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What Are Trivex Glasses? Pros, Cons, & FAQ

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woman choosing eye glasses

As technology advances, the materials used in our eyewear also improve. Over the years, there have been numerous different types of glasses lens material, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

In the early 2000s, a new type of lens material was introduced to the market: Trivex. Trivex is a lightweight lens material that is known for being impact-resistant. In this article, we will discuss what Trivex glasses are, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.

 

How Does It Work?

Trivex is a type of polycarbonate plastic developed by PPG Industries in 2001. This material was created as an alternative to high-index lenses and had a similar refractive index to 1.53 glass. Trivex is a clear, lightweight material that is about 30% thinner and 8% lighter than regular lens materials. This material is also impact-resistant, making it ideal for safety glasses and sports eyewear.

Trivex lenses were first used in the military and aerospace industries because of their superior clarity and strength. Today, Trivex lenses are commonly used in eyeglasses, sunglasses, and prescription safety glasses. These lenses offer several benefits over other lens materials, including:

These lenses offer several benefits over other lens materials, including:
  • Superior Clarity: Trivex lenses are optically purer than polycarbonate lenses, resulting in better vision.
  • Lightweight: Trivex lenses are up to 8% lighter than polycarbonate lenses, making them more comfortable to wear.
  • Impact-resistant: Trivex lenses are more impact-resistant than polycarbonate lenses, making them ideal for safety glasses and sports eyewear.
  • Shatterproof: Trivex lenses will not shatter on impact, making them a safer option than glass or polycarbonate lenses.
woman aiming at the target wearing shooting glasses
Photo Credit: Svitlana Hulko, Shutterstock

Trivex is a material that is made of layers of polymers. When light hits these layers, it bends the light in a way that makes images appear clearer to the eye. This is similar to how regular glass or plastic works, but the material is specifically designed to offer better clarity and protection.

One of the key benefits of Trivex is that it is very light. This means that glasses made with Trivex are less likely to cause headaches or neck pain from being too heavy. Additionally, the material is extremely strong. It is resistant to shattering, making it a good choice for safety glasses or other applications where impact resistance is important.

Trivex competes with polycarbonate in terms of clarity and strength. However, Trivex is generally more expensive. This is because the manufacturing process is more complex, and the material itself is less common.

Do you need Trivex glasses? That depends on your needs. If you require impact-resistant eyewear or if you are particularly sensitive to the weight of your glasses, Trivex may be a good option. However, if you are looking for the most affordable option, polycarbonate is typically the better choice.

What Are the Different Types of Trivex Glasses?

Trivex glasses are made with a material that is shatter-resistant, making them ideal for people who are looking for safety and durability.

There are three different types of Trivex glasses:
  • Standard Trivex Glasses: These are the most common type of Trivex glasses, and they offer a basic level of protection. They are made with a shatter-resistant material that can withstand impact, and they have a UV coating that helps to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Polarized Trivex Glasses: These are the most common type of Trivex glasses, and they are designed to reduce glare from the sun or other bright light sources. They are perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and driving.
  • Transition Trivex Glasses: These glasses are designed to darken in response to sunlight, making them ideal for use both indoors and outdoors. They are a good choice for people who spend a lot of time in both environments.
  • Photochromic Trivex Glasses: These glasses are designed to change color in response to sunlight. They are perfect for people who need eyeglasses that can adapt to different light conditions. If your eyes are sensitive to sunlight, photochromic glasses may be a good option for you.

Trivex glasses are a great option for people who are looking for safety, durability, and style. There are three different types of Trivex glasses, each offering different levels of protection and style.

Standard Trivex glasses offer the basic level of protection, while polarized and photochromic glasses offer enhanced protection from the sun and glare. If you are looking for a versatile pair of glasses that can be worn in any situation, Trivex glasses are a great option.

woman wearing eye glasses
Photo Credit: Piqsels

Where Is It Used?

Trivex is an ophthalmic lens material made of polyolefin and triethylene glycol diacrylate. It was developed by PPG Industries in 2001.

Trivex is a urethane-based polymer that is soft and pliable. It is also UV resistant and has a high oxygen permeability. Trivex is used in a variety of ophthalmic lens products, including single vision lenses, progressive addition lenses, and photochromic lenses.

Advantages of Trivex Glasses

There are many benefits to wearing Trivex glasses, including:

Pros:
  • Reduced optical aberrations for clearer vision
  • Anti-reflective coating for reduced glare and improved visibility
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Available in prescription and non-prescription versions

Thanks to these benefits, Trivex glasses are an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high-quality eyewear option.

woman using reading eye glasses
Photo Credit: Image Point Fr, Shuttertock

Disadvantages of Trivex Glasses

There are a few potential disadvantages to wearing Trivex glasses, including:

Cons:
  • They may be more expensive than other types of eyewear
  • They may not be available in all prescription strengths
  • The frames may not be available in all styles

While there are plenty of reasons to invest in Trivex glasses, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making your final decision.

And because Trivex lenses are more expensive than traditional glass or plastic lenses, you might want to look into polycarbonate if you’re searching for affordable glasses.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Trivex glasses?

Trivex glasses are a type of eyewear that is designed to provide the wearer with clear vision and comfort. They are made from a material called Trivex, which is a lightweight, strong, and impact-resistant polymer.

Moreover, Trivex glasses are available in both prescription and non-prescription versions and can be used for a variety of activities, including reading, driving, and playing sports.

man wearing glasses while working
Image Credit: evandromota56, Pixabay

How do Trivex glasses work?

Trivex glasses work by bending light in a way that allows the eye to see clearly. The material used in the construction of Trivex lenses is specifically designed to reduce optical aberrations, resulting in clearer vision.

In addition, the lenses are treated with an anti-reflective coating that helps to reduce glare and improve visibility.


Are Trivex glasses right for me?

Trivex glasses may be a good option for you if you are looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and durable pair of eyewear. They are also a good choice for people who participate in activities that require clear vision, such as driving or playing sports.

If you have a prescription, you can get Trivex glasses in both prescription and non-prescription versions.

Summing Up

Trivex is quickly becoming the preferred material for eyeglass lenses. The material is lighter and more impact-resistant than regular plastic, making it ideal for people who are active and are looking for a durable pair of glasses.

Not only that, but Trivex is also more optically pure than regular plastic, meaning that it will provide you with clearer vision. So if you’re in the market for a new pair of glasses, be sure to ask your optician about lenses made from this cutting-edge material.


Featured Image Credit: George Rudy, Shutterstock

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.