Polycarbonate plastic was the original high index lens material and was introduced in 1983. It provided the ability to make thinner and lighter lenses. It has great impact resistance, but poor optical qualities as compared to newer technological breakthroughs, such as high index polyurethane plastic 1.60 and 1.66 lenses.

With increasing concern over liability issues, eyecare practitioners and professionals are obligated to discuss and legally inform every patient regarding eyewear safety issues. Therefore, polycarbonate is often prescribed for lens wearers in high-risk professions such as policemen and firemen where the risk of eye injury outweighs the optical disadvantages.

PROS OF POLYCARBONATE LENSES

• high impact resistance
• thinner and lighter than conventional (ordinary) plastic or glass

CONS OF POLYCARBONATE LENSES

• poor optical qualities
• more lens distortion than glass, conventional plastic, and high index plastic
• less scratch resistance than other high index plastics