Choosing the right lenses for your glasses can feel a bit confusing sometimes, especially when you hear terms like plastic vs polycarbonate lens. Many people wonder which is better for their needs, and it’s a common question for anyone buying new eyewear. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds!
We’ll walk through everything you need to know, step by step, so you can feel confident in your choice. First, let’s look at what makes these materials different.
Understanding Plastic Versus Polycarbonate Lenses
When you’re looking for new glasses, you’ll often see different lens materials mentioned. Two of the most common are standard plastic (often called CR-39) and polycarbonate. The difference between them really comes down to their properties, like how strong they are, how thin they can be, and how they affect vision. For many people, especially those who are active or have kids, the choice between these two is important because it affects the safety and practicality of their eyewear.
What Are Standard Plastic Lenses CR-39?
CR-39 is a type of plastic that was one of the first materials used for prescription lenses. It’s still a popular choice today because it offers good optical clarity. This means that when you look through CR-39 lenses, the world generally looks clear and natural, with very little distortion. Think of it as a very clear piece of glass, but made of plastic.
One of the main benefits of CR-39 is its affordability. It’s typically less expensive than polycarbonate lenses. This makes it a great option if you’re on a budget or if you need to replace your glasses often.
CR-39 lenses are also good at accepting lens coatings. Coatings like anti-glare, anti-scratch, and UV protection can be applied to CR-39 lenses very effectively. This helps to improve their performance and durability.
However, CR-39 lenses are not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate. This means they can be more prone to breaking or chipping if dropped or hit. For this reason, they are not always the best choice for children’s glasses or for people who engage in sports where there’s a risk of impact to the face.
Also, CR-39 lenses are a bit thicker than polycarbonate lenses, especially for stronger prescriptions. If you have a high prescription, CR-39 lenses might look a bit bulky.
What Are Polycarbonate Lenses?
Polycarbonate lenses are made from a very strong type of plastic. They are known for being incredibly impact-resistant. In fact, they are about 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses. This makes them a fantastic choice for safety and protection. They are often used in safety glasses, sports eyewear, and for children’s glasses because they are much less likely to shatter if they are hit.
Because they are so strong, polycarbonate lenses can be made thinner than CR-39 lenses, especially for higher prescriptions. This can make glasses look more attractive and feel lighter on the face.
Polycarbonate lenses also have a natural UV-blocking property. They block 100% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which is great for protecting your eyes.
There are a couple of downsides to polycarbonate lenses. While they are impact-resistant, they are also softer than CR-39 lenses. This means they can scratch more easily. However, most polycarbonate lenses come with an anti-scratch coating applied, which helps a lot.
Another point to consider is optical clarity. While generally very good, some people report that polycarbonate lenses can have slightly more optical distortion compared to CR-39, especially in the peripheral (side) vision. For most people, this difference is not noticeable, but for those who are very sensitive to visual quality, it’s something to be aware of.
Comparing Plastic vs Polycarbonate Lens Properties
To make it easier to see the differences, let’s look at them side-by-side.
| Feature | Standard Plastic (CR-39) | Polycarbonate |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Moderate | Very High (10x stronger) |
| Thickness (for higher prescriptions) | Thicker | Thinner |
| Optical Clarity | Excellent, very natural | Very good, slight potential for distortion |
| Scratch Resistance | Good (especially with coating) | Prone to scratches without coating, good with coating |
| UV Protection | Requires coating | Natural 100% UV block |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
Who Should Choose Which Lens Material?
The best choice between plastic and polycarbonate lenses really depends on your lifestyle and needs.
For most everyday wearers with lower to moderate prescriptions who are looking for clear vision and a budget-friendly option, standard plastic (CR-39) lenses are an excellent choice. They offer great optical performance and are a solid all-around option.
If you have a stronger prescription, polycarbonate lenses will likely be a better choice because they can be made thinner and lighter, making your glasses more comfortable and looking better.
Children are a prime candidate for polycarbonate lenses. Their durability means they can withstand the rough and tumble of childhood better, reducing the chances of needing frequent replacements due to breakage.
Anyone involved in sports or activities where there’s a risk of impact to the eyes should definitely opt for polycarbonate lenses. Their superior impact resistance provides a vital layer of protection. Safety glasses for work or hobbies also commonly use polycarbonate for the same reasons.
If you prioritize the absolute best optical clarity above all else and don’t have demanding lifestyle needs, CR-39 might be your preference. However, for the vast majority of people, the difference in clarity is minimal and often outweighed by the benefits of polycarbonate.
Lens Coatings: Adding Extra Benefits
It’s worth mentioning that lens coatings can significantly change the performance of both plastic and polycarbonate lenses.
* Anti-Scratch Coating: As mentioned, this is very important for polycarbonate lenses, but it’s also beneficial for CR-39 to make them last longer.
* Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: This coating reduces glare from lights, improving vision, especially at night. It also makes the lenses look clearer, so people can see your eyes better.
* UV Protection Coating: While polycarbonate has this naturally, CR-39 needs a coating to block harmful UV rays.
* Blue Light Filtering: For those who spend a lot of time in front of screens, this coating can help reduce eye strain.
When discussing the plastic vs polycarbonate lens choice, remember that coatings can bridge some of the gaps between the two materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are polycarbonate lenses always better than plastic lenses
Answer: Not necessarily always. Polycarbonate lenses are much stronger and lighter, making them ideal for active people, children, and those with strong prescriptions. However, standard plastic lenses (CR-39) can offer slightly better optical clarity for some users and are often more affordable.
Question: Which type of lens is thinner
Answer: For higher prescriptions, polycarbonate lenses are typically thinner than standard plastic lenses. This is because polycarbonate is a stronger material, allowing the lenses to be made with less material.
Question: Can plastic lenses break easily
Answer: Standard plastic (CR-39) lenses are less impact-resistant than polycarbonate lenses and can be more prone to breaking or chipping if dropped or hit. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10 times more impact-resistant.
Question: Which is better for sports
Answer: Polycarbonate lenses are almost always the preferred choice for sports due to their exceptional impact resistance. They significantly reduce the risk of eye injury if you get hit in the face with a ball or other object.
Question: Are polycarbonate lenses more expensive
Answer: Generally, polycarbonate lenses tend to be more expensive than standard plastic (CR-39) lenses. However, the added durability and safety features can make them a worthwhile investment for many people.
Final Thoughts
Deciding between plastic and polycarbonate lenses doesn’t have to be complicated. Think about how you live your life. If you’re very active, have kids, or need lenses for safety, polycarbonate is a clear winner because of its incredible strength and lighter weight. For those with lower prescriptions who prioritize pure visual clarity and a lower price point, standard plastic lenses offer excellent performance. Remember that coatings can enhance both types of lenses, adding scratch resistance, UV protection, and glare reduction. By considering these points, you can easily choose the lens material that best fits your vision needs and your daily activities, ensuring you get eyewear that is both functional and protective.
