Looking At Lens Materials
There is so much that goes into creating a pair of glasses that are perfect for you as an individual, from the length of the arms to ensure they stay on your face, to the shape and style of the frames to ensure that they suit your personal style and are comfortable for you to wear all the time, along with the shape and type of lens that is put into your frames to make sure it fits your chosen frames perfectly and is catered to your vision needs. The Lens material makes a massive difference to how your glasses feel, how clear they look and how well they hold up on a daily basis. Here are the main options and what each one is best at.
Glass lenses: sharp but heavy
Glass lenses are known for their excellent clarity and crisp view. The downside is the weight and safety. They are heavier than modern plastics and they can shatter so they are usually not the first pick for kids or people who do a lot of sports. For these lighter materials are recommended instead.
CR 39: good clarity at a lower cost
CR 39 is a very common plastic lens that is lightweight, affordable and gives very good optical quality. And it's a strong choice for lower prescriptions and for anyone who wants good vision without spending too much. It is not the best for high impact situations though.
Polycarbonate: tough and safe
Polycarbonate is built for impact resistance. That is why it is often used for children’s glasses, sports eyewear and safety focused frames. It is lighter than glass and usually thinner than CR 39. The trade off is that clarity can be slightly lower than higher end lens materials, especially around the edges.
High index lenses: thinner for stronger prescriptions
High index lenses bend light more efficiently so you can get the same prescription in a thinner lens. This matters most when it comes to higher prescriptions where thickness and weight become really noticeable. High index lenses cost more but many people find the comfort and slimmer look worth it.
Trivex: clear and impact resistant
Trivex sits between CR 39 and polycarbonate as it offers strong clarity with very good impact resistance. It is also lightweight and tends to look slimmer than standard plastic. It's a very good option if you want both optical quality and durability.
Photochromic and polarised lenses: extra features
Some lenses add functions on top of the base material. Photochromic lenses change tint in response to UV light which means they darken outdoors and go clearer indoors.
Polarised lenses cut glare from reflective surfaces like water, wet roads and snow. They are a great choice for driving and outdoor use.
Choosing the right materials for your lenses to be made from is so important for your glasses-wearing experience. You may see durability, looks, or optical clarity as the most important aspect of your glasses or even all of these… wherever your priorities lay, there are materials out there for you!
Each option comes with its pros and cons, but understanding the benefits of each material is crucial for making the best decision… especially when it comes down to your eye health! Look out for your eyes and treat them well, you want to take care of them as well as you can so that they can do the same for you…
