What is Polycarbonate & How is it Used?

Polycarbonate is a material designed to hold up to impact, correct vision issues, and have a smaller profile than other lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are composed of plastic but yet they’re strong, lightweight, and durable.  This is why we decided to use them in our products. Polycarbonate lenses have been around since the 1980s and have become one of the most popular lens choices. What’s so much better about these than glass and other lens materials? Keep reading to find out. Polycarbonate is utilized in more than just glasses. This material can be found all around in headlights, helmets, fencing, barriers, impact-resistant windows, and so much more.  This material is transparent, yet sturdy and able to withstand high pressure.

 

Advantages vs. Disadvantages

Advantages 

• One of the strongest and safest materials on the market.  Polycarbonate is impact-resistant, proving time and time again to be one of the best materials on the market. Unlikely to crack, chip, or shatter if it were to be dropped or hit.

• Thin, lightweight, and comfortable.  Despite being smaller, polycarbonate lenses can still accommodate strong prescription lenses while using up to 30% thinner plastic than standard lenses. This means there is less bulk allowing them to rest easily and comfortably on your face.

• Versatility.  You can add all the coatings and treatments you would like to these lenses. Such as anti-reflective, and blue-light filtering, it can even accommodate progressive lenses.

• Protection.  Shield you from UVA and UVB rays

 

Disadvantages

• Cost.  Polycarbonate lenses can cost more than average plastic lenses. Though they will last longer and make the extra money worth it. Other lenses run the risk of breaking, cracking, etc. Which is why we use polycarbonate in all of our lenses.

• Not suitable for everyone.  Although they can accommodate strong prescription lenses, some may be out of luck. There are limits in terms of the prescription you should use with these. Your optometrist or optician can help determine the best lens type for your prescription.

• Not scratch resistant.  Polycarbonate lenses can get scratched up, so they will need a scratch-resistant coating.

Polycarbonate vs. Other Lenses

• Polycarbonate vs. Glass

Polycarbonate is thinner and lighter than glass, so they are less likely to break as easily leading to a longer and happier set of lenses.

• Polycarbonate vs. Plastic

Looking for alternatives to plastic? A better one would be polycarbonate as you could’ve guessed. Polycarbonate lenses are weightless, thinner, and stronger than other lens types.

• Polycarbonate vs. Trivex

A worthy rival to polycarbonate lenses, made in the early 2000’s they are similar in fashion, they’re lightweight, durable, and provide greater visual clarity. On the other hand, they aren’t as thin as polycarbonate lenses and are more expensive. 

How Should You Take Care of Polycarbonate Lenses?

A great way to take care of your lenses is to store them when not in use, and try not to drop, scratch, or damage them. Cleaning can also be as easy as using soap, water, and a microfiber cloth to keep them looking new. 

Why are Polycarbonate Lenses Famous?

You get the best of all worlds with polycarbonate lenses. They’re strong, yet light, advanced, and widely available. No wonder it’s the most common choice for those who need a good pair of lenses. This is why we use polycarbonate in our lenses because it’s lighter yet durable and makes for a better experience.