Polycarbonate Lens: What is it, Advantages, and Disadvantages
Published on August 22nd, 2024
Canada
Polycarbonate lenses are a type of glasses lens made from a thermoplastic that is thin, lightweight, offers built-in UV protection and is impact resistant. Due to their durable nature, polycarbonate lenses are often used for children’s eyewear, safety glasses and sports goggles. The advantages of polycarbonate lenses include UV protection, they are lightweight, thin and impact resistant as well as versatile with many customisations available. Disadvantages of a polycarbonate lens include pricing, they require scratch protection and they are not ideal for all prescriptions. Keep reading to learn more about how polycarbonate glasses are made and how they are different from other glasses lenses.
What is a Polycarbonate Lens?
A polycarbonate lens is a lightweight and strong plastic lens that, according to Glasses.com, is the industry standard for sports goggles, kid’s glasses and safety glasses. Polycarbonate lenses are made out of thermoplastic which makes them very durable and impact-resistant. These types of lenses were originally created for aerospace gear to be used in the Apollo Space Shuttle expedition according to Lensmart. In summary, the answer to what are polycarbonate lenses, is they are a highly impact resistant lens which makes them a good choice for glasses that may come into contact with other objects or people such as when playing sport.
What is the Other Term for Polycarbonate Lenses?
The other term for polycarbonate lenses is poly which is an abbreviation for polycarbonate. According to TWI Global, the material polycarbonate is abbreviated as PC and can be known by trade names such as Makrolon, arcoPlus, Lexan and Makroclear.
How are Polycarbonate Lenses Made?
Polycarbonate lenses are made by injection moulding using thermoplastics. According to TWI Global, injection moulding is a process that involves injecting molten materials into a mould and for polycarbonate lenses, the material used is a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics begin as a solid material which then needs to be melted until they can be injected into the lens moulds. Once they have been injected, the thermoplastic is compressed under very high pressure and then cooled which forms a polycarbonate lens.
Are Polycarbonate Lenses Plastic?
Yes, polycarbonate lenses are made out of a lightweight type of plastic called thermoplastic. According to TWI Global, a thermoplastic is a type of polymer that is heated using injection moulding, in the case of polycarbonate lenses. Thermoplastics are readily recyclable, have good chemical resistance and have a wide range of mechanical properties. Other types of thermoplastics include polypropylene, polystyrene and polyamide.
What is a Polycarbonate Lens Used for?
Polycarbonate lenses are used in many different industries and applications. In terms of eyewear, polycarbonate lenses are used in safety glasses, kid’s glasses and sports goggles. According to TWI Global, the material polycarbonate is used in construction, medical, electronics, aerospace and automotive industries as well as in safety helmets, car headlamp lenses, bullet-resistant glasses and CDs and DVDs.
Can Polycarbonate Lenses be Used for Sunglasses?
Yes, polycarbonate lenses can be used for sunglasses as they have built-in UV protection, however, it is difficult to tint polycarbonate lenses. At Oscar Wylee, the majority of the sports sunglasses in the Active Collection are made with polycarbonate lenses. The frames with polycarbonate lenses are Todd, Falcon, Groups, James, Lachie, Yannis, Owen and Wes.
Can Polycarbonate Lenses be Used for Prescription Glasses?
Yes, polycarbonate lenses can be used for prescription glasses as well as non-prescription glasses. A mild to moderate prescription can be corrected using polycarbonate lenses, however, for more severe prescriptions, it is recommended to use high index lenses as they are lighter and thinner.
What are the Advantages of Polycarbonate Lenses?
There are many advantages to polycarbonate lenses that make them an ideal choice for certain eyewear such as kid’s glasses and safety goggles. The advantages of polycarbonate lenses include ultraviolet (UV) protection, lightweight and thin, impact resistant and versatile. The polycarbonate lenses advantages and their definitions are listed below.
- Ultraviolet (UV) protection: Polycarbonate lenses provide protection from UV light meaning there is no need for a protective coating as they are able to shield the eyes from UVA and UVB sun rays.
- Lightweight and thin: Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and thin as they are made out of thermoplastic, which is a plastic polymer material.
- Impact resistant: Polycarbonate lenses are not completely shatter-proof but they are impact resistant meaning they are more durable than other lens types.
- Versatile: Polycarbonate lenses are very versatile and can have many add-ons applied to the lens to suit different prescription and lifestyle needs.
