What Are Sunglasses Lenses Made Of? Polycarbonate, CR-39, Nylon and Glass
Lens Technology · Explainer
What Are Sunglasses Lenses Made Of? Polycarbonate, CR-39, Nylon and Glass
Most modern sunglasses use one of four lens materials: polycarbonate, CR-39, nylon or Trivex, and glass. Each one balances weight, clarity, and impact resistance differently. Here is what every material is, how it behaves in daily use, and which one suits you.
In this article
- What are sunglasses lenses made of?
- Polycarbonate lenses
- CR-39 plastic lenses
- Nylon and Trivex lenses
- Glass lenses
- Which lens material should you choose?
- Frequently asked questions
What are sunglasses lenses made of?
Almost every pair of sunglasses uses one of four lens materials: polycarbonate, CR-39, a nylon or Trivex type, or glass. Polycarbonate is light and highly impact resistant, which makes it the most common choice for everyday and active wear. CR-39 is a lightweight optical plastic known for clarity. Nylon and Trivex sit at the premium end for sport and wrap frames. Glass offers the sharpest optics but is heavy and can shatter. The right material depends on how and where you wear your sunglasses.
Polycarbonate lenses
Polycarbonate is a lightweight thermoplastic that resists impact far better than ordinary plastic or glass, which is why it is used in safety eyewear and sports frames. It is naturally UV absorbing and thin, so it feels comfortable over long days. The trade-off is that the raw material scratches easily, so a good scratch-resistant coating matters. For most people buying sunglasses for daily wear, driving, travel, and sport, polycarbonate is the sensible default.
CR-39 plastic lenses
CR-39 is an optical plastic, technically allyl diglycol carbonate, prized for clear and distortion-free vision. It is about half the weight of glass and takes tints evenly, which makes it a favourite for coloured and gradient lenses. It is more scratch resistant than uncoated polycarbonate but less impact resistant, so it suits relaxed everyday use more than high-contact sport. If crisp optics matter more to you than ruggedness, CR-39 is a strong option.
Nylon and Trivex lenses
Nylon lenses are flexible and impact resistant, which is why they appear in wraparound and sports frames that need to flex without cracking. Trivex is a newer material that combines the impact resistance of polycarbonate with clearer optics and a lighter feel. Both sit at the performance end of the range and are built for movement, glare, and durability. If you run, cycle, or play outdoors, these materials earn their place.
Glass lenses
Glass delivers the sharpest optical clarity and the best natural scratch resistance of any lens material. The downside is weight and safety: glass is heavier on the face and can shatter on impact, so it has become less common in modern sunglasses. It still appeals to people who prize optical purity and do not mind the extra weight, but for active or everyday wear most brands have moved to lighter materials.
| Material | Weight | Impact resistance | Optical clarity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | Very light | Excellent | Good | Everyday, sport, travel, kids |
| CR-39 | Light | Moderate | Very good | Relaxed daily wear, tints |
| Nylon / Trivex | Very light | Excellent | Very good | Running, cycling, wrap frames |
| Glass | Heavy | Low | Excellent | Optical purity, slow wear |
Which lens material should you choose?
Start with how you wear your sunglasses. For daily life, driving, and sport, a lightweight impact-resistant lens such as polycarbonate or Trivex is the safest all-round pick. If you mainly want relaxed everyday wear with rich tints, CR-39 is comfortable and clear. Whatever the material, the detail that protects your eyes is UV400, and the coatings on top decide how the lens handles scratches, glare, and smudges. Read our guides on lens coatings and what UV400 means to complete the picture.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
