Both are viable lens materials. Glass is extremely scratch resistant, can provide a very high refractive index, but is more fragile to hard impacts. Polycarbonate is also hard wearing and has great impact resistance, but has a slightly lower refractive index. If you want hard-wearing lenses, polycarbonate or Trivex are safer for sport or protective prescription eyewear. There's no rule that says mirrored shades have to be in aviator-style frames. These sunnies come in several eye-popping colors and are built for an active lifestyle. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, you’ve probably realized that there are plenty of lens options available — namely, glass and plastic. But do glass or plastic lenses make more sense for sunglasses? Mineral sunglass lenses are also available polarized. The manufacturer Maui Jim, for example, has exclusively polarized sunglasses in its program. In turn, Etnia Barcelona, for example, has non-polarized as well as polarized glass sunglasses in its portfolio. So What Is the Right Lens Configuration for Me in Sunglasses? Take a look at the pictures of older sunglasses with glass lenses (approx.40 years old) and sunglasses with plastic lenses (approx. 5 years old), which were used daily for approx. 20 minutes. The picture shows on the right side an old pair of sunglasses with real glass lenses, which is about 40 years old. The surface is flawless. In contrast, on the left side you can see a pair of sunglasses that is about 5 years old, which is equipped with plastic lenses. this shows one on the surface many small scratches, which also disturb the vision. What Are the Disadvantages of Glass Lenses in Sunglasses Compared to Sunglasses With Plastic Lenses?

In other words, glass is more efficient at bending light than plastic lenses. Which in optics, is the holy grail material for making lenses (as long as you don’t drop them.) Activity: When choosing a pair of sunglasses, consider what you plan on doing with them. While some styles can bridge the gap between activities like cycling or running and brunch with friends, like Smith's Lowdown 2 or the Fuse Egmont. Some sunglasses meant for sports may look out of place on a date, while some fashion sunnies may not stand up to sweat and wear from hard workouts.

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Blue lenses. This tint can reduce glare in rainy or overcast weather conditions. Blue or purple lenses also work well in mist, fog and snow. What’s more, blue lenses can have a calming effect on the eyes. However when it comes down to it, if you are investing in a great pair of sunglasses that you want to last for a long time, then it is highly recommended that you should choose lenses which have at least the first four types of lens treatments. WEIGHING YOUR SUNGLASSES OPTIONS? Shop for sunglasses at an optical store near you or an online eyewear retailer. Sunglass lens replacement: Plastic lenses To figure out which type of sunglasses are best for your eyes and vision health, you’ll want to start with the lenses. Polarized lenses Trivex lenses are made from plastic. They're moderately more impact resilient and lighter in weight than polycarbonate. Trivex lenses are regularly used for prescription safety spectacles for their high resilience, but cost slightly more than standard polycarbonate equivalents.

Both glass and plastic lenses have their benefits, but which is best for your next pair of sunglasses? We found that there was a slight resistance when unfolding the arms—a pro because it gave us confidence in the hinges and their ability to hold the arms in place at any angle. The polarized CR-39 lenses offer superior clarity and glare elimination, while the level of tinting is just right. As for fit, both our testers found the sunglasses secure and flawlessly comfortable, even after several hours of wear. They come with a premium hard case and polishing cloth, in a range of colorways from Clear with a Polarized Blue Smoke lens to Honey with a Green Polarized lens.The Topekas are super light and flexible making them perfect for traveling. They're also sporty and stylish, eco-friendly, and decently priced.

Ultimately, the right type of sunglasses for you will start with high-quality lenses that offer you 100% protection from UV rays. From there, you can have fun with it, and play around with a range of tints and a vast array of frame shapes and styles to suit your face and personality. These well-crafted, American-made sunglasses have a sophisticated, timeless design and outstanding lenses.This makes polarized sunglasses a popular choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, on the road and near water, including boaters, anglers and lifeguards who swear by polarized lenses. In addition to reducing uncomfortable glare, these can also boost your visual acuity — polarized lenses can let you see below the surface of the ocean or a lake.

Although glass-lens sunglasses remain one of the highest quality options on the market, they’re also heavier than plastic lenses and can limit your selection of frames. For example, glass lenses would not be an option for semi-rimless or rimless sunglasses. VERSATILITY: Plastic lenses are offered in a wider variety of colors and designs than glass lenses. Plastic also tends to be a better choice for sunglasses due to the coating and color options. If your face is long and narrow, it’s oblong-shaped. Consider oversized frames, rectangular Wayfarers, aviators and bold shapes — just avoid very narrow or small lenses that may emphasize the narrowness of your face. Our tip here is to test the sunglasses beforehand and if you are unsure, just take the sunglasses home to test them and leave them on your nose for 20-30 minutes to see if the sunglasses with glass lenses are still comfortable for you. Which Manufacturers Produce Sunglasses With Mineral Lenses? Sunglasses with real glass lenses are found today only in the higher quality sunglasses manufacturers. The beauty of glass lenses is their durability. It is not uncommon for sunglasses with glass lenses to look practically worn from the surface after eight to nine years, even though they have not been treated with extreme care.

The various types of sunglasses on the market can seem endless — you can choose from prescription sunglasses, polarized sunglasses, fashion sunglasses, sports-performance sunglasses, colored lenses and more. Which fits your needs? The type of lenses and the best style of frames for you will depend on the amount of sun protection and glare reduction you’re looking for, combined with what best suits your face shape and personality. Sunglasses and eye health