Getting new eyeglasses, need your opinion on plastic or glass?
Tomorrow I am going to get new eyeglasses. I need something that is sturdy (I have young children) and comfortable.
So, I need opinions. What do you prefer…metal or plastic frames? Glass or plastic lenses? Which ones are more sturdy? Which ones are more comfortable?
Thanks!
BlindPoet
on November 30th, -0001
For the frames you can get good plastic or good metal, it depends on how they fit and what you like, I have both and love what I have. I would NEVER get glass lenses. They are heavy, more expensive than plastic and are dangerous even though they are tempered (Most doctors make you sign a GLASS waiver! That is how dangerous they are percieved as being!) Plastic lenses CAN scratch easier. They have different kinds of coatings that have different kinds of warranties to remake them if they scratch. If scratching is an issue ask for TD2 Coating it has twice the scratch coat and a 2 year warranty. I always clean mine wet, I never clean them dry. I always use a soft cotton cloth to clean them with and I never use my shirt. When they are not on my face, they are in a case. I RARELY scratch my lenses. So….it is all up to you!
Wildthing
on November 30th, -0001
I like metal frames. It is easy to make small adjustments so that they sit straight, and I like plastic lenses. I have really bad eyes and plastic lenses are lighter than glass. Also would be good if you are active, They may get stepped on and survive!! =) Good luck!!
DarkDesire
on November 30th, -0001
you should get glass lenses because plastic gets scratched easier and they break easier. i would also reccomend getting metal frames because plastic ones are cheap and they break easier
JetSki
on November 30th, -0001
I agree with the previous reply that plastic is lighter, but they sure do scratch easily….don’t let them tell you that they can treat them so they won’t scratch….they still will.
Eli
on November 30th, -0001
I have plastic frames and they have lasted me 5 years. I just change the lenses in them. I get plastic lenses too. Make sure to get a protective coating!!
BloodFlower
on November 30th, -0001
i wear glasses i have to say plastic is the way to go
they dont break as easy especailly if your going into highschool i had glass and they broke the first day so i got plastic instead and they’ve lasted me 3 years and still look brand new
Hippie
on November 30th, -0001
I have found that metal frames last longer than the plastic ones. My current frames (metal) are six years old. Plastic ones break after two years.
Metal frames are comfortable. In my opinion, the metals are more comfortable than the plastic ones.
I don’t have young kids, but I do have two cats and they have played with my glasses. They have not broken.
As for lenses, get plastic. Glass lenses break and scratch easily. Plastic ones don’t. They also put special coatings on them so they are not easily scratched nor broken. If you have to have a heavy prescription, especially if it’s one eye (like me), plastic lenses are better, otherwise your glasses will be heavy and uncomfortable.
CaliforniaDream
on November 30th, -0001
not glass lenses if you’re worried about being sturdy around small children. hardly anyone would easily sell you glass, anyway. its a pretty rare sale. glass lenses are: HEAVY, expensive, easily chipped, dangerous when broken.. they do have excellent visual quality and are difficult to scratch.
the big 3 lens materials in the US right now are (there are more types than these, these are just the top 3 sellers):
1) cr-39 or “plastic”: cheap, excellent optical quality, but can be thick in higher Rx’s and is easily scratched
2) polycarbonate: a little more expensive, pretty durable (not easily scratched) fairly impact resistant (“safety” glasses are made from polycarbonate), but not awesome optical quality. slightly inferior optics
3) “hi index”: most expensive, thin, light good optics, but back to being not very durable
the newer AR/hard coatings like “teflon” and “crizal” can help with durability of a lens surface…
as far as frames…plastic frames are generally considered more durable b/c they are more flexible and therefore more likely to “bend” when stressed rather than break. plus they have no solder points. TX medicaid will not pay for a metal frame for this reason…
FallingMoon
on November 30th, -0001
get plastic. I use plastic and its really good for me cos i play soccer and when it falls its not broken unlike glass
SoftballPlayer
on November 30th, -0001
Polycarbonate. The safest, toughest plastic out there today. They are thinner than regular plastic, they look terrific, and they are very durable.
You are probably better off with a metal frame, they are tougher.
matrixmaruda
on November 30th, -0001
Metal or plastic frames similar on durability. Get the frames that best suit face. Metal or alloy can bend, plastic can snap Lenses I have been wearing specs for 40 years. Glass is clearer and harder to scratch, though knock and drop can smash lense. If useing in sport plastic and plastic, though frames must be flexible plastic for sport. Grinding metal or welding sparks stick to glass and less likely to do so with plastic lense. I personally always use metal frames with ultra thin glass lense as I am – ve 6.1 and another el-cheapo set plastic/plastic for work. I work in a metal fab shop
Glassgal
on May 15th, 2011
I’ve worn glasses for many years and wore them with my own young kids and now I’m around others toddlers. Infants and toddlers like to grab one’s glasses and twist them and try them on. I have polycarbonate lenses with metal frames and a backup pair with plastic lenses and glass lenses. The back-up’ s were much cheaper and I put them away for emergencies like lost or broken polycarbonate. I hate transition lenses and would never buy them again. They take way to long to “transition”. It’s true that glass lenses are heavier but you get used to it after a short while so don’t let them way with you unless you are a very small petite person.
Nyle
on July 20th, 2011
I’d get frames with plastic ear stems and metal around the lenses. I’d look for frames that are flexible where the stems attach to the lens holders. (They can then bend back and forth almost like a spring.)
Polycarbonate with a scratch resistant coating is really your safest choice. Now here is the hard part – ONLY! clean your lenses with soap and water and blow dry or wipe dry with a CLEAN microfiber cloth.
Otherwise, you WILL scratch the poly lenses.
Yes, glass is a lot more scratch resistant but it is also heavier and less safe when dropped or struck with a projectile.
JerryRow
on December 12th, 2016
What is the preferred sunglasses for men?