Cr39 vs polycarbonate reddit. CR39 "plastic" has the best optical performance.
Cr39 vs polycarbonate reddit 50 CR39 plastic should do you just fine unless your eyes demand perfection. Nov 17, 2025 · When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. That said, in over 20 years I've never seen a broken pair of CR 39s other than the pair a patient ran over with his car (no, they were not being worn at the time). 67 high index, or if you’re on a budget polycarbonate would still be better than CR-39. CR-39 is a great material (Abbe score of 58 - really good) but I didn't think it came in different indexes. I've heard of CR39, Polycarbonate and Trivex but is MR8 and MR7 any good at all? Thanks! They advertise them only by market name like MauiPure or MauiBrilliant but what's stand behind it? They advertise abbe values way over 50 which suggests it's plastic like cr39 but they also advertise specific gravity close to 1. Will look thicker than any other lens material but doesn't look bad if you frame isn't too large and your prescription isn't high. It is called "high-index" to differentiate it from the normal-index (1. At that RX I'd be recommending polycarbonate as the best option, thinner and lighter than your current CR39 lenses. I would like to try a pair in CR-39 but the store I ordered them from does not offer it for progressives, and most of the stores online only offer this for single vision. Abbe Value measures how much chromatic aberration for the lens material. Is there a risk of injury with CR39 due to low impact resistance? Hi. No best material. 60 will give the benefit of slightly better clarity than the poly option tho. If you add protective coatings, the difference becomes even bigger. Zeiss' premium coating will make a CR39 lens practically as scratch resistant as real glass. If you are referring to plastic as polycarbonate then see if you can get CR-39- with that prescription the type of material doesn't matter because it will be thin no matter what. Glass lenses aren't used much anymore because of how heavy they are and also aren't impact resistant. There are basically 4 options. Does higher index = higher optical quality? And by a significant amount, or just little? seeing mixed answers, for my sphere of -2. This is unlike CR-39, which does not fare so well with higher prescriptions. 75 OS -1. Polycarbonate: thin Can I expect better optics with Trivex compared to MR-8 due to the slightly higher abbe Would CR-39 be relevant? Is it true that it is generally worth it to get the premium AR (including so called "super hydrophobic coating")? Will my choice of frame impact this? Thank you very much! Archived post. 99% of lenses sold in the US are going to be some type of plastic. I just found out that glass prescription lenses are no longer offered, from almost any of the big name brands. Your vision will be the absolute best with a Trivex lens material but I have no idea if Zenni offers that or not. Likely to shatter, unsafe. Jun 25, 2020 · Polycarbonate vs. Jan 22, 2024 · In this video we do a deep dive comparison into the differences between trivex and polycarbonate lenses. If you’re doing a semi-rimless or “half frame” pair get polycarbonate or trivex. You do run into the issue of possible distortion , particularly peripherally with your high rx. This lens is also a great choice if you select a rimless frame and your lenses need to be drilled Mar 28, 2014 · CR-39 lenses like to crack along drill holes, so optic shops tend not to accept these lenses unless you get a full frame. 6 index is thinner than CR-39 and shares the same specific gravity. 60, 1. Nov 7, 2024 · With options like CR-39 plastic, polycarbonate, and Trivex lenses, understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision. I never gave attention to it and my glasses are 5 years old. I'm hoping for recommendations on brands, lense materials (glass vs nylon vs cr39 vs poly carbonate etc. "CR39 is more impact resistant than crown glass"), but never actual numbers. Typically the standard CR-39 plastic has the highest Abbe value of any of the plastic lens materials. I have always gone with full-rim plastic frames for glasses, but decided to change it up. polycarbonate debate. 5 CR39 if cost is an issue and you don't care about the lenses being half a mm thicker. S. 75 will CR 39 lenses be noticeably thicker than polycarbonate? would rather go with plastic if possible for the price and optical quality, but don’t love the idea of having thick lenses. For me, CR39 is often known as "standard plastic" because it is exactly that - the standard. Some people are more sensitive to chromatic aberration than others. I currently have 4 pairs of Warby Parker’s that I’ve bought in the last 5 years or so. Standard 1. Polycarbonate has Abbe 30. They didn't give me any Abbe values. 