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
• 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
• 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
• 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

 

 

 

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