Anti-reflective coatings, also known as AR coatings or anti-glare coatings, are applied to glasses via a series of layers adhered to the front and back of the lenses. These layers block certain wavelengths of light, helping to reduce reflection.
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This coating generally costs about $20 to $90 to apply to a pair of glasses. AR coatings developed a bad reputation for quickly deteriorating in the past, but modern AR coatings usually last a fairly long time unless exposed to extreme conditions.
AR coating makes glass less reflective (hence the name), and this can make your glasses look nicer in photos and under bright lights. There is some debate about how much they help with glare, although many claim they reduce glare to at least some degree. Some AR coatings also have additional benefits, such as making glasses less prone to scratching.
Some people think anti-reflective coatings prevent UV rays from damaging the eyes, but this is not true (although such features can be combined into one pair of glasses). The American Academy of Ophthalmology has been critical of claims that AR coatings can provide significant glare resistance. They say glare resistance is generally only possible with polarized lenses, which tend to have a dark tint (making them unsuitable for night driving).
Of the options available for anti-reflective coatings, Crizal coatings are regarded as some of the best by multiple reviewers. These can be expensive though. For a cheaper coating, you will primarily want something that is not likely to smudge.
Keep in mind that AR coatings are not essential. They may only offer a minor benefit to the wearer.
Anti-reflective coating, also called AR coating and anti-glare coating, is when a series of layers are adhered to the front and back of lens (or just the back for polarized lenses) to reduce the reflections that normally bounce off a lens.
Each of these layers is designed to block specific wavelengths of light, allowing the glasses to have anti-reflective properties with basically no noticeable drawbacks (beyond increased cost).
This coating can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 to add to a pair of glasses. This cost is sometimes covered by insurance, although this will depend on your exact plan.
Many doctors recommend getting an anti-reflective coating. In some cases, a coating may even save you money in the long run since the coating can reduce scratching, making a pair of glasses last longer.
In the past, AR coating got a bad reputation in the United States. The technology was still in its infancy and had a serious durability problem. Nearly all modern lenses should last much longer, although there are still some drawbacks (discussed below).
The short answer is that each extra layer blocks more wavelengths of light.
The longer answer is more complicated, with some claims more controversial than others. Anti-reflective coatings may be able to:
There are some things often believed, and even claimed by sellers, about anti-reflective coatings that either aren&#;t true or are at least debated and controversial.
One of the most important misconceptions to dispel is the notion that an AR coating equals UV protection. An AR coating does not protect your eyes from UV rays (such as those from the sun), which can cause eye damage.
While many pairs of sunglasses come with both an anti-reflective coating and UV protection, it is important to know that not all pairs of glasses with an AR coating protect your eyes from sunlight. Be sure to research the coating you&#;re choosing carefully as even some sellers, willfully or not, may have misinformation on their sites claiming a coating can protect your eyes from the sun when it cannot.
Websites and dispensing opticians often claim AR coating protects against glare. This is a claim you will see almost everywhere that offers anti-reflective coatings. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) takes issue with this claim.
In a response to a question on the nature of anti-reflective coatings on glasses, AAO claims the ability for an AR coating to protect against glare is very slim. They go on to explain that in actuality only polarized lenses, which only come in dark tints, can properly guard against glare.
Whether one should side with AAO on this issue is difficult to say. There is little hard data on the subject. Most information on the lenses is either anecdotal or coming from a source biased toward the coating being portrayed positively, such as a manufacturer or retailer. AAO&#;s criticisms are certainly worth bearing in mind, as the organization is a reliable source of information.
Anti-reflective coatings have come a long since they were introduced. Original AR technology was ground-breaking, of course, but it had its flaws. AR lenses were more easily scratched than non-AR lenses, the coatings often peeled away over time and lenses seemed in constant need of cleaning.
