One of the strongest and safest materials on the market, polycarbonate material offers exceptional strength and resilience.
According to a Vision Service Plan article on the topic, polycarbonate was originally designed for canopies covering cockpits in fighter planes, offering an impact-resistant, yet optically clear window. In the 1970s, NASA used polycarbonate material to construct visors for astronaut helmets and even windshields in the space shuttle. Polycarbonate was introduced in the 1980s on a commercial scale, providing a safe and affordable alternative to standard plastic and glass lenses in glasses.
Here are some reasons to consider polycarbonate lenses for your child’s glasses.
Excellent Impact Resistance
According to EyeKit, polycarbonate lenses can survive the impact of a steel ball travelling at 160 kilometers per hour without shattering, making it a fantastic choice for low-energy impact resistance. Polycarbonate lenses are also as much as 10 times more impact resistant than plastic or glass lenses, meaning they are harder to fracture or shatter and resulting in fewer cracked or sharp broken pieces in case of an accident.
Ideal for Safety
Because of their resilience, polycarbonate lenses are great for kids, offering extra safety. With a high degree of resistance to impacts and strain, your kids can play hard without worrying about their glasses shattering. Kids have a greater tendency to drop their glasses, too, and polycarbonate lenses ore more resistant to the rough handling often experienced in children’s eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses are so effective that they are also recommended for athletes and those who work in hazardous job environments.
Block UV Rays
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is a major risk factor for most skin cancers, as well as eye damage. Short- and long-term exposure to UV light can lead to a wide range of eye conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts, melanoma and other skin cancer in and around the eyelids. Sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses provide 100 percent protection from the sun’s UV rays, however, providing an easy way to protect your child’s eyes.
Lightweight and Thin
Polycarbonates are easily worked and molded, making it easy to shape into a range of different contours, including glasses lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are about 20 to 25 percent thinner than plastic and glass lenses, too, and known for their lightweight quality. Because they are extra thin, polycarbonate lenses are great for higher prescriptions, as well. Since they are about 20 percent lighter than plastic lenses, too, they are more comfortable and a perfect way to help your child transition to wearing sunglasses regularly.
Sunglasses from Real Kids Shades are virtually unbreakable, made from rubber-like material that bends, and feature shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that are ideal for children. Check out our full selection of sunglasses online today, or call us at 800-283-1106 to learn more!