Which Lens Material is Best for Sunglasses?

You know, when most people shop for sunglasses, they get caught up with the frame shape or the colour of the lens. Fair enough, those things matter. But let’s be real—what really makes a huge difference is the lens material. That’s what decides if your sunglasses will actually feel comfortable, last long, and keep your eyes safe under our crazy sun here.

I’ve tried a few myself over the years, and trust me, some lenses feel amazing, while others just… don’t. Let me break it down for you in simple terms.

1. Glass Lenses: The Old-School Classic

Honestly, glass is the king of clarity. You put them on, and the world looks sharp, no distortion, nothing. And they don’t scratch easily, which is a big win.

But, man, they’re heavy. After a few hours, you feel it on your nose. And if they fall, they can shatter. Not fun.

👉 Best for: If you care about vision clarity and don’t mind a bit of extra weight, glass is still a classy choice.

2. Polycarbonate Lenses: The Everyday Hero

Now, polycarbonate is what I’d call practical. Super light, almost unbreakable, and already blocks UV. You can wear them all day, no problem.

Downside? They scratch easier than glass, unless you get a good coating. And the clarity? Decent, but not perfect-perfect.

👉 Best for: Sports, road trips, beach days—basically, if you live an active lifestyle, polycarbonate will not let you down.

3. Trivex Lenses: The Sweet Spot

Truth be told, Trivex is like the middle ground. It gives you the clarity close to glass, but it’s tough like polycarbonate. And it’s lighter too, which is always a nice bonus.

The catch? They’re not cheap, and not every shop has them.

👉 Best for: If you want “the best of both worlds” and you’re okay paying a bit extra, Trivex is the way to go.

4. Plastic (CR-39) Lenses: The Easy Option

These are light, comfy, and the clarity is surprisingly good for the price. Honestly, for everyday use, they do the job.

But yeah, they don’t handle impacts well. Drop them wrong and that’s it.

👉 Best for: Regular daily wear, especially if you want prescription sunglasses without breaking the bank.

So, What’s the Best?

• Sports & adventure: Go for polycarbonate or Trivex.

• Sharp, luxury clarity: Glass, hands down.

• Affordable everyday use: CR-39.

• Balanced all-around: Trivex.

Me personally? I lean toward Trivex or polycarbonate. They feel safer in daily life here. However, honestly, no matter which one you choose, ensure it blocks 100% UVA and UVB. That’s the real deal—protecting your eyes.

FAQ – Quick Answers

Q1: Which lens scratches the least?
Glass, no doubt. However, coatings also help with others.

Q2: Are polycarbonate lenses safe for kids?
Yes, 100%. They’re tough and light—kids can run, jump, drop them—it’s all good.

Q3: Do all lenses block UV?
Not really. Polycarbonate and Trivex already do, but glass and CR-39 usually need a UV coating. Always check before you buy.

Q4: Which one is the clearest?
Glass wins here. Trivex comes very close, though.

Q5: Are Trivex lenses really worth the price?
If you want sharp vision, comfort, and peace of mind that they won’t break easily, yeah, they’re worth it.