What do all of those coatings really do?

Are you curious about why you see more clearly with some glasses than others? Some eyeglasses seem super crisp and clear, while others appear like you have to keep cleaning them all the time. Is it real? Imagined? The secret might be no more than a thin, almost invisible coating. Lens coatings are microscopic thin layers of various materials applied to the surface of eyeglass lenses. They are designed to enhance the functionality and durability of your glasses, while also improving your vision and comfort in different lighting conditions.

These coatings can make significant differences in how you use your glasses and how they benefit (and even improve) your daily life, which is why the Suburban Opticians optical team often recommends them. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know before trying lens coatings.

Anti-reflective coatings help eliminate reflections from the front and back surfaces of your lenses. This reduction in glare means fewer distractions while driving at night or working in front of a computer, resulting in clearer, more comfortable vision and a better aesthetic appearance. Anti-reflective coatings are particularly beneficial in reducing eye strain in low-light conditions and when using digital devices. Furthermore, they enhance the transparency of your lenses, making your eyes more visible to others, which enhances facial expressions and eye contact in social or professional settings. By optimizing the passage of light through your lenses, these coatings also ensure that your vision is as sharp and accurate as possible, mimicking natural eyesight conditions. Anti-reflective coatings elevate your vision experience without a doubt.

If you’ve ever experienced your eyewear falling to the ground by accident, you know the pit-in-your-stomach feeling that comes with that. Knowing you paid hundreds of dollars for your eyewear investment and fearing breakage is a tough feeling. Even though no lens material is completely scratch-proof, modern polymer lenses treated with a high-quality scratch-resistant coating can withstand everyday wear and tear much better than untreated lenses. Scratch-resistant coatings help prolong the life of your lenses and maintain clear vision.

Ultraviolet (UV) coating on lenses blocks harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes, similar to how sunscreen protects your skin. Continuous exposure to UV light can lead to serious eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. This coating is essential for maintaining long-term ocular health.

And finally, with the increasing use of digital devices, exposure to blue light is also rising. Blue light lenses reduce exposure to the harmful blue-violet light rays emitted by screens, which can contribute to digital eye strain and sleep disturbances. These lenses can be particularly useful for individuals who spend substantial time in front of computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Our staff at Suburban Opticians can help you navigate your options to help you choose what fits best with your lifestyle. Pop in today for a visit!