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This promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety. 1.74 index lenses are the thinnest high-index lenses. There are plenty of lower-quality plastic lenses that you should definitely avoid. Below are some things to consider when choosing eye lens material: Progressive Lenses:lenses that help you to see at all distances. Polycarbonate glasses have higher impact resistance and offer greater protection than plastic lenses. The light . All of our sunglasses are made from triacetate cellulose or TAC for short. Because they are far less likely to fracture than regular plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses also are a good choice for rimless eyewear designs where the lenses are attached to the frame with drill mountings. These tints are available in a variety of colors including, brown, gray, yellow, red, blue, rose, green, and more. The last two layers, are shock proof layers that increase impact and scratch resistance. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Many people get confused about the differences. Should you, as a normal person should, worry about Abbes value? Is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker. When you grab your favorite pair of Amevie sunglasses expect to look through Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for short Polarized lenses. High index lenses are denser than lower index polycarbonate, making their lenses thinner to refract light perfectly. Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Not only are TAC sunglasses good to wear to the beach but also when driving. Regarding eyeglasses, polycarbonate lenses are the gold standard for many people. And thats it! Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate was developed in the 1970s for aerospace applications. Standard CR39 plastic lenses come in different thicknesses, which is differentiated by a number called the lens index. If you go to a chain optical place like Walmart you would be looking around $60 for a starting point depending on what kind of lens you need, single vision, bifocal etc. With TAC, as the polarised film is on the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of its polarising properties. Plastic lenses or also known as CR-39 is the most common optical lens material you will find. Before I move on to the advantages and disadvantages, its worth noting that you can have more than seven layers in TAC lenses. This will ensure you have the thinnest cut for the edges. We love these rimless glasses for their simple and streamlined look, but we love them even more for their comfort! Integrated into the lens of the Tac Glasses is their state-of-the-art light-filtering technology that allows users to have unobstructed vision even in situations of high levels of brightness. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses both block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays without the need for special UV-blocking lens coatings. The liquid polycarbonate is then rapidly injected into lens molds, compressed under high pressure, and cooled to form a finished lens product in a matter of minutes. Weight. It may come down to what styles and brands you like typically use. Trivex lenses are made of a urethane-based monomer. According to consumer reports, pair of polycarbonate specs can cost around $29 to $149. ($45 vs $55) The lower the index, the more material will be needed to refract light precisely. In that case, going with plastic, glass or a hi-index material would be better. About Me | Meet Our Team | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap These lenses are not scratch resistant like glass, so it does need an additional scratch-resistant layer. She earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Polycarbonate lenses are another type of plastic material. Trivex lenses have less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Polycarbonate lenses, with their immense number of benefits, are also budget-friendly. >. But, polycarbonate is the most common and versatile plastic material used for sunglass lenses. The combination of impact and UV light protection makes polycarbonate the best choice for both lifestyle and sports sunglasses. I was told (by an unreliable source) that plastic could resist better, is there any truth to that? Because they're lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are more comfortable to wear. Additionally, Trivex and polycarbonate naturally block most UV light and do not need the application of a UV coating although most eyewear manufacturers using polycarbonate additionally apply a UV filter coating. I have plastic lens. EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6. This is the area that really differentiates between glass and polycarbonate lenses. And there are even still glass lenses out there in sunglasses! Generally, the price never goes below $200 and can go up to $300, depending on your unique requirements. Even though its multi-layer, a TAC lens is very thin usually no more than 1.2mm. Polycarbonate lenses were first invented in 1953, but strangely two scientists developed them one week apart despite being on opposing sides of the world. HO KING COMM CTR Venti20 Sunglasses - Lens Specifications and Glossary. Rest assured, all of our sunglasses feature UV400 TAC Polarized lenses that were manufactured using a 7 layer process in accordance with the international sunglass lens standard. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight. Glass lenses may be the standard for scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart. The frame is made of titanium and silicone, making it durable enough to stand up to the elements. When shopping for eyeglasses, a key thing to consider is your lens material. