How to order polycarbonate lenses on Visionet?

Select index 1.60 in the configurator (same price), confirm the order, then indicate that you want polycarbonate 1.59 lenses. We adapt without extra cost.

Polycarbonate Lenses: Eyeglasses with Polycarbonate Prescription Lenses (Complete Guide)

The polycarbonate lenses are highly praised for their impact resistance and intrinsic UV protection. They are ideal for polycarbonate glasses intended for children, sports, safety, or active use. At Visionet, we produce polycarbonate prescription lenses on request (native index 1.59).

1Why choose polycarbonate lenses?

Key Advantages

Very high impact resistance (children, sports, safety glasses).
High intrinsic UV protection, useful even on clear lenses.
Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear.
Compatible with most treatments (hard coat, anti-reflective, tints, photochromic, polarized).

Points to Consider

More susceptible to micro-scratches than 1.60 (MR-8) resin for equivalent use.
For pure vision quality, prefer 1.60 (MR-8) resin, which offers better optical quality.
Index 1.59 (close to 1.60): less thin than 1.67/1.74 if maximum thinning is desired.
Rimless frames: suitable as well as Trivex or 1.60 (MR-8) resin, subject to frame geometry and mounting.

In summary: polycarbonate is primarily chosen for safety and robustness. If your priority is thinning, consider MR resins in 1.67 or 1.74.

2For which uses are polycarbonate lenses recommended?

Children & teens: impact resistance, comfort, and daily UV protection.
Sports & outdoor: intense activity, sun exposure, glare (prefer anti-reflective / polarized depending on use).
Safety & high-risk professions: priority on impact resistance (work glasses, DIY).
Full-rim, semi-rimless, and rimless frames: polycarbonate is suitable as well as Trivex or 1.60 (MR-8) resin, subject to frame design.

3Index, thickness, and alternatives

Polycarbonate has an index of 1.59, very close to 1.60 (MR-8). The thinning is comparable to 1.60, but less than 1.67/1.74. If your prescription is strong and the "thin lens" aesthetic is a priority, opt instead for an MR resin 1.67 or 1.74. If your priority is robustness (children, sports, safety) or a rimless frame, polycarbonate is an excellent choice, just like Trivex or a 1.60 resin.

4Ordering your polycarbonate prescription lenses on Visionet

In our configurator, the default indices offered are 1.50 / 1.60 / 1.67 / 1.74. Polycarbonate 1.59 does not appear directly, but we produce it on request at the same price as 1.60.

Procedure: select index 1.60, confirm your order, then inform us by message that you would like polycarbonate 1.59 lenses. We adapt manufacturing without extra cost.

Alternative available: Trivex 1.53 (very resistant and lightweight), also on request. Identical procedure: choose 1.60 then specify "Trivex 1.53" after payment.

5Recommended treatments for polycarbonate lenses

Hard anti-scratch coating: essential for lens longevity.
Anti-reflective coating: improves transparency, contrast, and comfort (screens, night driving).
Tints & polarization: reduces glare (road, sea, snow); very useful for sports/outdoor.
Photochromic: clear indoors, dark in sunlight (everyday versatility).

6Quick comparison: polycarbonate vs. other materials

Material	Index	Strengths	Limitations	Recommended uses
Polycarbonate	1.59 (on request)	Impacts, native UV, lightweight	Not the thinnest option; more susceptible to micro-scratches than 1.60 (MR-8)	Children, sports, safety, rimless frames
Trivex (PNX)	1.53 (on request)	Impacts, lightness, very good for rimless	Less thin than 1.60/1.67/1.74	Rimless frames, active uses
MR-8 (resin)	1.60	Good balance of thinness/solidity, very good optical quality	Less thin than 1.67/1.74	Versatile, thin/rimless frames (depending on design)
MR-7 / MR-10	1.67	Significant thinning	Higher cost than 1.60	Strong prescriptions, aesthetics
MR-174	1.74	Ultra-thin	Higher budget, mounting precautions	Very strong ametropia
Mineral	—	Very scratch resistant, clarity	Heavier, brittle	Specific uses; see dedicated page

7Glossary (quick)

Polycarbonate lenses: Organic material highly resistant to impacts, native index 1.59, intrinsic UV protection.
Index: Indicator of lens thinning; 1.59 is close to 1.60 (comparable thickness).
Trivex (PNX): Light, clear, and very resistant material; performs well in rimless frames (index 1.53).
Hard coat: Surface treatment that limits micro-scratches; remains recommended for most materials.
Polarization: Filtration reducing horizontal glare (road, sea, snow); ideal for sports/outdoor.

8To go further

Compare with mineral: mineral lenses
See our frames: eyeglasses
Back to home: Visionet

FAQ — Polycarbonate Lenses

Are polycarbonate lenses suitable for children?

Yes, their impact resistance and lightness make them an excellent choice for children's and teenagers' glasses.

Is polycarbonate the best option for very thin lenses?

No. Polycarbonate is primarily chosen for robustness. For maximum thinning, prefer 1.67 or 1.74 resins.

Can I order polycarbonate from Visionet even if it doesn't appear in the configurator?

Yes. Choose index 1.60 (same price), confirm, then request polycarbonate 1.59 lenses in your message after payment. We adapt manufacturing without extra cost.

Polycarbonate or Trivex for a rimless frame?

Polycarbonate is suitable as well as Trivex or 1.60 (MR-8) resin for most rimless frames; your optician verifies feasibility based on frame geometry and mounting type.

What treatments to choose for polycarbonate?

Hard anti-scratch coating (essential), anti-reflective, tints/polarization for glare, and photochromic if you often switch between indoors/outdoors.

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Last updated on October 21, 2025 — Editorial: Visionet.