Eco-Friendly Lenses: Sustainable Eyewear Materials and When Surgery Becomes an Option

A healthy vision is non-negotiable for well-being. Think about how much we rely on our eyes every single day. Working, reading, cooking, driving, and other daily activities require visual clarity. 

Sadly, for many people, this clarity is a far-fetched reality. Severe refractive errors, retinal detachments, cataracts, and glaucoma are among the most common problems. They affect the way we see and experience the world. The right eyewear can help manage the symptoms. 

But not all eyewear is the same. Sustainable eyewear is your best bet. At BLK + GRN, we believe eco-friendly is the way to go. Some materials are better than others, and that’s what we’ll be talking about in this article. 

Why Your Eyewear Materials Matter 

That frame on your eyewear? It's more than a fashion statement. That's why, just like your beauty buys, you should be conscious of your choices.

Frames and lenses are traditionally made using plastic components. They contain petroleum-based chemicals. Your skin absorbs these toxins. You're wasting your all-natural skincare routine if your eyewear isn't doing its part. 

Polycarbonate lenses often contain bisphenol-A (BPA). It's a hormone disrupyor that leaches into the skin. Anti-reflective coatings may have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are forever chemicals linked to different types of cancer and other health problems.

And it's more than just how the materials affect you. There's also growing concern about how it harms the environment. Waste from spectacles and contact lenses poses serious threats. Millions of discarded eyeglasses choke landfills. Petroleum production fuels climate injustice.

But in some cases, even sustainable eyewear may not be enough to solve your vision problems. For example, it may be better to visit a cataract surgery center and go through an advanced procedure to address the issue. We'll talk mre about that later.

Greener Choices: Top Picks for Sustainable Lenses 

Let your eyewear align with your values. No compromises. Below, let’s look at some materials that promise sustainability and effectiveness. They are good for your eyes, skin, and the planet. 

Bio-Based Nylon 

Petroleum-based plastic used to be the norm in conventional lenses. It’s affordable and durable. Not to mention, it’s easy to mold into different shapes. The problem? It’s bad for the environment! 

Bio-based nylon is made from castor beans and swaps petroleum for plants. Petroleum is one of the toxic ingredients we suggest you avoid at all costs in beauty products. It makes sense that they have no place in eyewear as well.

Castor beans are renewable crops that make them an eco-friendly alternative. This means that carbon emissions can be slashed during production. It also contains zero BPA and PFAS. These lenses are featherlight and scratch-resistant. 

Recycled Plastics 

Some people may equate recycled with inferior quality. Others may think of it as second-rate and less durable. But that’s not the case. 

Recycled polycarbonate lenses give a second life to discarded plastics. They use post-consumer waste to reduce landfill build-ups while delivering impact resistance and clarity. 

Concerned about safety and cleanliness? No need to worry. Existing materials are sterilized, melted, and reborn to create optical-grade lenses. They’re decontaminated before processing. They also adhere to strict safety and global standards, provided that you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer. 

Cellulose-Based Acetate 

Cotton and wood pulp are the most common materials used in cellulose-based acetates. They’re more commonly used in frames. But recent advancements are also introducing this material in lenses. 

More than being a renewable and biodegradable resource, this material is also hypoallergenic. They can prevent redness or rashes on your face. The production of the material also avoids phthalates and solvents to reduce chemical exposure. Its soft and skin-friendly surface is also a plus, guaranteeing comfort. 

Low-Toxin Coatings 

Lens coatings have a huge impact on your comfort. The right material is crucial for glare reduction, blue light filtering, and UV protection. Many of the traditional choices contain harsh solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They may cause skin irritation around the eyes. 

Silicone dioxide and titanium dioxide are among the most popular choices. They aren’t exactly zero-impact. But they’re great eco-conscious alternatives to those containing fluorochemicals and heavy metals. 

Safer eye compounds may also be incorporated in lenses to filter blue light. They avoid harsh chemicals while reducing digital strain. 

When Surgery Is The Best Alternative 

Eco-friendly lenses are great. But they don’t solve all problems. Some instances require medical intervention. Here are some cases when surgery is a better choice: 

• Cataracts: A clouded lens causes dimming and blurring of vision. Glasses may no longer sharpen your sight. A clear artificial lens can provide a definitive fix.
• Severe Retractivve errors: Your cornea may thin and bulge into a cone shape. Perscription glasses will change frequently, making them unsustainable in the long run. Surgical procedures like LASIK reshape the cornea for lasting vision correction.
• Severe Ptosis: Drooping eyelids are not just cosmetic problems. They also block your line of sight. A surgical intervention can tighten the eyelid muscle.
• Strabismus: Misalignment happens when the eye muscles don't work together. Glasses with a prism may help at first. Over time, the condition progress, and eyeglasses are no longer feasible. Surgery realigns the muscles to restore depth perception.
• Retinal Tears or Detachment: The thin tissue layer at the back of your eye loosend. This emergency eye problem requires medical attention to.prevent vision loss.

Wrapping Up 

See the beauty of the world with healthy eyes. This is possible with the help of the right eyewear. But they’re not all the same, especially in terms of the materials they use. 

At BLK + GRN, we are big advocates of sustainability. We love everything green, not only when it comes to beauty products. Even your lenses should be made from sustainable materials that are gentle on the skin and good for the planet.