1. Plastic lenses (cr39): lightweight, comfortable, and affordable.

Plastic lenses, also known as cr39, are by far the most popular choice. They're light, comfortable, and offer excellent value for money, making them ideal for daily wear. While cr39 lenses are slightly less scratch-resistant, a simple scratch-resistant coating easily solves this.

Benefits:

  • Very comfortable due to their light weight
  • Affordable
  • Clear and sharp vision

Disadvantages:

  • Less resistant to scratches without a coating
  • Thicker with higher prescriptions

Ideal for:

  • Anyone seeking a comfortable and affordable option for everyday use.

2. Polycarbonate lenses: safe and impact-resistant.

Polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice if you need extra safety, such as for sports glasses or children's glasses. They're extremely impact-resistant and lighter than cr39, plus they offer built-in uv protection. However, they're chosen less frequently than cr39, mainly due to slightly lower optical clarity and sensitivity to scratches.

Benefits:

  • Highly impact-resistant and safe
  • Lightweight
  • Built-in uv protection

Disadvantages:

  • More sensitive to scratches (a scratch-resistant coating is recommended)
  • Slightly less optically clear than cr39

Ideal for:

  • Active individuals or children who need extra protection where impact resistance is more important than optical clarity.

3. Mineral (glass) lenses: scratch-resistant but fragile.

Mineral glass used to be the standard for eyeglass lenses but is less common today. It offers exceptional scratch resistance and optical clarity, but it's heavier than other materials and can chip or break more easily. For these reasons, we don't offer mineral glass as a standard option in our webshop, though it can be available in some cases. If you specifically want mineral lenses, please contact us for a customized quote.

Benefits:

  • Exceptional scratch resistance
  • Very clear vision

Disadvantages:

  • Heavier than plastic or polycarbonate
  • Breaks easily
  • Less popular and not offered as standard

Ideal for:

  • Anyone with a specific need for the durability and clarity of mineral glass, who doesn't mind the extra weight.

What suits you best?

Choosing the right lens material is a crucial step for optimal comfort and vision. Cr39 lenses are by far the most popular choice due to their comfort and affordability. However, if you're looking for extra protection, polycarbonate lenses might be more suitable. Mineral glass is an option for those seeking maximum scratch resistance, but it's less common and not a standard part of our range.

At glazoo, we're happy to provide personal advice to ensure you make the best choice. Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions or want to know more about the various options.

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