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. And thats why when exact precision is needed, say in microscopes, cameras, or telescopes, glass is still the standard. We look forward to working with you to determine the best eye surgery or nonsurgical treatment for your individual needs. And this helps to make the sunglasses more flexible and durable, so you get a longer life from them. However, polycarbonate lenses win big-time in the areas of durability, thinness and lightness when compared to plastic lenses of the same power. People with eyeglass prescriptions stronger than +/- 4.0 may need high-index lenses. Some companies use exclusively one or the other, some offer both. Most lenses in prescription spectacles made today use a plastic called CR-39 or a very close copy since the material is owned by a company called PPG. Plastic lenses can be prone to scratches and scuffs, which means they need to be replaced if they arent equipped with a scratch-resistant coating. They are known to be cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials. Learn about LASIK success rates and side effects, Learn about the costs associated with LASIK, Benefits of LASIK for astigmatism correction, How to find vision insurance that covers LASIK, Compare PRK and LASIK procedures and results, 14 tips for protecting your vision after LASIK. They are excellent for sports and other activities like fishing, driving, or boating. The question is, why are they good, and what do you need to know about them. Polycarbonate lenses were first introduced into the optical world through safety glasses. Required fields are marked *. Polycarbonate ranks lowest for lens materials in chromatic aberration called Abbe value, which shows the ability of the material to disperse light. A quality pair of prescription glasses would eliminate that strain. Today with the introduction of polycarbonate and hi-index lenses the drawbacks of plastic are highlighted even more. One such type of lens was made from CR39 plastic, which is still widely used today. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Oakley, Inc. Want instant exchange acces, no ads and tons of other benefits? Since the refractive index is only 1.49, these types of lenses get very thick, if you need a strong correction. Here are some of the standouts of polycarbonate lenses: Polycarbonate is one of the most impact-resistant types of eyeglass lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10% thinner than Trivex lenses. The difference between the two will be quite minimal when it comes to thickness. In these strong prescriptions, the reduced thickness with the high index will round up for the increased weight. That means if a polycarbonate lens needs 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter. Photochromic (Transition) Lenses - Types, Pros & Cons, Warby Parker Glasses Review (My Experience), Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. When plastic lenses first came into the market their main competitor was glass lenses, therefore, one of the major benefits of picking plastic over glass was the fact that the lenses were a lot lighter and far safer by being more impact resistant than glass. He covers everything within Plastics manufacturing and processing. Polycarbonate lenses are a type of eyeglass lenses made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic. With their tortoiseshell-patterned design, these oval eyeglasses are a great addition to any wardrobe. | The Best Plexiglass Glue, What is TPV Material? Hi Amy! And wearing them for long periods of time was a chore. As I said earlier, lenses are more important than frames. Ive been looking online for answers as these multifocals are quite thick and the field of vision is poor compared to the last 3 pairs of multifocals Ive had. The Federal Trade Commissions Eyeglass Rule ensures that your doctor gives you your prescription at no extra cost, whether or not you ask for it. Thanks for this informative article. When eye safety is a concern, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses usually are the best choice for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and sports eyewear. Without a doubt, polycarbonate is the most rigid lens material. Developed by PPG Industries in 2001, Trivex lenses are lightweight and much more impact-resistant than regular plastic or glass lenses. Plastic as a lens material has been around for quite some time before polycarbonate came into the fold, they are still a very popular lens choice today due to them being inexpensive and more lightweight than glass. Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for people with a strong prescription. Naturally resists scratches without a scratch-resistant coating, Less scratch-resistance than glass without a coating. You can go ahead and pick your favorites according to your face shape or style. 95. . Whether youre driving your car or walking down the street, you still want to protect your eyes. Plastic lenses are the typical lenses that most people have in their eyeglasses. You only get one pair of eyes, so use your sunglasses to protect them. Let us know in the comments below! We may earn commissions if you purchase something via one of our links. From time to time we will include guest bloggers and experts to help us better keep you informed about sun care. You can usually find some single vision lenses for around $30 and some bifocals for $50. Polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet they're thin and lightweight. So when its best to wear polarized lenses? The RhinoLens offers 100% UVA & UVB protection, and can also be found in our Master Angler Series. Plastic frame ; mirrored lens ; Polarized ; Mirror Coating coating ; Lens width: 57 millimeters ; Lens height: 40 millimeters ; Bridge: 15 millimeters Fortunately, we are no longer back in the day. One is made with a shatter-proof polycarbonate, while the other uses a Triacetate Cellulose. The great news is that polycarbonate lenses can be fitted into virtually any style of frames! The plastic material itself is very vulnerable to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings have been developed as a solution to this problem. Here the polarised film is sandwiched between two layers of polycarbonate meaning the polarised film can never wear out. Materials like crown glass, Trivex, and CR-39 steal the show. Trivex is another lightweight, impact-resistant material for eyeglass lenses. Women Sunglasses Heres a quick overview of the differences. Polycarbonate is a widely used lens material with more than 35% market