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.