The unfortunate side to polycarbonate is that because of its chemical makeup and property, it is recommended only for those products that are used once, not repeatedly. Although a great option for most people, a small percentage of the population complains that they do not see as clearly through polycarbonate lenses. Also many people compare the cost of polycarbonate product with ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is very tough in its nature but low in terms of cost. CR-39 Plastic vs. Glass Lenses. Polycarbonate is more common in different lens designs than Trivex. Like CR-39, polycarbonate has been a popular choice for decades. However, thinner lenses won’t … Disadvantages—you'll want to add a scratch-resistant lens treatment for durability and an anti-reflective (AR) treatment, too. Polycarbonate lenses come with a scratch resistant coating (not scratch proof) at no additional charge. Although Trivex lenses provide an almost endless list of advantages, there are some downsides. Polycarbonate lenses are made by injection moulding. Disadvantages: Polycarbonate is susceptible to scratches and requires a scratch-resistant coating for durability. A new, brand-name type of lightweight and resistant plastic has hit shelves: Trivex. Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and is virtually indestructible. Another advantage is the fact it can be injected into various objects which allows it to be used for discs, bottles, glasses, lenses, audio player cases, and lab equipment. Doctors and dispensers used to the pristine clarity of plastic and glass lenses refused to accept the little black particles in the lenses. These lenses have good impact resistance, making them ideal for children, sports and industrial work. Glass lenses do have some disadvantages as … Advantages and Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Lenses. This enables the polycarbonate factors to last in the outdoors for many years without showing signs of fading, yellowing or discoloration. Cons (Disadvantages) Polycarbonate is recommended only for those products that are used once, not repeated because of its chemical makeup. So, higher the diopters and bigger the frame, more distortions. In contrast to a normal roofing covered with asphalt shingles, a corrugated steel roof can last as much as 3 times as long as asphalt, or 25 to 60 years. About 25 to 40 percent thicker than polycarbonate and high index plastic lenses. These lenses are either made up of plastic, glass, or polycarbonate. There is more distortion away from the optical center. Advantages of Polycarbonate Lenses: Greater Protection: Polycarbonate lenses do not break or shatter easily into harmful pieces on impact. I am going to take a different approach to answering your question and assume you meant eyewear lenses. Not enough thinness. Next, polycarbonate lenses are hard to get scratched. Polycarbonate lenses get a lot of press because they’re great for several specific uses, but let’s not discount the value of sleek, slender, and clear 1.67’s. These are thinner and lighter than the traditional eyeglass frames. Clarity: A lens that’s optically clearer provides a better picture. Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are great if you, or a kid, plays sports. The higher the ABBE value, the clearer the lens. While polycarbonate blocks 100 percent of UV rays, glass requires a UV protective coating. Material contact of certain types of polycarbonate with water can lead to a process called hydrolysis where Bisphenol A is released. Each lens offers advantages and disadvantages. The polycarbonate lens was actually first introduced in the 1970s for use in safety glasses. 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