23/02/2026
Polycarbonate (EN166F) safety lens material is ideal for impact resistance, repelling projectiles propelled its surface and adequately protecting its wearer from ocular injury.
Note however: it does have a significant 'Achilles Heel'.
If in the course of working, any hydrocarbon liquid (i.e. solvents, thinners or oils) which accidentally splash or are wiped on the lens, gaining access to the rim of the spectacle frame, can in a very short time, break the molecular bonds of this normally strong polymer at its edge and render it totally useless and requiring replacement.
Imagine this happening in the first few weeks of wearing your newly purchased prescription safety glasses.
See the following actual examples of characteristic radial cracks in polycarbonate prescription lenses, starting small and becoming bigger....
THE SOLUTION IS TRIVEX LENS MATERIAL - it's as shatterproof as Polycarbonate (EN166F) in its ballistic tests but will withstand even the harshest solvents such as acetone or toluene, fuels, grease, Hydraulic fluid, lubricating fluids, thinners, oils, disinfecting wipes used in medicine and even some alcohol based spectacle lens cleaners.
If during the course of your work there is any risk you could come into contact with any of these listed above, choosing TRIVEX lens material for your safety glasses could prolong the life of your protective spectacles considerably.
Note: TRIVEX lens material is only currently available in Riley and Bolle prescription safety spectacle ranges. See those models here... https://www.safetyspecs.co.uk/select-by-lens-material/trivex