PPG TRIVEX Lens Material Outperforms Polycarbonate in Impact Resistance and Optical Clarity

A study conducted by PPG Industries and HOYA Vision Care found that PPG TRIVEX lens material outperforms polycarbonate in key tests, including impact resistance and optical clarity. HOYA PHOENIX lenses made with PPG TRIVEX showed minimal damage under impact and higher chemical resistance than polycarbonate lenses. The findings support PPG TRIVEX as a high-performing alternative in optical solutions.

A recent study conducted by PPG Industries and HOYA Vision Care has revealed that PPG TRIVEX lens material outperforms polycarbonate in key tests, including impact resistance and optical clarity. The findings, published on August 26, 2025, highlight the superior performance of HOYA PHOENIX lenses made with PPG TRIVEX material compared to traditional polycarbonate lenses [1].

The study, carried out in collaboration between PPG and HOYA Vision Care, evaluated the impact performance of PPG TRIVEX against polycarbonate, a widely used lens material in prescription eyeglasses. The results demonstrated that HOYA PHOENIX lenses made with PPG TRIVEX exhibited less damage during impact testing, were lighter in weight, and offered higher optical clarity and better chemical resistance than comparable polycarbonate lenses [1].

Raymond Hudack, PPG's global business director for optical monomers and coatings, Specialty Products, noted that today's patients have high expectations for their eyewear. Lenses must provide lightweight comfort, exceptional optical clarity, and protection from everyday wear and tear. PPG TRIVEX lens material sets a new standard for high-performance lenses, giving eye care professionals a proven solution to differentiate their practices [1].

The study found that while both PPG TRIVEX and polycarbonate are classified as high-impact materials under ANSI Z87.1 and FDA industry standards, PPG TRIVEX demonstrated superior performance under high impact forces. Polycarbonate lenses received irreversible dimpling damage, whereas HOYA PHOENIX lenses made with PPG TRIVEX showed minimal surface blemishes, indicating improved performance for demanding environments such as sports and industrial eyewear [1].

PPG TRIVEX lens material also demonstrated exceptional optical clarity due to its high Abbe value, which measures the optical quality of a lens and its ability to control color distortion. This reduces the "rainbow blur" that can appear around the edges of lenses, ensuring consistent sharpness across the entire lens. Additionally, the cast-molding production process enhances clarity by reducing birefringence, a phenomenon where stress inside the lens bends light in different directions, causing blurriness or distortion [1].

In chemical resistance testing, PPG TRIVEX lens material remained stable under prolonged exposure to lab solvents, while polycarbonate lenses showed visible surface damage and whitening. These advantages translate to crisp, clear optics, lightweight comfort, and enhanced durability, contributing to long-lasting performance and improved patient satisfaction [1].

Samy Lauriette, HOYA vice president of strategic marketing, emphasized that PPG and HOYA Vision Care's collaboration has been instrumental in bringing best-in-class optical materials to the market. The latest testing underscores their shared commitment to innovation and evidence-based design, providing practitioners with more choices to select materials that optimize patient outcomes and improve lens durability [1].

For more information on the test results, a white paper from HOYA Vision Care and PPG is available.

References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250826825923/ppg-trivex-lens-material-outperforms-polycarbonate-in-impact-resistance-and-optical-clarity-new-study-shows