Choosing the right lenses is very important when it comes to getting sunglasses. Not all lenses are equal, and there are many differences between Trivex and polycarbonate lenses, so make an informed choice.
Both the Trivex and polycarbonate lenses are lighter and thinner than plastic. The two lenses are resistant to impacts, and that makes both Trivex and polycarbonate sturdy. So, they are ideal for children who tend to damage their lenses more often than adults. However, there are differences between the two kinds of lenses.
Manufacturing process
Polycarbonate lenses are thermoplastic ones; tiny pellets are heated till they start to melt. Once the pellets become liquid, the polycarbonate is injected into molds that give lenses their shapes. After compression under high-pressure conditions, the liquid is cooled and becomes a lens.
Though Trivex lenses are also light, thin and resistant to impacts, they are made of a monomer which is based on urethane. They are manufactured like lenses made of plastic. Lenses made out of this material offer crisp optics, crisper than polycarbonate ones.
Clarity of vision
In terms of clarity of vision, Trivex offer sharper central and peripheral sight than polycarbonate. Abbe value is a term used to explain the role of specific lens composition or material in dispersing light. When a ray of light passes through any lens, a fractional separation of light occurs. This separation causes a blur or makes people see edges that are colored, when they look through the side. If the Abbe value is low, the blur is high. A polycarbonate lens has an Abbe value of 29, while a Trivex has an Abbe value of 45. So, if you need greater lens power for correction of vision, you may be troubled by the blur in polycarbonate varieties.
Weight-wise, Trivex lenses are lighter than polycarbonate ones, but in terms of thickness, polycarbonate ones are thinner. If you are looking for more variety in terms of design, the range is wider in polycarbonate lenses. Multifocals and progressive lens varieties are available in polycarbonates. Both the lenses have UV protection. If you can afford to spend more, Trivex lenses are a good choice, especially for children who require extra care. While polycarbonate lenses are good on all fronts, if you are concerned about a marginal blur, you should opt for Trivex. If your lens power requirement is low, you could stick to polycarbonates.
