ARTICLE BY: Dr. John Astles

When I first started practicing optometry back in the early 80’s at least half of the glasses were made with glass lenses –but not now and thank goodness. With better plastic materials, processing and scratch protective coatings, glass lenses have become rarer than a kind thought in a traffic jam. The main problem with glass lenses is that they are more prone to shattering with impact and thus can result in serious eye injury.

Now with materials (at proper thickness) such as polycarbonate and Trivex, ophthalmic lenses, not only correct vision, but serve as a protective barrier for the eyes from trauma. Children requiring glasses are best served by these materials and should only be given anything else if exceptional circumstances warranted. Also, for participants of certain sports, such as squash, it should be mandatory that they wear protective sport glasses with polycarbonate lenses. It is also best for industrial safety.

Interestingly, not only does polycarbonate protect from physical impact but also has the added benefit of absorbing 100% of the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. This is significant because UV light is implicated in contributing to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in seniors).

We have come a long way from the risky glass lenses of the 80’s and before. Hopefully, with further advances, vigilance and education, eye injuries will become rarer than glass lenses.

John Astles O.D is a practicing optometrist in London Ontario’s East London Optometry.