What Are CR-39 Lenses? And Why They’re Better Than You Think
Sunglasses are a unique accessory. They were originally created with a clear purpose, to protect the eyes.
Functional ‘sunglasses’ go back almost 2000 years, where the Inuit people of the Arctic carved early snow goggles from bone and wood to protect their eyes from snow blindness.
Fast forward centuries, and the first modern sunglasses were designed with the same idea in mind, protecting eyes from extreme light. But this time it was for pilots who had to deal with very bright glare above the clouds.
Over time, sunglasses became a fashion statement, mixing function with style. But even as a fashion accessory, they’re still important for keeping our eyes safe.
A good lens is crucial here. But with so many options, why did we choose CR-39?
So what is CR-39 exactly?
CR-39 is a type of plastic lens that’s been a staple in eyewear for decades, originally developed for prescription glasses. What makes it special is the combination of clarity, lightweight comfort, and durability.
It’s much lighter than glass but still offers excellent optical quality, which means less distortion and sharper vision across the lens.
CR-39 also has a naturally high resistance to scratches compared to cheaper plastics, and when treated with UV protection, it blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
CR-39 vs other lenses
The most common lenses in sunglasses are polycarbonate, glass, and CR-39. They each have their pros and cons.
Polycarbonate:
Ideal for sports or kids’ sunglasses, nearly unbreakable, lightweight, and inexpensive. The trade-offs are lower optical clarity, edge distortion, potential yellowing over time, and limited scratch resistance.
Glass
Superior optical clarity and scratch resistance, but as you might expect, they are prone to shattering on impact. An amazing choice if you need perfect clarity. Glass lenses are also heavier, which isn’t a bad thing if you like some weight to your sunglasses.
CR-39
The best of both worlds. CR-39 has amazing optical clarity. Not on the level of glass lenses but very close. It also has very high scratch and impact resistance. It’s a great all-rounder that’s perfect for daily wear, beach days, and active lifestyles.
Why did we choose CR-39
When comparing different lenses, CR-39 quickly stood out. It offers a strong combination of durability and optical clarity, which made it the obvious choice for our sunglasses. We wanted lenses that could handle everyday use without scratching easily, while still providing sharp, clear vision, something you can rely on day after day.