5. Those will not get stress cracks. Only go for polycarbonate if you need more rugged glasses because the optical performance is much worse, especially at the edges. Hello, I was hoping to get a some thoughts/recommendations for semi-rimless glasses. Should i go for trivex or polycarbonate? Dec 23, 2024 · Learn everything you need to know about Trivex and polycarbonate lenses and how they compare in this quick guide from Pair. What are the key differences, and what do they mean for you? Poly is the least scratch resistant material of them all, so everything is more resistant to scratches than poly. When I got the first pair, the lens seemed to warp for me a little bit around the edges despite being the correct RX. 6 high index, 1. CR39 is actually more resistant. CR39 "plastic" has the best optical performance. Trivex, expensive, thicker, but also lighter. I then replaced those lenses with high index ones and didn't have a problem afterwards. Use depending on your prescription, use CR-39 or 1. Oct 14, 2024 · The Comprehensive Guide to Eyeglass Lens Materials. Please browse the collection, and we hope you like what you find. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of lens materials, exploring their unique properties and helping you make an informed decision We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. UVA/UVB protection from cataracts is good. To start with – should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Many people get confused about the differences. Does anyone have any thoughts on which company makes the best poly lenses for fishing? I'm leaning towards Oakley's, they are a popular brand May 26, 2022 · The main advantages and disadvantages of Polycarbonate and Glass lenses! Plus all of the differences explained, and which lenses are better! Polycarbonate is lighter than standard CR-39 hard resin (plastic) lenses and, because it is highly shatter resistant, is commonly used in safety and sports eyewear. 50. 5 index is made from CR39, a plastic resin. They explained that the reason of my headaches was because they were polycarbonate lenses. And glass. It has the worst optics of all materials. Organic (plastic) sits Typically the standard CR-39 plastic has the highest Abbe value of any of the plastic lens materials. From polycarbonate and CR 39 to Trivex and high-index plastic, the range of choices may leave you wondering which one is right for you. It boasts the highest impact resistance of any lens material. Are there any good guides out there? Also what do the different color lenses do for you? Are chromapop, prizm, etc. 25 ; Cylinder: -0. Understand the differences in durability & weight for eyeglass lenses. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot With your script, I would probably recommend poly or trivex (though honestly depending on your frame choice you could probably get away just as well with CR39 plastic). I personally would say the bare minimum that all glasses should have is an anti reflection coating. Caveats: if you’re doing a drill mount / 3 piece mount / “frameless” pair, get trivex. CR39 has a high abbe value second only to crown glass. Right: Sphere: -2. I'm not your optician, but a bit more info about the high index options. Nov 7, 2024 · Choosing the right material for single vision lenses is essential for optimal vision, comfort, and durability. Understand the pros and cons of each for your eyewear needs and make an informed decision. What I want to find out is how much more impact resistant stuff is. But they are less scratch resistant, and less impact resistant, so they are more likely to get damaged, thus a hard coat is also recommended. No lenses are completely scratchproof. Plastic CR-39, the cheapest and typically scratches the easiest. plastic lenses: which one is right for you? Learn about the differences and make an informed decision for your eyewear. Cumulative lifetime ocular UV-B exposure was not found to be a risk factor for ocular melanoma. Best optics. Apr 8, 2024 · Should you choose CR-39, polycarbonate, or high-index lenses? Which is thinner, more durable, or offers better optical clarity? Discover the pros and cons of each lens material and find the best option for your prescription, budget, and lifestyle. 50 ; Axis: 20 Left: Sphere: -2. But since they're rimless, the lenses also can't be brittle. Polycarbonate lenses are most suitable for safety purposes as they're near indestructible. 50 CR-39 has Abbe value around 60. 1. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10% thinner than Trivex lenses. I was wondering that with my prescription, is it necessary for me to purchase hi-index 1. 59 is polycarbonate. I generally recommend Trivex as an alternative. But yes, 1. Learn how to make the best lens material choice for your needs. 