Selecting a Lens Material:
There are only two lens materials approved for use as sports lenses: Polycarbonate and Trivex. SR-91 from Kaenon Polarized is included in our list of unbreakable lenses because it is similar to Trivex. SR-91 lenses are often found in the Trivex section with other Polarized options.
Polycarbonate is the most popular lens for sports glasses. It is unbreakable, and is available as a Tinted, Transitions, Clear, or Polarized lens.
Trivex was developed by the U.S. Military as an improvement over polycarbonate. Trivex has a higher Abbe Value than polycarbonate, so there is less Chromatic Abrasion in a Trivex lens. (less peripheral color distortion) Trivex is also available as a Tinted, Transitions, Clear, or Polarized.
SR-91 is a polarized lens material is made from a material very similar to Trivex. Kaenon Polarized has the patent on this very impressive polarized lens material. We can put SR-91 prescription lenses in any Rx-able frame, whether it is from Kaenon or not. SR-91 is the only polarized sports lens that is available in different degrees of darkness. The Copper and Grey SR-91 lenses are available with a 12% or 28% light transmission. The Polarized Yellow lens is available in a 35% light transmission. NOTE: More than 90% of the polarized lenses we sell have a 12% Visible Light Transmission. Lenses with 25% or 50% VLT might not be dark enough for full-sun days. These are often worn by golfers who normally do not care for sunglasses at all, or fishermen at dusk or dawn.
CR-39 lenses are made from a plastic that is used frequently in everyday eyewear. This material is breakable, so it may not be a good choice in eyewear intended for active-sport use. We can use CR-39 lenses in prescription inserts that are mounted behind a polycarbonate lens or in a goggle, or in glasses used for driving, fashion, hanging out at the pool, etc.
If you want more information about lens materials see our Lens Materials page.
If you have any questions feel free to call us.
