Plastic vs polycarbonate glasses lens?

Polycarbonate is definitely a better lens. I have a real high Rx and have to get it, but even if its not a high Rx its still good to have. I worked in an optical for a year and a half. The polycarbonate is lighter, thinner, and shatterproof. I even had a customer tell me once that the poly saved their eyes since they hit in the face with a baseball, it didn't do anything but leave a bruise. I would go with the polycarbonate, Yea it's a little more but it worth it. And yes plastic lenses will crack with semi-rimless frames and rimless frames, it is very fragile. I have had many customers come back with those problems. Hope this helps ^_^

you can get polycarb lenses but they are to be honest most labs worst nightmare because they reek havoc with machines.

they aren't the best lenses vision wise either because they have a very low ABBE value so the clarity of them aren't so hot that's probably why opticians don't like them.

there are poly mixed lenses available however which are perfect for rimless glasses.

yes it is true that standard plastic lenses are less fragile especially in rimless and nylon supras they tend to chip easy

the polycarb lens is cheaper though then a standard well it is here in ireland anyway.depending on your prescription you might consider a 1.6 index lens which is reduced in thickness but much stronger then a standard plastic lens but you will pay a little more for them.

the best thing about a standard plastic lens is it more then likely can be produced in house then being sourced outside the store you choose and more cost effective to you in the long run.

hope this helps

Polycarbonate I would recommend with all rimless and semi-rimless mounts. Other plastics are considerable more brittle (and high index plastics often worse) and the exposed edges, grooves and drill-holes are safer in polycarbonate.

Ordinary plastic CR39 lenses are safer than the glass that used to be the standard*.

In full rims when to move to a higher index, (more expensive but thinner lens) will depend on Rx and the size of the frame. The bigger the lens size, the lower the Rx where the saving in thickness becomes appreciable. But there are higher index lenses than polycarbonate which are thinner still.

What you should do depends on your funds, your Rx and your desired frame.

* I wear glass lenses with my high Rx to get the maximum thinning benefit, 1.9 and 1.8 index. I note but accept the marginal safety risk.

Plastic or polycarb lens surpass Osha safety standards.

Are Polycarbonate Lenses Worth It

polycarbonate are worth it

I get the lens protection plan too