Shatter-Proof (Impact Resistant) Eyeglasses
Shatter-proof (impact-resistant) lenses afford extra protection for your active child. While no lens is actually completely shatter-proof, they are the least likely to break.
Regular plastic or glass lenses can shatter when they are hit by a projectile like a baseball. Polycarbonate lenses are far more “shatter-proof” than regular plastic or glass. They can absorb some of the impact of a hard blow and, in most cases, they won’t break.
Polycarbonate lenses have a perfect balance of being lightweight, robust, and resilient. They are made from shatter- and scratch-resistant plastic and they provide unparalleled eye safety and durability.
For children’s eyewear and prescription safety glasses, polycarbonate lenses stand out as the ideal choice. Their remarkable impact resistance sets them apart from other lenses, making them perfect for active individuals who might be more prone to accidental drops or scratches.
Below are some of the advantages of polycarbonate lenses:
Impact resistance: Polycarbonate lenses are highly impact-resistant, making them less likely to shatter or break when subjected to force. This is crucial for children, who are often engaged in active play, sports, and other activities where their glasses might get bumped, dropped, or hit.
Safety: Due to their impact resistance, polycarbonate lenses provide an added layer of safety for children’s eyes. In case of accidents or mishaps, these lenses help protect the eyes from potential injury caused by flying debris or objects.
Lightweight: Polycarbonate lenses are lighter than traditional plastic lenses, which can be more comfortable for children to wear throughout the day. The reduced weight also makes the glasses less likely to slip down the nose.
UV protection: Polycarbonate lenses inherently block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, helping shield the eyes from sun damage. This is especially important for children, as their eyes are more susceptible to UV exposure.
Thin and durable: Despite their impact resistance, polycarbonate lenses can be made thin, making them more aesthetically pleasing and suitable for a wide range of prescriptions. Additionally, their durability ensures they can withstand the rigors of daily use by active children.
Better for active lifestyles: Since children tend to engage in various physical activities, polycarbonate lenses offer a practical solution to reduce the risk of broken glasses during play, sports, or other outdoor adventures.
Compatible with coatings: Polycarbonate lenses can easily accommodate various coatings, such as anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protection coatings, further enhancing the visual performance and longevity of the glasses.
If your child has a strong prescription
For prescriptions with very high powers, polycarbonate lenses may not be suitable. Children with especially strong prescriptions or severe astigmatism may experience some visual distortions when looking through polycarbonate lenses. In these situations the best lens is a high-index plastic lens.
High-index lenses have a greater ability to bend light and that enables them to provide enhanced vision correction. They are made from a chemical synthetic blend and they can provide stronger visual acuity while staying thin. Some high-index lenses are 50% thinner than standard lenses.
Gregory Scimeca, M.D.
Ophthalmologist and Medical Director
The Eye Professionals
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