Polycarbonate Lenses Vs Glass Lenses: Which Is Best For You?
About 1,000 years ago, glass lenses were invented. The "plastic" lens, also called polycarbonate, was developed in 1953. Which lens has the best and worst? Are some lenses better than others? Some people are loyal to one side. In this article, polycarbonate and glass lenses will be battling it out in five rounds.
Clarity
What do camera lenses, microscopes and binoculars have in common? They are made of glass. These tools require precise clarity, which is why glass lenses are the best optically clear.
Polycarbonate lenses don't have to be opaque. It is important to remember that many people cannot tell the difference between polycarbonate and glass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are now considered to be the standard lens in the sunglasses industry.
This round's winner is Glass
Anti-Scratch
Lenses can get scratched and damaged. You can always get replacement lenses but you want the lenses that you already have to last you a long time. Which lens offers the best scratch resistance?
This round, glasses lenses are the best. Although it is difficult to scratch them, it is not impossible. Glass lenses do not require an additional scratch-resistant coating. The lenses made of polycarbonate are more susceptible to scratching. It has an extra layer that protects against scratches and increases durability.
This round's winner is Glass
Protect your Impact
Parents shopping for small children and those who wear sunglasses while active may be concerned about the impact protection. The lens won't shatter if it is hit with impact protection. This protects your sunglasses from being dropped on the ground and projectiles.
Both safety and sport eyewear both use polycarbonate lenses. Because polycarbonate lenses offer the highest level of impact protection, this is a good choice. If it is subject to a hard impact, glass lenses can shatter. This can pose a danger to your eyes if they are worn.
This round's winner is Polycarbonate
Weight
If you have sensitive eyes or plan to wear your sunglasses for long periods of time, the weight of your sunglasses is something you should consider.
Glass sunglasses can be uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time because it is heavier than plastic. Polycarbonate lenses are best for people who are sensitive to pressure and want to wear sunglasses for a long time.
This round's winner is Polycarbonate
UV Protection
It is essential to use sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. UV rays can cause permanent damage over the course of a person's life.
Without the need for additional coatings, polycarbonate blocks 100% of UV rays. To block UV rays from glass, however, a special coating is required. To protect your eyes from UV rays, ensure that you purchase glass lenses with this coating.
This round's winner is Polycarbonate
GLASS LENSES: SUMMARY
Optically clear glass lenses are clearer than those made from polycarbonate. It is scratch-resistant and doesn't require an additional scratch-resistant coating. Glass lenses have a positive side effect that was not mentioned previously. Prescription lenses can be used with glass for either bifocal and trifocal lenses. This is due to the fact that they can be molded together without leaving a visible edge. However, glass lenses do not have impact resistance. Glass lenses are susceptible to shattering if they are dropped or hit by a projectile. This can make them very dangerous. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter than glass lenses, so be aware that your sunglasses might become uncomfortable if you wear them for a long time. Glass lenses don't automatically offer UV protection. Make sure you have the extra coating on your glasses lenses to protect your eyes against UV rays.
POLYCARBONATE LASES SUMMARY
Although polycarbonate lenses may not be as clear as those made of glass, the difference isn't that significant. These lenses do not have the same scratch resistance as glass. Therefore, they need to be protected with an extra layer. Polycarbonate lenses are so impact resistant that safety and sports glasses both use it. These lenses are lighter than polycarbonate, which is why they are recommended for those who wear sunglasses for a long time. Protect your eyes with polycarbonate lenses. It blocks 100% of the UV rays. It is easy to use with almost all tints.
SUMMARY
Based on these five rounds, polycarbonate lenses was the overall winner. The clarity and scratch resistance of glass lenses were awarded to them. The categories of impact protection and weight as well as UV protection are won by polycarbonate lenses. However, this comparison is extremely two-dimensional. This assumes that all categories have the same weight, which is false. Different people may value certain qualities more than others. Take the time to look at the facts and think about your daily activities.