Plastic
Most of the spectacle lenses made in the USA are fabricated from plastic (CR-39) for lighter weight and greater flexibility. Plastic materials tend to be safer than traditional glass lenses because they are less likely to shatter.
Polycarbonate
Designed to be worn as part of protective eyeglasses during work, sports or other activities that can result in eye injuries, polycarbonate material is sturdier than other lenses. This safety lens is highly impact resistant and also has inherent UV light-blocking ability.
Trivex
As a newer plastic material on the market, Trivex meets the same safety standards as polycarbonate, but the manufacturing of the lens causes less distortion and provides better optical quality.
High Index
A thinner, lighter plastic lens called a “high index” lens is recommended for people who need to reduce the bulkiness of a corrective lens. Because the design of the lens has a thin edge profile, they eliminate the “coke bottle” appearance that often comes with thick-lensed glasses. Certain rimless eyeglass styles require high index lenses.
Glass
Eyeglass lenses can receive the best scratch resistance and probably the widest field of vision when made of glass. However, the most significant drawbacks of glass lenses are their extreme heaviness and higher possibility of breakage.
Photochromic
Transitions® lenses adapt to the amount of light that reaches the eyes to reduce glare, eye fatigue and eyestrain. They are considered a sunglasses lens that is adjusting for more effortless sight that goes beyond vision correction. Photochromic performance is influenced by temperature, UV exposure and lens material. All of these lenses have superior UV protection blocking 100% UVA/UBA light.
Transitions® Signature: The lens of choice for combining an outdoor comfort lens within the same design and material that will gradually become completely clear indoors.
Transitions® XtraActive: An ideal lens for protecting the eyes from all kinds of light, whether indoors and out, these will activate behind the windshield of a car.
Transitions® Vantage: The only lens with variable polarization which adjusts to match the level of outdoor glare. Outdoors they adapt to changing light, and polarize as they darken.
Polarized
A polarized lens will provide the best quality of vision outdoors, especially under the hot sun or any bright sunlight. Polarized lenses make driving safer by reducing blinding glare and make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
