Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the
optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high
impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer
bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer
is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill
gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for
reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene
terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized
optical part has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts,
as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.