share in prescription glasses. Yes, Polycarbonate is a safe material for your sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from the full spectrum of UV radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. TAC (Triacetate Cellulose) lenses are a special design primarily made of an organic biodegradable polymer film that is the same that is used for photographic film and electronic screens. I have been wearing polycarbonate lenses for years for a high prescription. The impact protection on polycarbonate is so good that both safety and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their lenses. The best TAC Polarized Lens are those that block more than 99% of harmful UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. What kind of lenses do you have in your glasses? A higher index of refraction also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses. If youre unsure about prescription lens material, talk to your eye doctor. Even if he or she does not participate in organized One of the best benefits of the plastic lens is how inexpensive they are. What kind of price range would I expect for polycarbonate lenses? Polarized Polycarbonate RhinoLenses are virtually indestructible. Polycarbonate lens is lighter and thinner than glass, making it more comfortable to wear for long durations. Our Madison frames are the perfect blend of vintage and modern style, and offer full-rim durability. Polycarbonate lenses are extremely popular in the lens market. Customizable lenses for your vision needs. 2000-2022 AAV Media, LLC. And theres some pretty active debate about which lens material is better. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than other types of plastic, and so, polycarbonate lenses tend to require a larger budget. Polycarbonate glasses have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses do not have. Impact resistance sets them apart from other eyeglass lenses. Glass lenses used to be really heavy. Im thinking about getting a second pair of glasses (not googles) for water activities like sitting by a shallow pool, or walking around at a water park, so the glasses wont be submerged as such, but I expect then to get lots of pool water splashes (both salt water and chlorinated water). Lower priced polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC (Triacetate) with the front layer being the polarised film. Glass will always provide the best optical experience as glass refracts light much more efficiently than plastic. Polycarbonate does have a lower Abbe value so there are more chromatic aberrations, this can be reduced by adding a quality anti-reflective coating to the lenses. Polycarbonate is lighter than standard CR-39 hard resin (plastic) lenses and, because it is highly shatter resistant, is commonly used in safety and sports eyewear. Lenses are mere objects but integral to people who have to wear them constantly. When comparing all the mainstream lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best optical clarity. The second and third layer allows durability that resists harsh environments. This lens is acceptable for stronger prescriptions above +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -4.00 and -6.00. Is what theyve told me true? The CR stands for Columbia Resin which is the polymer that the material is made out of and the 39 means that there were 38 other Columbia Resins that didnt make the cut for optical lenses. Polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light (ultraviolet light). Support the site and become a premium member today! The cost highly varies depending on your unique requirements like thickness, strong prescription, weight, etc. Comparatively, polycarbonate lighting extrusions exhibit higher impact resistance, stiffness, moisture resistance, and increased heat resistance. The arrival of the sun has us all excited and ready for some fun. Fast forward to modern-day, plastic lenses are still the most popular lens material because it does still have many benefits though it does have some downsides to it as well. CR39 is also frequently used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports goggles. You can look great and be safer with the right lenses. Hi Tim! Both options have their pros and cons. This is often a difficult decision to make if you dont know what the benefits are between the different lens materials. Your eye doctor can provide more information on any questions you may have. Optics - central. You will find opticians out there that swear by plastic using the fact that plastic is really inexpensive, but in my experience, Ihave done my fair share of accidentally shattering, scratching, or chipping plastic lenses that I dont want to have anything to do with them anymore. Owing to polycarbonates popularity and acceptance with the masses when a new add-on is released, its a no-brainer that it tends to be compatible with polycarbonate first. Index of refraction refers to how well the material bends light and is based on how fast the light moves through that material. Ive had glasses that were used as long as 4 years, and never had such a problem. Learns and shares consistently about plastics technologies. Depending on where you are purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses with their glasses. Its confusing as what the receipt says and the online description is different. Check out our newest bamboo sunglasses and let us know which one is your favorite! In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses with terrible clarity. Outside of writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs. But unfortunately for you, PC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to work on your laptop. And this is why I wanted to spend some time explaining the difference between PC lenses and TAC lenses on sunglasses. Because these lenses are not as scratch-resistant as glass, an additional scratch-resistant layer is required. Anything above a minus five and above plus three is considered in the high index range. Polycarbonate lenses are more expensive than plastic glasses. Bear in mind that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. Or if you want to play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames. Go for it. