Anti-glare coatings : How to decide what to add to your corrective lenses

How much do you know about the different anti-glare coatings you can get on your corrective lenses? We break down the options your Opto-Réseau professional may offer the next time you buy prescription lenses.

What is a lens coating?

There are a number of different coatings (also called treatments) that can be added to your glasses to improve visual quality, make your lenses more resistant, and even address specific issues.

The one recommended most often is the anti-reflective (AR) coating. Not only is it very clear, it can also include several “layers” or characteristics to improve performance and provide even greater benefits. 

What are the different attributes of anti-reflective coatings?

Here are some options you can have added to your corrective lenses. 

Scratch-resistance 

This treatment makes your lenses more resistant to scratching, thereby extending their life.

Note that scratch-resistance is always included with an AR coating. However, the quality level can vary between product.

Multi-layer AR

In addition to making your glasses look better, a multi-layer AR coating helps you see more clearly too, eliminating any halo and light scattering effects.

It helps improve your colour perception and reduce eyestrain caused by different light sources in your environment.

UV protection

Even clear lenses can protect your eyes from UV rays! This coating supports long-term eye health and can be especially beneficial for patients with elevated risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts.

Hydrophobic and oleophobic

These coatings can be added to your AR treatment and help keep water and oil off your prescription lenses—which translates to cleaner glasses that are easier to take care of and last longer.

Anti-static

An anti-static coating repels dust and dirt that can build up on your lenses. This option is great for patients who find it hard to keep their lenses clean or who work in dusty environments.

Blue light protection

An AR coating that includes blue light protection is useful for anyone who uses digital devices. This additional protection is increasingly sought after and valued by patients who spend a lot of time in front of a computer as it reduces eyestrain throughout the day.

It blocks harmful blue light from screens and LED lights, for greater comfort when using your digital devices for extended periods of time and better support for your eye health.

Save on blue light protection from October 1 to November 15, 2020. Restrictions apply. See your clinic for details.

Anti-glare coating options

When choosing your AR coating, it’s important to bear in mind that the number of layers, quality, and resistance level vary by product range (high end, mid-level, and entry-level) and manufacturer.

When we say “quality” we mean how complex and sophisticated the coating design is, including:

• Type of solution used

• Production techniques

• Drying time

The big prescription lens makers (Essilor, Hoya, Nikon, and Zeiss) are constantly refining their processes and fine-tuning their technologies to produce lenses that perform better and are better suited to patients’ needs. 

Personalized assistance to help you choose

It’s easy to get lost in all the options available.

Your Opto-Réseau eye care professional will ask questions about about how and where you’ll use your new glasses to recommend the right coating for you.

At Opto-Réseau, we look at your prescription as well as your lifestyle and preferences to suggest the anti-glare coating that meets your needs. That’s why it’s best to buy your frames and your lenses at the same place you get your eye exam.

To learn more about the different coatings, reach out to your Opto-Réseau clinic.