LENS MATERIALS
CR-39 PLASTIC
Plastic lenses are lighter than glass and can easily be tinted to almost any color. These lenses work well for mild prescriptions; however, plastic lenses can show some thickness in higher powers.
POLYCARBONATE
Polycarbonate is the most impact resistant lens available and is always the lens of choice for young people and active patients. Occupational safety eyewear and recreational sports eyewear both require polycarbonate lenses as mandated by their respective regulatory organizations. Also, polycarbonate is designed with ultraviolet and scratch-resistant protection built into the lenses. This material is thinner and lighter than CR-39 plastic.
TRIVEX
Trivex is the latest lens material and is very similar to polycarbonate. It too is highly impact resistant, thin and light, and protective against UV and scratches. However, this material provides much more crisp vision (optics) than traditional polycarbonate.
HIGH INDEX
High Index is the thinnest lens available and is the lens of choice for those high-powered prescriptions. Like polycarbonate and Trivex, high index lenses offer UV and scratch protection; however; it offers superior optics over the other lens materials.
GLASS
For years, glass was the only lens material available and glass still offers great optics. Glass is the most scratch-resistant material; however, it is the heaviest of all lens materials and is easiest to shatter. For those reasons, glass is not usually recommended.
