Choosing the right material for single vision lenses is essential for optimal vision, comfort, and durability. With options like CR-39 plastic, polycarbonate, and Trivex lenses, understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision. Every material has distinct benefits and cons to fit various requirements, tastes, and price ranges.
Here, we break down the properties of these three popular lens materials to guide your choice.
CR-39 Plastic Lenses
CR-39 plastic lenses are a standard choice in the world of eyewear. Invented in the 1940s, CR-39—short for Columbia Resin #39—has been a staple in the industry due to its low cost, optical clarity, and lightweight composition. These lenses are made from a hard resin that is easy to manufacture and provides sharp vision.
Pros of CR-39 Lenses:
- Affordability: CR-39 lenses are typically less expensive than other lens materials, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Optical Clarity: With little distortion, these lenses provide outstanding visual clarity.
- Lightweight: Although not as light as polycarbonate or Trivex, CR-39 lenses are still comfortable for long-term wear.
Cons of CR-39 Lenses:
- Impact Resistance: Compared to polycarbonate or Trivex, CR-39 lenses are less impact-resistant. This makes them less appropriate for those who engage in sports or maintain active lifestyles.
- Thickness: For high prescription strengths, CR-39 lenses can be thicker, which may affect the aesthetics of your eyewear.
- UV Protection: CR-39 lenses do not inherently block UV rays, so additional coatings are necessary.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced in the 1980s as a highly impact-resistant alternative to glass and CR-39 plastic lenses. These lenses are crafted from a type of plastic that is not only durable but also thin and lightweight, making them popular among children, athletes, and anyone requiring extra safety.
Pros of Polycarbonate Lenses:
- High Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate lenses are an excellent option for sports and safety eyewear because they are nearly indestructible.
- Thin and Lightweight: These lenses are significantly thinner than CR-39, even for high prescription strengths, making them more aesthetically appealing.
- UV Protection: Without the need for an extra coating, polycarbonate lenses naturally block 100% of harmful UV rays, improving eye protection.
Cons of Polycarbonate Lenses:
- Optical Clarity: Although they offer good vision, polycarbonate lenses may have slightly more distortion at the edges compared to CR-39 or Trivex.
- Scratch Resistance: Polycarbonate is more prone to scratching, so a scratch-resistant coating is essential.
- Cost: Polycarbonate lenses tend to be more expensive than CR-39 lenses but remain more affordable than Trivex.
Trivex Lenses
Trivex lenses are the newest addition to the single-vision lens market, developed in the early 2000s as an improvement on polycarbonate. Like polycarbonate, Trivex offers high impact resistance, but it also provides enhanced optical clarity and other benefits that set it apart.
Pros of Trivex Lenses:
- Optical Clarity: Trivex lenses have better visual clarity than polycarbonate, offering crisp vision with minimal distortion.
- Lightweight: Trivex is lighter than both CR-39 and polycarbonate, providing maximum comfort for prolonged use.
- High Impact Resistance: Similar to polycarbonate, Trivex lenses are highly impact-resistant and suitable for safety eyewear.
- UV Protection: Trivex also blocks 100% of UV rays without needing an additional coating.
- Thickness: Trivex is slightly thicker than polycarbonate but thinner than CR-39, offering a good balance for those with moderate prescriptions.
Cons of Trivex Lenses:
- Cost: Trivex lenses are typically the most expensive of the three, which can be a concern for budget-minded consumers.
- Availability: While they are becoming more widespread, Trivex lenses may not be available at all optical retailers or for all prescription types.
Comparison Table: CR-39 vs. Polycarbonate vs. Trivex Lenses
| Feature | CR-39 Plastic | Polycarbonate | Trivex |
| Impact Resistance | Low | High | High |
| Optical Clarity | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Weight | Moderate | Light | Very Light |
| Thickness | Thicker for high RX | Thin | Thin |
| UV Protection | Requires coating | 100% inherent | 100% inherent |
| Scratch Resistance | Moderate | Low without coating | Moderate with coating |
| Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Best For | Everyday use | Active lifestyles, children | Anyone wanting the best of both safety and clarity |
Choosing the Right Lens for You
The best single vision lens material for you will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and vision requirements. If cost and quality of vision are your top concerns, CR-39 plastic lenses may be the best option. They are affordable, provide great optical clarity, and are ideal for daily usage.
If you or your child lead an active lifestyle or need eyewear for sports, polycarbonate lenses are a smart option. Their high impact resistance, thin profile, and UV protection make them safe and comfortable for outdoor and high-energy activities. However, you might need to consider investing in an anti-scratch coating for added durability.
For those who want the highest quality and don’t mind spending a bit more, Trivex lenses are worth the investment. They offer the best possible balance of lightweight comfort, optical clarity, and impact resistance. Trivex lenses are an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes crisp vision and all-day comfort, especially those with moderate to high prescriptions.
