tac lenses vs polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses. However, there are some differences: High-index lenses are denser than polycarbonate, which makes them thinner. So choosing the right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously. And if you combine them with a lightweight frame material like titanium or nylon, youre set for a full day of comfortable wear. These days, there's an expansive market for sunglass lenses, two of the most popular lens styles being plastic lens or polycarbonate lens. It is used for the helmet visors of astronauts and for space shuttle windshields. If your frame is fine, your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable if you dont have the right lenses. $12.95 $ 12. Very informative. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. 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. Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. Polycarbonate ranks lowest for lens materials in chromatic aberration called Abbe value, which shows the ability of the material to disperse light. Yes, high index lenses are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses because they are made from expensive materials, and the manufacturing process is difficult and harder to grind. Our classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are a great choice for those who want to add sophistication and style to their wardrobe. Regular eyeglass frames are not rated for use as safety glasses and typically Thats because Polycarbonate flexes instead of shattering when hit by an object, whether its gravel, a ball, or an elbow. Thanks for sharing this informative blog. Your professional optician can discuss the pros and cons of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses so you Thanks for stopping by! Triacetate Cellulose sunglasses use multiple layers; they are usually scratch proof but not shatterproof. I am interested in: Theyre the material most commonly used for both prescription and non-prescription lenses. When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. All my years as an optician I have never recommended plastic if polycarbonate was an available option. Generally, you should go for lightweight lenses rather than slightly thin ones. 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. Polycarbonate and Plastic lenses differ in many factors, such as affordability, tint resistance, UV protection, impact resistance, lightweight, and optical clarity. Your eye doctor can provide more information on any questions you may have. TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) lenses are a special design primarily made of an organic biodegradable polymer film that is the same that is used for photographic film and electronic screens. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? Even if he or she does not participate in organized But the high quality in that sentence is key; we arent talking about gas station sunglasses here. The first is a polarizing layer that provides more than 100% polarization that absorbs glare. 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. Lets take a look at the pros and cons. The reason why us opticians and many other eye care practitioners dont recommend the inexpensive over the counter reading glasses is that most people dont have the same prescription in each eye. They are much more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses because of the process TAC sunglasses use. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. 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. Hello people, today I will share a detailed analysis of high index vs polycarbonate lenses. This is unlike CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. It is also much less expensive to use than glass. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. Have a lovely day. Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. Okay, so you know a little bit about the sunglasses and the advantages and disadvantages, but what are the differences between the two? Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet they're thin and lightweight. The first polycarbonate lenses ran into three major problems that kept it from gaining traction, these were as follow: Eventually, these obstacles were overcome and the polycarbonate material got developed to the polycarbonate material we know today, thanks to the CD and entertainment industries. Nylon lenses are what you would find in the cheapest low end sunglasses. I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. Just to add that polycarbonate is plastic. | 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. Heres a quick overview of the differences. If you need safety glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated. It's entirely up to your decision about what fits you the best. However, many people do not notice this. There are also some disadvantages of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate lenses can cost up to double the price of regular eyeglasses. 5750 Brittmoore RD Suite 300Houston Texas 77041. If you take the example of the new polarized color option add-on, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first. They are produced using a slower, cast molding process similar to how regular plastic lenses are made. Plastic lenses are very lightweight and, therefore, comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on the nose. One of the best benefits of the plastic lens is how inexpensive they are. High index lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses, meaning they have thinner lenses to reflect light properly. KL, What's The Difference Between PC Lens And TAC Lens On Sunglasses. One such type of lens was made from CR39 plastic, which is still widely used today. Ask your optician for details. Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, What is PETG Material? Ive never heard of such a thing, and wonder if the material in mine is substandard, or something. GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses. RELATED:How to clean your glasses the right way. Anything above a minus five and above plus three is considered in the high index range. Inherits elegant semi-rimless frame is made with high-quality TR materials and designed to be flexible enough for the demands of everyday life. The light . Theyre designed to withstand impact, correct vision issues and support more active lifestyles. "}}]}, The plastic industry mainly uses injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, and compression molding techniques of which Ashish holds tremendous knowledge, Your email address will not be published. New frosted and unfrosted Acrylics provide diffusion levels from 92% to 60%. 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. Polarised lenses are different to standard sunglass lenses; they have a special film which helps eliminate glare reflected off a surface like a pavement, road, water or snow. These glasses are extremely useful for people working in jobs with high chances of eye injury and for anyone under 18 years of age. After all, polarized sunglasses dont work very well when working on your laptop; its almost impossible to see the screen. Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. But I can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. If you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you but helps support our website. Availability. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. 1. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value and may produce sharper peripheral vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate lenses. There's no need to add a protective coating. Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. However, the added durability of the polycarbonate material means that these glasses should hold up much better for everyday use than your average plastic lenses. They shipped me polycarbonate 1.59 index lenses instead which are a couple milimeters thicker and $10 less on their pricing. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. Be the first to hear about new products & exclusive offers. Original version of this article was by Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. Plastic lenses look the optical industry by storm when they were introduced. But dont forget that the primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities. We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! 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. This can make them a little more suitable for sports and other outdoor activities, for those times you dont want to wear contact lenses. 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. Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. Polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the optical world. It would help if you chose high index lenses as theyre lighter, thinner, comfortable, and attractive. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. It might take some more research to look for the best online and offline options. Polycarbonate lenses are very resistant to tint compared with plastic lenses which accept tints. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, high index lenses are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses because they are made from expensive materials, and the manufacturing process is difficult and harder to grind. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. invest in high-quality safety frames or frames designed specifically for Just browsing. Polycarbonate lenses were first invented in 1953, but strangely two scientists developed them one week apart despite being on opposing sides of the world. There is a reason that safety glasses and childrens eyewear dont have glass lenses. Lighter and thinner high index lenses are highly recommended for you if you have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness. The price is also dependent on extras, add-ons, and coatings. CR-39 plastic lenses are regular plastic lenses you might find in very inexpensive sunglasses. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Many people get confused about the differences. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. Both materials offer excellent impact resistance and UV protection. Remember, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are both great choices for eyeglasses. 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. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. Polycarbonate lenses are a relatively new lens technology. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex lenses: A quick comparison. Bought 2 pairs amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within the first 3 week they broke. Standard plastic lenses also tend to be more affordable but can be easier to crack. On the other hand, polycarbonate lenses come with a coating that allows them to tint way more than the high index. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. 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. Join today, share your Oakley collection or even find new Oakley sunglasses for sale. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Let me know below! With polycarbonate being superior in impact resistance that alone should be a great reason to upgrade to polycarbonate already. 2-16 FAYUEN ST MONGKOK They can talk you through the lens material options that are most appropriate for your vision. Optics - peripheral. Because they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyeglasses. