Which Lens Material is Right for You?

Who gives a lot of thought to the material of their lenses? We do, and you should, too. Because what your lenses are made out of impacts how they perform. And how they perform should be informed by your lifestyle. Plus, they’re on your face every day (probably). Don’t you want to know what they’re made of? 

LensFactory offers a variety of lens materials so you can choose what makes sense for you. Or, more specifically, your eyes. Let’s take a look.

Option 1: Standard Plastic (CR-39)

Our most budget-friendly option is a great choice for folks with lower prescriptions. Here’s a full breakdown:

• Affordable for the admirably budget conscious.
• Lightweight, so there’s less chance of your frames sliding down your nose.
• Great clarity. (Almost as good as glass.)
• Easy to tint, if you’re looking for a pop of color or protection from the sun.
• Heavier and more delicate than polycarbonate.
• Not a good fit for drill-mounted or semi-rimless frames.
• Not available for anyone under 18.

Shop our plastic lenses here.

Option 2: Polycarbonate (Poly) 

A true powerhouse, in our humble opinion. Polycarbonate lenses are great for people that go hard.

• Lightweight and thin for that “barely there” feeling.
• 10x more impact resistant for kids, athletes and anyone else that moves fast and (sometimes) breaks things.
• Built-in UV protection that helps shield your eyeballs from those pesky UV rays.
• A little less clarity than our glass and plastic options.
• Scratches a little more easily. Hey…we said impact resistant. Not scratch-proof.

Shop our polycarbonate lenses here.

Option 3: High-Index

If you have a strong prescription but you don’t want thick, clunky glasses, high-index lenses are here for you.

• The thinnest lenses we make. That means they’re also lightweight.
• Lighter than plastic but a little heavier than polycarbonate.
• Great for drill-mounted or semi-rimless frames, unlike their plastic cousins.
• Come complete with anti-scratch and anti-reflective coating because you should have nice things.
• Our most expensive lenses…for good reason. See above.

Shop our high-index lenses here.

Option 4: Glass

The one, the only, the original. Glass lenses have been around forever, and they’re a great option for folks that know exactly what they’re signing up for.

• Higher clarity than any other lens, period.
• Naturally scratch resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a special coating.
• Not very impact resistant, so please try not to hurl them across the room or drop them on a hard floor.
• Heavier than our other options, and it takes some getting used to.

Shop our glass lenses here.

Which Lens Material Should You Choose?

“I don’t want to read all that. Just give me a simple chart.”

Ask and you shall receive. Here’s a simple chart to help you decide which lens is best for you.

Why Lens Material Matters

Maybe you got all the way to the bottom of this article, and you still don’t think the lens material you choose matters much. It’s unlikely, but let’s go with it.

If you’re an athlete and you choose glass frames, they could break with a hard impact. Not ideal. If you have a low prescription but choose high-index because it sounds cool and important, you’re probably spending more than you need to for lenses that aren’t designed for your needs.

Coatings: Your Lenses’ Best Friend

They might feel “extra” at the time, but most of the time, coatings are worth it. They can help protect your eyes from blue light, your lenses from scratches or cut down on dangerous glare. You’ll have the option to choose your preferred coating after you select your lens material.

Lens Material FAQ

What is CR-39?

CR-39 is the fancy name for standard plastic. It’s the everyday material most people already have in their frames. If you have a lower prescription and you’re not trying to overthink things, CR-39 is a great choice for you.

Which lens material is best for kids?

Polycarbonate is the go-to for most kids, and for good reason. Kids are…rough on their glasses. Polycarbonate is built to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

Are glass lenses still worth it?

For clarity, nothing touches them. But they’re heavier. And they don’t love being dropped on the floor. (Who does?) If you treat your glasses with care and want the sharpest view you can get, glass is a good option.

Do I really need lens coatings?

You don’t really need them, but you’ll probably want them. Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant and blue light coatings can make a big difference in how your lenses feel and perform. That goes double if you’re looking at a screen all day or driving after dark.

Find Your Frames’ Perfect Match at LensFactory

We make it simple to replace the lenses in your favorite frames. Full stop. Visit LensFactory.com today!