Anti-Glare Vs Anti-Reflective Lenses - Hakim Optical (2024)

The terms anti-glare lenses and anti-reflective lenses have been used interchangeably since their inception. The average person has a general understanding that both anti-glare and anti-reflective lenses help to reduce the light entering the eyes and provide a clearer vision for the wearer. While this is a fine general understanding, there are some small differences between anti-glare and anti-reflective lenses: here’s what you should know.

Anti-Glare

Anti-glare lens coatings work to reduce the amount of light entering the eyes to prevent damage and help improve eyesight and surroundings. They do so by equipping the lenses with a diffusive property. This means that instead of a light ray bouncing off your lenses, it is instead broken down into smaller, weaker, and mostly unnoticeable rays that are not harsh on the eyes.

Anti-Reflective

While anti-reflective lenses work similarly to other lenses, diffusing rays that enter the lenses, they actually are slightly more effective as they protect against both external and internal light, while anti-glare glasses only protect against external light. Internal light refers to when light rays are in a transitional state between your lens and the air, and can cause damage to your eyes over a long period of time.

The Difference Between the Two Lenses

While anti-glare and reflective lenses are often marketed as the same or indistinguishable products, there is at least one key difference: anti-glare lenses protect against just external light sources, while anti-reflective lenses protect against both external and internal light sources, protecting the wearer more thoroughly from harmful light rays.

Which Lens Choice is Right for You

Once we understand the key difference between anti-glare and anti-reflective lenses, it’s easy to determine which one is more effective, safer, and more worth the purchase. The answer, of course, is anti-reflective lenses over anti-glare.

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Anti-Glare Vs Anti-Reflective Lenses - Hakim Optical (2024)

FAQs

Anti-Glare Vs Anti-Reflective Lenses - Hakim Optical? ›

While anti-reflective lenses work similarly to other lenses, diffusing rays that enter the lenses, they actually are slightly more effective as they protect against both external and internal light, while anti-glare glasses only protect against external light.

Which is better, anti-glare or anti-reflective glasses? ›

In short: anti glare coatings will protect against external light sources entering the glasses, while anti-reflective coatings will protect against both internal and external light.

What kind of lenses does Hakim Optical use? ›

We provide both prescription and non-prescription safety eyewear, and our prescription protective eyewear can be custom-made to fit your needs! Choose from frames made of plastic/polycarbonate, metal, or nylon, and lenses that are single vision, bifocal, trifocal, or progressive.

Is it worth getting anti-glare on glasses? ›

They can help you see better, look better, and feel better compared to wearing glasses with uncoated lenses. Some of the benefits of AG and AR lens coatings include: They improve your vision by reducing bothersome reflections, glare, and halos.

Is it OK to wear anti glare glasses all the time? ›

Yes. You can wear anti-reflective coatings or anti-glare glasses all day. How long they're comfortable for is entirely up to the individual wearing them and how much glare exposure you will experience throughout the day.

How do I know if I need anti glare glasses? ›

If you're bothered by reflections when wearing glasses, it's probably time for you to look into purchasing a pair of anti-glare glasses. These special glasses are beneficial for a variety of reasons. They're commonly used for preventing glare when driving at night.

What is the highest quality eyeglass lens? ›

Essilor is the world leader in eyeglass lenses. Essilor created the first and finest progressive lenses (Varilux lenses, Varilux Definity®, Varilux Comfort®, Varilux Physio®, Varilux Ellipse®), the finest lens coating (Crizal), and the finest single vision lenses on the market today (Orma, Thin&Lite, and Airwear).

Who makes Hakim lenses? ›

Karim Hakimi, a native of Iran, learned to make lenses from old window glass as a child. After a stint in the navy, Hakimi worked in the optical industry in Switzerland. He then migrated to Canada and opened an optical laboratory in the former Elmwood Hotel (now the Elmwood Spa) in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

How long does it take to get glasses from Hakim Optical? ›

From anti-static to anti-shatter, mirrored to transition lenses, you're bound to find the perfect lenses to suit your needs. Once you've ordered your new eyeglasses, within a few business days they'll be ready to pick up from your local Hakim Optical.

Do anti-glare glasses work for night driving? ›

Anti-reflective coated glasses are the most effective for night driving. The coating on these lenses minimizes glare and reflection, enhancing contrast and overall visual acuity in low light conditions.

How long does anti-glare coating last on eyeglasses? ›

There's no hard and fast rule here as it greatly varies depending on the user and how the glasses are treated. However, most eye experts will tell you that an anti-reflective coating should last between one and two years on average.

Do computer glasses need anti-reflective coating? ›

Glare is one of the main sources of eye strain. AR coatings are very effective in raising the comfort level for people who spend long hours at the computer by reducing glare, improving contrast and enhancing visual acuity.

Are anti-glare and anti-reflective the same? ›

While anti-glare and reflective lenses are often marketed as the same or indistinguishable products, there is at least one key difference: anti-glare lenses protect against just external light sources, while anti-reflective lenses protect against both external and internal light sources, protecting the wearer more ...

Should I pay for anti-reflective coating on glasses? ›

The majority of my patients agree that having anti-reflective coatings on their glasses is absolutely worth the additional cost.

How much does anti-glare coating cost for glasses? ›

This coating can cost anywhere from $20 to $90 to add to a pair of glasses. This cost is sometimes covered by insurance, although this will depend on your exact plan. Many doctors recommend getting an anti-reflective coating.

What is the point of anti-reflective glasses? ›

Anti-glare glasses, also known as anti-reflective (AR), use metal oxides and other materials to reduce reflections and glare on the lenses. The primary purpose of these glasses is to improve vision in bright or reflective light and reduce eyestrain, fatigue, and overhead lights.

Are reflective lenses better? ›

Mirrored sunglasses and polarized sunglasses are both great options that offer different benefits and drawbacks. Mirrored sunglasses provide reduced glare and a stylish look, while polarized sunglasses offer improved visual clarity and eye comfort.

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