Polycarbonate VS CR 39 Lenses | SportRx
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- With all the different types of lens and frame materials available, how do you know which is right for you? Hang with Eyeglass Tyler as he briefly covers the pros and cons of polycarbonate vs. CR-39 lenses, how to tell the difference, and which one is better.
0:00 Intro
0:51 Polycarbonate Lenses: Pros & Cons
2:15 CR-39 Lenses: Pros & Cons
3:36 Polycarbonate: Scratch Resistance
4:12 Polycarbonate vs. CR-39: How to Tell the Difference
5:00 Polycarbonate vs. CR-39: Which is Better?
5:26 CR-39: What Does it Mean?
5:55 Conclusion
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Nicely done video, but you left something out about CR39, that it is impervious to most solvents, since it was developed as a lightweight fuel tank liner for B-17 bombers. Ironically, its great optical properties were just a bonus.
Great info C.F.! 👍
its really useful for me and i love the way you explain clear and direct to the point. 7 minutes & 3 second is worthy to watch. thank you Sir very informative
I personally prefer Cr39 over polycarbonate because in my experience polycarbonate never holds AR coatings. They always tend to peel withing a few months.
Oh man that was SO enlightening.
How about durability of UV coating on the CR39 lenses? Will I degrade eventually and leave my eyes less protected?
i just want the best glasses possible for watching tv or driving. no sports. nothing. i have a very weak and light prescription too. so pretty much just get plastic cr39 with anti scratch and anti reflective coating? ( just want super anti scratch because i hate putting glasses into lens cases)
Did this video help? If you still have questions let us know down below!
so helpful. thank you
We’re happy to help! Thank you for watching!
Hey! really nice vid and chanel. May I ask what about the cr9 scratch resistance?? And if I dont care the weight, which would be better for non pro sports, like urban cycling, or terking?? Thanks!
Great question! So, CR-39 is inherently more scratch-resistant than polycarbonate. There are places that still practice an additional fee for a 'hard coat' on their CR-39 lenses. A little background: when manufacturing prescription lenses, you get a thick 'puck' of a lens, and the lens curvature needed for the backside of the lens to make your prescription is ground into the backside of the puck. This then needs to be polished to be optically clear. Every poly lens then needs to have a scratch coating applied to it because otherwise, it would be laughably scratchable. A CR-39 lens doesn't necessarily need an additional scratch coating, but you can choose to add it if you want added scratch resistance. There is actually a measurement for scratch resistance called the Bayer Ratio, but I am unsure where uncoated CR-39 would land on that scale. A coated CR-39 lens, just like a poly lens, would then be as scratch-resistant as the applied coating is capable.
As for wearing CR-39 for any sport use - pro or not - my only concern is the impact resistance. If there is ever a risk of a projectile or anything flying at you that could crack the lenses, you are better off with polycarbonate than CR-39. I hope I was able to help!
@@sportrxeyewear This was great! im really greatful for your response.
You give me an answear clear as water! and extra info to learn!
Sorry for my englsih
93
When I wear polycarbonate Rx lenses, I am able to pickup the chromatic aberration. So I always get CR-39. I recently got a pair of Polycarbonate Transitions Xtractive Grey lens with a blue flash mirror and I could not pickup the chromatic aberration. Why?
That is a very good question! A mirror coating can do some very interesting things to your experience when looking through the lenses. My best guess is that the mirror coating may be giving you the perception of a difference here. There is also a chance that the frames you had in the past with polycarbonate may have been more wrapped/curved than this pair. The more wrapped a lens is, the more you're going to notice those that aberration. After those thoughts, I'm also thinking it's possible that this pair may have just been made better. It's possible that the imperfections you noticed in the past were actually caused by coating issues. Also, perhaps this pair was digitally surfaced? That can certainly make a noticeable difference in optical clarity/quality! Happy to hear you're having a better experience this time around!
@@sportrxeyewear - Thanks for the response. My previous pair were regular single vision eyeglasses made at my local optician. The new pair is a Base8 OO4075 SquareWire 2.0 and the lens is a Transitions Xtractive with Blue Flash mirror.
