Which is better, nylon lenses or resin lenses?
When getting glasses, you're always recommended "nylon" or "resin" lenses. Which is right for you? Today's analysis, from material properties to usage scenarios, will instantly transform you into a glasses expert.
1. Material Genetics: One Like Bulletproof Vest, the Other Like Optical Glass
Nylon lenses (made of polyamide) are essentially "translucent plastic armor" and were first used in military goggles. Their dense and elastic molecular structure makes them over 10 times more impact-resistant than ordinary resin lenses. Even a basketball-punched lens won't break them, making them the "toughest lens."
Resin lenses, on the other hand, are made of acrylic polymers with a light transmittance exceeding 92%, approaching that of optical glass. Their advantage lies in their high processability, allowing them to be made into ultra-thin lenses (e.g., with a refractive index of 1.74). However, they are relatively soft and require an additional hard coating.
II. Performance Comparison: Which One Wins in Five Key Dimensions?
1. Weight and Wearability
Nylon: With a density of 1.15g/cm3, it's approximately 13% lighter than resin (1.32g/cm3), making it easier for those with severe myopia to wear.
Resin: High refractive index technology (such as 1.74) allows for even thinner lenses, making it suitable for those seeking the ultimate in lightness and thinness.
2. Impact Resistance and Safety
Nylon: The US FDA mandates that sports eyewear must use nylon lenses, which offer protection against high-speed splashes and are suitable for use in sports such as basketball and cycling.
Resin: Unhardened lenses will leave marks even with a light scratch. Hardened lenses offer improved scratch resistance, but their impact resistance is still weaker than nylon.
3. Light Transmission and Visual Quality
Resin: Its native light transmittance is higher, and with AR coating, its reflectivity can be reduced to below 1%, providing clearer nighttime vision.
Nylon: Its light transmittance is approximately 89%, but high-end models can approach this level through multi-layer coatings.
4. Weather Resistance and Maintenance
Nylon: Resistant to high and low temperatures (no deformation from -40°C to 80°C), and resistant to corrosion from seawater even when swimming at the beach. However, it is prone to static electricity and attracts dust.
Resin: The coating may crack under high temperatures (such as in a car). Wipe it regularly with a special cloth to prevent scratches.
