Why Nylon Lenses Are The Future Of Eyewear

Are Nylon Lenses Good?

Yes! They are way better than you might think. There are two types of lenses that you will commonly find inside your eyewear. Those two types are Polycarbonate lenses and Nylon lenses. The differences between the two are massive! The benefits of Nylon lenses could improve the quality of your everyday life and you might not even know about them!

What are Nylon lenses?

Nylon lenses are a type of lens made from nylon material that is commonly used in eyewear. Nylon lenses are also more eco-friendly than polycarbonate lenses. The production process of nylon has less of an environmental impact than polycarbonate, making them more eco-friendly. They are lightweight, impact-resistant, and have excellent optical clarity, making them a popular choice for glasses and sunglasses. 

Nylon lenses are created through a process called injection molding, which involves melting the nylon material and injecting it into a mold. This allows for precise shaping and customization of the lenses to fit specific frame styles and prescription needs.

What are the benefits of Nylon lenses?

Nylon lenses offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for eyewear. One of the main advantages of nylon lenses is their lightweight construction, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Additionally, nylon lenses are highly durable and resistant to impact, making them less likely to shatter or crack compared to other types of lenses. In fact, nylon lenses are even more durable than polycarbonate lenses, which are often touted for their impact resistance.

Finally, nylon lenses provide superior optical clarity, delivering sharp and clear vision without distortion. All in all, the combination of lightweight construction, durability, and clarity make nylon lenses a top choice for those seeking high-quality eyewear.

ABBE Scale and clarity of Nylon lenses

The abbe scale is a measurement of a lens material's ability to refract light, which can affect the clarity of vision. The higher the abbe number, the less chromatic aberration or color distortion the lens will produce. (The higher the abbe value, the better the clarity.)

Nylon lenses have a relatively high Abbe number, which means they produce less chromatic aberration than other common lens materials like polycarbonate or CR-39. Polycarbonate has one of the worst abbe values for commonly used plastics, at an abbe ranking of 30. Nylon has an abbe value of 52. That is almost 60% better than Polycarbonate. For reference, glass has an abbe value of 58. Nylon is a very close second to the level of clarity that glass has. 

This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who require precise and clear vision, such as those with high prescription needs or who work in visually demanding fields. Additionally, the high Abbe number of nylon lenses can reduce eye strain and fatigue, making them a comfortable option for extended wear.

Are Nylon Lenses Polarized?

Yes, they can be! All the lenses we use at Johnny Fly, for our sunglasses are made of nylon and they are all polarized. Polarized lenses are very important. They reduce glair, lower the strain on your eyes, and make your vision more crisp.

Summary

Nylon lenses are a significant improvement over standard polycarbonate lenses. They offer almost 60% more optical clarity. They are also more durable, lightweight, and eco-friendly when compared to polycarbonate. 

They are also highly customizable, allowing for prescription and polarization. When you decide to get your next pair of glasses, make sure they are made with nylon lenses for the best visual performance and long-term value.