Polycarbonate vs CR-39 Lenses: Which Is Better for Everyday Use?
It is essential to choose the right kind of lens material because it has the potential to make a noticeable difference to the comfort and performance of your everyday eyewear. Both are lightweight alternatives to glass, yet they have different strengths. While making the choice of glasses, you need to consider both the strengths and weaknesses of the lenses according to your lifestyle and prescriptions.
What Are CR-39 Lenses?
CR-39 is short for Columbia Resin 39. It is a traditional plastic lens material known for its optical clarity and for providing sharp vision with less chromatic aberration than polycarbonate. It is quite a popular choice for everyday prescription glasses. The best part is its relative affordability and that it can easily accommodate treatments such as scratch resistance and UV coatings.
The drawback of these lenses is their thickness and lower impact resistance than polycarbonate. While it works very well for regular daily use, it may not be the ideal choice for any kind of sports or physical activity that needs durable glasses.
Polycarbonate as another alternative
Polycarbonate lenses are often chosen for their durability. They are lightweight and comparatively thinner than the standard CR-39 lenses for the same prescription and significantly more resistant to impact. This type of lens is particularly essential for children or active adults who most often encounter situations where lens safety is an important consideration.
Another major advantage is the UV protection, as polycarbonate inherently blocks ultraviolet radiation. But when it comes to other glasses, such as CR-39, it requires additional UV treatment to achieve the required protection.
Yet this kind of glass often has drawbacks, such as a lower Abbe value, meaning some people may notice slightly more colour fringing, particularly toward the edge of the lens. It is also more prone to scratching; therefore requires an additional good scratch-resistant coating.
The right choice between polycarbonate and CR-39
While choosing the lenses one must consider their own lifestyle and requirements before opting for a particular option. If you are someone who spends most of your day indoors and has a relatively low to moderate prescription while prioritising visual clarity and affordability, then the best option for you is CR-39. They are the best option when it comes to everyday wear and cater to your particular needs such as UV protection and scratch-resistant coating. They can provide a comfortable and practical eyewear experience.
But if you spend relatively long durations of time outdoors and are involved in activities like sports, then polycarbonate is the stronger choice for you. These lenses are known for their durability and impact resistance. It also gives an extra layer of protection against accidents, thereby making your everyday activities like sports much easier and more comfortable.
The best lens material depends on how and where you use your glasses. It is according to your specific needs and prescriptions as well as your lifestyle which should be considered before making a decision. Therefore no lens can be considered superior to the other but it is only a matter of choice and requirement.
Rawbare’s advantage
Lenses are just one part of your experience. Rawbare, a leading brand in glasses, combines contemporary frame design with lightweight construction and UV400 protection, which makes your glasses suitable for everyday lifestyle. Rawbare caters to any kind of needs, whether you prioritise the optical clarity of CR-39 or the toughness of polycarbonate.
You must always rely on a highly trusted brand like Rawbare to ensure that you do not have to compromise on style and comfort while choosing the lenses that are beneficial according to your needs. Glasses don’t necessarily have to be only about protecting your eyes, but they can also be added as an accessory to your wardrobe. When you choose the lens, you must also have the liberty to choose the one that fits your style.