The Advantages of Anti-Reflex Coating

Anti-reflex coatings reduce back-glare on glass lenses. The of glare comes from the light hitting the back of the glass lens and reflecting into the eyes. It makes working on computers, watching television and working in areas with bright lights difficult. An anti-reflex coating can be added to any pair of lens from plastic to glass, but it usually costs extra to have it done. The coating is also sometimes applied to the front of a glass lens.

Reduces Glare and Reflections

• Anti-reflex coating not only prevents back-glare, it reduces reflections of all kinds bouncing around inside the lens and off the outside of the lens. This makes working with computers and in bright areas more comfortable for the wearer. It also reduces glare on the lenses in photographs, making for pictures in which the user's eyes are clearly seen. This may make it easier for people speaking with the wearer, who can now see their eyes clearly through the glasses.

Improves Night Vision

• During the nighttime, bright lights from cars, signs and lamp posts create glare on the glasses. It's hard to see through this glare, so the wearer's night vision is impaired. Anti-reflective coatings remove much of the glare, making it easier for the wearer to see at night. This also improves the wearer's night driving as the view of the road is not impeded.

Improves Day Vision

• An anti-reflex coating on the backside of lenses will also prevent sunlight from reflecting into your eyes when the sun is to your back, making it easier to do outside activities with glasses on. This is the most beneficial place to have the anti-reflex coating. Since most people wear sunglasses when facing the sun or when outside and facing the wearer, applying the coating to the front of the lens is redundant.

Cleaning the Anti-Reflex Coating

• Cleaning an anti-reflective coating is no different than caring for other standard glass lenses. The coating causes water to bead up and run off the lens in rain or when cleaning the lenses. Some coatings are also smudge resistant, so they won't develop fingerprints and other smudge marks as quickly as standard glass lenses. To clean, wet the lenses first and wipe with a dry, soft cloth.