Lens treatments are not the only consideration when it comes choosing what lenses to purchase. When choosing your lenses, it is also important to consider the material that they are made from. Different lens materials can have different benefits based on your prescription and the needs of your eyewear.
CR-39
Pros
- Lighter than glass
- Can be tinted
- Less likely to fog
Cons
- Requires scratch coating to resist scratches
- Thicker at higher prescriptions
Polycarbonate
Pros
- Thinner and lighter than glass and plastic
- Highly impact resistant (used for safety glasses)
- Inherent UV protection
Cons
- Poor optical quality
- Requires scratch coating to resist scratches
- Can fracture more easily in drill mounts compared to Trivex
- Only slightly tintable
Hi-Index
Pros
- Thinner and lighter than glass and plastic
- Better optical quality than polycarbonate
Cons
- Requires scratch coating to resist scratches
- Requires anti-glare to prevent excess glare from backside reflection
Trivex
Pros
- Impact resistance of polycarbonate
- Better optical quality than polycarbonate
- Tintable
- Lightest material on the market
- Inherent UV protection
- High tensile strength (ideal for drill mounts)
Cons
- Requires scratch coating to resist scratches