Many of the AR lens problems were solved in the early s, and modern manufacturing continues to make improvements in the lens performance. AR coatings are now a misnomer: they aren&#;t coatings at all. Rather, anti-reflection chemicals are part of the lens production process. These days, there&#;s nothing to peel off or scratch.
What&#;s more, many modern AR lenses include a chemical composition that helps keep dirt, water marks and smudges away from the lens.
The average effective period for AR lenses is up to two years with proper care and without constant exposure to extreme temperatures. If you work in a profession that will make your glasses-wearing more demanding, consider investing in an eyeglass insurance policy&#;one that will enable you to replace your eyewear more than every two years. (Most vision policies permit replacement glasses once every two years.)
Proper care for long-term durability of anti-reflective lenses includes following the basic cleaning rules for all glasses:
For those on a budget, even a very basic anti-reflective coating should generally suffice. This is doubly true if you are frequently cycling through prescriptions as you and your doctor try to find what is best for your needs. You primarily will just want a coating that is not prone to smudging or scratching.
Hundreds of companies across the globe manufacture and distribute anti-reflective coatings and lenses. Some of the more popular brands come from Essilor, Asahi Glass, Essilor, PPG Industries, Royal DSM and Zeiss.
Essilor (Crisal)
Essilor&#;s top anti-reflective lenses are branded Crizal and Crizal A2, and they rank as one of the most popular lenses sold today.
Asahi Glass (Clearsight)
Asahi Glass has its Clearsight brand, an anti-reflective glass product that is enhanced with chemical-resistant and improved weather coating. It also has an anti-reflective coating for outdoor wear under brands names Solite Plus and Solatex Plus.
PPG Industries (SOLARPHIRE AR)
Sold under the brand name SOLARPHIRE AR, PPG&#;s anti-reflective glass lens boasts anti-glare, anti-smudge and anti-reflective coatings to protect and enhance vision for glasses and a number of other products with display screens (tablets, laptops, monitors, TVs and cell phones).
ZEISS
ZEISS sells its anti-reflective coatings under the brands DuraVision Platinum, DuraVision Silver and LotuTec. It recently unveiled its PureCoat lens, which it says improves reflection, night vision and sight. ZEISS and DuPont jointly produced Teflon Clear Coat Lenses for &#;the clearest anti-reflective coatings.&#;
Various AR Brands
Some quality brand name AR coatings are:
Other premium AR lenses (in alphabetical order):
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When it comes to glasses lenses, there are many options. An anti-glare or anti-reflective coating is a common upgrade when shopping for new lenses.
But what does an anti-glare coating do, and is it worth the extra money?
This article explains what anti-glare glasses are, their benefits and disadvantages, and how they differ from other lens options. Read on for all the information you need to decide whether an anti-glare treatment makes sense.
What are Anti-Glare Glasses?Anti-glare (AG) glasses, also known as anti-reflective (AR) glasses, have a special coating applied to the lenses. The coating helps reduce glare that occurs when light hits the lenses. Reduced glare leads to better visual clarity and less eye fatigue.
Anti-glare lenses also help improve your appearance when you wear glasses. When light reflects off the surfaces of uncoated lenses, it can create distracting glare that hides your eyes.
Reducing the glare makes the glasses more transparent. This allows people to see your eyes instead of reflections.
The terms anti-glare and anti-reflective are often used interchangeably. However, there&#;s a slight difference between the two:
To be clear, when we mention anti-glare glasses in this article, we&#;re talking about lenses with an AG coating.
If you&#;re looking for polarized lenses, there are many great options in our guide to the best sunglasses for men and women.
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7 Benefits of Anti-Glare GlassesAlthough anti-reflective lens coatings aren&#;t necessary, they provide numerous advantages that make them worth it. Here are 7 benefits of anti-glare glasses:
AG glasses reduce reflections and increase the amount of light that reaches your eyes. This enhances your overall visual acuity.
Modern AG lenses are durable. Unlike past versions of this technology, the coating won't rub off over time.
