Lens Materials

Lenses | Lens Materials | Lens Types | Tints and Coatings

LENS MATERIALS
Traditionally spectacles lenses were made from glass, but plastic is now the most common material.

PLASTICS: All types of lenses are available in plastics. Most lenses supplied are plastic. This material became popular as it is so much lighter than glass. The only negative aspect of a plastic lens is that it is less scratch resistant than glass, though this problem can be reduced by applying a hard/anti-scratch coating. Plastic lenses can be "standard" index (1.498) or high index - the higher the refractive index means the thinner and lighter the lens will be. The highest index currently available in plastics is 1.74

GLASS: All types of lenses are available in glass. Glass is no longer the most commonly used lens material - it has been superceded by light weight plastics. Glass lenses do offer the highest level of scratch resistance and so are still popular for those who work in environments which are potentially hazardous to lenses (stone wallers, mechanics, people working with chemicals etc.)

POLYCARBONATE: All types of lenses are available in polycarbonate. This material offers superior safety, strength and impact resistance over standard plastics. As it is a relatively soft material it is always supplied with a hard coating to help make it more scratch resistant. Polycarbonate is ideal for rimless mounts or specs that are to be used in sports.