Trivex vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Explained
When it comes to choosing your eyewear, it's just as important to ensure that the lenses are the correct ones for you, as well as how the frames look on you! Both Trivex and polycarbonate lenses are popular choices and provide many beneficial characteristics which is why many people choose them. It's important to fully understand these benefits and what the differences are between them so you can make the best decision and select the best lenses to cater to your needs! Here are the benefits and differences of both Trivex and polycarbonate lenses to help you make the right decision!
Trivex Lenses:
Trivex lenses are well known for their powerful combination of lightweight comfort and optical clarity. Made from a urethane based monomer, Trivex lenses offer several advantages with only a few drawbacks.
Advantages
- Crisp Accurate Vision - Their high ABBE value helps reduce chromatic aberration, so you get crisp accurate vision with less colour fringing. This makes Trivex a preferred choice for those of us who want sharp optics especially with higher prescriptions.
- Impact Resistance - Trivex is highly impact resistant and is a good option for everyday wear. It offers protection that is comparable to polycarbonate, so it helps protect your eyes from knocks and accidents.
- Thin Lenses - Trivex lenses are often thinner and less bulky than polycarbonate lenses. This difference is usually more noticeable the higher the prescription is.
Disadvantages
Trivex lenses can cost a little more than other lens materials. The price difference is not always huge but it is still worth considering when making your decision.
Polycarbonate Lenses:
Polycarbonate lenses have been a staple in the eyewear industry due to their strong impact resistance. Originally developed for industrial applications polycarbonate lenses became popular in eyewear because they are tough and durable.
Advantages
- Impact Resistance - They resist shattering which makes them the go to choice for sports and active lifestyles. Many parents choose polycarbonate lenses for their children’s glasses to add that extra bit of safety during playtime.
- Durability - Polycarbonate lenses are far less likely to chip, crack, or shatter if you drop them or they get hit with something.
Disadvantages
Polycarbonate lenses are built primarily for toughness but this unfortunately comes with a small drop in optical clarity. Their ABBE value is on average lower than that of Trivex lenses which can lead to more chromatic aberration and softer peripheral vision. If your prescription is mild you shouldn't notice much difference but people with higher prescriptions will most likely experience reduced clarity.
Comparative Analysis
Both Trivex and polycarbonate lenses will both offer you benefits but the right choice depends on what matters most to you. If optical clarity and precision are your top priorities then Trivex lenses are the better option. If you want maximum impact resistance and strong durability, polycarbonate lenses are a great contender.
Both Trivex and Polycarbonate lenses offer great advantages to a pair of glasses, however, the lens material that is the most ideal for you will vary depending on what your specific needs are... from optical clarity to being better at withstanding a fall to the floor, each has something to offer.
It's important to consider how much you're willing to spend on the lenses alone and what your prescription allows. These pros and cons explained above serve to help you make an informed choice or at the very least a talking point between you and your optometrist. It's a wise idea to get your optician involved in your choice and see what they recommend the most.
Whether you choose to go with Trivex or Polycarbonate lenses, you will have made the right choice for you. The eyewear demands of today vary so much, so it makes sense that the lens options don’t have a "one size fits all" approach!