I would like to know how much clearer/sharper would a 1.6 high index would be compared to a polycarbonate? Would vision be improved much? I've had polycarbonate for 2 weeks and eyes are a little sore. I am on tablet often reading. I can get them replaced with the high index 1.6 for an extra hundred dollars. If the clarity will be better I would rather have that. I don't think I'm having a lot of apperition. I just want clearer more detailed vision if it's worth it to change.
The clarity would be better, as the optical clarity is much better. Given the issues you're explaining, I don't think you would notice as much of a difference going with the 1.60. I am wondering if you have a good blue-light blocking lens or at very least a good anti-reflective coating. When you're looking at digital displays for extended periods of time, you may be getting eyestrain from that. If you have been known to have issues with polycarbonate in the past, then that may be a concern, but that is not common.
You can always reach out to our friendly, knowledgeable opticians for more tailored assistance at 888-831-5817
Polycarbonate or High Index both suffer from chromatic aberration basically the majority of salespeople are not aware of or will try to write it off as the most popular material and whatnot. CR 38 can also come as aspheric aka thinner cut lenses and are cheaper. I do not understand America's affection for putting the worst optical material on people's eyes. In my country polycarbonate is for sport and maybe children but that's it.
@@cekuhnen you suggest to use cr39 aspheric lenses vs high index poly/plastic?
Is oakleys plutonite different from standard polycarbonate? If so, what is better about it.
It has a lot less impurities in it and would probably rank higher than the polycarbonate category listed in that Abbe value chart.
Jeff U. is correct! It shares many similarities with polycarbonate, but it is of better optical quality.
@@tylerandersen9410 Are "standard" Oakley lenses polycarbonate? I seem to get significant chromatic aberration from my Oakley clear progressives and Oakley progressive flak 2.0 sunglasses, and based on the info in this video on the low ABBE value/optical clarity from polycarbonate lenses I'm wondering if this is why I'm less than happy with the results? Thanks for the help ...
@@zcwillo Thanks for the question! Authentic Oakley lenses are made with Oakley's proprietary lens material called 'Plutonite'. The most similar material to Plutonite is polycarbonate. Overall, it is a better quality material than polycarbonate, but I am unsure of its ABBE value. Generally speaking - I haven't heard of people being able to pick up on chromatic aberration specifically. If I were trying to help troubleshoot the problem, my first question would be regarding the wrapped in the lenses. It's more common that people have issues with the wrap than the lens material. That is not to say that the issue is not the lens material, but we work a lot with their lab and have minimal issues. If you've worn a wrapped style in your Rx with success, then that is a way to narrow the scope of possible contributing factors to the problem.
We agree with @Tyler!
The issue ive been having stems from the fact that i Drive at night for a living, i deliver newspapers, and i can vividly remember being able to read and see street signs, speed limits, all that from much more than a football field away, but with my latest prescription, and the introduction of a prism value to my glasses i think makes it much more complicated, ive tried high index poly, 1.50 index transitions(the brand) and now im on trivex, all from zenni optical, ive noticed 2 things, round glasses tend to handle my astigmatism better, and make it more of a fuzz, but im not sure thats what its supposed to do, and the lower the index, the better the optical clarity, with trivex i can infact see the furthest, but the difference isnt to what i remember being able to see, and im gonna try 1.50, basic CR-39 lenses, with clip ons for sunglasses, and see if that works, this is all through zenni though, idk if that matters, I will try glass if nothing else, and my perscription is from 7-23-21
Right Eye- SPH: -4.25 CYL: -0.50 AXIS: 172
Left Eye- SPH -3.75 CYL: -1.25 AXIS: 28
Prism Base Out 0.50 on both
The prism i think is the primary cause of the distance problem, but i see the fuzzing, and glowing of street signs in the distance and its almost straining my eyes, cause the trees behind them i do still see rather well
Cr-39 is indeed higher in terms of vision quality than high-index plastic. It's heavier and thicker, but for a moderate myopia prescription like yours that shouldn't be an issue. The CR-39 may not be always sleek enough to fit some thinner frames, but they pair just fine with chunky acetate frames. For me (I have mild myopia) it's a trade-off between the price, the weight and the image quality. If I want sleeker frames and lightest glasses, I go with 1.60. If I choose the acetate frame, I would almost always opt with CR-39. The 1.60's are lighter, but have noticably more chromatic aberrations than CR-39. The 1.60's are inherently UV protective, however, it's not much of an issue with the anti-UV coating on the CR-39's. It's less reliable in theory - if you scratch the lens and damage the protective layer the scratch may be leaking some UV into your eye, but you are going to get at least some UV anyway from the sides of your regular prescription glasses, as well as the reflected UV from below. So no glasses are 100% UV blocking unless they have special frame designs like mountaineer glasses. So, the CR-39 is still competitive in 2022, in my opinion.
