Glass vs Polycarbonate Lenses; Which One Are The Best Lenses?

Glass lenses have been used for over a thousand years. In 1953, polycarbonate lenses, sometimes known as "plastic" lenses, were invented. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each lens? Is one type of lens clearly superior to the other? Because some people have strong feelings for one side, glass lenses and polycarbonate lenses will face off in this blog.

For CLARITY

What are the similarities and differences between camera lenses, telescopes, microscopes, and binoculars? They're all made of glass. Because these instruments necessitate exact clarity, glass lenses are the most optically clear.

This isn't to say that polycarbonate lenses are opaque. It's worth noting that most people nowadays can't discern the difference between glass and polycarbonate lenses when it comes to clarity. Polycarbonate lenses have gone a long way since their inception and are now considered the industry standard in the field of sunglasses.

For SCRATCH-RESISTANT

Scratches on the lenses of your sunglasses might destroy them. Although replacement lenses are always available, you want to make sure the ones you have stay as long as possible. So, who has the best scratch resistance?

Glasses lenses have the upper hand. Scratching them is extremely difficult, but not impossible. As a result, no additional scratch-resistant coating is required on glass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are more scratch-prone on their own. This is why it includes an extra layer to make it more scratch-resistant and durable. It's worth noting that following our approach to caring for your sunglasses can reduce your risks of scratches, regardless of whether you have a glass or polycarbonate pair.

For IMPACT PROTECTION

Parents buying for their smaller children and anyone who use sunglasses for active activities may be concerned about the impact protection of specific sunglasses. The lens is impact-resistant, which means it will not shatter if it is hit. Dropping your sunglasses on the ground or being hit by flying projectiles are examples of this.

Polycarbonate lenses are used in both safety and sports eyeglasses. This is due to the fact that polycarbonate lenses provide the best overall impact protection. When glass lenses are hit forcefully, they shatter, which can be highly dangerous for your eyes if they fracture while you're wearing them.

For WEIGHT

If you are sensitive to these types of things or want to wear your sunglasses for long periods of time, the weight of your sunglasses is vital to consider.

Because glass is a heavier material than plastic, wearing glass sunglasses for lengthy periods of time can be uncomfortable. Polycarbonate lenses are advised for people who are sensitive to pressure or who want to wear their sunglasses for an extended amount of time.

For UV PROTECTION

In the blog, "What Does UV Protection 100 Means?" UV protection in sunglasses was discussed in great detail. ”. To summarize, it is critical to wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection since UV ray damage accumulates over a person's lifespan.

Polycarbonate is UV-resistant by nature and does not require additional treatments. Glass, on the other hand, requires a specific coating to prevent UV rays from passing through. If you're buying glass lenses, ensure sure they have this extra coating to shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation.

Brief Summary of Glasses Lenses

Glass lenses have a higher optical clarity than polycarbonate lenses. It is also scratch-resistant, and no additional scratch-resistant coating is required. Glass lenses are recommended for bifocal or trifocal lenses for prescription lenses due to their ability to be molded together without a discernible edge, which was not previously stated in the article. Glass lenses, on the other hand, are not impact resistant. If you drop it or if a flying object hits your glasses, they are likely to shatter, which can be quite dangerous. Glass lenses are heavier than polycarbonate lenses, so keep that in mind if you plan on wearing your sunglasses for an extended period of time. Another concern is that UV protection is not always provided by glass lenses. To protect your eyes from UV rays, make sure the pair of glass lenses you buy has that extra coating.

Brief Summary of Polycarbonate Lenses

Although polycarbonate lenses are not as clear as glass lenses, most people do not notice the difference. Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. Polycarbonate's impact resistance is so good that it's used for lenses in both safety and sporting eyeglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, so they're a good choice if you're going to be wearing sunglasses for a long time. Polycarbonate naturally blocks 100% of UV radiation, protecting your eyes. Polycarbonate is more easily tinted than almost any other material. As a result, they can come in a wider range of colors than glass lenses.

In Conclusion,

Polycarbonate lenses are the ultimate winner in these five categories. Glass lenses were chosen for their clarity and scratch resistance. Impact protection, weight, and UV protection are all won by polycarbonate lenses. However, this comparison is very two-dimensional. We assume that each category has the same weight, however, this is not the case. Some people may place a higher value on some characteristics than others. Take a look at the facts and think about your own day-to-day activities. We only sell polycarbonate lenses because we believe the benefits of polycarbonate exceed the disadvantages. We recommend that you test them out for yourself so that you can draw your own decision.

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