Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass or sunglass lens made from a special type of plastic called polycarbonate. They are known for their durability, lightweight nature, and high impact resistance. Here are some key characteristics and benefits of polycarbonate lenses:
Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate lenses are extremely durable and can withstand significant force without shattering. This makes them an excellent choice for safety glasses, sports eyewear, and children's eyeglasses.
Lightweight: Polycarbonate is a lightweight material, making these lenses comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Thin Profile: Despite their high impact resistance, polycarbonate lenses can be made relatively thin, which can improve the aesthetics of eyeglasses and reduce the lens thickness for people with strong prescriptions.
UV Protection: Many polycarbonate lenses come with built-in UV protection to shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Scratch-Resistant: Polycarbonate lenses are naturally scratch-resistant to some extent, but coatings can be applied to further enhance their scratch resistance.
Clarity: These lenses offer good optical clarity, although some people may notice slightly more chromatic aberration (color distortion) compared to other lens materials like glass.
Anti-Reflective Coating: To improve vision and reduce glare, anti-reflective coatings can be applied to polycarbonate lenses.
Prescription Compatibility: Polycarbonate lenses are suitable for a wide range of prescriptions, including those for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Tinting: Polycarbonate lenses can be easily tinted for sunglasses or specialized eyewear needs.
Due to their impact resistance and lightweight properties, polycarbonate lenses are commonly used in safety glasses, sports goggles, and children's eyewear. They are also a popular choice for anyone seeking durable and lightweight eyeglasses or sunglasses, especially those who have an active lifestyle or are concerned about the risk of eye injuries.