially important for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Thinner Profile: They are thinner and flatter than standard plastic lenses, which can be advantageous for those with strong prescriptions. By reducing lens thickness and weight, polycarbonate lenses can offer a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Scratch Resistance: Polycarbonate lenses often come with a scratch-resistant coating, enhancing durability and longevity.
Versatility: These lenses can be used for various types of eyewear, including sunglasses, prescription glasses, and safety goggles, making them a versatile choice for different needs.
Limitations of Polycarbonate Lenses
Scratch Resistance: Although they can be coated, polycarbonate lenses are generally more prone to scratching than glass lenses. This can be a downside for users who are more prone to scratches or require lenses that can withstand frequent wear and tear.
Optical Clarity: Some users may find that polycarbonate lenses have slightly less optical clarity compared to high-quality glass lenses. This can lead to a slightly more distorted vision, especially in higher prescriptions or higher powers.
Industry Perspectives on Polycarbonate Lenses
The industry often highlights the benefits of polycarbonate lenses, such as their impact resistance, weight, and natural UV protection. However, some professionals, like the author, believe that polycarbonate lenses have their limitations, particularly in higher prescriptions. The author notes that polycarbonate lenses can cause problems with distortion and color fringes around the edges of the lenses at higher powers.
A significant issue pointed out is the inherent stress marks and distortion in polycarbonate lenses, even before they are cut into a frame. This is in contrast to other materials that develop stress marks after being cut. The author suggests that Trivex, another material, offers better optical quality and is a more cost-effective alternative to polycarbonate lenses.
The Best Uses for Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are particularly useful for prescription sunglasses, where full UV protection is inherent to the material and the tinting can mitigate color fringing issues. They are also ideal for safety glasses, safety goggles, and most children's glasses because of their high impact resistance and safety.
Conclusion
Polycarbonate lenses offer significant benefits, making them a worthwhile investment for specific situations, such as prescription sunglasses and safety glasses. However, they may not be the best choice for everyone, especially those with stronger prescriptions. When deciding whether polycarbonate lenses are right for you, consider your specific needs and consult an eye care professional to make an informed decision.