I have a question about eyeglass lens materials, see details.?

Question

Before they had Transitions lenses, they had a kind of eyeglass lens that changed color but they were made of glass, (not plastic); can you still get these?

The reason I would prefer the glass lenses is where I work we have a lot of abrasive grit which absolutely trashes plastic lenses. The so-called anti-scratch coatings are useless. Also I can clean the glass lenses with some pretty "rude" solvents when they get spray paint, mastic, caulk, tar and other such stuff on them which you can't do with the plastic lenses. I have even cleaned them with 0000-grade steel wool when they got alkoxysilane compounds on them! The weight of glass vs plastic is not an issue as my perscription is not very strong. Sorry about the long story, just wanted to give you all the info.

Spectacle · Accepted Answer

All Transitions lenses are plastic or polycarbonate. Glass lenses are called Photo Grey Extra or Photo Brown Extra. They also make a lense called Photo Grey Thin and Dark. GO to the corning site and see. Your Doctor's office should be able to order them for you!

ZmiyaH · Answer

For a list of Eyeglass Lens Material and Coating Options:
http://www.aarphealthcare.com/prodsvcs/eye/AARP_EyeWear.aspx

But it sounds like you had - Photochromic lenses 

Which are light sensitive glass lenses. The glass contains silver halide crystals that darken when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and become clear when removed from the light. In their darkened state, photochromic lenses offer protection from potentially damaging UV rays.

Footprintz · Answer

In glass they are called Photogray...sure, they are still available, 

Although it sounds like you should be wearing safety glasses at that job...and safety glasses can't be glass.

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I have a question about eyeglass lens materials, see details.?

3 Answers