Pros & Cons of Eyeglass Lens Materials

Eyeglass lenses are available in a variety of materials. The ability to correct your vision is not a factor when considering lens type. Determining factors include lifestyle, preference and the degree of your personal activity. Some lens options consist of different plastics, polycarbonate and the original alternative, glass.

Glass

• Initially, eyeglass lenses were glass. Benefits of glass lenses are their relatively low cost and built-in scratch resistance. Other lens materials may require a coating to resist scratches, whereas glass offers this reward naturally.

  Glass is the heaviest type of lens, weighing up to double that of other lens materials. Depending on prescription strength, glass lenses may be quite thick. The higher the prescription is, or the worse the wearer's eyesight, the thicker the eyeglass lens. Like anything glass, glass lenses are breakable and can shatter if dropped.

Plastic

• Plastic lenses are the most economical lenses and the most popular. They also are much lighter in weight than glass lenses. The plastic is available in high-index or hard resin categories. Hard resin is regular plastic without special treatments or provisions. Tinting is available.

  High-index lenses present many functional and cosmetic advantages. Functionally, they protect against ultraviolet rays up to 100 percent, and an anti-reflective coating helps with optimum operation. Concerning aesthetics, these are the thinnest, best-looking lenses and can weigh less than one-half the weight of other plastic lenses. The cost varies for high-index plastic based on the lens' thinness.

Polycarbonate

• Considered practically indestructible, polycarbonate lenses prevail over lenses made of other materials in the areas of durability and safety. Polycarbonate lenses block 100 percent of ultraviolet rays, weigh more than 30 percent less than plastic lenses and are exceptionally slim. The down side to these lenses is their price tag; they can be expensive.

Overall

• Glass lenses offer the best scratch resistance but come with extra thickness and weight. Standard plastic lenses are lightweight and less expensive but can scratch unless they have a particular covering. High-index plastic lenses are attractive and sturdy, but maximizing their performance necessitates add-ons. Polycarbonate lenses may cost a little more but may be essential for highly active individuals, athletes and children.