@@inquisitivenessandcontempl9918 Indeed, the CR-39 gives the best image quality unless the weight is a problem to you.
How you compare tiacetate lenses ? Impact resistence
I had not heard of Triacetate lenses prior to your question! From what I am learning, it is referring more to a polarizing process than a lens material. That being said, I am also seeing info that relates TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) to acetate. It is reportedly impact resistant, but I also found a source stating it is something found primarily in lower priced eyewear (www.sunglassesforsport.com/2019/09/02/what-lens-materials-are-used-in-sunglasses-eyewear/).
I am unsure if this is available in prescription. I will have to do some more research! Hopefully this was of some help!
@@sportrxeyewear thanks for repply !!! I use polaroid sunglasses alot , Polaroid the brand , since they invented the polarization i think they made the best polarize sunglasses lenses , both t.a.c and policarbonat ! Best value too!
Which is better material for eyeglass frames/lenses, Polycarbonate or acetate?
Acetate refers to the material of the frame. Acetate is lightweight, durable, and flexible. Polycarbonate refers to the lens material. Poly is the most impact resistant material offered which makes a great choice for sport glasses and goggles, but is also the most common material used for optical lenses.
@@sportrxeyewear but polycarbonate frames are also good?
I have -5.5 in right and -3.5 in left which is best for me polycarbonate or cr-39.
Hello Raghav! It really comes down to what your eyes personally require. Polycarbonate will provide a slightly thinner lens with better impact protection then that of the CR-39. That said the optical clarity is better with the CR-39 material. You may also want to consider a Hi Index lens if overall lens thickness is something you want to avoid. Check out our videos explaining the pros and cons of this material to see if it's right for you!
czcams.com/users/results?search_query=sportrx+high+index
@@sportrxeyewearOK i have seen all pros and cons but in video itself it said that that Poly has inferior optical clarity that cr-39.How much the quality in decreased in poly i have used Cr-39 and have recently ordered poly. Will I see any effect between two?
@@raghavkumarsingh4222 which lens type did you go for?
cannot use CE 39 for rimless frames ? Odd - why can they do that outside the USA then for normal use ? :) True for sport frames etc it will be difficult.
It’s just too likely to break, I think most people would break the glasses and then blame companies for poor quality. Not realizing certain materials are just more likely to break
@@CrashCarson14likely more break ? Isn’t that a lame excuse ? Reality is polycarbonate costs more and has worse optical qualities - the clarify difference is significant.
You can also with polycarbonate breaks frameless lenses.
I don’t get why Americans are ok with getting an inferior product in their eyes and also American eye doctors even surgeons suggesting that material.
@@cekuhnen most places just do polycarbonate, I think it’s easier to tint, and natural UV qualities. Most sunglasses if you want better they just go with straight glass. Not sure exactly why though. Most don’t seem to get that middle ground of CR-39
@@CrashCarson14 there are two advantages to polycarbonate but non is better visual qualify.
It is also an fda regulation that limits thin cuts for cr39. Basically places here in Michigan tell me to go to Canada - face palm
The fact that is irritating to malicious is that customers with bigger prescription are forced to use polycarbonate by the fda which is kinda harmful. More blurry vision does impact your eyes and brain.
Insane decision
When did polycarbonate start getting used for prescription tinted sunglasses?
