Glasses Buying Guide: Lens Materials and Lens Coating

The first thing you would notice when you buy a new pair of specs is the variety of eyeglasses frames displayed inside the store. As a first-time buyer, that leaves you wondering if eyeglasses are all about frames only. However, the moment you approach a salesman to ask for the price of a particular item you fancy, he will come back at you asking questions like:

“Do you want polycarbonate or CR-39 plastic lenses?”

“Do you want it to have photochromic or anti-reflective coating?”

Hold up! Did you do your homework before shopping for new glasses? Nope? That is okay because we’re going to walk you throw it.

Lens Materials

We have no idea who invented eyeglasses but according to GlassesCrafter.com it was made from two-framed glasses or crystal stones. Today, plastics are more popular and there are different types of lens materials to choose from:

• CR-39 plastic = invented by Armolite Lens Company in 1947, CR-39 or “Columbia Resin 39” is the first among plastic lenses. Allaboutvision.com tells that is half the weight of glass. 

• High-index plastics = thinner and lighter are the distinct characteristics of this material. High-index lenses are recommended for those who have strong eyeglass prescription, allaboutvison.com suggests.

• Polycarbonate = this lens is for kids and those who have an active lifestyle. It falls in the category of ‘thinner and lighter’ type of lenses as well. 

• Trivex = if safety is your number one concern, trivex is the one for you. Although trivex and polycarbonate both have high impact resistance, trivex are about 10% lighter.

• Tribrid = an improved version of Trivex lenses. It is also high impact resistant and the third lightest next to Trivex and polycarbonate. If you want to go rimless this is the perfect choice. 

Lens Coating

Lifehacker mentions four types of coating, such as:

• Anti-reflective coating = reduces glare and can be used as computer glasses.

• Scratch-resistant coating = you may request for this if you’re into sports or simply can’t avoid it from being scratched.

• Ultraviolet protection = this is necessary in case the glasses don’t really have it to protect you from sun’s harmful UV rays.

• Anti-fog coating = this is applicable when you’re living in regions or countries that snows.

Now, you don’t have to act as a newbie when you buy your first eyeglasses because it is not only the frame which is your primary concern. You can also decide which lens materials and coating you prefer.