5 -1 I am looking into a large square glasses frame 54-17-54 I wanted to go for CR-39 with Crizal Easy coat. Polycarbonate seems to block about 20nm more than CR-39 at that level, so it's approximately 25% more effective. Lightweight: While not as light as Trivex, polycarbonate lenses are significantly lighter than traditional glass or CR-39 plastic lenses. Glass will be the hardest to scratch, especially if you I'm having lenses made for my rimless frames, and want to add a blue light filter to them. 00 sph or +17. It’s the lens material; polycarbonate lenses can get those stress cracks. This did not make a difference. In anything but the smallest styles the cr 39 gets heavy. If you lead an active lifestyle or need safety glasses, polycarbonate or Trivex® could be the best options. Biggest factor for me is how much lighter weight the poly is. It seems like the bulk of the pricing comes from “upgrading” my lenses to polycarbonate, but now I’m starting to question if that was even necessary because the tech helping me out made all of the lens options very confusing. 59 index) which are probably the worst choice in terms of optical clarity when your prescription is suitable for CR-39 (refractive index of 1. Dec 21, 2024 · That’s where Poly C lenses triumph in the high-index vs. Hi index plastics have lower abbe values. 589 index) lenses given my prescription strength. CR-39 is superior to polycarbonate in many ways, most notably in optical clarity and scratch resistance. I also prefer Trivex over both CR-39 and polycarbonate because it is impact resistant and gives great clarity through the lenses. Hello all, I've had this question in the back of my mind for years bothering me and just discovered this board where I can ask other opticians what they think so theres many more to follow. Cr 39 is fine but heavier. Trivex lenses compared Here is a brief comparison of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to help you decide which lenses might be best for you: Thickness. I often read relative comparisons (eg. Introduced in the 1980s, they’re incredibly lightweight and about 20% thinner than regular plastic lenses. The CR-39 is an acronym for “Columbia Resin 39” and the digit indicates that it is the 39th formula that produced the resulting plastic material. Polycarbonate, shatter and scratch proof, and a little pricier. I would recommend 1. They will not have a reduced clarity, for some, the clarity is actually better with cr39 over polycarbonate, though most people can't tell a difference. It seems to have an index of 1. 61 or 1. Polycarbonate is a softer material than CR39, but it is also almost always coated with a scratch resistant coating to counteract this fact. Polycarbonate lenses will be the thinnest and lightest, but due to the surface being less porous, the coatings will degrade sooner. polycarbonate lenses, polycarbonate lenses are highly impact resistant and generally more durable than regular plastic lenses. (Side note: when I was in optical sales the majority of our education materials for patients touted poly as being more scratch resistant than CR39 because of the SRC) May 11, 2025 · Two of the most popular lens materials today are plastic and polycarbonate. Today, in spite of its drawbacks, CR-39 still remains a popular material for making eyeglass lenses. Help choosing lens material (CR39 vs Poly vs others) good night! last week I found out I have astigmatism and I'm looking to order my first ever glasses. :wink: The question I have now are what are the specific downsides of CR-39 over polycarbonate? Jul 27, 2025 · Grab insights into CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses as we explore their unique features to determine which plastic best suits your needs. Jul 15, 2024 · A: When considering plastic vs. Is it gonna be too thick for me? I personally really don’t like that Polycarbonate is a soft plastic and much more prone to scratch than CR39. All lenses now come with a scratch resistance (however remember to still be gentle with glasses, they're not scratch proof) so that isn't an extra cost. Where I am, the lens blanks for Trivex are maybe $20 more than for CR39 and maybe $8 more than for Polycarbonate, so I don't bother with Polycarbonate. Better Polycarbonate Lenses Polycarbonate is a different type of lens material that’s thinner and lighter than regular plastic. I don't have a good sight even with hese glasses, but maybe it is because of the material? I can't see pannel road so I can't drive. Some types of frames mandate stronger material like poly or Trivex. This is a freely accessible online repository of the digital materials of the NSU Libraries. Do I really need polycarbonate lenses? My prescription calls for -3. Thoughts on plastic vs polycarbonate & sensitivity / warping? I am 30, I’ve worn glasses since I was 12. No paper products and no harsh chemicals. Only use the microfiber cloths made for cleaning glasses and wet down the lenses first before wiping. 