Anti-reflective lenses make it easier for eyes to focus on small letters and patterns. This reduces eye fatigue during prolonged computer use and can help people who see halos around lights while night driving.
Anti-glare glasses are more attractive than uncoated lenses. Because uncoated lenses reflect light, they distract from your appearance.
Anti-glare glasses use compounds that help keep dirt, smudges, and watermarks away.
Clean only with mild soap and warm water or a non-alcohol spray cleaner. Dry the lenses with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
Eliminating glare means the lenses appear clear all the time. This makes your eyes more visible behind the lenses, which improves eye contact.
Anti-glare glasses can be particularly beneficial when driving at night. They reduce glare from headlights and streetlights, which minimizes the halo effect and improves safety.
Disadvantages of Anti-Glare GlassesEven with the multiple benefits, anti-glare glasses have their share of drawbacks.
Disadvantages include:
Anti-reflective coatings are usually made up of multiple layers of metal oxides applied to the front and back surfaces of the lens. The exact formula varies based on the manufacturer.
AR coatings are microscopic layers that reduce reflected light and allow more light to pass through the lenses.
Some eyeglass lenses come with factory-applied AG. Others, such as progressive and multifocal lenses, undergo anti-glare coating after they've been customized to your specific needs.
How to Choose the Right AR CoatingThere are several makers of anti-glare glasses, each with its own specifications. For example, the AR coating can be single or multiple-layered.
The more layers, the more the glare-blocking ability. Quality brands often have multiple layers and cost more.
Your lifestyle can also help determine the best anti-glare coating for you. If you spend most of your time on a TV or computer screen, your eye doctor may recommend blue light-blocking lenses, such as Crizal Prevencia or Shamir Glacier Plus.
Be sure to talk to your eye doctor about the best anti-glare glasses for you.
How Much Do Anti-Glare Glasses Cost?On average, adding an anti-glare coating to your lenses may cost about $20 to $150 more than your initial cost.
The cost of anti-reflective lenses depends on factors like lens type, frame design, and coating quality.
The price may also change from one optician to another based on experience or location. Additionally, the cost may vary depending on whether you have vision insurance and how much your plan covers.
Are Anti-Glare Glasses Worth It?Yes, an anti-glare coating is worth the added cost. Anti-glare glasses often cost more than standard prescription glasses, but they're not out of reach.
The additional cost is worth it, considering the benefits. Reduced eye strain and better visual clarity alone will enhance your quality of life.
Are Anti-Glare Glasses the Same as Blue Light Glasses?Anti-glare lenses and blue light glasses are not the same. However, they both serve overlapping purposes.
AG lenses have an anti-reflective coating that reduces reflections and glare caused by light.
Anti-glare glasses allow the full spectrum of visible light to pass through, including a significant amount of blue light.
Anti-glare glasses reduce glare from bright lights, computer screens, and headlights while driving at night. This helps reduce eye strain and improve optical clarity.
Blue-cut lenses or blue light-blocking glasses are specially designed to filter or block blue light from digital screens. Some blue light glasses may have an anti-reflective coating on them.
Blue light-blocking lenses may reduce the harmful effects of blue light on sleep, especially when working at night. People who spend significant time in front of computer screens and other digital devices like smartphones and tablets may benefit from blue light protection.
However, blue light glasses have little to no effect on reducing symptoms of digital eye strain. According to research, anti-blue light glasses can lower the risk of macular degeneration.6
SummaryAnti-glare (AG) glasses are eyeglass lenses fused with an anti-reflective coating to prevent reflections from both sides of the lens. They enhance comfort, reduce eye strain and improve the cosmetic appearance of your eyeglasses.
The anti-reflective coating has multiple layers of metal oxides applied to the front and back surfaces of the lens. These AG coatings block the amount of light reflected into the eye, allowing in more light. This enables clear vision.
Anti-glare glasses are durable, easy to clean, protective, and improve visual acuity. As a downside, they cost more than uncoated lenses.
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