Question from Lisa
Hi Debra,
I’ve read many of your answers to questions about the safety of plastics, a hot topic these days.
I think the material used often for eyeglass lenses is either polycarbonate or high index plastic.
In addition, teflon or other based coatings are used for scratch proofing, anti-reflective coating, or UV coating. Frames are often made of plastic or have some sort of coating on them.
What are your thoughts on the safety of such materials sitting so close to one’s face all day?
Do you wear glasses personally? And, if so, what kinds of materials have you used for yourself?
Debra’s Answer
Yes, a lot of plastics are used for eyeglasses.
The thing to remember about polycarbonate is that the concern is not outgassing, but leaching into food and water from contact. Since our skin does not contact the eyeglass lens, I don’t believe there is a problem with toxicity during use.
I do wear eyeglasses. Just reading glasses I buy at the drug store. I buy the type with metal frames, not plastic. At the moment I am wearing a pair with metal sides and frameless lenses. Sometimes the metal sides make my skin break out in a rash, but others don’t. Seems to depend on the brand and quality of the metal.
Plastic eyeglass frames, though, are not particularly toxic. Look for frames made from zyl (zylonite, or cellulose acetate). It is actually a plant-based plastic that is made from wood pulp and has been in use for decades.
Other frames are made from propionate, a nylon-based plastic that is hypoallergenic and nontoxic.