60 plastic with a scratch guard and an anti-reflective coating. My question is: how much does the weight difference matter for low prescriptions like mine? Cheap brittle plastic vs hand polished quality acetate, cheap plastic lenses with a coating over them instead of polycarbonate, glass, nylon, lenses with some research gone into them, where UV protection, light management and features like AR coating, hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings etc are taken into consideration. Now that we have a brief overview of plastic lenses let us consider some of its advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, plastic lenses are lighter, have great optical clarity, and are easy to tint. Trivex has fairly good optical quality and very good safety properties and is CR39 is going to have the best optical quality. In a frame measuring 52-18, the poly would be about 1mm thinner partly due to being able to process with a thinner center. For context, these lenses can hold up to five times the impact of CR-39 lenses, which are pretty durable themselves. I’m thinking of getting CR39 because it’s better quality than poly but I’m a bit worried about the low impact resistance Does CR39 have the ability to injure your eye or cut when shattered? Does it break into very small pieces that could get into the eye? I returned the polycarbonate pair and upgraded to the high index. Some people wear polycarbonate, having the lowest/worst rating and don’t notice The good old CR-39 plastic lens will do just fine for you. On the downside, they are heavier and will shatter upon impact. " I want to compare the impact/shatter resistance of eyeglass lens materials (CR-39, polycarbonate, optical crown glass, trivex, high-index plastic, etc). Understanding their differences helps you make an informed choice tailored to your individual needs. Know which option is the best here. CR39 lenses need a UV tint or they don't protect at all. The least glare, the cheapest, ready-made, a lot more scratch resistant than poly, and great optics similar to glass. In the UK the leading 3rd party prescription lens fitter is called Lensology, and I asked them what their 1. Polycarbonate lenses are another type of plastic material. Is one considered to be of a higher quality than the other? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. For instance, polycarbonate lenses are always going to have a code of V2784 whether you're wearing single vision lenses, progressive lenses, or if your rx is -1. CR-39 is not impact resistant, which is why I try not to put patients into it. Feb 3, 2023 · They are more impact-resistant than glass lenses and have good optics. A tool called a hand stone can help determine the difference because CR-39 will turn to dust, while polycarbonate produces a 'swarf', the I'm going to order some prescription FL-41 glasses from the company Theraspecs, but am torn over whether I should go with CR-39 or polycarbonate (1. Are there any stores that offer progressives in this material? Thanks! The std plastic lens at LC is definitely CR-39 I've cut thousands of them. All have pros and cons. Another type of lens with a high Abbe value is trivex. While this is true, there is more to the story. In terms of coatings since you seem to be highly particular see if you Jun 24, 2025 · Compare plastic (CR-39) and polycarbonate eyeglass lens types. Afterwards I have been getting CR-39 lenses and they have also been fine. You'll be told plastic lenses are lighter and safer. It may be that the specific frame you're looking at requires poly over CR-39 (if it's semi rimless or a drill mount, for example). Polycarbonate is never, ever, the recommended option for lenses in dress eyewear. I mostly just want extremely lightweight glasses, so I assume that a higher index with thinner lenses would be better. Don't let the fact that they command a price premium fool you about their optical properties. 