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Lens Materials

There are many types of material that lenses can be made from. Your doctor and optician will help you choose which material best meets your specific needs.

 

Glass

  • The lower the power the better
  • Not used as much and not recommended due to weight issues. Optics and scratch resistance are good however the weight is about twice that of plastic
  • Can get in clear and photo-gray ( the current photo-gray does not get as dark as the older models)
  • Limited tint colors and can be AR coated

 

Plastic

  • Good for lower powers Plano to +/- 2.50
  • Scratch resistance: OK, TD2 scratch coat available for extra fee
  • Can get in clear or Transitions Gray or Brown
  • All tints are available, Polarized and AR coatings

 

Polycarbonate

  • Good for powers +/-2.50 to 5.00
  • Scratch resistance OK, TD2 scratch coat available for extra fee
  • Can get in clear or Transitions Gray or Extra active Gray
  • Polycarbonate CAN NOT be tinted.( the material does not hold a dip tint so you end up tinting the scratch coat which can peel over time)
  • Polarized and AR coatings are available. (the tint on the polarized lens is in the filter, NOT the polycarbonate lens material)
  • Used in safety glasses because the material is less likely to shatter on impact
  • Lighter than plastic because the material is more dense
  • Has UV protection built into the lens

 

Trivex

  • Good for powers +/-2.50 to 5.00
  • Has the same benefits as polycarbonate with better optics. Is also a lighter lens than polycarbonate
  • This lens can be tinted in all available tints
  • AR coatings, Transitions Grey, and Brown are available
  • Better for use in drill mount frames than polycarbonate
  • Has UV protection built into the lens

 

Hi-index

  • Good for powers +/-5.00 and over
  • Scratch resistance OK, TD2 scratch coat available for extra fee
  • AR coatings, Transitions Grey, and Brown are available
  • Thinnest lens available
  • Can use for drill mount frames
  • Great for higher powers
  • Has UV protection built into the lens

 

 

 

At Marion Eye Centers, we guarantee the lowest price on eyeglasses, contacts, readers, and all of our accessories. Visit us at one of our convenient 36 locations throughout Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri. You do not have to travel long distances to receive excellent eye care. Feel free to complete our convenient online contact form or call to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

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