Polycarbonate lenses are one of the most common types of lenses used in eyewear. They’re a great choice for many people because they’re affordable, have a neutral taste when it comes to the appearance of glasses, and they’re very durable. If you frequently work outdoors or spend long hours at your desk, then you may want to consider anti-fatigue lenses instead. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between polycarbonate lenses and anti-fatigue lenses so that you can make an informed decision about which type of lens is right for you:
What is an Anti-Fatigue Lens?
Some people prefer anti-fog lens materials over the standard clear lens materials that are used in standard polycarbonate lenses. Anti-fog lenses are made from one of two types of lens material: hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Hydrogel lens materials are naturally anti-fog by nature, so you don’t need to use any additional anti-fog products.
However, hydrogel lenses do absorb moisture from the air, which can make them feel slightly tacky after wearing them for an extended period. Silicone hydrogel lens materials aren’t anti-fog by nature, but they’re much less likely to become tacky. This makes them a good choice if you often work in conditions where you need to wear your eyeglasses for extended periods.
What are Polycarbonate Lenses?
Polycarbonate lenses are the most common type of lens used in eyewear. They’re a great choice for many people because they’re affordable, have a neutral taste when it comes to the appearance of glasses, and they’re very durable. Polycarbonate lenses are made from a thermoset resin, which means that they are resistant to chemicals. The downside of a polycarbonate lens is that they tend to be quite thick, which can make them uncomfortable to wear for long periods. They also don’t offer the same level of anti-fog technology as other types of lens material do.
If you frequently work outdoors or spend long hours at your desk, then anti-fatigue lenses are a better choice for you. Polycarbonate lenses are also a good choice for people who want basic eyeglass protection without any fancy designs or colors. If you frequently swim or participate in other sports that require you to wear glasses underwater, you may also want to consider a polycarbonate lens.
Differences between Polycarbonate and Anti-Fatigue lenses
- Anti-Fog – Anti-fog is a state of moisture on a surface that prevents the surface from becoming fogged up. Hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lens materials don’t have a natural anti-fog property, so you’ll need to use an anti-fog product such as a de-fog agent with them. Anti-fog agents work by absorbing moisture from the air, so they’ll make your lenses feel slightly tacky after wearing them for an extended period.
- Comfort – Polycarbonate lenses are designed to be comfortable to wear for a long time. Anti-fatigue lenses are designed to provide better eye health over the long term, so you’ll want to wear them for a shorter time.
- Clarity – Polycarbonate lenses are a slightly flexible, lightweight material that’s designed to be comfortable to wear for long periods. Anti fatigue lenses are designed to provide better eye health over the long term, so you’ll want to wear them for shorter periods.
Pros of a Polycarbonate Lens
- Polycarbonate lenses are extremely durable and are resistant to damage from chemicals, ultraviolet rays, and scratching.
- Polycarbonate lenses tend to be very lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for long periods.
- Polycarbonate lenses are very affordable, making them an excellent choice for people on a budget.
- Polycarbonate lenses are neutral in terms of the appearance of glasses, so they don’t draw attention to the wearer.
- Polycarbonate lenses don’t blur vision at all, and they’re resistant to scratching.
- Polycarbonate lenses don’t change color over time.
Pros of an Anti-Fatigue Lens
- Anti-fog lenses are made from a special material that’s resistant to fogging, so they look clear without the need for misting.
- Anti-fog lenses are typically made from either polycarbonate or plutonite, and they’re designed to be quite durable.
- Anti-fog lenses are designed to be less thick than polycarbonate lenses, making them more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
- Anti-fog lenses offer the same level of optical clarity as coated lenses do.
- Anti-fog lenses are resistant to impact damage and are designed to be durable.
- Anti-fog lenses do not change color over time.
- Anti-fog lenses are designed to be less expensive than polycarbonate lenses are.
Which Type Should You Buy?
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or work in a dry environment, then an anti-fog lens is a great choice for you. Polycarbonate lenses are very durable, lightweight, and affordable, so they make a great option for many people. However, if you spend a lot of time working inside or outdoors and you’d also like your lens to be resistant to impact damage, then you should consider buying a polycarbonate lens.
Anti fatigue lenses are cheaper than polycarbonate lenses and are more resistant to impact damage, so they make a great option for people who frequently work inside or outside. There are many other differences between polycarbonate lenses and anti-fatigue lenses as well, but these are some of the most important ones. When deciding which type of lens to buy, it’s important to consider both the price of your lenses and how durable you want them to be.
