Which material is preferred for safety lenses due to its shatter resistance?

The preferred material for safety lenses due to its exceptional shatter resistance is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses are made from a durable thermoplastic that not only offers superior impact resistance but also meets or exceeds the safety standards set by organizations such as the Z87.1 for protective eyewear. This material is particularly beneficial in environments where there's a risk of flying debris or high-impact incidents, making it a popular choice for safety glasses used in various industrial applications.

In addition to its shatter resistance, polycarbonate is also lightweight and provides excellent UV protection, which adds to the overall safety and comfort when worn. While materials like glass and regular plastic may be used for lenses, they do not provide the same level of impact resistance as polycarbonate. Trivex is another good option and has similar properties to polycarbonate, but polycarbonate is typically more widely recognized and utilized for safety applications due to its established performance in shock resistance. Thus, polycarbonate stands out as the preferred choice for safety lenses.