When individuals head out to buy sunglasses, they’re not concerned that it’s going to be that critical how it looks, how shaded the lenses are, or whether it protects from the UV. While all of these are significant, possibly one of the most underappreciated aspects is the material that makes up the lens. What a lens is composed of has a significant effect on the durability, clarity, and protective ability of a pair of sunglasses.
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If you’ve already fallen into the habit of dropping your sunglasses and seeing them crack or scratch immediately, you’ve already witnessed permanence. Whatever you’re doing — hiking, driving, working outdoors, or merely sporting them on a daily basis — your sunglasses need to be permanent enough to be able to withstand some bumps without shattering. That all depends on what the lenses are constructed of.
There are a number of common lens materials found in contemporary sunglasses, and each comes with its strengths and weaknesses. The correct choice can make all the difference between a pair that lasts for a season and one that lasts for years. Here’s an overview of the most common lens materials and how best to use them.
One. The most popular material that sunglasses are constructed of is polycarbonate. It’s light, durable, and usually cheaper than the others. Polycarbonate lenses perform very well at what they are designed to do if you want something that won’t break when it falls. That’s one of the reasons that sports goggles such as sporting tournaments made, children’s eyewear, and safety goggles usually feature them. They also tend to block UV rays, which is a bonus. Polycarbonate lenses, though, will scratch more than other lenses unless they’re coated for scratch resistance. Trivex: A Step Up in Clarity and Strength
And then there’s Trivex, which is sometimes likened to polycarbonate but with some real benefits. Trivex lenses are also light and impact-resistance but provide a tiny bit more optical clarity. That means your vision through a Trivex lens is clearer and sharper. They also have greater stress and temperature resistance. Trivex is wonderful for people who want clarity and durability—like construction workers, athletes, or anyone working in harsh conditions.
They possess the highest level of clarity of any lens material, and they’re very scratch-resistant. If pristine, un-distorted vision is your priority, glass lenses can’t be beat. They’re best suited for driving or viewing things far away. Glass, however, has its disadvantages. It’s heavier than plastic materials and more likely to crack or shatter when dropped. That is why the majority of contemporary sunglasses no longer employ real glass unless they are made for extremely cautious individuals regarding their equipment
Another material that you may find is CR-39, an optically clear and lightweight plastic. CR-39 lenses provide decent visual acuity and can be readily tinted for fashion or for sun shading. They are less expensive than Trivex or glass but less impact-resistant. If you use your sunglasses casually or in less dangerous circumstances, CR-39 could be a viable alternative.
Of course, durability is more than whether a lens breaks when dropped. It is scratch resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and common wear and tear from the environment. That is why coatings are essential in keeping your lenses for longer periods.
Scratch-resistant coatings can be applied to nearly any type of lens, and they’re particularly vital for softer substances such as polycarbonate and CR-39. Without scratch-resistant coatings, your lenses will soon become cloudy or damaged due to something as easy as wiping them with your shirt.
Another handy coating is an anti-reflect (AR) coating. Although it does not affect impact resistance, it minimizes glare and increases clarity by letting more light through the lens instead of reflecting off of it. It benefits both outdoors in the sunlight and indoors. AR coatings typically are put on the back of the lens, where otherwise you interfere with your vision with reflections of light sources behind you.
Mirror coatings, which provide sunglasses with their reflective, shiny appearance, also assist in incremental durability increases by minimizing the occurrences of surface scratches. They minimize the visibility of light traveling to your eyes. They work in very bright settings such as deserts, snowflats, or waterways. Mirror coatings do peel and flake off if not applied properly and can be exacerbated by contact with sweat, saltwater, or abrasive cleaning techniques.
Speaking of cleaning, how you maintain your sunglasses as well contributes to their lifespan. Even the most durable lenses can get scratched or cracked if you clean them using dirty rags, paper towels, or tissues. Always water them off first and then dry them off using a microfiber cloth. And keeping them in a protective case when you are not wearing them prevents unwanted drops or pressure marks.
Faded Days Sunglasses features various styles of polycarbonate lenses that bring together impact protection and lightweight. They are suitable for daily wear but tough enough for air travel, sporting activities, or occupational settings.
A related concern is the thickness of the lenses and how this impacts durability. Thin lenses are more likely to shatter, particularly if they are made of glass or normal plastic. Larger lenses will tend to have a greater force-resistance but might be bulky. Companies attempt to find a strength-thickness compromise through stronger materials and strength-strengthening coatings.
Lens thickness is important as well. Thicker lenses will be less inclined to bend when subjected to pressure and therefore tend to crack if the material is weak enough. That is part of why wraparound or oversized fashion sunwear must be made of impact-resistant lenses. Frames that securely cradle the lens pass pressure along as well as limit the possibility of breakage.
Environmental usage does have its consequences too. Heat, sun exposure, humidity, or chemical usage will gradually spoil lenses. This is particularly applicable for sunglasses in the dashboard of a car or industrial applications. If you anticipate using them in such applications, seek out lenses and frames that have been environmentally tested for use in harsh environments. Even certain coatings provide oil and water resistance to protect your lenses longer.
Ultimately, choosing a durable pair of sunglasses isn’t as much about choosing a brand or style. It’s about understanding the relationship between materials and construction and how they affect performance. If your sunglasses are going to live in your glovebox, carry-around bag, or backpack—and be used every day—they need to be built for the real world.
Consider what you require from your sunglasses. Are you operating in an area where there is heavy machinery? Are you spending a great deal of daylight each day in the sun? Do you participate in sporting activities or hike regularly? If it is yes to any of these, then durability must be on your list of priorities.
The right material will have your eyes intact and your shades sharp, regardless of where the road may lead. Whatever you choose in crash protection with polycarbonate, optical clarity with Trivex, or vision so clear with glass, your lenses must be resilient.
Because when your shades are up to whatever you’re throwing at them, you’re in the clear to get on with the task at hand—without distraction from busted gear or fuzzy vision.
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