Plastic vs. polycarbonate lenses: all you should know

When buying prescription eyeglasses, there are many decisions that you have to make. Your eye doctor will conduct an examination that will determine your lens grade but all the other features of the glasses will be entirely up to you. This includes the size, color, and style of the frame to use. As well, you would also need to decide on which type of lenses you want. Right now, the two most popular options are plastic and polycarbonate.

Are Polycarbonate Lenses Better Than Plastic?

There has been a lot of talk lately about polycarbonate being a much better alternative to plastic when it comes to lenses, but it’s not really all that cut and dried. First of all, polycarbonate is actually a type of plastic so these two are not entirely different materials. There are certain characteristics in polycarbonate that are not found in ordinary plastics. These features are what make them a more suitable lens material for certain types of eyeglasses.

On the other hand, there are also some benefits of plastic lenses that polycarbonate does not provide. A lot of people do prefer regular plastic over polycarbonate for a variety of reasons. Let us now delve into the differences between these two materials so that you can make the right choice.

Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses

There is no absolute right or wrong choice between plastic and polycarbonate lenses. There are stark differences in the features of these two materials though, and these differences will help you decide on the more suitable choice for you.

Features of Ordinary Plastic Lenses

The most notable characteristic of plastic lenses is their light weight, especially in comparison to the glass lenses of olden days. They are also quite durable and don’t tend to shatter as easily as glass. When it comes to optical clarity, plastic lenses are an excellent choice as they do not result in visual distortion.

The biggest drawback of plastic lenses is that they can be thick, especially for higher prescriptions. They also do not provide adequate UV protection, unless you request for a special UV coating, which usually comes at an additional cost.

Features of Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are much thinner than regular plastic, which means they are also much more lightweight and more comfortable to wear. Surprisingly, they are also more durable than regular plastic, making them an ideal choice for very young children and adults who are frequently on the go. In fact, its durability makes polycarbonate the material of choice in many other applications outside the eyewear industry, including medical equipment, car parts, CDs, and many more. The makeup of polycarbonate lenses also allows them to block UV rays, so you can rest assured of getting complete UV protection without the need for a special coating.

It is not a surprise that with all these extra perks, polycarbonate lenses don't come cheap. They are also quite prone to scratching, so the lenses need to be finished with a scratch resistant coating that adds further to the cost. If budget is an issue, you might have second thoughts before getting this kind of lens. There is also a chance of distortion in peripheral vision for high prescriptions.

Which One Is Better for You?

As you can see, both plastic and polycarbonate lenses come with both pros and cons. You need to weigh them carefully to make the right decision. Regular plastic lenses do tend to become thicker as the prescription gets higher. So unless you are fine with wearing bulky-looking spectacles, you might seriously consider polycarbonate if you have a prescription higher than +/- 3.0 or thereabouts. We have also mentioned the difference in cost, which could be a significant factor as you make your decision.

In any case, whether you choose regular plastic or polycarbonate lenses, what’s important is that you give your lenses the proper care so that they will last for a long time, or at least until you need a new prescription. A scratch resistant coating, just like what we use for all our eyeglasses here at Lensmart, can also do wonders for extending the pristine condition of the lens surface.

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