1. Ultraviolet (UV) Protection
Polycarbonate lenses provide protection from ultraviolet (UV) light, meaning there is no need for a protective coating as they are able to shield the eyes from UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun, according to Vision Center. UV protection is extremely important in glasses as extended exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to certain eye conditions such as eye cancer and cataracts.
2. Lightweight and Thin
Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and thin as they are made out of thermoplastic, which is a plastic polymer material. According to Vision Center, polycarbonate lenses are lighter and thinner than other materials because they are designed for strength and are 30% thinner than regular glasses or plastic lenses. Because polycarbonate lenses are light and thin, they are comfortable to wear on the face, making them a popular lens choice for those with active lifestyles.
3. Impact Resistant
Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant, meaning they are more durable than other lens types. Polycarbonate lenses are not completely shatter-proof but according to Glasses.com, they may be 10 times more impact-resistant than other types of lenses. These lenses are made to be extremely strong as they were originally designed as a material for space gear to hold up against low air pressure. The material polycarbonate is also used in medical devices, greenhouses, protective gear and automotive components, according to Creative Mechanisms.
4. Versatile
Polycarbonate lenses are very versatile and can have many add-ons applied to the lens to suit different prescription and lifestyle needs. These add-ons include scratch-resistant coating, anti-reflective coating, polarization and blue light filters. Polycarbonate lenses can also be used for multifocals, also known as progressives, which is a type of prescription lens that offers vision correction for three different distances; near, intermediate and distance.
What are the Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses?
While there are many benefits to polycarbonate lenses such as durability and versatility, there are also disadvantages. The disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses include pricing, requiring scratch protection and are not ideal for all prescriptions. The Polycarbonate lenses' disadvantages and their definitions are listed below.
- Pricing: Polycarbonate lenses are made of a high-quality, durable material which makes them more expensive than other lenses.
- Requires scratch protection: Polycarbonate lenses are more prone to scratches, therefore, they require scratch protection.
- Not ideal for all prescriptions: Polycarbonate lenses are not ideal or suitable for all prescriptions such as people with strong prescriptions or severe astigmatism.
1. Pricing
Polycarbonate lenses are made of a high-quality, durable material which makes them more expensive than other lenses such as standard plastic lenses, also known as CR-39. According to Vision Center, polycarbonate lenses may cost up to double the price of other lenses.
2. Requires Scratch Protection
Polycarbonate lenses are more prone to scratches, therefore, they require scratch protection applied as a coating to the lens. As polycarbonate lenses can be easily scratched, it is recommended you add a scratch-resistant coating which may come at an additional cost. Polycarbonate lenses also cause significantly more chromatic aberrations than other lenses. At Oscar Wylee, all our standard singe vision lenses come with a scratch-resistant coating as well as a UV coating.
3. Not Ideal for all Prescriptions
Polycarbonate lenses are not ideal or suitable for all prescriptions such as people with strong prescriptions or severe astigmatism. People who have a strong prescription can use a high index lens instead of a polycarbonate one as these lenses are lighter and thinner. At Oscar Wylee, we offer 1.6 mid index lenses, 1.67 index lenses and 1.74 index lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are also not recommended for people who have severe astigmatism as they can cause visual distortions.
How to Tell if Glasses are Polycarbonate?
It is relatively easy to tell if glasses contain a polycarbonate lens if you are able to compare it to a glass lens. According to a video by eHowHealth on YouTube, to tell the difference between a glass and a polycarbonate lens first hold each lens in each hand, the glass lens will be heavier than the polycarbonate lens as poly lenses are made out of plastic and are also very lightweight. Next, gently drop the lenses onto a table one at a time. A glass lens will make a deeper sound than a polycarbonate lens. If you are unsure what lenses will be used in your glasses, you can ask an optometrist or the staff who are dispensing your glasses.
Who Should Wear Glasses with Polycarbonate Lenses?
Many people can and should wear glasses with polycarbonate lenses. For example, polycarbonate glasses are popular for children's eyewear as they are more durable to withstand the energetic lifestyle of kids. Polycarbonate lenses are also used for safety glasses to be worn on job sites where the eyes need protection such as when using air-powered tools and machinery or when cement mixing, sawing and grinding.
Are Polycarbonate Lenses Recommended for Older People?
Polycarbonate lenses may be recommended for older people if they are prone to dropping their glasses, however, if they have a strong prescription, it may be better to use a high index lens as they will be lighter and thinner which can be more comfortable to wear.
