Anti-reflective eyewear refers to eyeglasses and sunglasses that have an anti-glare coating. This type of eyewear is equipped with a lens coating similar to the coatings used on microscopes and camera lenses. The coating consists of multiple layers of metal oxides designed to block light, and improve both the performance and appearance of eyeglasses.
This type of coating blocks excessive light from entering the eye:
Why is anti-reflective eyewear used?
Anti-reflective lens coating is designed to improve the cosmetic appearance and to enhance the performance of glasses. The coating blocks light to reduce the glare seen through glasses and the reflections others see on lenses. With less reflection, lenses look far thinner and eyes are much more visible in photographs.
Night driving
Anti-reflective eyewear is particularly beneficial when driving at night. The anti-glare lens coating reduces the halo effect that occurs around headlights and streetlights in the dark.
Computer work
This type of eyewear is also recommended for people who work with computers all day. The lens coating reduces eyestrain from battling glare on a monitor, allowing people to work on a computer for longer periods without difficulty.
Benefits of anti-reflective eyewear
Glasses wearers often wonder whether anti-reflective coating is a necessary investment. In general, the benefits of anti-reflective eyewear justify the added costs. The primary benefit of anti-reflective eyewear is the prevention of glare and reflections on lenses, blocking excess light that can lead to pupil strain. Anti-reflective eyewear also eliminates distractions from halos while driving at night.
Problems associated with anti-reflective eyewear
One of the downsides of wearing anti-reflective lenses is that they are much more prone to scratching. They also show fingerprints easily and attract more dirt. As a result, they do require special care. Wearers of anti-reflective lenses should invest in a special cleaning cloth and cleaner to maintain the appearance of their glasses.
If you are considering anti-reflective eyewear, contact your optometrist to schedule an appointment to discover if these lenses will be the right fit for you.