Plastic vs Glass Lenses: What’s the Real Difference?
Share
When choosing glasses, most people focus on frames. But the lens material plays a huge role in comfort, safety, and how your glasses feel day to day.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
"Are glass lenses better than plastic?”
The short answer? For most people today—no
Heres the real difference, put simply.
Why Glass Lenses Used to Be Popular
Glass lenses were once the standard because they offered:
- Excellent optical clarity
- Strong scratch resistance
- A solid, durable feel
But lens technology has moved on—and everyday needs have changed.
The Downsides of Glass Lenses
While glass lenses still exist, they come with drawbacks that matter in real life:
- Heavier weight, especially with stronger prescriptions
- Higher risk of shattering if dropped or impacted
- Less comfortable for all-day wear
- Limited suitability for thinner or lightweight frames
Because of safety concerns, glass lenses are very rarely recommended for:
- Children
- Active lifestyles
- Everyday, all-day glasses
Why Plastic (CR39) Lenses Are Now the Standard-And Usually A Better Option
Modern plastic lenses are designed for how people actually live today.
Theyre:
- Much lighter than glass
- Safer (they don’t shatter easily)
- More comfortable for long wear
- Compatible with modern coatings
- Better suited to slimmer frames
- More cost-effective for everyday wear
This is why plastic (CR39) lenses are now the default choice for most prescription glasses.
What About Clarity?
A common myth is that glass lenses are “clearer”.
In reality:
- Modern plastic lenses offer excellent clarity
- Any minor difference is rarely noticeable in everyday use
- Comfort and usability matter far more than theoretical sharpness
For daily wear, plastic (CR39) lenses provide clarity without the weight or risk.
Lens material matters, but coatings play a big role in comfort and clarity too — especially for glare and everyday screen use.
View available options on our Lenses & Coatings page.
Prescription Strength Makes a Difference
Lens material becomes more important as prescriptions increase.
With stronger prescriptions:
- Glass lenses become noticeably thicker and heavier
- Plastic lenses can be paired with high-index options to reduce thickness and weight
This is why plastic (CR39) lenses are almost always preferred for moderate to high prescriptions.
When Would Someone Choose Glass Lenses?
Glass lenses may still suit very specific situations, such as:
- Occasional use only
- People who have always worn glass lenses and don't want to change
But for everyday wear, they’re no longer the practical choice for most people.
Although we only offer plastic (CR39) lenses online, our in-house lab does stock glass lenses. If you would like to explore this option, please contact us and we can arrange this for you, but prices may vary.
The Everyday Reality
Most people want glasses that:
- Feel comfortable all day
- Sit well on the face
- Don’t feel heavy or intrusive
- Work with modern frames and coatings
That’s exactly what modern plastic lenses are designed to do. Choosing plastic lenses isn’t a compromise-it’s choosing what works best for real life.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Browse our Women’s / Men’s / Unisex collections, all designed to work seamlessly with modern plastic (CR39) lenses.
Already love your frames?
Our Reglaze Only service lets you upgrade your lenses without changing your look.
FAQ
I really want glass lenses-how can I order them?
If you specifically want glass lenses, please contact us before ordering. We can confirm suitability and provide a price based on your prescription, lens type, and frame choice.
Can I get glass lenses in bifocal or varifocal?
Yes. Glass lenses can be made with single vision, bifocal, or varifocal prescriptions. Availability depends on prescription strength and frame suitability, which we’ll always check before proceeding.