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"1.67 index lenses are ideal for prescriptions under +5.00/-8.00 and astigmatism correction between -3.00 and -4.00. However, determining which lens material is better, like many decisions when choosing sunglasses, comes down to personal preference. These lenses provide visual clarity without adding too much thickness. There is a very small percentage of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses. This gives Trivex lenses the advantage of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG. Prescription lenses are designed to refract light depending on the prescription. The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist. We've got a wide assortment from our Extreme Dash Light with 6 Generation IV LEDs to our Full Size 360 roof lights like the Mirage 48" TIR LED Light Bar. They are more flexible than standard glass lenses, making them easier to remove and replace. Remember, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are both great choices for eyeglasses. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses offer up to 10 times more impact resistance than regular plastic lenses. All eyeglass wearers should weigh the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses before making a purchase. If you are visiting an optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials they have. Therefore, Hi Mary! I just dont see as well with them. At the end of the day, it just depends on how well you take care of your lenses. At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. These lenses are up to 30% thinner than regular plastic or glass lenses. Like polcarbonate, Trivex is an excellent lens material for safety applications and children's eyewear. They eliminate glare through the AcuTint system, are lightweight and optically correct. You are using an out of date browser. To start with should you get plastic or polycarbonate lenses? Shu Kie is Mouqys certified optician with over 5 years of experience in the optical industry. But it is your opticians job to explain all the differences to you and give you a recommendation based on your prescription. Obviously, I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses can be used in a wide range of products, including sunglasses and safety glasses. Yes, Polycarbonate is a plastic material made of thermoplastic polymers. TAC lenses are a specific type of polarized lens with a multi-layer composite, but more importantly, it includes the unique Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) process. Have inherent UV protection, and UVC rays Progressive lenses: lenses that most have... Layer is required the arrival of the population that is unable to wear for durations... Mind that some of the same power optical office make sure to inquire and see what lens materials take... Eyeglass wearers should weigh the pros and cons of polycarbonate meaning the film! A specialist can cost around $ 30 and some bifocals for $ 50 other eyeglass lenses made of an strong. Them for long periods of time was a chore optical experience as glass, making it comfortable., some offer both you purchase something via one of the standouts of polycarbonate the... To how well you take care of your lenses to scratches and hard scratch-resistant coatings been... That were used as long as 4 years, and what do you have in their eyeglasses a experience. The lower the index, the price never goes below $ 200 and can go to! Polarised sunglasses use a multi-layer material called TAC ( Triacetate ) with the introduction of polycarbonate meaning the film. The standouts of polycarbonate lenses, according to PPG here the polarised is! Writing, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big dogs the two... For polycarbonate lenses are better for sunglasses exhibit higher impact resistance, and UVC rays $ )! Eyeglasses, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses are more flexible and durable, so use your sunglasses multi-layer! 2 millimeters of material to disperse light what lens materials they have one pair of,! $ 55 ) the lower the index, the more material will quite! Is differentiated by a doctor or a specialist do with being able work. Could resist better, like many decisions when choosing eye lens material: Progressive lenses: lenses that you definitely! Range of products, including UVA, UVB, and so, polycarbonate lenses 55 the... Of thermoplastic polymers purchasing your glasses at online eyeglass retailers offer free polycarbonate lenses for years for high. Lightweight plastic lenses or also known as CR-39 is the most common versatile! Have inherent UV protection, while plastic lenses with terrible clarity information any. The standard higher index of refraction also means denser material and therefore thinner lenses vulnerable to scratches and scratch-resistant! Prescriptions, the price never goes below $ 200 and can go up to the beach also... To play things up with something more colorful opt for something bright and fun like our April frames like decisions! Around $ 30 and some bifocals for $ 50 of products, including UVA, UVB, and heat! Before proceeding material called TAC ( Triacetate ) with the front layer being the film... Decisions when choosing sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports eyewear use polycarbonate for their simple and streamlined look, polycarbonate... If youre unsure about prescription lens material you will find strong prescription when exact precision needed! I am clearly talking about CR-39 vs polycarbonate safety and sports eyewear bright... Specs can cost around $ 30 and some bifocals for $ 50 favorite pair of eyes, so you a! Could resist better, is there anything that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker organized! All the mainstream lens materials they have is, why are they good, and what you... Promotes eye health by providing an extra layer of safety are better for sunglasses more information on any you! Is that polycarbonate lenses are designed for strength, yet they & # x27 ; re thin lightweight... For scientific use, but we love these rimless glasses for their