In many cases, yes, you probably need an anti-reflective coating for your prescription glasses. Many opticians recommend the anti-reflective or anti-glare coating, providing clearer vision and improved comfort. If your eyes ever feel tired after looking at screens, if night driving feels uncomfortable or if glare from bright lights gets in the way of clear vision, blue light glasses can help a lot. Let’s learn what AR coating is, its pros and cons, a few considerations and more.
What is an anti-reflective coating?
Anti-reflective coating is a thin, transparent layer applied to the surface of lenses. It mainly reduces reflections and glare from light sources, like screens, headlights and sunlight, that can bounce off your glasses. This makes your lenses look nearly invisible and helps you see more clearly.
Pros of anti-reflective coating
- Reduces glare and eye strain
Glare from artificial lights and computer screens can be tiring for your eyes. AR coating helps cut down this glare, making it easier to focus on your work. With the increase in screen time, more people experience digital eye strain. AR coating in your glasses helps reduce this strain, making it comfortable to use phones, tablets and computers for longer periods.
- Improves clarity and contrast
With fewer reflections on your lenses, you see more clearly, colours look sharper and objects appear more defined. This is especially useful in situations where high visual accuracy is needed, like night driving or reading.
- Makes glasses look better
One big benefit is cosmetic. Lenses with AR coating look nearly invisible, so your eyes are more visible to others. This is especially helpful for people who wear glasses all day and want to look their best in photos or video calls.
- Great for driving at night
Headlights and streetlights can cause glare that makes night driving difficult. AR coating helps to minimise these reflections, making night driving safer and more comfortable.
- Improved durability
AR coating provides you with added durability. Many AR coatings come with extra features like scratch resistance and protection from water or smudges. This keeps your lenses clearer for longer.
Cons of anti-reflective coating
- Shows smudges and dirt easily
AR-coated lenses can show fingerprints and smudges more clearly than uncoated lenses, which means you may need to clean them more often.
- Adds extra cost
Anti-reflective coating is an extra feature, so it increases the price of your glasses. The price can vary depending on various factors like the brand, lens type and more.
- Not suitable for all lenses
Some lens materials or prescriptions are harder to coat effectively. For example, certain high-index lenses may need a special AR coating.
- Can’t be repaired once damaged
If the coating starts to peel, scratch or wear off, it cannot be fixed. The only option is to replace the lenses entirely, which can be again expensive.Â
- May not be ideal for reading glasses
If you only use glasses for short, close-up tasks like reading under soft lighting, the benefits of AR coating may not be noticeable or necessary. In such cases, it could be an unnecessary expense.
How to choose the right AR coating for your glasses?
- You should consider your daily routine first when choosing AR coating. For instance, it’s a smart choice to buy it if you work on screens or drive at night, as it’ll reduce glare and ease eye strain.
- Check for lens compatibility by checking if your lens type and prescription are suitable for anti-reflective coating or not.Â
- Choose coatings that also offer scratch resistance, UV protection or blue light filtering.
- Buy from reputable brands or opticians that guarantee high-quality coatings.
- Make sure your coating comes with a warranty and ask how to care for it properly.
Considerations & warnings – All you need to know
Here are a few things that you need to consider and take care of when choosing an anti-glare coating for your glasses.
- Be careful with external coatings
AR coatings applied to the outside of the lens surface are more prone to peeling, scratching or wearing out over time.Â
- Don’t clean lenses when dry
Never wipe your lenses dry, especially if there’s dust or dirt on them. Dry wiping can scratch the coating, as tiny particles can get rubbed into the surface. Instead, rinse your lenses under lukewarm water before gently wiping them clean.
- Use a microfibre cloth for cleaning
Always use a microfibre lens cloth to clean your glasses. Using your shirt, tissue paper or a tie can cause tiny scratches that damage both the lens and the coating. Keep a small cleaning cloth handy in your glasses case or bag.
- Avoid extreme temperatures
Exposing your glasses to very hot or cold temperatures, like near ovens, open fires or freezing conditions, can cause the AR coating to crack, peel or warp. Try not to leave them in your car on hot days or store them near heaters or windowsills.
- Store glasses properlyÂ
When you’re not wearing your glasses, always place them in a protective case. This protects them from dust, pressure and accidental drops, common causes of coating damage.
Overall, having an anti-glare coating on your prescription glasses or contact lenses is a good idea. With just the right care, you can experience the benefits of anti-glare coating with comfort. If you’re looking for high-quality anti-glare glasses or contact lenses at great prices, Feel Good Contacts offers a wide range of reliable options worth exploring.
