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Are Anti-Glare or Anti-Reflective Coatings Worth It?

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A pair of bright pink glasses specifically an Etina Barcelona frame, resting on a glass floating shelf at CHROMA modern Eyewear Eyecare

Every choice you make when buying glasses can make a big difference in their quality. Once you’ve picked your frames, you can choose from a variety of lens coatings, including anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings.

While anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings aren’t strictly necessary, they offer numerous benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. 

Imagine reducing the strain on your eyes during long screen sessions or experiencing clearer vision during nighttime driving. These coatings minimize reflections, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your glasses.

In short, coatings can turn a good pair of glasses into an exceptional one.

Coating Benefits

Anti-Glare

Anti-glare coatings reduce the amount of light that reflects off the surfaces of your lenses. This reduction in glare makes it easier to see clearly, especially in bright conditions or under harsh lighting.

These coatings are particularly beneficial for people who spend a lot of time in front of screens. They help reduce eye strain and fatigue, making it easier to work for extended periods without discomfort. Additionally, anti-glare coatings enhance the overall clarity of your vision, allowing you to see fine details more clearly.

Anti-Reflective

Anti-reflective coatings work similarly to anti-glare coatings by reducing reflections on the surface of your lenses. This not only improves visual clarity but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your glasses.

These coatings are particularly beneficial for activities like driving, especially at night. By minimizing reflections, anti-reflective coatings make it easier to see clearly in low-light conditions. 

Will Coatings Alter the Appearance of My Glasses?

Both anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings are virtually invisible, which means they shouldn’t alter the appearance of your glasses. In fact, they can actually enhance the look of your eyewear by eliminating reflections that can obscure your eyes. This makes your lenses look clearer, allowing people to see your eyes more clearly.

Are There Any Health Benefits?

By reducing glare and reflections, these coatings help minimize eye strain and fatigue, making it easier to focus for longer periods. This is especially important for people who work on computers or engage in activities that require prolonged visual concentration.

Some anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings also offer ultraviolet (UV) protection, shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. This added protection can help prevent long-term eye damage, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Infographic showing the features of antireflective coatings.

What Other Coatings Exist?

Several other types of coatings, in addition to anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings, can enhance the performance and durability of your glasses.

Scratch-Resistant Coatings

Scratch-resistant coatings help protect your lenses from scratches and abrasions, which can extend the lifespan of your glasses. These coatings are particularly beneficial for people who are hard on their eyewear or engage in activities that put their glasses at risk of damage. 

However, it’s important to remember that scratch-resistant lenses are not scratch-proof. Your glasses still require some level of care to avoid scratches.

UV Protection Coatings

UV protection coatings help shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can cause long-term damage to your eyes. These coatings are especially important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or in environments with high UV exposure.

Hydrophobic Coatings

Hydrophobic coatings repel water and prevent it from sticking to your lenses. This can help keep your glasses clear and free from water spots, making them easier to clean and maintain.

Anti-Fog Coatings

Anti-fog coatings help prevent your lenses from fogging in humid conditions or transitioning between different temperatures. This can enhance the clarity of your vision and prevent frustration caused by foggy lenses.

Coatings on Sunglasses

Like regular glasses, adding coatings to your sunglasses can enhance their performance and provide additional benefits.

Anti-Glare & Anti-Reflective Coatings on Sunglasses

Anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings can help reduce reflections on the surface of your sunglasses, improving visual clarity and making it easier to see in bright conditions.

UV Protection Coatings on Sunglasses

UV protection coatings are crucial for sunglasses, as they help shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. This added protection can help prevent long-term damage to your eyes and promote overall eye health. When shopping for sunglasses, make sure they block out 100% of UVA and UVB radiation

How to Make Your Coatings Last

To help your coatings last as long as possible, it’s important to take good care of your glasses and follow these tips:

  • Proper cleaning: To clean your glasses, use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner specifically designed for coated lenses. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or abrasive materials that can scratch the coatings.
  • Safe storage: Store your glasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid placing your glasses face down on surfaces, as this can cause scratches and abrasions. When they are not on your face, they are in the case!
  • Regular maintenance: Inspect your glasses regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, take them to a professional for repair or replacement.

Lifespan of Coatings

The lifespan of coatings can vary depending on how well you take care of your glasses and the quality of the coatings. With proper care, coatings can last for several years, providing long-lasting benefits and enhancing the performance of your glasses.

Experience the Benefits

Anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings offer numerous benefits that can significantly improve the performance and aesthetics of your glasses. From reducing eye strain and improving visual clarity to providing UV protection and enhancing safety during activities like driving, these coatings are a valuable addition to your eyewear.

Remember, you can’t apply coatings onto lenses after they are complete, so it’s important to make the right choice when selecting your glasses. Don’t miss out on the benefits!

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings for yourself, book an appointment with CHROMA modern Eyewear Eyecare today. Our team can help you find the perfect pair of glasses with the right coatings to suit your needs.

For your ultimate convenience, you can also call us, text us, or even simply just swing by our award winning clinic.

Dr. Matt Barber of CHROMA modern Eyewear Eyecare

Written by
Dr. Matt Barber

Dr. Matthew G. Barber began seeing patients at CHROMA in September of 2001. For over two decades, Dr. Barber has worked diligently to provide cutting-edge eye care to the people of Fort Worth and its surrounding areas while providing a warm and friendly environment for his patients. He wanted to give the community of Fort Worth something unique and special, and so CHROMA was born.

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Dr. Matt Barber
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