What is the difference between glass, plastic and polycarbonate safety lenses?
Industrial-thickness glass, plastic and polycarbonate lenses meet or exceed the requirements of the eye protection standard. In general, each type of lens does offer certain advantages and disadvantages. Glass lenses provide good scratch resistance and can withstand chemical exposure. They can also accommodate a broad range of prescriptions. But glass is heavy and can be uncomfortable. Plastic and polycarbonate lenses are lighter weight, protect against welding splatter, and are not likely to fog. Unless specially coated, these lenses are not as scratch resistant as glass. They also cannot accommodate as wide a range of prescriptions as glass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are superior to glass and many other plastics in strength and impact resistance. Experts believe that proper eye protection could have prevented or reduced the severity of injury in at least 90 percent of all accidents. In addition, the Wise Owl Program, sponsored by Prevent Blindness America, has recognized more than
