Eyeglass Lens Coatings - Need to Know
The lenses you choose for your eyeglasses greatly affect their quality. Depending on your eye doctor's advice, basic plastic CR-39 lenses may be sufficient, or you might prefer thinner and more advanced options like polycarbonate or high-index lenses, especially for stronger prescriptions.
But once you’ve picked eyeglasses, there’s a wide variety of lens coatings to consider, each with its own properties—from light reduction to scratch resistance.
Some of these are strictly cosmetic, but depending on your vision needs, others may “potentially improve your comfort and safety,” says Andrew Iwach, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
And while some coatings may be included in your eyeglass package price, others may add additional expense to your final bill.
What’s the right Lens Coating for you?
Your eye doctor may have some suggestions. “These are, by and large, personal decisions,” Iwach says. “One size doesn’t fit all.”
To help you navigate through common choices, we've compiled guidance and cost data sourced from vision experts, leading eyeglass retailers, and the December 2019 Vision Watch market research conducted by the Vision Council, a nonprofit trade association representing the optical industry.
Five Considerations Before You Choose
How do you use your eyeglasses?
Indoors and outdoors? For sports or only for reading or desk work? Driving day and night? Your lifestyle and habits should inform your coating decisions.
Budget in Mind!
Some types of coating, like those that are anti-reflective (sometimes called glare-reducing), come in a range of prices. But experts say the most expensive option offered isn’t necessarily of significantly higher quality. “I know some ‘house brands’ out there that are pretty similar to the premium versions,” says master optician Michael Vitale, vice president of membership and technical affairs at The Vision Council.
Verify Your Coating!
In many cases, eyeglass lenses come bundled with certain coatings, commonly those that reduce reflections or bolster scratch resistance. Be sure you don’t pay extra for a coating that’s already supposed to be part of your package.
Avoid Hard Sell!
Even when purchasing glasses from your ophthalmologist's office, once you reach the point of ordering, you're likely in a retail setting where sales tactics may take precedence over medical advice. Exercise caution in eyeglass stores, especially if you sense high-pressure sales tactics aimed at upselling. If you feel pressured, consider seeking alternatives or giving yourself a brief pause, such as stepping away for a moment or taking a phone call, before making a decision.
Warranty Info!
Many glasses will be backed up by some kind of warranty, but it might not cover coatings. Or warranties may vary in terms of which ones are covered and for how long.
4 Common Lens Coatings
Anti-Reflective
Typically applied on both sides of an eyeglass lens, this coating, also known as AR or anti-glare. The AR reduces the amount of light reflected off the surfaces of spectacle lenses, and may enhance the contrast of certain scenes. This implies that you receive optimal light from your surroundings while avoiding any visual disruptions caused by light bouncing off the lenses.
Who might consider: Everyone who frequently engages in outdoor activities and tends to be more careless with the objects they carry should consider investing in durable, reliable gear to minimize the risk of damage or loss. .
What to know: Despite encountering challenges such as degradation and cracking in the past, Anti-reflective (AR) coatings have undergone significant advancements since the early 2000s, markedly improving their durability. Contemporary formulations frequently incorporate anti-static treatments, which mitigate dust and grime accumulation while enhancing ease of maintenance. Present-day AR coatings exhibit superior performance and reliability, effectively addressing previous concerns.
Scratch-Resistant
This advanced Scratch-Resistant coating offers robust protection to your eyeglasses, shielding them against unsightly scratches, thereby minimizing susceptibility to damage caused by accidental drops or when subjected to abrasive cleaning materials. Without this protective layer, Polycarbonate and high-index lenses are more prone to sustaining visible damage and compromising their longevity.
Who might consider: Everyone who frequently engages in outdoor activities and tends to be more careless with the objects they carry should consider investing in durable, reliable gear to minimize the risk of damage or loss. .
What to know: Nearly all prescription lenses available on the market today, excluding the most fundamental standard plastic CR-39 lens—still comprising roughly 36 percent of prescription lenses sold in the U.S. in 2019, as per the Vision Council—typically come equipped with scratch-resistant coating. This is primarily due to the inherent scratch-resistant properties of CR-39, which renders additional coating unnecessary for this material. To further help keep lenses scratch-free, store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them and use a microfiber non-scratch cloth to clean them.
UV-Protective
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can gradually damage your eyes, potentially resulting in conditions such as cataracts and retinal damage. Fortunately, numerous eyeglass lenses come with built-in UV protection. For comprehensive eye protection, you can opt for additional treatments or lenses specifically designed to provide 100 percent UV protection, ensuring enhanced safety for your eyes.
Who might consider: It is imperative for everyone to prioritize sun protection practices, but it holds particular significance for individuals who frequently expose themselves to the sun's rays due to prolonged outdoor activities.
What to know: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) advises seeking eyewear that provides complete shielding against both UVA and UVB radiation, which should be clearly indicated by labels such as "100 percent UV protection" or "UV400."
Anti-Fog Coating
The factory-applied coating, known as Fog Free, effectively prevents moisture condensation on lenses, ensuring clear vision during transitions from cold to warm environments. This feature not only maintains clarity during temperature changes but also prevents fogging during activities such as sports or moments of perspiration, ensuring consistently clear vision.
Who might consider: For individuals grappling with frequent and notable temperature fluctuations, often diverging by a minimum of 20 degrees in a high-humidity environment.
What to know: While notably effective, it's crucial to recognize that the anti-fog coating might not entirely eradicate fogging, particularly in scenarios of drastic temperature fluctuations or elevated humidity levels. Nonetheless, when paired with consistent utilization of the activator cloth, it notably diminishes fogging in comparison to lenses lacking such coating.