At Complete Family Eyecare in Prior Lake & Elko New Market, we understand that picking the right lenses for your child’s glasses is just as important as choosing the right frames. The two most common and recommended materials for kids’ lenses are polycarbonate and Trivex—each offering unique advantages in safety, clarity, and comfort.
Polycarbonate Lenses: Safe, Durable, and Cost-Effective
Polycarbonate lenses are a go-to option for pediatric eyewear. Known for their high impact resistance and built-in UV protection, they’re ideal for active kids and everyday school wear. These lenses are:
- Exceptionally shatter-resistant
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Budget-friendly for families
As part of our full-service optical eyewear offerings, polycarbonate lenses are widely available for a variety of frames and prescriptions. For sports or high-activity kids, they offer an excellent balance of safety and affordability.
Trivex Lenses: Advanced Clarity and Visual Comfort
Trivex lenses are a newer material that delivers sharper vision and higher optical clarity. They’re also extremely lightweight and durable, with all the impact protection of polycarbonate—plus added visual benefits:
- Higher Abbe value, resulting in less distortion
- Excellent scratch resistance
- 100% UV protection
We often recommend Trivex for children who need premium optical clarity or wear glasses full-time. You can learn more about this option during your visit to our optical department.
Polycarbonate vs. Trivex: Which One Is Better?
Feature Polycarbonate Trivex Impact Resistance Excellent Excellent Weight Very lightweight Even lighter Optical Clarity Moderate High clarity, less distortion Scratch Resistance Requires coating Naturally more resistant UV Protection Built-in Built-in Cost More affordable Slightly higher
Comprehensive eye exams help us determine the best lens material for your child’s prescription, lifestyle, and comfort level.
Expert Recommendations from Complete Family Eyecare
At Complete Family Eyecare, our team helps families choose the right lenses based on what’s best for the child—not just what’s popular. Here’s what we typically recommend:
- Polycarbonate is a great default option for most kids due to its durability, cost, and UV protection.
- Trivex is ideal for full-time glasses wearers or those with more sensitive vision needs who may benefit from higher clarity.
If your child has a strong prescription, we may also recommend high-index lenses for a thinner, more lightweight look and feel.
FAQs: Children’s Lens Materials
Q: Will polycarbonate lenses scratch easily?
A: Polycarbonate lenses are softer and more prone to scratching than Trivex, so we always apply a scratch-resistant coating to protect the lenses.
Q: Is Trivex worth the higher cost?
A: Yes—especially if your child wears glasses daily or is sensitive to lens distortion. Trivex offers superior visual clarity and comfort.
Q: What if my child has unique vision needs?
A: Our pediatric eye exams are designed to assess your child’s prescription, lifestyle, and preferences, helping us tailor recommendations—including the best lens material for them.
Book Your Child’s Eyewear Consultation Today
If you're searching for the best kids’ glasses in Prior Lake & Elko New Market, we’re here to help. At Complete Family Eyecare, we combine compassionate care with advanced lens technology to make sure your child gets the safest, clearest, and most comfortable vision possible.
Explore our full range of pediatric vision care services or schedule an appointment to get started.