50 ; Axis: 180 Dip: 64 I am new into this of having glasses. Learn which is ideal for safety, clarity, or budget! To be pedantic, poly is plastic too. Cons include being optically less pure, they scratch more easily and are not suitable for every type of frame. :wink: The question I have now are what are the specific downsides of CR-39 over polycarbonate? Other than impact resistance, lens We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Trivex and other high index plastics have their own quirks such as higher reflectivity requiring high quality anti-reflective coatings. Oct 30, 2023 · Plastic (CR-39) and polycarbonate are two common lens materials for eyeglasses. Though they have many similarities, there’s a few key differences. Trivex might also be a good option for you. That Rx in CR-39 would be pretty thick and heavy. Thank u for the help. So now I'm going to get polycarbonate lenses instead. Lenses really worth it or are they just Aug 19, 2018 · CR-39 Plastic vs. Mar 23, 2020 · What to know: “Everything on the market now except your most basic standard plastic CR-39 lens [which still made up about 36 percent of the prescription lenses sold in the U. OD-3 -0. For rimless frames, though, CR 39 will chip on the edges. Yes, you entered in everything correctly, however you chose polycarbonate (1. 74) are related, and the exact formulation control the index and optical properties. The benefits of polycarbonate is that it is also impact resistant, thinner and lighter than CR39 and Trivex, and cheaper. 5 is going to be CR-39 aka basic plastic, and it is not the same as polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is more impact resistant and very lightweight. Definitely don’t go for hi-index, if you’re looking for the best optics. When shopping for sports glasses, people often get confused when choosing between polycarbonate and trivex options. That’s the question again – is there a frame you will like, that won’t leave you compromising for optical quality? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Explore types of lenses for your eyewear and choose wisely. Honestly, your script is not too bad, so depending on the frame CR39 might be best for you (it also happens to be the cheapest). 00 lenses and the store recommends that I get the polycarbonate lenses otherwise the lens will be too thick. Mineral lenses are more scratch resistant, come in the highest index and give very clear vision. Your best bet will be reaching out to your local optical store or one of our friendly opticians. Feb 26, 2019 · This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. 67 is more expensive, but is still lighter and thinner than regular plastic (CR39), has better optics and clarity, and will last longer without the coatings degrading. CR-39, Poly, Trivex, all plastics. Also, what damage to the eyes does UV cause? This article says "Sunglass wearing was not found to be protective. Ask your optician or optometrist for glass lenses and they will push hard for you not to get them and want you to get the usual polycarbonate (plastic), Trivex, or CR-39 lenses. High index 1. Not a setup for CR-39 lenses. However the real issue i think you'd have is switching between CR-39 and high index. The standard 1. Be careful! UV includes UVA, UVB, and UVC which became trendy during the COVID lockdown. So it's not a top dog material optically by any means. Oct 15, 2024 · Key properties of polycarbonate include: Impact resistance: Polycarbonate can withstand high impact, making it the go-to material for safety and sports eyewear. In Europe where I am it hasn't been sold for over 15 years because it's been deemed "obsolete". . It includes original works by students, faculty, and other members of the NSU community, as well as items of historical interest from the Libraries' Archives and Special Collections. MR-8 1. My prescription is: Sphere RT: -4. Q: How does chemical resistance impact polycarbonate vs plastic lenses? A: Polycarbonate lenses typically have higher chemical resistance than standard plastic lenses. I don't know my presrciption. my prescription is a -2. A real optician would recommend trivex or 1. CR39 vs TAC Lenses? looking for a new pair of polarized/UV blocking sunglasses and wanted to know the difference between these two lens types. Hey guys, I'm looking to get some higher quality sunglasses. May 28, 2024 · For everyday wear, CR-39® or high-index plastic might be suitable. CR39: best optical quality. Poly will generally be just a bit more expensive than CR39, but not nearly as expensive as the high index option. Plastic lenses, on the other hand, may be less expensive but are more prone to scratching and breaking. CR39 will be best in your situation, or trivex if you’re going for a semi-rimless or rimless frame. 5 cylinder 105 axis on right, -2. Lens Material #2: Polycarbonate Polycarbonate is a strong, durable, impact-resistant material. May 1, 2024 · Polycarbonate vs. 60 HI material Sep 13, 2024 · Plastic VS Polycarbonate Lenses Polycarbonate lenses have high impact resistance and are nearly shatterproof, making them ideal for people who keep dropping their glasses. Polycarbonate lenses are highly revered for their formidable impact-resistant properties. Here, we break down the properties of these Polycarbonate is much more impact resistant, but has optical disadvantages. Trivex is fine. The only times I've restricted or recommended against it are usually frame specific issues, like drill mounts or rimless where the more brittle material is likely to chip, or more sports focus eyewear where the weight/thickness/impact resistance or CR-39 can become an issue. 