Eyeglass Tyler has a fun fact for our curious consumers out there! In fact it is a lens without weakness! See how Cr-39 Plastic holds up next to Polycarbonate with impact. 6. CR39 is a type of plastic. Either has advantages and disadvantages. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. Polycarbonate lenses are 10 times more impact-resistant than ordinary plastic lenses. When it comes to investing in a new pair of glasses, you want to know as much as possible before making the final decision. The other big benefit to polycarbonate is that it has a notably higher level of impact resistance than CR-39. Covered. The Vision Council described polycarbonate lenses as “virtually unbreakable.” A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also found that polycarbonate lenses were more impact-resistant than glass or other types of plastic lenses. As a general approximation, material index vs. Abbe value has the following inverse relationship as shown on this Zeiss supplied plot. And return shipping? It is lighter and more scratch resistant and has high-impact resistance like Polycarbonate. Here’s a rundown of the cons of the CR lens: It’s worth giving polycarbonate a glance if it’s time to upgrade your lenses. The breakdown is 1.586 versus 1.498. Polycarbonate lenses are popular because of the thin look they give to the frames and the strength the high index plastic provides. The key difference between polycarbonate and Plexiglass is that polycarbonate contains carbonate linkages as repeating units, whereas Plexiglass contains methyl methacrylate units as repeating units.. Polycarbonate and Plexiglass are polymers. $50 off Prescription Orders $250+ | Code: FEB50, 20% off Nike Prescription Eyewear | Code: NIKE20, $75 off Prescription Eyeglasses | Code: EYEGLASSES75, 50% off 2nd Pair of Prescription Eyewear | Code: BOGO50. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex Lenses: A Quick Comparison. Least expensive. Polycarbonate is never, ever, the recommended option for lenses in dress eyewear. CR-39 Lenses: Pros & Cons 3. Believe it or not, you can’t always tell the difference between polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses at a glance. But with all the different types of lens and frame materials available, how do you know which is right for you? Polycarbonate vs. Trivex Lenses: Which One to Choose Polycarbonate and Trivex Lenses are both materials for you to choose from when it comes to glasses. Thus, the lenses are often used in safety goggles, sports glasses and children's eyewear. Good for prescriptions up to +/-5.00. POLYCARBONATE LENSES Back to Top. Polycarbonate vs. CR-39: How to Tell the Difference 5. It simply means that there’s a better chance of a lens maintaining its integrity against certain types of impact. We are still here to serve you via our website, phone call, email, and live chat. Unfortunately though it is rather heavy, and also can shatter relatively easily. You may also simply suspect that a “blur” issue is minimizing the optical performance of your lens. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, . This is because CR39 is extremely cheap. Some exclusions apply. The lens material accepts tint dye better … Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index – meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. Upgrading to polycarbonate is going to provide an automatic advantage for some. Used for sporting activities, prescription sunglasses, kids glasses, and prescription safety glasses. It also has good UV protection and a higher refractive index than CR39. Below you will find a breakdown of each material so next time you … 5. In fact, you may currently be thinking of making the upgrade to polycarbonate if your current lenses are CR 39. Although CR39 has better shatter resistance than glass lenses, it still can shatter under a strong impact. Good for prescriptions up to +/ … Thus, the … It is the best material for … CR-39 lenses are considered to be the most basic and mainstream option. This blurring effect that is sometimes experienced with polycarbonate is caused by something called chromatic aberrations. Trivex is a relatively new optical lens material. When polycarbonate sheet is attacked by a chemical it usually takes one of three forms. Unfortunately, it’s also what makes them scratch easily. Plastic Vs Polycarbonate Lenses- Which One Is Better? Both PVC and Polycarbonate are good examples of thermoplastics. http://icareandeyewear.com we treat more than just glasses. This is unlike CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher … Polycarbonate lenses are made by injection moulding. Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate … Done. polycarbonate and cr39 will be pretty much the same thickness. You may even dislike the added UV coating that is necessary for the specific lens type you use. Spread the cost of your purchase over time with convenient, stress-free payment options. Is it worth the upgrade? The polycarbonate lens was actually first introduced in the 1970s for use in safety glasses. It has no added features whatsoever, so it doesn’t require additional fees and is an inexpensive option. CR-39, or allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC), is a plastic polymer commonly used in the manufacture of eyeglass lenses.The abbreviation stands for "Columbia Resin #39", which was the 39th formula of a thermosetting plastic developed by the Columbia Resins project in 1940. Cannot be used for rimless and semi-rimless glasses. The optical quality is extremely similar. Some materials, like polycarbonate, do not lie on this curve as shown. If you choose CR-39 lenses you must add a UV-protected coating because, unlike polycarbonate, they aren’t inherently UV-protected. Polycarbonate also earns points over something like CR-39 because of the way it naturally blocks UV light. Polycarbonate is a synthetic resin in which the monomer units link with each other through carbonate linkages while Plexiglass is the trade name … What’s more, the CR option is much more resistant to shattering. In the early days of vision correction, … Believe it or not, CR39 is actually better optically than Polycarbonate. Hang with us as we efficiently cover the pros and cons of polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses, how to tell the difference, and which one is better. If thinness is important to you, then you should consider these other two alternatives. On the flip side, CR-39 is the thickest and heaviest lens material. Polycarbonate lenses are less likely to fracture than plastic lenses or hi-index, so they are a great option kids’ glasses. In Europe where I am it hasn't been sold for over 15 years because it's been deemed "obsolete". They’re the go-to lens material for safety glasses, and extremely versatile when it comes to outfitting them with features such as Transitions, polarization, or other feature combinations. Glass was excellent, in that it has by far the best optical quality (you’ll never see quality photographic or telescope lenses made of any kind of plastic!). Polycarbonate vs. Trivex Lenses: A Quick Comparison. If impact is a risk – this lens is not suitable for you • CR39 requires a UV coating to be added – especially important if you work outside • CR39 lenses are ideal for non-industrial This stems from it being the 39th formula of the thermosetting plastic developed by the Columbia Resins Project in 1940. The evolution of non-glass spectacle lenses has its roots in the 1940s with the invention of CR-39 monomer as a liner for B-17 bomber fuel tanks. Available in all prescriptions and lens options – like polarized and transitions. You can also choose from clear cr39 polycarbonate lens, as well as from bifocal, single vision, and progressive cr39 polycarbonate lens, and whether cr39 polycarbonate lens is polycarbonate, pc, or resin. The big difference is that a CR lens is about half the weight of a glass lens. @@Trivex is thinner and lighter than CR39. According to their physical properties, polymers are divided into three groups as thermosets, thermoplastics and elastomers. Used for sporting activities, prescription sunglasses, kids glasses, and prescription safety glasses. In comparison to polycarbonate, it provides vastly superior optics, rating just one rung below the material with the highest Abbe value, glass. With a higher index (of refraction), light is bent more … Polycarbonate lenses are soft and flexible, which is what makes them so impact resistant. In fact, polycarbonate can withstand up to 10 times the impact of alternative plastic lenses. Believe it or not, you can’t always tell the difference between polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses at a glance. CR-39® monomer is the … Of course, this won’t be the right lens for everyone. These lenses have good impact resistance and therefore are ideal for children, sports and industrial purposes. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Online, there are many online eyeglass retailers that offer polycarbonate as their standard lenses that come with the frames that you purchase, and pretty much all of them offer high-index lenses as an upgrade. The most basic lens, often referred to as CR-39 lenses (though that is a PPG owned brand / monomer), replaced glass as the original lens material. Only recommended for those with “weak” prescriptions (under +/-4.00D). There is generally less risk of lenses cracking during the fitting process if the lenses are made from polycarbonate. Regular Plastic/CR39/1.56 Index Lenses. • CR39 does not offer the same impact resistance to industrial hazards as Polycarbonate lenses, only conforming to EN166S (the same as toughened glass). Try your glasses or sunglasses for 45 days. The key difference between polyurethane and polycarbonate is that polyurethane has urethane linkages whereas polycarbonate has carbonate groups.. Almost always requires the application of a scratch-resistant coating. Polycarbonate is thinner than standard CR39. Vivak PETG Vivak is a brand name for a specific form of polyethylene terephthalate created by Bayer.Designed to emulate the features of polycarbonate, Vivak provides exceptional impact and temperature resistance at a superior price. Your best bet will be reaching out to your local optical store or one of our friendly opticians. Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. Polycarbonate offers a higher index of refraction than CR-39. There are a … In fact, breaking a thin polycarbonate … … A device called a handstone can determine the difference because CR-39 will turn to dust, while polycarbonate … It couldn't be smoother. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription glasses or sunglasses, for 45 days. POLYCARBONATE Also came about from research looking for plastic alternatives to glass, polycarbonate … Lens options that are less durable than polycarbonate simply don’t bring the vigor and resiliency needed. For this reason, more and more optical professionals are moving to newer lens materials (polycarbonate and others, to be discussed in future posts) that are almost impossible to shatter. Polycarbonate, 1.59 Index Lenses. Good for prescriptions up to +/-5.00. CR-39 Plastic vs. Glass Lenses. If impact is a risk – this lens is not suitable for … It’s always a good idea to consult an optician so they can consider all factors, like your choice of frame and your prescription, and help you pick the best lens material possible. Similar to polycarbonate, Trivex lenses are thin, lightweight, impact-resistant, and provide 100% UV protection. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. Like!! It’s certainly important to know about this as you move toward making an informed decision about upgrading your prescription lenses. Polycarbonate Lenses are one of the first "thinner, lighter" lens materials. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The last major perk related to polycarbonate has to do with style. Polycarbonate is thinner than standard CR39. Homalite H-911 CR-39® is a ultra-high optical quality sheet that provides solutions to challenging glazing & display applications in the Nuclear, Electronic & Aerospace industries. CR-39 is the standard type of plastic used for everyday use, around the office, or for shopping. The best Pet comforts by Goldies the Gold standard, The best Cryo Slimming Machines for your body massage solution, We need to know about knee pain treatment, Top Higher IT Trends To Watch in 2021 in the Education Field, Aspects Of Server Management Services You Can’t Afford To Ignore, Unblock your favorite games with the site unblocked games, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance, [pii_email_a37aeab4f52a36cfec65] Error Solved. Done. In fact, these lenses have been popular since 1947. It is an optical grade plastic polymer recognised for its light weight, chemical resistance properties and 'tint-ability'. Good for glasses prescription up to +/-3.00. Polycarbonate lenses are thin, lightweight, and incredibly impact resistant. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Most lenses in glasses today are made of CR-39 plastic, or very close copies (since the material is owned by PPG). Mon-Fri: 6 AM to 7 PM PT Sat: 8 AM to 6 PM PTSun:10 AM to 6 PM PT. Polycarbonate Lenses: Pros & Cons 2. When used for eyeglasses, CR-39 offers lightweight, good scratch resistance, great optics and an easy ability to tint, both for fashion use and sunglasses. Water, vegetable oils, solutions of neutral salts, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols are also included in this category. On the ladder of optical clarity, they’re the lowest rung. Polycarbonate lenses have a higher index of refraction (1.586) than CR-39 plastic (1.498) and are therefore thinner in an equal lens prescription. Unfortunately, true glass lenses are known to drop and shatter rather easily due to their very heavy and fragile nature. Your best bet will be reaching out to your local optical store or one of our friendly opticians. However, Trivex lenses offer sharper central and peripheral vision than polycarbonate … However, Trivex lenses offer sharper central and peripheral vision than polycarbonate lenses, but are not as widely available in as many lens types. It is considered to be a premier option for lenses today. Least expensive. Anyone who wears glasses knows the difficulty of certain activities is increased because you must keep your glasses on