{"id":8957,"date":"2020-11-24T10:46:54","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T10:46:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=8957"},"modified":"2021-08-10T12:22:48","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T12:22:48","slug":"glass-or-plastic-which-type-of-lens-should-you-choose","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/optical\/guide-to-optical-lenses\/guide-to-high-index-lenses\/glass-or-plastic-which-type-of-lens-should-you-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Glass or Plastic: Which Type of Lens Should You Choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eyeglasses date back to the 13th century when glass blown lenses were placed into leather or wooden frames and held in front of the eyes or perched on the nose.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, nowadays, with the advancement of technology, not only do we have temples on our frames to keep our glasses in place and a wide variety of optical lenses<\/a> and frame styles<\/a>, but the lenses themselves are also being manufactured with plastic materials to make up for qualities glass lenses cannot provide.<\/p>\n

Glass or plastic?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Plastic lenses are generally made from a strong material called CR-39, but also are available in a range of hi-index lenses, which are thinner and lighter. While most people prefer the newer plastic lenses, there are still a number of people who continue to prefer glass. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the lens material you choose is really a personal choice.<\/p>\n

To help you make a more informed decision, we have provided the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lens below.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

If you have any questions, you can always ask your optometrist for advice. Optometrists are aware of all the latest optical lens choices and understand your specific needs.<\/p>\n

Glass lenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

While plastic has become the most popular choice of lens material in recent years, glass lenses are still preferred by some for the following reasons:\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Clarity. <\/b>Glass lenses provide the clearest vision with the smallest amount of distortion.<\/p>\n

Scratch resistance. <\/b>Glass lenses are almost impossible to scratch, while plastic lenses can be scratched easily if you are not careful.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Thin and attractive. <\/b>Glass lenses are typically manufactured with a higher index, which gives them a thinner, more attractive appearance.<\/p>\n

However, keep the following factors in mind before purchasing a new pair of glass lenses:<\/i><\/p>\n

Heavier than plastic. <\/b>The weight of glass lenses can get uncomfortable, especially if you plan to wear them all day. Their heaviness can also cause them to frequently slide down your face, which can become irritating over time.<\/p>\n

Limited frame options.<\/b> The weight of the glass lens makes them incompatible with semi-rimless and rimless frames. This can be quite limiting when choosing a frame style.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Delicate. <\/b>Glass frames, though scratch resistant, are more delicate than plastic frames and can easily crack or even shatter upon impact. This is an important deciding factor if you lead an active lifestyle, have young children at home that may try to pull your glasses off your face, or if you are choosing a lens material for a child\u2019s eyeglasses.<\/p>\n

Difficult to tint. <\/b>If you were hoping to add a colored tint to your lenses, you may want to rethink purchasing glass lenses. Since glass is a hard, non-absorbent material, applying a tint is difficult and is generally not recommended.<\/p>\n

Limited transition (photochromic) options.<\/b> If you are interested in transition (photochromic) lenses, it is important to be aware that glass lenses cannot accommodate all of the different transition options, and are only available in two colors: Photo Grey Extra (PGX) and Photo Brown Extra (PBX).<\/p>\n

Contact an eye doctor<\/b><\/a>\u00a0near you\u00a0to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/strong>Optical Lenses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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