Which lens material is most commonly recommended for children's eyewear due to safety?

Polycarbonate is the most commonly recommended lens material for children's eyewear due to its superior safety features. It is known for being highly impact-resistant, making it less likely to shatter compared to other materials like glass or standard plastic. Given that children are often more active and prone to accidents, the durability of polycarbonate lenses is essential to minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, these lenses are lightweight, which enhances comfort for children who may not tolerate heavier glasses well.

While other materials like high-index plastic and CR-39 offer benefits such as being thinner or having better optical quality, their impact resistance does not match that of polycarbonate. Glass, although providing excellent optical clarity, poses a significant risk of injury because it can break easily on impact. Therefore, when considering safety specifically for children's eyewear, polycarbonate stands out as the best option.