A Guide to Sunglass Lens Materials: OM15, Polyamide & Polycarbonate

When designing a pair of sunglasses, selecting the right lens material is just as crucial as the frame design. The material affects optical quality, durability, comfort, and performance, all key factors in delivering the best possible product to consumers.

At ZEISS Sunlens, we offer three premium lens materials: OM15 (i.e., CR-39), polyamide, and polycarbonate lenses, including polarised versions. Each material is designed to meet specific performance and style needs, ranging from high-fashion eyewear to high-performance sports sunglasses.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences, advantages, and ideal applications for each material, helping you choose the best option for your next sunglass collection.

What is OM15 (i.e. CR-39)?

OM15 sun lenses are a high-quality thermoset resin known for its exceptional optical clarity, similar to mineral glass and colour versatility. This material is widely used in fashion and lifestyle sunglasses, offering both premium visual performance and unlimited customisation possibilities.

Why Choose OM15 Sun Lenses?

For designers and product managers developing fashion eyewear collections, OM15 presents an excellent combination of visual performance, customisation possibilities, and compatibility with various frame materials. It provides exceptional optical clarity while allowing for extensive creativity in lens tints.

Key Advantages:

✔ Superior Optical Quality – Sharp vision
✔ Unlimited Colour & Gradient Options – Easily developed in a wide range of solid tints, gradients, and mirrored effects
✔ Versatile Frame Compatibility – Works well with acetate, metals, wood, injected plastic and mixed-material designs

💡 Best for: Luxury, fashion & lifestyle eyewear
👓 Recommended use: If you're a designer of fashion sunglasses, where clarity and aesthetics are essential, OM15 sun lenses are the perfect choice. Click here to discover more about OM15 sunglass lenses. Its premium clarity and colour adaptability make it a standout choice for everyday wear and luxury designs.

What is Polyamide?

Polyamide sun lenses, also known as nylon sun lenses, are highly durable and flexible, offering a superior strength-to-weight ratio. This material is widely used in both fashion and sports eyewear, thanks to its resistance, comfort, and adaptability.

Why Choose Polyamide Sun Lenses?

For designers looking to balance style, durability, and performance, polyamide sun lenses are an ideal choice. They are lighter than OM15 sun lenses and more flexible, making them comfortable for extended wear. Their impact resistance makes them perfect for dynamic lifestyle designs and sports eyewear.

At ZEISS Sunlens, we offer sustainable polyamide sun lenses, providing the same high-performance benefits while reducing environmental impact, ideal for brands prioritising sustainability.

Key Advantages:

✔ Feather-Light Comfort – Lightweight material
✔ Superior Flexibility & Strength – Maintains shape under extreme conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance
✔ Versatile for Different Designs – Suitable for rimless and V bevel designs, as well as dual lenses, oversized shields, and visors. It is easy to drill and profile, providing designers with greater creative freedom.
✔ Sustainable Innovation – ZEISS Sunlens offers a certified sustainable polyamide, combining high-performance with environmental responsibility.

💡 Best for: Lifestyle, design & sport-inspired eyewear
🚴 Recommended use: If you're designing cycling, running, or fashion-forward sunglasses, polyamide sun lenses offer the perfect mix of flexibility, durability, and comfort. If you are interested in this material for your sunglasses project, click here to receive more technical information regarding the material.

What is Polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate sunglass lenses are exceptionally impact-resistant, making them the preferred choice for sports and protective eyewear. Despite their strength, they are lightweight, even more so than mineral glass ensuring a comfortable fit for all-day wear.

Why Choose Polycarbonate Sun Lenses?

For sunglasses that need maximum durability, polycarbonate sun lenses are the best option. More impact-resistant than both OM15 sun lenses and polyamide sun lenses, they are ideal for high-performance sports, outdoor adventures, and safety eyewear.

Key Advantages:

✔ Exceptional Impact Resistance – Protects against drops, shocks, and harsh conditions
✔ Lightweight Yet Resilient – Despite its strength, polycarbonate remains comfortable for long wear
✔ Versatile in Design – Can be shaped into a wide range of lens shapes, from classic sunglass styles to curved, wraparound, and shield designs for enhanced coverage

💡 Best for: High-impact sports & protective eyewear
⛷ Recommended use: If you're designing sunglasses for extreme sports like skiing, cycling, or adventure sports, polycarbonate sun lenses provide unmatched durability and protection. If you are developing a collection of sports eyewear, click here to read about the benefits of this material.