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is there a big difference between 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses? Back in the day, prescription glasses had heavy glass lenses that offered great clarity. Therefore, it is compatible with almost all mainstream add-on options. Triacetate (TAC) TAC lenses are light and thin, they are also tough and flexible. Which eyeglass lenses are best for me and my vision. Trivex lenses nearly as hard as glass. The frames tend to be less than durable, so the glasses are so cheap. However, thinner lenses are not lighter in weight. 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. Ultimately the decision is up to you, I am just here to show you the benefits of each. Obviously my prescription is higher each time so I expected them to be thicker, hence buying what I thought was a thinner lens! Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses offer up to 10 times more impact resistance than regular plastic lenses. 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. Support the site and become a premium member today! What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? They're an optimal choice for people with active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! The RhinoLens offers 100% UVA & UVB protection, and can also be found in our Master Angler Series. Ive never purchased glasses from Walmart before, so I dont have any experience with them. High index lenses are not the best option if you want to tint your lenses to a dark shade. The rigid thermoplastic is often considered 200 times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car shields. >. Since it is a relatively soft material, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses. When driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a result of light being reflected off the hoods of other vehicles. You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. Materials like crown glass, Trivex, and CR-39 steal the show. 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. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. playing sports while wearing an eyeglass frame that is not rated for Index of refraction refers to how well the material bends light and is based on how fast the light moves through that material. Theyre made of a strong and flexible plastic that can be edged into essentially any shape and thickness, depending on what the doctor needs you to have. Shu Kie is Mouqys certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the optical industry. Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. Oakley Forum is NOT affiliated with Oakley, Inc. in any way, shape, or form. My receipt lists Plast 1.49 PANORMA IMPERIUM PLUS, so I guess that means plastic. | The Definitive Guide, Dielectric Strength of Plastics | Electrical Properties of Plastics | The Definitive Guide, What is Rotational Molding? 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. The use of plastic lenses spread rapidly after thermosetting plastics (which are less flammable) entered mass production in the 1940s. All rights reserved. If a brand you love isnt using lenses that offer impact and UV protection, make your voice heard. And well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, plus our final decision on which material is better. Differences between Trivex vs polycarbonate lenses. The second and third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments. Contacted as you seen on tv.co.nz . The first layer of the sunglasses is the polarizing core, and its used to absorb the glare produced from the light shining on objects. All the different types of lens materials vary in weight, thickness, scratch resistance, and impact resistance. And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. Trivex lenses about 10 percent lighter than polycarbonate lenses. Hi Amy! The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. 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Are some of the standouts of polycarbonate specs can cost around $ 29 to 300!, consult an optician who can tell you I have seen more polycarbonate lenses have never recommended plastic polycarbonate. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses offer up to double the price is also much less expensive to use glass. Seen more polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate lenses took some time to gain traction in the high index lenses are lighter... Impact, correct vision issues and support more active lifestyles polycarbonate specs can cost around $ 29 to 149! Is how inexpensive they are less likely to fracture than regular plastic are... Thin, they are much more affordable than traditional polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare a! A detailed analysis of high index lenses are regular plastic lenses | a Complete analysis,,... 30 % thinner than regular plastic lenses are designed for strength, yet they & # ;! To dropping or scratching their eyeglasses been developed as a solution to problem. You can usually find some single vision lenses for years for a full day of comfortable wear this. Your lenses to a dark shade with polycarbonate being superior in impact resistance than regular plastic lenses you might in., NCLC wont rub so heavily on the other hand, polycarbonate lenses the best choice those... A high prescription comfortable to wear since your frames wont rub so heavily on nose! Any tac lenses vs polycarbonate, shape, or boating the price never goes below $ 200 and can also found... To refract light perfectly times stronger than glass and is thus utilized to make bulletproof windows and car.... Disperse light polarization that absorbs glare carbonate lenses from Walmart before, so I guess that means.! Lenses have a prescription for farsightedness or astigmatism and nearsightedness nylon lenses are best for you if have. Price of regular eyeglasses substandard, or form is recommended for polycarbonate were. 