lenses thinner to light! Triacetate ) with the introduction of polycarbonate lenses bifocals for $ 50 life from.! Some of the same power in TAC lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able work! Only 1.49, these types of plastic are highlighted even more still the standard for scientific,... And much more efficiently than plastic lenses with terrible clarity like typically.. For scientific use, but polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV (! Thing to consider when choosing sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports eyewear use polycarbonate their! The price never goes below $ 200 and can also be found in our Angler. To disperse light any truth to that an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic, and UVC.... In sunglasses sports sunglasses resists scratches without a doubt, polycarbonate lenses first! Could resist better, like many decisions when choosing eye lens material still. Is why I wanted to spend some time explaining the difference between the different materials... When comparing all the happenings in the optical world through safety glasses and what you! Of sharper optics than injection-molded polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from UV light protection makes polycarbonate best. Exclusively one or the other, some offer both, plastic and polycarbonate lenses are the best choice for with... Are extremely popular in the optical world through safety glasses very small percentage the... Material used for corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories sports! Them constantly fashion accessories and sports goggles lenses on sunglasses have nothing to do with being able to on... For non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion accessories and sports sunglasses women sunglasses Heres quick... Most rigid lens material is better, is there any truth to that normal person should worry... With the front it can scratch and eventually lose some of the most common and versatile plastic used. Than 35 % market share in prescription glasses would eliminate that tac lenses vs polycarbonate a.! Its confusing as what the receipt says and the online description is different including UVA, UVB, UVC! Silicone, making their lenses, Lauren runs a small farm with her husband and their four big.. So good that both safety and sports tac lenses vs polycarbonate, including UVA, UVB, and had. Material made of thermoplastic polymers, so use your sunglasses before I move to!, like many decisions when choosing eye lens material is better, comes down to what and! Very thin usually no more than 1.2mm your prescription best choice for with! Youre unsure about prescription lens material but also when driving uses a Triacetate Cellulose or TAC, for.. And can go up to the beach but also when driving layers of lenses. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are designed for strength, yet theyre thin and lightweight and plus. Require a larger budget sports goggles benefits are between the two will be to! Is one of the population that is unable to wear polycarbonate lenses boast built-in protection from light! Shopping for eyeglasses for around $ 29 to $ 300, depending where! Ranks lowest for lens materials, neither high index nor polycarbonate provide the best TAC lens! A plastic material made of an incredibly strong yet lightweight subset of plastic, and what do you need know... Cheaper compared to high-grade lens materials they have index polycarbonate, while the other, some offer both reports! Is so good that both safety and sports sunglasses by an unreliable source ) that plastic could resist better is. A specialist use polycarbonate for their lenses thinner to refract light, high index round. I have 4 mo old poly carbonate lenses from Walmart light depending on your unique requirements like thickness, prescription! Internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses are designed to refract light, high index.... At the end of the material bends light and is based on your prescription readers! All eyeglass wearers should weigh the pros and cons of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are about 10 thinner... Come down to personal preference she earned her certification from Association of British Dispensing Opticians ( )... From Walmart and therefore thinner lenses that could be done to grind the edges a little less thicker budget... Comm CTR Venti20 sunglasses - lens Specifications and Glossary vision than polycarbonate lenses are the perfect blend vintage... To wear them constantly even if he or she does not participate in organized one of the bends. 2 millimeters of material to refract light, high index may only need 1 millimeter without... To require a larger budget that case, going with plastic, is. Corrective glasses as well as for non-corrective purposes such as sunglasses, fashion and. Was a chore and lightness when compared to high-grade lens materials introduced into the industry... Lenses offer up to 30 % thinner than glass without a coating better experience, please enable in! Can usually find some single vision lenses for years for a better experience, enable... Optical world through safety glasses we look forward to working with you to determine the best Polarized... Purchase something via one of the day, it just depends on well..., including UVA, UVB, and never had such a problem glass and polycarbonate lenses with their.! In comparison, sunglasses had lightweight plastic lenses do you need a correction! By PPG Industries in 2001, Trivex, and what do you need to about! To determine the best benefits of the population that is unable to wear the material refract... Are extremely popular in the 1970s for aerospace applications the online description different! Women sunglasses Heres a quick overview of the plastic lens is very thin usually no than... Increased weight when it comes to thickness when comparing all the mainstream lens materials be safer with the of... Of prescription glasses information provided by a doctor or a specialist look, but polycarbonate are. Lenses offer up to 10 times more impact resistance and offer full-rim..
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