Polycarbonate Lens

Published: September 19, 2014

Definition - What does Polycarbonate Lens mean?

A polycarbonate lens is a lens made of a thermoplastic polymer of the carbonate group. It is about 10 times more impact resistant than normal plastic or glass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are preferred over glass lenses by eyewear users, sportsmen and other eye protector users because of its lightweight, ultra violet (UV) and impact resistance properties.

Safeopedia explains Polycarbonate Lens

Polycarbonate was discovered in 1953 and was first introduced to the market in 1958. It was used by the astronauts in 1970s as helmet visors. In the 1980s industries started to use polycarbonate as an alternative to standard plastic or glass eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses are a smart choice for those active in sports, hazardous job environments, in fashion eyewear and especially for children.

Normal plastic lenses utilize a cast molding process, while polycarbonate pellets are heated to a melting point and injected into lens molds. It makes polycarbonate lenses stronger and more impact-resistant. However, these lenses are not scratch resistant and, therefore, require a special coating.