Polycarbonate lenses contain bisphenol-A (BPA). The problem is, people think it’s bad for their health. They began to doubt how safe it is to wear sunglasses with this material. Believe it or not, it has more advantages for sunglasses and for those who wear it.
The polycarbonate sunglasses are 100% safe. Bisphenol-A is a primary material to produce polycarbonate lenses. But the material is only dangerous when someone eats it. Contact with the skin is not risky. Producers also use it in small quantities.
Choosing the best pair of sunglasses must always be more than style. You must consider safety and protection. Polycarbonate sunglasses are common on the market. But I know you have a lot of questions in mind. So here’s what you should know about the polycarbonate eyepieces.
What are Polycarbonate Sunglasses?
Before you judge anything, you should know it first.
Polycarbonate is a durable type of plastic. It is common to make other products like containers, DVDs, and CDs. Manufacturers are also using this material for industrial applications.
Is the material suitable only for sunglasses? No, there’s a lot of eyewear that uses polycarbonate lenses. Whether it’s regular specs or prescribed eyeglass, you name it.
Yes, it contains bisphenol A chemicals. But remember that it is only harmful when someone consumes it. This material has little effect on contact with the skin.
Why Has Polycarbonate Been Common On The Market?
Producers use polycarbonate for many good reasons. First of all, because it can make lenses hard and without scratches. It’s almost an unbreakable material that’s perfect for all types of sunglasses.
Besides being safe, it is also comfortable to use. Polycarbonate lenses also look thinner for people with high eye ratings.
Do you have a small nose or are you looking for a couple of specs for your kids? Polycarbonate is your best choice. Thanks to this light material, it will not fall out of your nose.
Best of all, you can get 100% UV protection for the eyes. It means reducing the accumulation of cataracts and slow macular degeneration.
It does not need an extra coating to provide sun protection. I mean, there wouldn’t be any more costs to pay.
How Do Manufacturers Make Polycarbonate Sunglasses?
The manufacturing method of polycarbonate lenses is vital for safety applications. As it is a thermoplastic, manufacturers create it by heating and cooling procedures.
It means that sunglasses are not sensitive to extreme heat and cold conditions. Regardless of temperature, you can always keep your eyes safe.
It will also create shock-resistant lenses. What does that mean to you?
First, sunglasses won’t break if you let it fall by accident. It can be ten times more resistant than plastic or glass lenses.
Do you have a slippery hand or a weak grip? Polycarbonate ensures the durability of sunglasses.
The best polycarbonate lenses will not break even after hitting it with tennis balls. It only shows how much resistance this material can provide.
You can get a pair of sunglasses that can block 99.9% of the harmful ultraviolet rays.
Do you have a job dealing with welding? Or do you go outside often? If the answer is yes, the polycarbonate will protect your eyes.
Why Do Sunglasses Have Polycarbonate?
Eyewear manufacturers prefer to use polycarbonate for many reasons. One thing is certain: this material helps to build high quality, safe and durable lenses.
Polycarbonate can produce sunglasses that are hard to break. It can protect lenses from breaking into pieces.
Thus, most individuals who practice sports and driving prefer polycarbonate specs.
Comfort is another factor to consider in choosing sunglasses. Glasses are heavier to use. It will make you feel restless in your nose and ears.
Meanwhile, the plastic lenses are even lighter but not as resistant as polycarbonate. In that case, we have a clear winner.
Polycarbonate glasses are thin, which are suitable for all uses. If you need UV protection or prescription lenses, it is ideal to use.
Best of all, you can rely 100% on the ultraviolet protection of polycarbonate. UV rays can speed up eye degeneration and cause serious eye conditions.
Whether UV light is natural or made by man, it is possible to avoid its harmful effects on the eyes. People with higher prescriptions and thicker lenses can also enjoy it.
But all good things also have limitations. Unexperienced sunglass makers tend to have an inadequate scratch-resistant coating.
As a result, polycarbonate may have more abrasions as it is from natural soft material.
Thus, you must buy only from experienced and reliable eyewear makers. Let’s talk more about the advantages and disadvantages of polycarbonate.
Pros and Cons Of Polycarbonate Sunglasses
Polycarbonate has been gaining popularity due to its safety and protective properties. It is a material with loads of potential for optical solutions. With that said, here are the pros and cons of polycarbonate sunglasses.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lighter weight | Polishing the edge can be a tough job |
| High impact resistance | Use of expensive equipment and experience for polishing |
| Complete UV protection | It uses chemicals |
| Comfortable to wear |
Are There Alternatives to Polycarbonate?
Are you still not sure about the safety of the polycarbonate sunglasses? Well, you can choose among other lens materials. Let me give you an overview of some of the options on the market.
First off on the list, the plastic. It provides comfort and affordability. You can wear sunglasses made of plastic without feeling too heavy. It is quite durable but not as excellent as polycarbonate.
Second, the Trivex® lenses. It’s almost like polycarbonate. You can enjoy the subtle, light, and impact-resistant attributes.
You can also get 100% UV protection. But Trivex lenses are not as available as polycarbonate.
How about the High-Index lenses? It’s suitable for people with stronger eye prescriptions.
Even with thick lenses for high eye ratings, it remains lightweight. You will have a correct vision and a more comfortable feel while wearing it.
Are Polycarbonate Sunglasses for You?
Do you want a pair of lightweight yet durable sunglasses? Do you want something to provide full UV protection?
If the answer to both questions is yes, then the polycarbonate lenses are for you.
Adults and children can enjoy sunglasses in polycarbonate. As long as you buy from a trustworthy optics shop, these lenses are safe to use.
Ask your eye doctor, and he’d still recommend polycarbonate eyewear. Whether you like sports, daily UV protection, or prescribed sunglasses – you can count on it.
But note that the price of sunglasses differs. It depends on style and other characteristics, such as polarized filters.
Conclusion
Even experts would tell you that polycarbonate sunglasses are safe. It offers high break-resistant and very lightweight. You won’t even feel you’re wearing a pair of specs.
Do you need prescription lenses? It’s no problem. Polycarbonate lenses are also ideal for people with eye grades. It does not add thickness to correct the vision and cut off any distortion.
Best of all, polycarbonate is effective when it comes to blocking the UV rays. Do you need help finding the safest sunglasses? It is best to consult an expert. Get the most suitable lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.
