When you get a new pair of glasses frames, you usually look into the material of the lenses. First of all, think about your optometrist appointment, stick to your prescription, choose new frames, and consider extras like anti-reflective coating or progressive lenses. But don’t forget about the lens material! It’s essential to know how to treat and repair them if they get scratched or damaged. So, are your lenses plastic or glass? Finding out isn’t complicated, and we’ll go through a few simple ways to do it together. Let’s get started!
Ways to determine the nature of lenses
We have many ways to check the manufacturing nature of the lenses. But, in the next passages, we will tell you about the 5 most common and easy steps to know about the reality of any lenses. It will not only help you to find the one that is good for your personality but will help you to find the better one.
Are glass lenses more affordable than plastic lenses?
In many cases, plastic lenses are cheaper than glass ones. Because of the materials and manufacturing procedures used, glass lenses might be more costly. Plastic lenses offer a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing optical clarity.
1. Tap your lens with a metal object:
One of the easiest ways to notice the difference between a plastic and a glass lens is to tap the lens with a metal object to detect how the material sound on light, sharp impact. Plastic material is soft, and it doesn’t produce sound the same way glasses do when struck. On the other side, glass makes a sound or a soft *tink* sound on tapping with a metal object, and glass creates a sound of “thud” on tapping. To test this task, you have to take a small object, hold the glasses with two fingers, and gently tap one of the lenses on the object. If the sound produced is clear and pitched, then most likely, the lens is of glass material; otherwise, it could be a plastic material.
2. Check the lens’ weight:
If all of the tricks mentioned above didn’t clear or reveal the truth about whether the glasses are made of plastic or glass, then there is one testing method that will reveal the truth and clear all your confusion. Glass material is inherently heavier than plastic. Most significantly, the heavier the lenses are, the more likely they are glass as compared to plastic.
3. Check Temperature:
Plastic and glasses lenses have the same function but some very distinct differences. Not only are they different in producing sound, but they also handle the temperature differently. Plastic lenses resist any temperature change, but glass material is much thinner, a smoother surface, and holds heat or cold much more efficiently. You can test it by noticing that if you live in a place with a cold climate, your glasses’ lenses will be noticeably cold on the touch, while the plastic frames have a neutral temperature. If you live in a somewhere warmer place, you notice your lenses are warm. You can test it manually by placing the glasses in the fridge for just 5 minutes. If the lenses are cold when you take them out, they are sure of glass material. Otherwise, they are plastic.
What are the recommended lens temperatures?
However, it is generally reasonable to assume that glass lenses will operate according to specification from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius and hybrid or plastic lenses from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius.
4. Ask Optician:
After all the testing, if you can’t figure out or are not sure about whether glasses are made of plastic or glass or want to be absolutely sure about it before using the glasses, then you can ask an optician. They’ll surely help you figure out the material of the glasses; they’ll also help you pick the perfect frame and help you fit the glasses according to your face shape and skin tone.
How do opticians assess eyewear?
To establish the proper width, length, size, etc., the optician will take all of your measurements. Additionally, you may check the measurements on the glasses themselves in the future if necessary: Your eyewear’s temple arms, bridge, and lens width are all stated.
5. Tap on your tooth
Another effective and time-honoured method of testing the material of a lens is to tap it against your tooth. This method is popular because it is easy and readily available to every person. The question, “Are my lenses plastic or glass?” is existing since the invention of plastic frames. On the other hand, it is the most helpful method passing through generations and has reasonably reliable results. As this tool is always available to everyone, all you need to do is tap the lens against your teeth. If the lens produces the sound of “tink,” as mentioned above, it would be glass. On the other hand, if they make the sound of “thunk,” they are plastic material.
Conclusion:
Glass or plastic lenses: durability, weight, and scratch resistance helps us to make a final decision. Hopefully, these techniques will clear up all your confusion and allow you to detect the material of your lenses easily. Your needs will determine whether you choose plastic or glass lenses. Spend some time to think about the qualities that are most important to you in choosing lenses for yourself, and then select frames. These tricks will make it easy to decide.
Which lenses are better to use plastic or glasses?
According to most people, glass lenses are the better option, as they provide better transparency and are not prone to distortions. Additionally, they are not affected by scratches compared to plastic lenses.
