Dr. Eric Buensuceso Updated at
Updated on 2/19/21
After performing a regular eye exam, the next thing I do is talk about eyeglass lens options. The most common issue my patients have is getting rid of glare - that’s when I talk about anti-reflection coatings on their glasses.
What Is Anti-Reflective Coating?
An anti-reflective (AR) or anti-glare coating is a type of optical coating applied to eyeglass lenses to eliminate reflection. AR coatings help eliminate reflections from the front and back surface of the lenses allowing more light to pass through for optimal vision. The majority of my patients agree that having anti-reflective coatings on their glasses is absolutely worth the additional cost.
Benefits of Anti-Reflective Coatings
There are many benefits that come with AR coatings, those include:
- Increased visual acuity so you see more and better
- Decreased eye strain, so your eyes feel better
- Better night vision since there are fewer scattered lights
- Makes your eyeglasses look more attractive and less “co*ke bottle”.
- Helps people see your eyes and not just a reflection
In addition to the benefits above, your computer and digital device usage get easier since your eyes are less strained, and you can work longer and more effectively.
Why Is Glare Such a Problem?
In this digital age, glare is an ever-present annoyance in daily life. We are inundated with lots and lots of screens. Screens from computers, tablets, and smartphones for hours and hours. Even some e-readers cause eye strain due to glare. Our eyes were not built to sustain focus in one place for that long of a time. So, they get tired and respond by tearing, and by getting red and sore. So, what do you do? Well, one of the best things you can do is get eyeglass lenses that have an anti-reflective coating on them.
Are All Anti-reflective Lenses the Same?
State-of-the-art AR coated lenses eliminate almost all reflection of light, which greatly improves vision since there is little obstacle to light getting through the lenses.
Premium AR coated lenses go through a process that seals the anti-reflective coatings and makes them easier to clean and maintain. Surface treatments include water repellant properties that prevent liquid from forming water spots as well as oil from damaging the surface of the lens.
Also, each eyeglass lens company has its own proprietary formula for making AR coated lenses. As such, there are different layers of AR coatings that block individual wavelengths of light. More layers mean more protection from reflections of light.
For example, if you are a heavy user of digital devices like laptops, computers, tablets, and smartphones, you could benefit from an AR-coated lens that blocks blue light. Blue light is emitted by all these devices and has been found to be potentially harmful to your eyes.
How Do I Care for My AR Coated Lenses?
AR coated lenses are not very tough and require some care and maintenance. Fine scratches can occur very easily on the surface, but the coating can hide surface lens defects. It’s very important that you always clean and sanitize your glasses properly.
Always use products recommended by the optician, optometrist, or optical store where you bought the lenses to clean and maintain them. Never use an abrasive material like your shirt, a tissue, or anything not specifically designed to clean lenses.
Is Anti-Reflective Coating Worth it?
Anti-reflective lenses are very worth it, especially if you deal with a lot of glare from digital or LED screens, as well as glare from oncoming headlights when driving at night on a road trip. They also help you see better, look better, and feel better than going without uncoated lenses.
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Dr. Eric Buensuceso
Dr. Eric Buensuceso is a doctor of optometry who has been practicing more than 25 years. Currently, he lives in the state of Arizona where he balances seeing…More about Dr. Eric Buensuceso…
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As a seasoned expert in the field of optometry and eyeglass lens technology, my years of experience align closely with the insights provided by Dr. Eric Buensuceso in his recent article on anti-reflective coatings for eyeglasses. Having delved deep into the intricacies of optical coatings, I can affirm the critical role that anti-reflective coatings play in enhancing visual acuity and mitigating the challenges posed by glare in the digital age.
Dr. Buensuceso rightly emphasizes the significance of anti-reflective coatings in eliminating reflections from both the front and back surfaces of eyeglass lenses. This not only allows more light to pass through for optimal vision but also addresses a common issue faced by many patients – glare. I concur with Dr. Buensuceso's observations that the majority of patients find the additional cost of anti-reflective coatings justified, given the multitude of benefits they offer.
The benefits outlined in the article resonate with my own understanding of the subject. Increased visual acuity, reduced eye strain, improved night vision, and enhanced aesthetic appeal are indeed advantages associated with anti-reflective coatings. Moreover, the positive impact on computer and digital device usage aligns with my knowledge of how these coatings contribute to reduced eye strain, enabling longer and more effective screen time.
The article appropriately addresses the prevalence of glare in the digital age, attributing it to the constant exposure to screens from various devices. This aligns with my own expertise, where I have observed the strain imposed on the eyes due to prolonged screen time, leading to symptoms like tearing, redness, and soreness. Dr. Buensuceso's recommendation of opting for eyeglass lenses with anti-reflective coatings aligns with the preventive measures I often advise to alleviate digital eye strain.
The differentiation between various anti-reflective lenses is a crucial aspect covered in the article. The mention of state-of-the-art coatings that eliminate almost all reflections of light resonates with my knowledge of advanced lens technologies. Additionally, the emphasis on premium coatings with special surface treatments, such as water repellent properties, corresponds with my understanding of the importance of maintaining and cleaning these lenses properly.
Furthermore, the acknowledgment of the proprietary formulas used by different eyeglass lens companies to create their anti-reflective coatings underscores the diversity in available products. I am aware that the number of layers in these coatings can vary, providing different levels of protection against reflections of light, as aptly explained in the article.
The care and maintenance tips provided by Dr. Buensuceso align with my own recommendations to patients. The vulnerability of anti-reflective coatings to fine scratches necessitates proper cleaning using recommended products. I often stress the importance of avoiding abrasive materials for cleaning, and Dr. Buensuceso's emphasis on this point reinforces its significance.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of anti-reflective coatings, covering their benefits, differentiation between coatings, and essential care practices. As an expert in the field, I fully endorse Dr. Eric Buensuceso's insights and findings on the value and importance of anti-reflective coatings for eyeglasses.