your face while active. Here’s a rundown of the pros of going with a CR 39 lens option: The CR 39 design is also proven. Get your pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses, SHOW US HOW YOU SPORT IT FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED #SPORTRX, 4. Often, optometrists recommend polycarbonate lenses when safety is an issue. The process of making them is easy and very affordable for optical companies. Though the characteristics of polycarbonate are similar to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, acrylic), but polycarbonate is stronger, usable in a wider temperature range (Melting point: 155°C) but more expensive. For instance, you may be tired of replacing cracked lenses every time you misplace them. Polycarbonate Vs Plastic CR39 Lenses: Worth the upgrade? That’s because the crack-resistance and pliability of this lens type actually makes the process of drilling holes a little easier for technicians. The other obvious benefit is that CR 39 is generally a much cheaper option than anything that will offer comparable results. Eyeglass lens materials - features and benefits. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription glasses or sunglasses. One of the first things to do when considering a lens change or upgrade is to identify what’s not working about the current lens situation. It’s possible that you’re simply using lenses that are not the optimal option for your frames, prescription intensity or lifestyle needs. However, this material is simply a good fit for rimless designs. It also has good UV protection and a higher refractive index than CR39. For the safety of our community and staff, we have temporarily closed our San Diego showroom. Polycarbonate lenses are ten times more impact resistant than other plastics making them highly suitable for action sports or folk that are a little (shall we say) heavy-handed! • CR39 does not offer the same impact resistance to industrial hazards as Polycarbonate lenses, only conforming to EN166S (the same as toughened glass). Alibaba.com offers 2,002 cr39 lenses polycarbonate products. They are both thinner and lighter than traditional Plastic CR-39 lenses and are 10 times … However, Trivex lenses have a much higher abbe value (43-45) vs. polycarbonate (abbe value 30) making it much better in optical clarity with fewer chromatic aberrations. "CR-39 refers to the material that is used to make the majority prescription lenses. i remember my lecturer telling me that it can with stand a ball bearing hitting it at over 60mph. Unlike polycarbonate, CR39 requires a UV coating to be added to protect eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Its density makes it easy to crack or shatter, so it’s not compatible with frame features like rimless, semi-rimless, or drill mount. The article has truly peaked my interest. Flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and out-of-network vision insurance coverage can all be used towards awesome new prescription sunglasses, eyeglasses, and goggles. Essilor’s polycarbonate lenses are 20% thinner, 30% lighter, and 12x more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses. A wide variety of cr39 lenses polycarbonate options are available to you, such as lenses material. Polycarbonate has a good amount of flexibility. @@Trivex is thinner and lighter than CR39. I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. You may want to go into a good mid index material where the abbe value is slightly higher than poly, not as high as CR39 though. 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. The disadvantages of polycarbonate … For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Polycarbonate lenses are ten times more impact resistant than other plastics making them highly suitable for action sports or folk that are a little (shall we say) heavy-handed! The down side of polycarbonate lenses? Polycarbonate: Scratch Resistance 4. 5076 Santa Fe Street, Suite A San Diego, California, 92109. It has the ultraviolet blocking properties (380 nanometers and less) and shatter resistant properties of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate I would recommend with all rimless and semi-rimless mounts. The lens material was actually developed for use in helmet visors used by the Air Force prior to being used on the commercial market. This means that a wearer can get a measurably thinner lens using the exact same … 3 Benefits of Polycarbonate Lenses Safety. Good for glasses prescription up to +/-3.00. CR-39 (Plastic) Lenses. They offer UV protection and stop 99.9% of rays from the sun, fluorescent lights and computer screens. That means that glasses wearers can avoid the extra processing time and costs associated with having a UV coating applied. 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