Are you in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses? Once you have your prescription in hand, you'll soon be confronted with a plethora of options not only for frames, but also for various types of lens coating. Lens coatings are an additional thin film or substance that is applied to the surface of the lens in order to enhance its performance and appearance. According to Optometric Management magazine, the lens material itself must be taken into account when considering adding a lens coating, and many premium lenses already include them. Here is a brief guide to help you decide which ones to opt for.
Anti-reflective (AR) or Anti-glare
Eye Smart notes that AR coatings help diminish the reflections that bounce off the surface of your glasses. Eliminating distracting reflections is particularly helpful for anyone with cataracts, but also when driving at night or working on a computer. An AR lens coating will also make your lenses look more transparent and allow other people to make eye contact with you more easily.
Scratch-Resistant Lens Coating (SRC)
Though lenses used to be made of glass, today plastic is a common choice, according to Eye Smart. Glass is heavier and more likely to break on impact. The problem with plastic lenses, though, is that they can be scratched more easily, and these scratches interfere with your ability to see clearly. Adding an SRC will harden the lenses and prolong the quality, durability, and appearance of your glasses. But as noted in Optometric Management, many premium lenses like polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are already inherently resistant to scratching and breaking, in which case no additional coating is necessary.
UV Protection
Ultraviolet rays are harmful to the eyes; over time, unprotected exposure to sunlight can cause retinal damage, leading to cataracts or even macular degeneration, the National Eye Institute notes. While people often remember to look for UV protection in a pair of sunglasses, a UV 400 lens coating can be applied to clear lenses as well, to block out harmful UV rays and act as a form of "sunscreen" for your eyes. As Optometric Management notes, however, most premium lenses already have built-in UV protection.
Anti-fog (AF) and Anti-static Electricity
According to Optometric Management, these two options are highly dependent on your occupation and lifestyle. An anti-fog or "hydrophobic" coating will keep moisture from accumulating on your glasses and prevent them from fogging up in moist environments. An anti-static coating will help keep debris like dust and dirt particles from sticking to your lenses in dry environments. If fogging is a recurring problem during your activities (e.g., exercising, cooking) or if you wear your glasses while working outdoors or in a dusty workshop, for example, you may find one or both of these lens coatings to be worthwhile additions.
For questions or comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
