Ray-Ban Lenses: Under the Protection of Polycarbonate

It all started with glass. Meaning, initially, all lenses were made of glass. But who cares what was once? We don’t prefer a horse simply because it’s an older mode of transport than a car.



The same applies here. Why stick to mineral glass lenses when polycarbonate offers a material that competes with and even surpasses it?

A Gift from the Astronauts

The year 1955 marked the beginning of polycarbonate’s history. Back then (and still now), it was actively used in the aerospace and aviation industries. So what is it?



In simple terms, polycarbonate is a hard, colorless plastic used in the form of granules. In fact, it’s a material from the group of thermoplastics (thermoplastic polymers), which means it can restore its properties when solidified, i.e., it can be recycled (a similar feature is found in the Ray-Ban Liteforce frame).

Thanks to its unique macromolecular structure (from a chemical perspective, it’s a synthetic polymer), polycarbonate has numerous advantages, as we’ll explore below.

Why Optics Needs Plastic

Polycarbonate entered optical production in the 1980s. It has since become so firmly rooted that its popularity continues to grow. And that’s for a reason.

First, it has high impact resistance (10 times that of organic polymers and 200 times that of mineral glass).

Second, it deforms (under strong impact, the lens doesn’t shatter into pieces but simply deforms).

Third, thermal resistance (the lens only melts if heated to 140°C).

Fourth, complete UV absorption.

Fifth, it is lightweight (1.20g per cubic centimeter).

Sixth, thinness (thanks to its refractive index of 1.59, which is higher than other polymers).

Seventh, versatility in shape, color (plastic can be easily colored by adding the necessary amount of dye to the composition), and technology (photochromic, polarized, etc.).

Eighth, this material is ECO-friendly (it is recyclable).

A Bit More Information

Perhaps the only “sin” of polycarbonate is its surface’s sensitivity to scratches. But to solve this, optical experts have developed strengthening coatings: today, they can be multifunctional, including not only scratch-resistant layers but also hydrophobic, oleophobic, or anti-reflective coatings.

Polycarbonate technology is actively used in Ray-Ban optics. Today, many fashionable and recognizable collections include polycarbonate members: Aviator, Erika, Jackie Ohh, Chris, Dylan, and many more.

This material also holds a special place in sports and lightweight collections like Titanium, Active Lifestyle, Highstreet…



So who would benefit from glasses with polycarbonate lenses? People whose lives are constantly at risk of injury (athletes, children), and anyone who cares about the safety of their eyes.

If you’re one of them, Ray-Ban already has a pair of polycarbonate protectors just for you.