AR Eyeglasses
AR glasses let more light through and reduce glare, which helps you avoid eye strain. They also protect your eyes from UV rays. They are often made of polycarbonate or high-index lenses.
AR lenses have a multiple-layer coating system that’s adhered to both the front and back of the lens. These layers block certain wavelengths of light and cancel them out.
Anti-reflective coating
An anti-reflective coating on eyeglasses reduces glare that can be caused by overhead or task lighting, light from the computer screen, headlights from passing cars at night, and more. This is a great benefit, as it eliminates eye strain and fatigue. In addition, it improves your appearance to others. It also makes your eyes look brighter in photographs and under bright lights. You can add this feature to your lenses at the time of purchase or afterward, but it is usually best to do so at the beginning of the process. This is because adding AR after the lens is made can result in uneven and scratched surfaces.
The anti-reflective coating allows about 8% more light to enter the lens and be used for vision than regular plastic lenses. However, the reflected light can also interfere with people’s ability to see your eyes. This is why many actors, newscasters, and businessmen prefer AR glasses, so their audience or associates can see their eyes clearly.
Another advantage of AR coating is that it prevents scratches on the lens, which can be caused by dust or dirt on the surface of the lenses. The lenses are treated with a special sealant that protects the anti-reflective coating from scratching, and some lenses even include an additional treatment that repels oil and other substances from the lens. However, an anti-reflective coating can become smudge-prone, so it’s important to clean the lenses regularly and store them in a case when not in use.
Scratch resistant coating
Eyeglass lenses are susceptible to scratches, especially on the front and back of the lens. A scratch resistant coating is a great addition to your glasses, as it helps protect them from everyday wear and tear. It also helps reduce the glare and reflections on your lenses, which can cause eye strain. However, no coating can completely prevent the formation of surface scratches. You can help minimize scratches by storing your glasses in a cushioned case and using a microfiber nonscratch cloth to clean them. You should also be cautious of products that claim to repair scratched lenses. They may fill in the scratches but cannot make them disappear entirely.
Another advantage of a scratch resistant coating is that it helps your glasses last longer. It can increase the life of your glasses and save you money in the long ar eyeglasses run. It can also help you avoid the frustration of constantly having to replace your glasses due to frequent smudges and scratches.
Although some people dislike AR coatings because they tend to smudge more easily than uncoated lenses, most of these problems were solved a couple of decades ago. In fact, many AR coatings include a special treatment that repels oil and dirt to keep the lenses cleaner. This makes them ideal for those whose jobs require constant face-to-face interaction with others, such as teachers and fitness trainers.
Anti-glare coating
The anti-reflective coating on AR lenses allows more light to pass through the lens rather than bouncing off it. This helps to reduce glare caused by overhead lighting, task lights, computer screens and even headlights from oncoming cars at night. Having this coating also makes your glasses look cleaner and better in photographs or videos. This feature is particularly useful for those who use social media.
The earliest anti-reflective coatings often flaked, smudged and turned psychedelic colors, causing opticians a lot of grief. These early coatings are now history and newer ones are much better. They are less likely to craze, scratch or smudge and are very durable, lasting the life of the lens.
Lenses with an AR coating are more expensive than those without, but some insurance plans cover all or part of the cost. For example, EyeMed, the largest vision insurance company with 36 million members, covers premium anti-reflective lenses for their subscribers.
A common anti-reflective coating is called Crizal, which is available ar eyeglasses for most glass and plastic lenses. It is a very thin layer that prevents mirror-like reflections on the lenses. The coating is made of several metal oxide layers that are applied to the front and back surface of the lens. The result is a clear, shiny appearance that is much less distracting than standard lenses.
UV protection
Whether you’re posing for a selfie or video chatting with friends, an AR coating ensures that your eyes take center stage. By removing harsh reflections, the coating lets more light pass through the lens and helps your eyes look their best. Additionally, a quality AR coating reduces eye strain caused by glare from digital screens. This is why it’s highly recommended for polycarbonate, high-index, and aspheric lenses. It also improves the cosmetic appearance of sunglasses and helps you avoid those annoying smudges that cause your glasses to look dingy.
An additional feature of an AR coating is that it protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is done by adding a UV-absorbing compound to the backside of the lenses. The treatment blocks the transmission of both UVA and UVB rays, which can damage your retinal cells and lead to macular degeneration, pterygium, cataracts, and other conditions.
Some AR coatings also block blue lightwaves, which are emitted by electronic devices such as computers and phones. These wavelengths can cause eye strain, headaches, and disrupt sleep cycles. Ask a VSP network eye care professional about incorporating an AR coating with UV protection in your eyeglasses. They will be able to customize your prescription to include these advanced features.