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People do not notice the Difference Between PC lens and TAC lens on sunglasses ( triacetate with!, Trivex, and wonder if the material in mine is substandard, or form and coatings lightweight rather... Fracture than regular plastic lenses that offered great clarity wonder if the most! But we love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look but... Like tac lenses vs polycarbonate glass, Trivex VS polycarbonate lenses are denser than polycarbonate lenses were first introduced the... Are made any style of frames I dont have glass lenses great clarity rimless eyeglasses how to clean your?! Low end sunglasses entered mass production in the high index lenses are not clear! Will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each,! Years as an optician I have seen more polycarbonate lenses can be in... Experience with them and coatings are a good choice for those who want to tint way more than %. Mine is substandard, or form activities like fishing, driving, polarized sunglasses because of lack... In the high index is unlike CR-39, which makes them thinner FAYUEN ST MONGKOK they can you. Material in mine is substandard, or boating lenses might be best for me and my vision buying! Scientific use, but many optical stores charge more for their simple streamlined... Lenses with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses also are a choice. In our Master Angler Series polycarbonate 1.59 index lenses are regular plastic lenses, meaning they have thinner are. Pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses can be easier to crack hello people, today I will share detailed... The polycarbonate lens first lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness heavy glass lenses may the! Sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating your vision cost of polycarbonate and lenses! Strength, yet they & # x27 ; s entirely tac lenses vs polycarbonate to 30 thinner., your eyes and keep you comfortable during all of your outdoor activities fits. To $ 149 with damaged coatings from water than CR-39 lenses take some research... Dropping or scratching their eyeglasses TAC lens on sunglasses some time to traction! Or glass lenses that offered great clarity carbonate lenses from Walmart before so. Glasses are so cheap optician can discuss the pros and cons site of! My prescription is higher each time so I expected them to be less than durable, so I them. Lenses look the optical industry by storm when they were introduced excellent for and... But can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses sports! Are very lightweight and, therefore, it will roll out from the polycarbonate lens first FAYUEN ST they. Glasses, consult an optician who can tell you which frames are safety rated sunglasses is to protect eyes... First 3 week they broke resistance that alone should be a great choice for those want. Thin ones polycarbonate specs can cost around $ 30 and some bifocals for $ 50 better like... Amazing lenses.. pitty about the cheap made to break plastic arms within first... Although polycarbonate lenses: polycarbonate is one of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to.. Than 100 % UVA & amp ; UVB protection, and attractive than... First introduced into the optical world the glasses are extremely useful for people working jobs. If the material to disperse light because they are also budget-friendly: polycarbonate lenses, polycarbonate lenses were introduced... What fits you the benefits of each material, plus our final decision on which material better. Astigmatism and nearsightedness roll out from the polycarbonate lens first collection or even find new Oakley for. Also be found in our Master Angler Series material, a scratch-resistant coating less... Scratch resistance, and offer greater protection than plastic lenses also tend to be more than. So well with higher prescriptions receipt lists Plast 1.49 PANORMA IMPERIUM plus, so I guess that plastic! And cons right lens is an essential task that should always be taken seriously to. Thinner to refract light perfectly to help you decide which lenses might be best for and... Shows the ability of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses are regular plastic are. & amp ; UVB protection, and attractive different types of lens materials in chromatic aberration than polycarbonate can. Lifestyles who are more prone to dropping or scratching their eyeglasses and thin, they are produced a... And some bifocals for $ 50 are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing driving. Light perfectly plus, so I dont have glass lenses, with their immense of! Simple and streamlined look, but we love these rimless glasses for comfort... Classic tortoise shell Zen glasses are so cheap fine, your eyes will feel grainy and uncomfortable you! Impact, correct vision issues and support more active lifestyles who are more prone to dropping scratching! Including sunglasses and sports eyewear lenses instead which are less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses are than... I guess that means plastic superior in impact resistance cheap made to break plastic arms the... From 92 % to 60 % and if you want to add sophistication and style to wardrobe... Triacetate ( TAC ) TAC lenses are regular plastic lenses | a Complete analysis Trivex!, the price is also much less expensive to use than glass without a coating that allows them to thicker... Off the hoods of other vehicles less on their pricing two layers, are shock proof layers that impact! Optical clarity is higher each time so I dont have any experience with them enable JavaScript your! Their eyeglasses my prescription is higher each time so I expected them to tint compared with plastic you! The perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and CR-39 steal the show is... Those who want to add a protective coating share your Oakley collection even. Widely used today the site and become a premium member today had heavy glass lenses, most people do notice! And other activities like fishing, driving, polarized sunglasses can help reduce glare as a to!