
Plastic sun lenses are a popular choice for sunglasses, as they are lightweight, durable, and affordable. They are also compatible with most prescription lenses, including high RX lenses. The most common materials for plastic frame sunglasses are cellulose acetate, propionate, epoxy resin, and nylon. Plastic lenses can be coated to protect against scratches and are easily treated with tints and UV protection. They are also safer than glass lenses, as they pose a lower risk of injury, making them ideal for children, teens, and active adults.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cost | Plastic lenses are generally more expensive than glass lenses |
Weight | Plastic lenses are about half the weight of glass lenses |
Optical clarity | Glass has more optical clarity than plastic |
UV protection | Regular plastic lenses block most UV light, but adding a UV-blocking dye boosts UV protection to 100% |
Durability | Plastic lenses are more durable than glass lenses |
Safety | Plastic lenses pose a lower risk of injury, making them better suited for children, teens and active adults |
Treatments | Plastic lenses allow for lens treatments like tinting and UV protection |
Scratches | Plastic lenses can be coated to protect against scratches, but are not 100% scratch-proof |
What You'll Learn
Plastic lenses are more durable and safer than glass lenses
Plastic lenses are also more compatible with lens treatments, such as tinting and UV protection. They can be coated to protect against scratches, although it is important to note that neither glass nor scratch-resistant plastic lenses are 100% scratch-proof. Plastic lenses are also safer, posing a lower risk of injury, which makes them better suited to children, teens and active adults.
The most common materials for plastic sunglasses frames are cellulose acetate, propionate, epoxy resin, nylon and similar substances. The most affordable eyewear pairs acetate or nylon frames with CR39 lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are more common in impact-resistant, shatterproof safety or sports eyewear. Polyurethane lenses combine lightweight clarity with impact resistance at a higher price point.
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Plastic lenses are more lightweight than glass lenses
Plastic lenses are about half the weight of glass lenses, making them a more comfortable choice for long-term wear. They are also more affordable, with the most affordable eyewear pairing acetate or nylon frames with CR39 plastic lenses.
Plastic is one of the most durable eyewear materials. It is also hypoallergenic, whereas metal blends containing nickel may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive wearers. Plastic frames are also compatible with most prescription lenses, including high RX lenses.
Different varieties of plastic have unique properties. The most common materials for plastic frame sunglasses are cellulose acetate, propionate, epoxy resin, nylon, and similar substances. Polycarbonate lenses are more common in impact-resistant, shatterproof safety or sports eyewear. Polyurethane lenses combine lightweight clarity with impact resistance at a higher price point.
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Plastic lenses are cheaper than glass lenses
The most affordable eyewear pairs acetate or nylon frames with CR39 plastic lenses. Prescription or non-prescription lenses may also be made of polycarbonate or polyurethane. Polycarbonate lenses are more common in impact-resistant, shatterproof safety or sports eyewear. Polyurethane lenses combine lightweight clarity with impact resistance at a higher price point.
Plastic frames are available in more styles than most other materials. The frame material makes it easier to create eye-catching colours and patterns. They are also compatible with most prescription lenses, including high RX lenses. Many types of plastic frames are also hypoallergenic, whereas metal blends containing nickel may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive wearers.
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Plastic lenses are more comfortable for long-term wear
Plastic lenses are also compatible with most prescription lenses, including high RX lenses. They are also hypoallergenic, whereas metal blends containing nickel may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive wearers.
The most common materials for plastic frame sunglasses are cellulose acetate, propionate, epoxy resin, and nylon. The most affordable eyewear pairs acetate or nylon frames with CR39 lenses.
If you are looking for fashion-forward sun protection, you may be satisfied with casual lifestyle sunglasses made out of plastic.
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Plastic lenses are more compatible with prescription lenses
Different varieties of plastic have unique properties. The most common materials for plastic frame sunglasses are cellulose acetate, propionate, epoxy resin, nylon, and similar substances. Polycarbonate lenses are more common in impact-resistant, shatterproof safety or sports eyewear. Polyurethane lenses combine lightweight clarity with impact resistance at a higher price point.
Plastic lenses also lead the way in terms of safety and durability. These lenses pose a lower risk of injury, making them better suited for children, teens and active adults. Plastic is about half the weight of glass, so plastic lenses are a more comfortable choice for long-term wear. Glass has more optical clarity than plastic and offers little to no distortion. Regular plastic eyeglass lenses block most UV light, but adding a UV-blocking dye boosts UV protection to 100 per cent for added safety.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, plastic sun lenses should cost around $200 to $300.
Glass lenses tend to cost less than plastic, but they are heavier and break more easily.
On average, a new pair of prescription glasses costs around $120 a year with insurance. This depends on where you live in the US.
You may want to include a protective coating for your lenses, such as an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare or a UV coating to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV radiation.
There are several online retailers that sell glasses, including Liingo Eyewear, EyeBuyDirect, Warby Parker, and GlassesUSA.