Can People with Astigmatism Use Polycarbonate Lenses?
Yes, people with astigmatism can use polycarbonate lenses if they have a mild to moderate prescription. For people who have severe astigmatism, it is recommended to use a high index lens as they will be lighter and thinner and also the polycarbonate lenses can cause visual distortions.
Can People with Nearsightedness Use Polycarbonate Lenses?
Yes, people with nearsightedness can use polycarbonate lenses if they have a mild to moderate prescription. For people who have a strong or high prescription, it is recommended to use a high index lens as they will be lighter and thinner.
What is the Lifespan of Polycarbonate Lenses?
It is difficult to define the lifespan of polycarbonate lenses as it can vary depending on multiple factors. Because polycarbonate lenses are durable and impact-resistant, they are less likely to break than other types of lenses meaning they can have a longer lifespan. However, polycarbonate lenses are more prone to scratching on the surface if there is not a scratch-resistant coating applied which can necessitate the lenses being changed more frequently.
How to Take Care of Polycarbonate Lenses?
Polycarbonate lenses can be taken care of similarly to other types of lenses such as CR-39. To clean polycarbonate lenses, use a glasses-specific lens spray and a microfibre cloth to wipe the surface and get rid of any dirt or debris. Make sure to keep your lenses free of scratches by storing them in a glasses case when they are not on your face.
How Popular are Polycarbonate Lenses Nowadays?
Polycarbonate lenses are popularly used in kid’s glasses, safety glasses and sports goggles, due to their durability and impact-resistance. This also makes them a popular choice for more active lifestyles. Polycarbonate and other types of plastic lenses including CR-39 are more popular than glass lenses. Glass was originally used for eyewear lenses but nowadays they are made from plastic as they are clearer to see out of and are more versatile.
How Much do Polycarbonate Lenses Cost?
There is no definitive cost of polycarbonate lenses as they vary depending on the distributor, however, these lenses are typically more expensive than other types due to their high impact-resistant technology. At Oscar Wylee, a number of our sports glasses come with polycarbonate lenses at no additional cost.
Where to Buy Polycarbonate Lenses?
In terms of polycarbonate lenses for glasses, they can be bought as a component of glasses at online and in-store eyewear retailers. For prescription glasses, you will need to have your eyes examined which can be done at Oscar Wylee with a skilled independent optometrist. After your eye exam, you can browse our wide range of frames.
How do Polycarbonate Lenses Differ from Other Types of Lenses?
Polycarbonate lenses differ from other types of lenses as they are durable and impact-resistant, lightweight and thin and have in-built UV protection. Other types of lenses include CR-39 and high index. CR-39 are a type of lens made out of plastic and are the standard glasses lens material which is thicker than polycarbonate lenses. High index lenses are lenses that are lighter and thinner than standard lenses as they are designed for people who have strong prescriptions. Oscar Wylee offers a wide range of lens options to suit our customer’s needs including polycarbonate, CR-39 and high index lenses. When considering polycarbonate vs. glass lenses, glass lenses are heavier and more fragile and are currently not often used as lens material.
What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Trivex Lenses?
The difference between polycarbonate and Trivex lenses is the material they are made out of, however, they have many similarities. Polycarbonate is made out of a thermoplastic and Trivex is a urethane-based pre-polymer. They also differ in vision clarity as according to VSP Vision Care, Trivex lenses offer sharper peripheral and central vision than polycarbonate lenses. Other similarities between polycarbonate and Trivex lenses include they are both lightweight and thin, although Trivex is 10% lighter but 10% thicker than polycarbonate lenses, they provide built-in UV protection and are impact resistant. When discussing polycarbonate lenses vs. Trivex lenses, it is best to ask an optometrist what is the best lens for your lifestyle and prescription needs.
What is the Difference Between Polycarbonate and Polarized Lenses?
The difference between polycarbonate and polarized lenses is polycarbonate is a type of lens that can be used in prescription glasses, safety glasses and sports goggles whereas polarized lenses help reduce glare on sunglasses and the polarization can either be built into the lens material or applied as a coating over the lens. Polarization can be added to a polycarbonate lens which, according to Luzerne Optical, is applied on the front of the lens and then overlaid with a scratch-resistant coating.
Read Polycarbonate Lens: What is it, Advantages, and Disadvantages in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.
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