5) where you'll enjoy much better optics. Although they weigh about half the amount of glass lenses, CR-39 lenses are the thickest and heaviest material and are incompatible with rimless frame styles. This is a fine choice for your Rx, but I would opt for a narrow vertical measurement as that is where all the thickness of your lenses is present. 67 index lenses are made of and they said MR8 and MR7 respectively. While they do resist scratches better I find that as long as you use the proper cleaning stuff with plastic lenses you don't have that issue. All the high-index plastics (1. Do what you like, but you'll always end up with sub-par glasses. Neither is MR-8. Ask them to use a different material like CR-39 or Trivex or 1. CR-39: How to Tell the Difference Believe it or not, you can't always tell the difference between polycarbonate vs. Feb 26, 2020 · High index and polycarbonate lenses are two of the most popular choices for prescription eyewear. 67)? Or should I stick with the 1. Explore the advantages and disadvantages to learn which is best for you. I was wondering if anyone knew a lens material called MR8 and MR7. Since I don't have a very powerful prescription (see below), should I bother getting higher index (1. Every material has distinct benefits and cons to fit various requirements, tastes, and price ranges. All the other high index options you listed except 1. 586 or 1. Trivex has Abbe around 44. 6 and 1. FORGET about polycarbonate, Trivex, and CR39 for a min. I usually opt for CR39, have had good luck with them and can see quite well with them, but I also own one pair of frames with Polycarbonate lenses and I love how light they are on my face, although for sure the clarity isn’t quite as good, although not a huge difference. The higher the abbe, the less aberration and the “clearer” the optics. One of the great things about polycarbonate is that it has ultraviolet protection built into the material. ) And maybe a brief why. (tested by independent lab's). They both seem pretty common. 67. Jun 5, 2015 · Polycarbonate is still lighter, and can be made in higher index – meaning that a strong prescription lens can still be quite thin. While optically superior it certainly lacks in many other regards such as lens thickness, progressive availability, and no native UV protection. 25 cylinder 75 axis on left, 67mm DP Should I choose CR-39 or Polycarbonate? Hello I want to buy some glasses but not sure what to choose. I keep reading online about how polycarbonate is good for stronger prescriptions because the lens is thinner. 489 or 1. Lens materials do not degrade the quality of the vision in the lens. Trivex is a pretty good alternative. You could do CR-39. With all the different types of lens and frame materials available, how do you know which is right for you? Hang with Eyeglass Tyler as he briefly covers the The 1. On average, polycarbonate lenses are about 20% thinner than CR-39. Because the index is so different it can cause quite a few issues in terms of vision quality and eye fatigue/strain with going back and forth between them We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Also: I will never ever ever forget the surgical photos I saw of a kid who had online optical glasses shatter into their eye. Polycarbonate lens quality is quite a lot worse and Trivex is slightly worse than CR39. Glass lenses only block UVB and can be tinted. I recently picked up my first pair, and despite giving myself time to adjust, I do not like them. Or try and get them into the 1. 61 lenses will technically be lighter and thinner, but at a -2. It is the ideal balance of optical, machining and practical considerations for the average patient. Choosing between Trivex and CR39 for better visual quality (less chromatic aberration) I am a newly minted glasses wearer and need some advice. My prescription has recently changed (the astigmatism) and I had to order new glasses. 6 is fine. UVC is a different beast and it is important to remember that distinction. Glass Lenses Even though there are many other options out there when it comes to lenses, it is still important to understand the difference between plastic and glass lenses, they were the only two lens materials for a while. If you’re ordering for a child CR39 vs polycarbonate vs Trivex Hey people! Please help me make a decision. The visual quality for both these two is worse than for standard CR39 "resin". 