Choosing coatings

Assisting you to make sense of the various types of coatings available and choosing the one that is right for you. The following are some of the coatings that are available:

Anti- reflex coating

Did you know?: Anti-reflection coatings were a German military secret until the early stages of World War II

Optometrists dispense "antireflection lenses" because the decreased reflection makes them look better, and they produce less glare, which is particularly noticeable when driving at night or working in front of a computer monitor. The decreased glare means that wearers often find their eyes are less tired, particularly at the end of the day. Allowing more light to pass through the lens also increases contrast and therefore increases visual acuity.

Antireflective ophthalmic lenses should not be confused with polarized lenses, which decrease (by absorption) the visible glare of sun reflected of surfaces such as snow, water, and roads. The term "anti-reflective" relates to the reflection from the surface of the lens itself, not the origin of the light that reaches the lens.

Many anti-reflection lenses include an additional coating that repels water and grease, making them easier to keep clean. Anti-reflection coatings are particularly suited to high-index lenses, as these reflect more light without the coating than a lower-index lens.

UV coating

These coatings protect the eyes from the suns harmful UV rays.