For years, glass was the only lens material available and glass still offers superior optics. The most scratch-resistant material, the primary disadvantage of glass is its weight, generally twice that of hard resin. Glass lenses are heat or chemically treated to increase impact resistance.

Conventional hard resin lenses are half the weight of glass lenses and can be tinted to almost any color and density. Hard resin lenses are more easily scratched than glass but can have an optional scratch protectant applied. More impact resistant than glass, hard resin lenses do not require tempering.

POLYCARBONATE

(plastic)

Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact resistant lenses available and are always the lens of choice for young people and active patients. They are high-index and also lightweight . They absorb all harmful UV light and can be made with ultra thin edges because of their unique strength.

Modern technology has created lenses that bend light differently so that stronger corrections are thinner than when made in conventional materials. Such lenses are called "high-index" and stronger corrections are more attractive because they are slimmer.  High index plastic uses less material so they are lighter in weight. High index lenses absorb all harmful UV light and can be tinted to any shade or color.

These are lenses that darken as you go from indoors to outdoors. They are available in both glass and lightweight hard resin. They darken in the direct sun and are available in grey or brown. Ask for a demonstration of photosensitive lenses.