Sunglasses are made to protect our eyes from the sun, but they aren’t indestructible. Heat, pressure, and impact can cause the lenses or frames to crack or break. Understanding these risks can help you choose better sunglasses for your lifestyle and keep them in good shape.
In this guide, we’ll break down what causes sunglasses to shatter and give you tips to keep them safe.
What Are Sunglasses Made Of?
Sunglasses are built from different materials, and each one reacts differently to heat and impact.
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Polycarbonate: Lightweight, very strong, and great for sports or outdoor use.
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Allyl Resin Plastic: Tough and flexible, making it good for everyday use.
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High-Index Plastic: Thinner and lighter than standard plastic but still strong.
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Chemically Tempered Glass: Offers clear vision and strength but can create sharp shards if it breaks.
Frame Materials Matter Too
A strong frame helps protect the lenses. Plastic frames are popular because they’re lightweight and durable. Sunglasses with scratch-resistant coatings or mirror finishes can also reduce glare and damage.
โ Tip: Look for sunglasses that meet ANSI Z87 safety standards. These are tested to withstand impacts and protect your eyes.
Why Do Sunglasses Shatter?
Here are the most common reasons sunglasses break:
1. Extreme Temperatures
Heat and cold can weaken sunglasses.
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In hot places like Atlanta in summer, polycarbonate lenses can expand and soften, making them more fragile.
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Rapid cooling, like going from a hot car to air conditioning, can cause glass lenses to crack.
๐ฅ Example: Leaving sunglasses on a car dashboard can warp the lenses or cause coatings to peel.
2. Physical Impact
Sunglasses can break if they get hit or dropped.
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Accidents, like a dog jumping on you or an airbag going off, can send them flying.
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Lenses made of polycarbonate or high-index plastic resist impact better than regular plastic or glass.
๐ฆด Real-life tip: Use a sunglasses strap when walking your dog to avoid accidents.
3. Poor Manufacturing Quality
Cheap sunglasses often lack strong materials or proper safety testing.
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Weak frames or thin lenses are more likely to break.
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High-quality brands test their sunglasses for durability, often meeting ANSI Z87 standards.
๐ก Pro Tip: Thicker lenses usually hold up better under pressure.
When Are Sunglasses Most at Risk?
Sports and Outdoor Activities
During biking, hiking, or ball games, sunglasses face a high risk of getting hit. Using frames and lenses designed for impact can help. Look for shock-absorbing materials and secure them with a strap.
Rapid Temperature Changes
Shifting from hot to cold quickly (like entering a cold building after being outside) can cause stress cracks, especially in glass lenses.
๐ฆ๏ธ Atlanta Weather Tip: Try not to leave your sunglasses in your car, especially during summer.
Long Sun Exposure
UV rays can weaken the lenses over time.
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Polycarbonate lenses can become brittle after too much sun.
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Mirror coatings may fade or peel.
๐ฆ Protective Tip: Always store your sunglasses in a hard case and out of direct sunlight.
How to Prevent Sunglasses from Shattering
โ Choose Durable Frames
Pick frames made from polycarbonate or allyl resin plastic for strength and comfort. Avoid fragile styles if you’re active or outdoors often.
โ Store Them Safely
Always keep sunglasses in a hard case when not in use. This prevents breakage if they fall off a table or get stepped on.
๐ถ Example: Hannah learned this after her dog knocked her sunglasses onto the ground, causing them to shatter.
โ Add an Anti-Scratch Coating
Scratches weaken lenses and make them more likely to break. Anti-scratch coatings help extend the life of your lenses.
๐งผ Clean lenses before applying the coating to help it stick better.
Myths About Sunglasses Durability
Plastic vs. Glass Lenses
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Plastic lenses (like polycarbonate) are lighter and less likely to break.
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Glass lenses offer better clarity but can shatter dangerously if dropped.
๐ Choose based on your needs. For safety, plastic lenses are the better everyday option.
UV Protection Equals Strength?
Not always. While UV-blocking lenses protect your eyes, it doesn’t mean they’re impact-resistant.
๐ก๏ธ Look for wholesale sunglasses in ANSI Z87-certified for both UV and impact protection, explore at Optics Town!
Conclusion
Sunglasses may seem tough, but they can still break under the right (or wrong) conditions. Whether it’s heat, a sudden fall, or cheap materials, knowing what affects their durability can help you pick the right pair.
To keep your sunglasses safe:
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Choose strong materials like polycarbonate.
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Keep them in a protective case.
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Avoid extreme temperatures.
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Look for ANSI Z87 certification.
With the right care, your sunglasses can last longer and protect your eyes from both sunlight and accidents.
