Earlier this month we posted a blog about how to pick the right type of lenses for you. The next step in the eyeglass buying process is deciding which type of lens coatings will be right for you. Many of these coatings can be used in conjunction with each other to create your perfect pair of glasses. Below is a short guide which will help you decide which coatings will work best for you.
Anti-Reflective
Anti-Reflective Coating, or AR Coating, is a microscopic coating that eliminates reflections on the lens. This coating is applied to the front and back of the lens. Coating both sides of the lens do two things. First, glare is eliminated on the back of the lens which helps to eliminate visual distortion. This helps improve night driving and makes reading and computer work more comfortable. Second, glare is eliminated on the front of the lens which makes it easier for other people to focus on your eyes during conversation. PreVencia anti-reflective coating has the added benefit of blocking the harmful effects of Blue Light.
Anti-Reflective coating is recommended for all types of eyeglass lenses, including sunglass lenses. When applied to sunglasses, AR Coating helps to eliminate glare on the inside of the glasses when facing away from the sun.
Scratch-Resistant Coating
Scratches on the surface of your lenses are annoying and can cause distortion in your vision. Noeyeglass lenses are scratch-proof, but there are coatings which can be added to the lens to help prevent scratches. Scratch-resistant coatings form a super hard layer on the outside of the lens which makes them much more resistant to scratches. This is particularly important for lenses in children’s glasses because of the higher need for durability.
Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have a built-in scratch-resistant coating and do not require additional coating, but other types of lenses will benefit from scratch-resistant coatings. These types of coatings typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty that will cover the replacement of the lens should it become scratched. It is important, however, to be sure to keep your glasses in a case. Clean them with a microfiber cloth and eyeglass cleaner to reduce the risk of scratching.
Anti-Fog Coating
Eyeglass lenses are susceptible to fogging when exposed to sudden changes in temperature or humidity. This can become a hazard because it reduces your ability to see until the fog dissipates. We offer a type of coating called Optifog. Optifog is activated by applying a drop of Optifog Activator to the lens and rubbing it in with a microfiber cloth. This will keep the lenses from fogging up for about a week, at which point the activator will need to be reapplied.
Ultraviolent Coating
Ultraviolet Coating is a dye which is added to the lenses to block the sun’s harmful UV rays from entering your eyes. When the eyes undergo years of prolonged UV exposure, they are at higher risk for eye problems, including cataracts and retinal damage.
Plastic lenses block a high percentage of UV rays, but an additional coating can bring that up to100%. Other types of lenses, such as polycarbonate and Trivex have built in UV coatings and do not require any additional coating.
Photochromatic Treatment
Photochromatic treatment, commonly called Transitions, is a coating that automaticallydarkens when exposed to sunlight and returns to normal when indoors. This coating isveryconvenient, particularly in very sunny parts of the country, because you only need one pair ofglasses when moving from indoors to outdoors and back again. They can also be very helpfulfor people who are light sensitive.
Mirror Coating
Mirror coating is a cosmetic coating which prevents others from seeing your eyes behind the lens. This type of coating can be beneficial for use in particularly sunny situations such as sunglasses for beachwear because they reflect a portion of the sunlight and make sunglasses feel darker. Mirror coatings are available in a variety of colors.