Polycarbonate Lenses

We are excited about a new material that has recently appeared on the market, and we would like to pass this information on to you, our patient. This material is called Polycarbonate (also known by the trademarked name Lexan), and it has a number of features that make it an excellent choice for many spectacles.

One of the most notable features of Polycarbonate is that it is even thinner and lighter than plastic! Plastic lenses are 17% thicker and 23% heavier than Polycarbonate. The comparison is even more striking with glass lenses: Polycarbonate is 65% lighter than glass!

Polycarbonate is the strongest material available for spectacle lenses today. The strength-to-weight ratio is equal to that of aluminum or zinc, and Polycarbonate has 5.4 times the impact resistance of plastic. These qualities combine to make Polycarbonate a very fine lens product—especially for people who have a very strong prescription. Polycarbonate lenses are available in single vision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses. Anti-reflective coating is a nice addition to Polycarbonate lenses.

Less obvious, but equally important, is the protection provided by Polycarbonate lenses against ultra-violet light. Polycarbonate lenses absorb 99.99% of this harmful radiation, which can cause snow-blindness, cataracts, and retinal damage.

Although Polycarbonate lenses should be handled in the same way as plastic lenses to prevent scratches (rinsed with water and dried with a soft cloth), they are more scratch-resistant than un-coated plastic lenses, thanks to their special coating. Do not use Windex or any ammonia-based product on Polycarbonate or other lenses that have scratch-resistant or anti-reflective coatings. These cleaners will slowly eat away the coatings. This is especially true for Polycarbonate lenses.

Because of the strong optical powers (high index of refraction) of Polycarbonate lenses, you will notice a few changes when first wearing them. These changes include a slight color shift, and a change in the appearance of horizontal and vertical lines. Most people adapt easily to these changes in a few days.

If this information has piqued your interest, please let us know. We are happy to show you samples of Polycarbonate lenses, give you additional information, and answer any questions you may have. A few additional facts of which you should be aware: Because Polycarbonate is a new and specialty product, it make take a few additional days to order your new lenses. Also, because of the physically and optically stronger nature of Polycarbonate, Dr. Baron emphasizes that it may take a few days to adapt to the differences between Polycarbonate and your previous lens material.

Polycarbonate is an ideal lens material for strong prescriptions,
children, one-eyed individuals, and safety glasses.

Chemicals NOT good for Polycarbonate Lenses or their coatings:

• Vinegar
• Fingernail Polish
• Dry Cleaning Fluid
• Hair Spray
• Paint & thinners