67, and 1. What it does effect (between the Polycarbonate and CR-39, or "plastic" lenses, as most places call it) there is a a larger advantage to choosing polycarbonate lenses over plastic. Better optics than plastic. 61 lens instead of polycarbonate lens? Jul 9, 2025 · Plastic vs polycarbonate lenses: Explore common lens materials for eyewear. Explore ABBE value, CR-39, Refractive index and more for optimal comfort, vision, and protection. in 2019 Mar 22, 2023 · We're discussing two popular options for durability: polycarbonate and Trivex. Also, high astigmatism prescriptions like yours are notoriously hard for online vendors to get right. Difference between crown glass and CR-39 (if that is what you are referring to as plastic) is negligible. In a nutshell: polycarbonate lenses are more durable, lightweight and thin than regular CR-39 plastic lenses, though CR-39 can offer a slightly better optical performance (although the difference is almost Jul 15, 2024 · However, for the highest optical clarity requirements, such as high prescription glasses, alternative materials like high-index plastic or trivex may be considered. I asked this online place what their in-house lenses were made of and they said that all of their non-polycarbonate lenses were made of different indexes of CR-39. Jun 9, 2025 · Plastic vs polycarbonate lenses: Compare pros, cons, and costs to find the best eyeglass lenses. It may be slightly thicker in size due to its lower index of refraction, but it is lighter in weight and can be made to have the same center thickness as polycarbonate. My focus is on the optical quality of the lenses. CR-39 lenses at a glance. Their abbe values are nearly identical. 50 Sphere Polycarbonate is fine. 50) CR-39 plastic. Polycarbonate vs. I went to get prescription sunglasses and was hoping to get costas with glass lenses. Oct 2, 2010 · Does your shooting glasses have CR39 or Polycarbonate lenses? Can you tell any difference in clarity if you have tried both? May 15, 2021 · Specify your type of "plastic", almost all lenses are plastic. Hi-index vs polycarbonate lens, which should I get? Hello, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being tricked into spending more money than necessary by optometrists (as I have been in the past). On their website, they recommend polycarbonate for people with prescriptions with a +/- 4 or greater in the sphere or cylinder, but don't really say why. 50 ; Cylinder: -0. 59 are also plastics. I usually stick with standard plastic cr-39 lenses as I have some slight clarity issues with polycarbonate. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. With options like CR-39 plastic, polycarbonate, and Trivex lenses, understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision. 53 "Trivex impact resistant"? My prescription: We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. THE GORILLAS IN THE ROOM: CR-39 AND POLYCARBONATE A lively discussion topic amongst eyecare professionals, often heard over a few beers at the bar: Which is the best lens material: CR-39, poly or Trivex? Before we try to decide the winner, let’s take a quick look at each material: CR-39 Developed in the early 1940s during a general investigation and expansion in the creation of plastic Jul 27, 2025 · Grab insights into CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses as we explore their unique features to determine which plastic best suits your needs. You’re risking serious lens chipping with CR-39. Aug 1, 2025 · Plastic vs polycarbonate lens: Understand differences in eyeglass lens material. Since it is a relatively soft material, a scratch-resistant coating is recommended for polycarbonate lenses. 0 which rules out plastic and is even below trivex while the latter has also lower abbe. Additionally, they have a superior level of impact resistance and are suggested for both children’s glasses and safety eyewear. If the Oct 28, 2023 · Trivex VS Polycarbonate Lenses Trivex is a material resistant to impact and has built-in UV protection, similar to polycarbonate. 60 and Trivex are better quality optical alternatives to polycarbonate but opticians tend to price gouge on them so you may only get good value online. They are a lot less dense, and they don't chip as easily as a plastic lens. If the opticians and optometrists were recommending Trivex because the prescription got stronger it still isn’t a ‘strong’ prescription and polycarbonate would technically be thinner. When it comes to eyeglasses, the lens material plays a crucial role in providing optimal vision and comfort. With an AR coating you will notice little difference in these material. And I am thinking about using contact lenses and/or glass or cr-39 if thos are polycarbonate. 50 you won't really be able to tell much difference. ajckinq blv wgxjiq rai hzgjqi yntqhk xcg neluy mykndom qxiqyez lylpr umjzt qfl xwcjyii csptg