Anti-Reflective Coating on Glasses: Is It Worth It? (2024)

Anti-reflective coating on eyeglasses costs more, but it may be beneficial in specific situations, such as night driving and preventing eye strain from computer use. On the other hand, the lenses are easily scratched and may require replacement.

Anti-reflective coating (also known as AR, no-glare, or glare-free coating) reduces glare by absorbing and redirecting reflected light. This allows more non-reflected light to pass through, leading to fewer visual disturbances. Unlike reflective lenses with mirror-like finishes, anti-reflective coatings are transparent with a very faint green or blue tint.

This article discusses how anti-reflective coating works, the pros and cons of anti-glare glasses, and how much it costs.

Is Anti-Reflective Coating Worth It?

While it's not an outright necessity, anti-reflective coating is something you may want to consider if you have symptoms of eye strain or spend a lot of time in front of a computer.

Anti-glare glasses can also make driving safe, particularly for those who drive at night or do long-distance driving.

Anti-reflective coating is also useful for people who:

• Want to replace the highly reflective lenses
• Tend to handle their glasses roughly
• Have a sensitivity to light
• Have astigmatism, cataracts, or glaucoma
• Play sports in bright light
  

Benefits of Anti-Glare Glasses

In the past, anti-reflective coatings were either painted onto the lens or applied to the lens like a sticker. But that's not the case anymore. Today, anti-reflective coatings are fused onto the lens matrix, a technology first employed with high-powered telescopes and microscopes.

The coating is made up of carefully calibrated layers of metal oxides that are applied to the front and back of the lens and then irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light to enhance their light absorbency. This reduces reflected light and allows more non-reflected light to be transmitted through the lens.

Key benefits of anti-glare glasses include:

• Durability: The lenses are tough, and the coating does not rub off.
• Improved vision: Not only do the glasses reduce glare and squinting, but they also make it easier to see smaller print or patterns.
• Effortless cleaning: Anti-reflective lenses contain chemicals that make them water-resistant, reducing the build-up of grease or dirt on the lens surface.
• Thinner profile: Traditional reflective lenses make thicker glasses more noticeable, while anti-reflecting coatings are transparent and make them less noticeable.
• Improved appearance: Less glare means that people can your eyes more clearly, particularly when being photographed.

Anti-Glare Glasses for Computer Use

Vision problems caused by prolonged computer use are common. A 2020 study published in the journal Cureus reported that computer vision syndrome—a condition characterized by headache, itchy eyes, and temporary vision changes—was higher in eyeglass wearers and those who reported glare on their computer screens.

The American Optometric Association lists eyeglass lens coatings as one of the more useful solutions for computer vision syndrome.

Anti-Glare Glasses for Night Driving

Glare while driving at night is a common cause of accidents, especially for people with astigmatism. This eye disorder, which affects one in three older people, can cause visual disturbances like halos and "whiteouts" with approaching headlights.

Anti-glare glasses also may help people who are sensitive to light while driving in the daytime or those boating in bright daylight. AR coatings are available for sunglasses too.

Disadvantages of Anti-Glare Coating

Anti-reflective technology has come a long way in recent years, but there are still some cons worth noting:

• Easy scratching: Anti-reflective lenses tend to be softer and scratch easily. Manufacturers recommend using a microfiber cloth after rinsing the lenses rather than wiping them dry with a shirt sleeve or tissue.
• Visible dirt: Though anti-glare lenses stay cleaner longer than standard lenses, the lack of glare means that smudges and grime are more visible when they are dirty.
• Cannot be repaired: Once damaged, the lenses need to be replaced.
  

Cost and Ordering

If you are considering anti-reflective coating, check the grading scale offered by your optician. Some opticians offer a choice of "good," "better," and "best" (or a similar scale) with the "best" grade costing considerably more.

Even so, a higher-end coating can be well worth your money. In addition to the benefits, these lenses tend to have better warranties and may be replaced at no charge if your lenses are scratched within a year.

Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of AR coating. By way of example, EyeMed (a vision insurance company with over 36 million members) set the price of lenses with premium anti-reflective coating at $136 in 2022. The same lenses were $337 without insurance.

AR Lens Options

Some quality brand-name lenses made with anti-reflective coatings include:

• Crizal Prevencia
• Hoya Super HiVision
• Shamir Glacier Plus
• Zeiss DuraVision Platinum

It's worth asking your optician about other available AR coatings. Manufacturers are constantly updating their materials and may offer superior products specifically designed for night driving, sports, or computer use.

Summary

Anti-reflective coating on eyeglasses is designed to reduce glare, making nighttime driving easier, and reducing eye strain from computer use. The coating is fused into the surface of the lens, giving it a very faint blue or green tinge. Despite their benefits, anti-glare glasses tend to scratch easily and would then need to be replaced.