PPG TRIVEX® vs Polycarbonate: New Testing Results Show Superior Performance

PPG today announced the results of comprehensive tests comparing the performance of PPG TRIVEX® lens material to polycarbonate across multiple optical and durability categories. The data showed that lenses made with PPG Trivex lens material exhibited less damage during impact testing, lighter weight, higher optical clarity and better chemical resistance than comparable polycarbonate lenses.

Research Methodology and Objectives

The research was designed to test the impact performance of PPG Trivex lens material against polycarbonate, a popular lens material used in prescription eyeglasses. Data on other attributes, including weight, chemical resistance and key optical data such as Abbe value and birefringence was compiled from earlier research. The findings provide a scientific basis for eye care professionals to recommend lenses made with PPG Trivex lens material as a high-performing alternative to polycarbonate.

Impact Resistance: Superior Protection

Polycarbonate and PPG Trivex lens materials are both classified as high-impact materials under key ANSI Z87.1 and FDA industry standards. However, standard Gardner impact tests showed that polycarbonate received irreversible dimpling damage under high impact forces. The lenses made with PPG Trivex lens material showed minimal surface blemishes at the same impact, demonstrating improved performance for demanding environments such as sports and industrial eyewear.

This superior impact resistance makes PPG Trivex ideal for:

• Sports applications - Golf sunglasses and athletic eyewear
• Industrial safety - Professional and safety applications
• Active lifestyles - Daily wear with enhanced protection

Exceptional Optical Clarity

PPG Trivex lens material demonstrates exceptional optical clarity due to its high Abbe value, a measure of the optical quality of a lens and how well it controls color distortion. This reduces the "rainbow blur" that can appear around the edges of lenses, ensuring consistent sharpness across the entire lens.

Advanced Manufacturing Process

The cast-molding production process further enhances clarity by reducing birefringence, a phenomenon where stress inside the lens bends light in different directions, causing blurriness or distortion. Together, these properties ensure uniform clarity across the lens surface.

For users of Trivex prescription lenses, this translates to:

• Reduced color distortion around lens edges
• Consistent sharpness across the entire lens
• Enhanced visual comfort during extended wear
• Superior performance in demanding visual tasks

Chemical Resistance and Durability

In chemical resistance testing, PPG Trivex lens material remained stable under prolonged exposure to lab solvents, while polycarbonate lenses showed visible surface damage and whitening. These advantages translate to crisp, clear optics, lightweight comfort and enhanced durability for long-lasting performance and improved patient satisfaction.

This enhanced chemical resistance ensures that Trivex sunglasses maintain their optical performance even when exposed to:

• Cleaning solvents and solutions
• Environmental chemicals and pollutants
• Skincare products and cosmetics
• Industrial environments and workplace chemicals

Professional Applications and Benefits

The comprehensive testing results provide eye care professionals with scientific data to support recommending PPG Trivex lens material for patients who prioritize:

• Superior optical performance for professional and recreational activities
• Enhanced impact resistance for sports and active lifestyles
• Long-term durability and chemical resistance
• Lightweight comfort for extended wear

Applications in High-Performance Eyewear

The proven advantages of PPG Trivex lens material make it particularly well-suited for specialty applications where optical performance and durability are critical. Golf-specific eyewear benefits significantly from the enhanced clarity and color accuracy that Trivex provides, allowing for better green reading and ball tracking.

For everyday use, both prescription and non-prescription Trivex lenses offer the combination of lightweight comfort, superior optics, and enhanced durability that active individuals demand from their eyewear.