Polycarbonate Glasses for Kids: Cost, Benefits, and What You Need to Know

James

Key Takeaways:

Polycarbonate lenses are a safe, lightweight, durable option for children’s glasses.
They usually cost more than standard plastic lenses, but their long-term value makes them a popular choice.
A prepaid vision plan can help to lower out-of-pocket costs for routine eyecare and polycarbonate lenses.

Kids are constantly on the move. Whether they play sports, climb on the playground, or run around with their friends, their glasses need to keep up with their active lifestyle. That’s why many eye health providers recommend polycarbonate lenses for children.

If you’re shopping for your child’s first pair of glasses, you may find that polycarbonate lenses cost more than regular plastic ones. Understanding what makes them different can help you decide whether they’re worth the investment, and how a prepaid vision plan may help you save on your child’s glasses.

What are Polycarbonate Glasses?

Polycarbonate is a durable plastic originally developed for applications that required high levels of impact resistance. Now it’s one of the most common materials used for prescription eyeglass lenses, especially for children. Compared to plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses offer several advantages like impact resistance and UV protection, while also being lightweight and comfortable.

While no material is completely unbreakable, polycarbonate is much more resistant to cracking or shattering than conventional plastic. That’s one reason so many optometrists recommend it for children and teens.

Why are Polycarbonates Popular for Children?

Children’s glasses get bumped, dropped, and manhandled throughout the day. Choosing a durable lens material helps reduce the chance of damage while keeping children comfortable.

Safety is the biggest reason many providers recommend polycarbonate lenses. They’re highly impact resistant, so they’re less likely to break during sports, recess, or daily playtime. It also reduces the risk of eye injuries from shattered lenses.

Children are much more likely to wear their glasses if they’re comfortable. Polycarbonate lenses weigh less than other materials, so they feel lighter on the face. This places less pressure on the nose and ears, which makes it easier for kids to keep their glasses on.

Polycarbonate lenses naturally block over 99% of harmful UV rays without requiring an additional coating. Protecting your kids’ eyes from ultraviolet exposure is important because their eyes allow more UV light to reach the retina compared to adult eyes. Sunglasses remain important outdoors, but everyday prescription glasses with polycarbonate lenses provide added protection whenever possible.

How Much Do Polycarbonate Lenses Cost?

The exact price depends on several factors like prescription strength, lens coatings, frame selection, and the lab you choose for your subscription. In general, when upgrading from standard lenses to polycarbonate, you can expect to add somewhere between $30 to $100. Premium coatings or specialty lenses may increase the overall price even more. Although they have a higher upfront cost, many families find the added durability of polycarbonate lenses worthwhile. Replacing broken lenses can quickly become more expensive than choosing a stronger material from the beginning.

Are There Any Downsides to Polycarbonate Lenses?

There are a few downsides you should be aware of:

Color distortion can happen for strong prescriptions. This creates a blurry effect on the edge of your field of vision. Trivex lenses may be a better option if your child has a strong prescription.
Polycarbonate is prone to scratching, but this can be easily prevented by adding an anti-scratch coating to the lenses.

Can You Save on Polycarbonate Lenses with a Vision Plan?

A vision plan may help reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs for routine eye care and prescription eyewear. You may be able to save on annual eye exams, prescription lenses, frames, and even lens upgrades, depending on the plan.

When comparing vision plans, it can be helpful to look beyond the monthly cost. Review the plan summary to understand what benefits are included, how much you’ll pay at participating providers, and whether your optometrist accepts the plan.

Save on Polycarbonate Glasses With Unity Vision

Polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice for children’s glasses because they combine safety, durability, and comfort. They may cost more than standard plastic lenses, but the long-term value often outweighs the higher initial cost.

You can also save on polycarbonate eyewear with a Unity Vision plan, on top of saving on routine eye exams to keep your child’s prescription up to date. Find out more about plan options and savings here.

FAQ

What are polycarbonate lenses?

Polycarbonate lenses are a type of durable plastic lens designed to resist impact. They are commonly used in children’s glasses because they are lightweight, strong, and provide built-in UV protection.

Are polycarbonate lenses worth it for kids?

Yes, polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice for kids because they are are impact resistant, they feel lightweight, and they protect your child’s eyes from UV rays.

Can a vision plan help cover the cost of polycarbonate lenses?

Yes, many vision plans reduce out-of-pocket costs for exams, frames, and lens upgrades like polycarbonate. Unity Vision plans are an option to consider if you’re looking to save on polycarbonate eyewear for your children.