Sunglasses- Are Glass Lenses Safe?

[pinhead_carlton]

Somehow went the whole last season without a legit pair of sunglasses. Trying to change that this year since I could definitely feel the wear between the days i didn't wear them and did. I know most of the Guys around me are wearing Costa's, Oakley, Pelagic, or Maui Jims which all seem amazing. But most wear Glass lenses which I am a little concerned about given their potential to shatter. Is this something to worry about or am I over reacting?

There seems to be so much upside to glass from their clarity being the key aspect so I'd hate to miss out because a simple worry.

 

[hucklongfin]

I prefer glass lenses. I’ve never broke glass lenses and you see clearer with glass. Oakley lenses aren’t glass!

 

[pinhead_carlton]

I prefer glass lenses. I’ve never broke glass lenses and you see clearer with glass. Oakley lenses aren’t glass!

ever been hit wearing them? I know its a rare occurence but the things that happen on 3/4 days... yikes

 

[hucklongfin]

No… But, I dropped a pair of Maui Jim’s and chipped the lenses. I don’t think they would shatter but they could crack.

 

[Goldfishy]

Check out Costa Del Mar 580 glass lens, they have two types of lenses but stick to the glassed version, check them out at Bart show or website.

I’ve been wearing them for 20 plus years and have both the blue mirror (bright sunny days) and the grey mirror (overcast times) and I’ll switch them out depending on the conditions. I like the sturdy case that comes with each pair.

 

[Capt.C.Delany]

Woot has Costa’s right now. I’ve bought a few pairs. https://www.woot.com/plus/ray-ban-o...entPersonalization&ref_=pe_26713730_709568850

 

[24hourcampfire]

Yes. Until they are not.

Go Trivex.

 

[kzaam1]

I’ve always worn Costas with the polycarbonate lenses because I’ve wondered “what if” about the same thing happening with the lenses breaking one day. And also because the glass lenses are noticeably heavier than the poly lenses. Just got to be a little extra careful to rinse the glasses and lenses thoroughly with water and soap anytime the lenses become caked with salt since they definitely scratch easier.

 

[7emptsT]

I’ve broke glass lenses twice, both costas. Once was kind of my fault, I was on a boat in rough seas coming out of the head with my glasses not on but on top of my head when a decent swell rolled the boat. My head hit the door frame and they cracked, but stayed intact. Next time I was out hiking and my buddy found a cool small stone that he tossed in my direction when his arm got caught on a tree branch. The roach flew straight up in the air and just happened to land dead on my glasses, again on top of my head.
Neither time did the lens break to the point of danger to your eyes.

 

[mrkrabs]

 

[Wandering Blues]

Glass cost more and weighs more. That being said, the clarity & contrast are awesome over any poly lens I’ve ever tried. I’m a huge fan of Costa’s 580G lens line up. My guess is if shattering lenses were an issue, there’d be a commercial from Larry H Parker looking for clients…

 

[wils]

am I over reacting?

yes

ever been hit wearing them?

yes

 

[frijolito]

Smith all the way, guides choice are great. costa are to heavy for me . MJ i like but have been a fan of smith optics for many years.

 

[Crowman]

All glasses have to be tested with a .56oz weight that falls 50 inches that hits the center of the lens before they can be sold in the USA. Costa's 580 glass are one of the best for clarity and scratch resistance plus glass is a step above plastic lens.

 

[Jlmuncie]

Glass and plastic should both meet the same ANSI Z87 standard. Whatever manufacturer you're looking should list it.

 

[spize909]

Back in the day.........I use to wear glass lense Hobies. I was a framer then and wore them to work. Daily sunglasses and nobody ever said a word back then about safety glasses. Anyway I had nails bounce off of them more then once. Both hammer deflects and nail gun deflects. Never broke or chipped them. Maybe I got lucky..

 

[surfgoose]

View attachment 1472741

You should credit me when you post a picture of me!

 

[fishkilr]

Just got to be a little extra careful to rinse the glasses and lenses thoroughly with water and soap anytime the lenses become caked with salt since they definitely scratch easier.

Try to avoid the soap..it gets between the lens and frame and then attracts dirt and grime which deteriorates the frame.
Your 100% correct about rinsing before cleaning any lenses. Usually just water will remove most anything but you can use alcohol or even acetone on polycarbonate, plastic or glass lenses to clean them with no problem ..

 

[kzaam1]

Try to avoid the soap..it gets between the lens and frame and then attracts dirt and grime which deteriorates the frame.
Your 100% correct about rinsing before cleaning any lenses. Usually just water will remove most anything but you can use alcohol or even acetone on polycarbonate, plastic or glass lenses to clean them with no problem ..

Hmm. When you’re out on a big boat, a lot of the time the lenses become flecked with all kinds of crap. Blood, sardine scales, slime, etx etx etx. Water doesn’t get all of that off especially after it’s dried for a couple of hours or however long.

I’ve always rinsed the glasses then rubbed liquid soap that the boats always have in the bathrooms on the glasses and that would get everything off. That seemed to keep my lenses clean and scratch free in the best way possible.

 

[watersdeep]

They are safe but heavy. They start too ware on you after a long day.

 

[fishkilr]

Hmm. When you’re out on a big boat, a lot of the time the lenses become flecked with all kinds of crap. Blood, sardine scales, slime, etx etx etx. Water doesn’t get all of that off especially after it’s dried for a couple of hours or however long.

I’ve always rinsed the glasses then rubbed liquid soap that the boats always have in the bathrooms on the glasses and that would get everything off. That seemed to keep my lenses clean and scratch free in the best way possible.

I Was an optician for 15 years and it was our family business.
When I wasn't with patients selling,cleaning,or adjusting glasses I was in the lab cleaning and inspecting lenses before they were finish cut and have seen what can happen to frames from using soap over time.
Of course soap will clean your frame and lenses however the soap seeps into the lens groove and generally doesn't completely rinse out.
With nylon frames it's not as damaging but with zyl or metal frames the soapy moisture eats away at the frame groove which over time can cause lenses to get loose and cause the frame to break easily around the lens.
When my lenses get paint or blood on em or anything that wont come off with water then alcohol or acetone is the best way to clean em..

 

[frijolito]

Back in the day.........I use to wear glass lense Hobies. I was a framer then and wore them to work. Daily sunglasses and nobody ever said a word back then about safety glasses. Anyway I had nails bounce off of them more then once. Both hammer deflects and nail gun deflects. Never broke or chipped them. Maybe I got lucky..

not to mention the shrapnel plastic from the gun nails. had my glasses off for a few shots and lucky me got a sharp shard of that stuff up under the eyelid.....ER for the win

 

[Madmax22]

Smith all the way, guides choice are great. costa are to heavy for me . MJ i like but have been a fan of smith optics for many years.

Had my first pair for about 6 years, on my second now for about 5 years. They fit and work well IMHO. Will replace them pretty soon as they are getting to that point but still using them. Will keep them for shooting outside or doing yardwork and stuff.

 

[tunakillerjoe1]

I have been using CDM's for some time, but gotta say, I buy a pair, and Costa does not support them. Hammerheads, Howlers, no replacement Costa lenses available. I think the 580G are great, but when I ride my motorcycle, 580P seems safer. I have had glasses blow from rocks. Thinking of trying the Pelagics...hoped to see a booth at hall show, but did not see anyone selling them.

 

[spize909]

I was gifted a pair of the Pelagics last year to give away for one of my charter raffles. They looked like a quality pair of glasses.