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3 Lens Material Used In Prescription Sunglasses

If you wear prescription glasses, and are thinking about ordering some prescription sunglasses, it is important that you understand the lens options that will be available to you when purchasing subscription sunglasses. Here is a quick overview of the three most popular lens materials for prescription sunglasses.

Plastic Lenses

Generally, when ordering prescription glasses, the default lens type used in prescription sunglasses are plastic lenses. Plastic lenses are very popular because they tend to be one of the more affordable lens options on the market. Plastic lenses also work well with most light to medium level eyeglass prescriptions, which is another reason why they are the default lens option. They are a sturdy and durable material.

If you have a light to medium prescription level, and you only intend to casually wear your prescription sunglasses, such as when you spend time outside doing yard work, plastic lenses will most likely work just fine for your prescription sunglass needs.

High Index Lenses

High index lenses are very light and very thin. For this reason, high index lenses are often used in prescription glasses that are designed to look more fashionable. These thin lenses are best for casual wear, just like plastic lenses. These are great lenses to get if you want your sunglasses to look fashionable and you plan on wearing them when you are spending a day at the beach or taking a walk in the afternoon sun.

High index lenses are also designed to accommodate high prescription levels. If you have severe vision issues, high index lenses are often the best way to ensure the same prescription as your regular glasses.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses work well with a wide variety of prescription levels, from light prescriptions to more serious and high level vision prescriptions. The real attraction to using polycarbonate lenses in your prescription sunglasses though is that they are impact resistant. That means that your prescription sunglasses will not break or scratch just because they fall off of your head or because you come into contact with some brush while hiking.

This type of lens tend to be recommended for adults who lead more active lifestyles and for children. If you like to spend a lot of time hiking and working outside in the sun, polycarbonate lenses are probably the way to go for your prescription sunglasses.

If you are still not sure what type of lens material you should use for your prescription sunglasses, talk to your optometrist, such as Bergh-White Opticians, Inc., about your prescription level and how you intend to use your prescription sunglasses. They should be able to provide you with insight and advice about what type of material best fits your lifestyle. 


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