The 1970s!
@@sportrxeyewear Thank you. Any chance of a year in the 70s?
Do readers use CR 39 and are any of these products toxic
Isn't it up to the person if they want thinner lenses or plastic lenses?
In most cases, yes, unless the person is considered 'non-adapt' for a specific lens material in which case they must switch to another lens type.
Which mid index plastic has 47 Abbe value? The Index 1.57 maybe? And which high Index plastic has 36 Abbe value? The index 1.61? Took these numbers from the table of contents in minute 1:44
1.54 and 1.56/1.60 respectively. Here is another chart for reference:
www.allentownoptical.com/abbe-value-interpretation
Where does high index 1.67 fall on the abbey scale
1.67 is better than polycarbonate, but not by much. This is an interesting chart because it shows that there is a bit of variance depending on the manufacturer, though the variance tends to be negligible.
www.krspecs.com/abbe-value
Matsuda and Dita use CR-39 lenses for their high end sunglasses. Is CR-39 then, more desirable than glass, even though it's cheaper? Why do brands like Costa, Maui Jim. Ray Ban, Serengeti, Randolph etc are still using glass for their shades? Why don't they offer polycarbonate and CR39 instead of polycarbonate and glass?
Hello! Most of the brands you listed offer both or multiple types of lens materials. There's benefits and drawbacks to each. Many people, especially fisherman, prefer glass lenses for their clarity and scratch resistance, which is second to none. But the tradeoff is a heavier lens with the added liability of potential damage to ones eyes/face since there is little to no impact or shatter resistance with glass lenses. CR-39 has a slightly higher index of refraction over glass, making it one of the best materials for overall clarity. Its also much lighter than glass but will scratch much easier. Polycarbonate is the most impact and shatter-resistant material, which is why you'll almost always see it paired with sports, kids, and safety frames. However, poly is much more susceptible to scratching and doesn't provide the same level of optical clarity compared to that of glass or CR-39 materials. Click on the link below to have Eyeglass Tyler tell you more about the pros and cons of various lens materials!
czcams.com/video/8htWG0QrsOQ/video.html
4:15 CR-39 yellows over time. Pop the lens out and if it looks yellow it is CR-39.
Correct! But not exclusive to CR-39. Other lens materials such as polycarbonate and trivex can also yellow with excessive UV exposure and oxidation over time. However, CR-39 may yellow faster than the others mentioned.
Costa ferg review when?
Thank you for the recommendation! It's on the shortlist!
We did it! This is a bit tardy of a notification, but it's here nonetheless! You'll ever get a video on the newer Ferg XL!
czcams.com/video/JKIx_XvyqF8/video.html&t
czcams.com/video/34IU2BqriQI/video.html&t
I have both lenses and in my opinion cr39 have way better clarity then my polycarbonate do you homework everybody and it depends on your lifestyle but for me I use my cr39 glasses way more then my polycarbonate my polys I use when I'm in the sun but for reading and driving I always use my cr39 and the abbe value is higher and better then poly both our good just depends on you
If our eyes are at risk without UV coating as you say, does that mean people who don't need glasses walking around with naked eyes are damaging their retinas all day?
That is a great question! When you are outside and exposed to the sun, we always recommend wearing sunglasses! If you are walking around with 'naked' eyes, you are absolutely exposing your eyes to more UV and therefore more at risk of the damage the UV light can cause. By the way, the potential risk from UV damage includes cataracts!
www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/how-can-i-prevent-cataracts
Feel free to give our friendly, knowledgeable opticians a call if you have any questions at 877-789-3633.
Calling CR39 'basic' - is uninformed - your report is full of inaccuracies - get it right
@Mike Honcho lol
@@yilanma8329😂😂😂
@@yilanma8329 Be nice.
Yeh
I'm gonna buy polycarbonate because the material itself blocks UV. If you use a material that doesn't block UV, you'll rely on the coating and won't know if the coating has worn off. As for optical clarity, when there's plenty of light outside, you won't notice the difference.
Iam optical sales assistant in India
I hate polycarbonate lenses