Modern glasses lenses have come a long way. No longer are your lenses only for correcting your vision but they can also help to alleviate other environmental factors that can affect your eyesight.
In this blog, we’re going to look at what type of lens coatings are available and how they can help in different scenarios.
Anti-Reflection Coating
Anti-reflection coatings, are also known as AR coatings, are designed to reduce glare, increase clarity, and improve comfort.
AR coatings work via the principle of light interference. Specific materials with certain refractive indices are layered together to cancel out the reflected light of specific wavelengths. It increases light transmission and reduces the unwanted reflection that causes glare.
Anti-reflection coatings are known for their enhanced clarity and vision particularly in dim or low-light conditions. They are beneficial in reducing eye stress when using digital gadgets, playing sports, and driving.
UV Protection Coating
UV protection is a must-have coating for increased sun exposure. It shields the eyes against harm UV rays. Sun exposure to unprotected eyes can significantly increase the risk of eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
UV protection coatings work by either absorbing or blocking harmful UV rays before they reach the eyes. Depending on the glasses, these coatings are induced in the lens or added as a layer.
To provide 100% UV protection, glass and plastic lenses must have UV coating applied. This is not necessary for polycarbonate, NXT, and most high index plastic lens materials as they block 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC without the need for added coatings.
UV can be broken down into the following:
UVC: Wavelengths below 280nm are filtered out by the ozone layer surrounding the earth. The amount of absorption varies and is less near to the equator and at high altitudes due to the reduced atmospheric thickness.
UVB: Wavelengths between 280nm and 315. These are responsible for sunburn and snow blindness. The amount of ultra-violet affecting a person is substantially increased by reflection from surfaces such as snow, sand, and water.
UVA: Possibly the most dangerous area, between 315nm and 380nm, causing chronic eye damage, especially as low dose exposure over a long period of time.
Blue Light Blocking Coating
Blue light is a part of the light spectrum with high energy and short wavelengths. The most significant sources of blue light are digital screens, electronic devices, and even LEDs. It is debated whether or not blue light is harmful to the eyes.
You can read more about blue light and your eyes in our guide here.
Blue light coating filters out specifically the blue light by reducing its transmission in the lens.
Scratch-Resistant Coating (SRC)
All lightweight lens materials (plastic, polycarbonate, and high index plastics) have a relatively soft surface. These materials require a SRC to be applied to both sides of the lens.
Glass lenses do not require a SRC due to their natural hardness, in fact, glass is even more scratch resistant than most lightweight lenses with SRC applied.
Anti-Fog Coating (AF)
The anti-fog coating permanently bonded to the inside of the lens absorbs moisture before fog forms. It can fade over time with repeated cleaning of the inside of the lens. As an alternative, there are now many effective sprays and wipes that can be used to reduce lens fogging.
Hydrophobic Coating
Hydrophobic coating weakens surface tension to facilitate run-off of water droplets from the lens surface. It reduces visual distortion arising when wearing glasses or sunglasses around water or in the rain. It also resists stains and repels grease and fingerprints, making cleaning your lenses quicker and easier.
Photochromic Treatment
Photochromic treatment, also known as transition lenses, is designed to adjust to the amount of light around you. These lenses darken when you step outside into bright sunlight and quickly turn back to clear when you move indoors. Photochromic treatment can be added to any lens type, and it’s an excellent option for those who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments.
Lens coatings have several advantages in improving vision, enhancing clarity, and ensuring comfort. Each coating type has its own particular attributes and advantages. Consider your lifestyle and work when choosing the right coating for you.
