If you’ve ever noticed a distracting reflection on your glasses while you’re talking with someone outside or trying to take a photo, then you’ve been inconvenienced by glare.
Fortunately, you can manage glare by applying the right coating to your lenses. An anti-glare coating is a very thin, transparent layer applied to your lenses that helps more light pass through while reducing distracting reflections. At Weston Optical, we can make this simple addition to your eyeglass lenses in order to improve both how you see the world and how the world sees you.
A Clear Look at Anti-Reflective Coatings
You may also hear anti-glare coatings referred to as anti-reflective or AR coatings. Regardless of which name is used, they’re carefully applied to the front and back of your eyeglass lenses as part of getting a new pair of glasses. The primary job of an anti-glare coating is improving your vision by managing the way light interacts with your glasses.
By minimizing reflections, the coating allows nearly all available light to reach your eyes. This results in clearer, sharper vision. It’s a subtle technology that works to make your experience with glasses more comfortable and natural.
The Everyday Benefits of Less Glare
An anti-glare coating offers more than just clearer lenses. It can also make a positive difference in your daily comfort and how you connect with the people around you. You may find these small improvements add up to a much better experience with your eyewear.
See with More Clarity & Comfort
When glare from overhead lights and screens is reduced, your vision becomes sharper. This can also help reduce the tired, irritated feeling in your eyes after a long day of computer use, thereby helping to prevent digital eye strain.
Look Your Best in Photos & Video Calls
Without the distraction of reflections on your lenses, people can see your eyes more clearly. This allows for a more direct and personal connection, whether you’re on a video call with family or posing for a picture.
Drive More Comfortably at Night
Anti-glare coatings can also reduce the distracting starbursts and halos from oncoming headlights and streetlights. This helps you feel more at ease behind the wheel after dark, making your night driving experience more pleasant.
What to Consider Before You Choose
Like any feature for your glasses, there are a few factors to keep in mind when it comes to anti-glare coatings.
The Added Cost
An anti-glare treatment is an addition to your lenses, so it does add to the overall cost of your glasses. You can think of it as an investment in your visual comfort, and there are good reasons not to compromise on the quality of your eyewear.
Care & Maintenance
These coatings sometimes show smudges or fingerprints more easily. Following proper guidelines for cleaning your glasses can help keep them simple to maintain.
How Long Does the Coating Last?
The durability of an anti-glare coating depends on its quality and how you care for your glasses. A well-made coating applied by a professional can last for years with proper handling.
Are Anti-Glare Lenses Worth It?
Deciding whether an anti-glare coating is right for you often comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. For many people, the visual and aesthetic benefits are a valuable addition to their glasses.
- If you spend a lot of time on computers, the reduction in screen glare can make your workday more comfortable and help you avoid symptoms of digital eye strain.
- If you do a lot of night driving, less glare from headlights can make your trips less stressful.
- If you value aesthetics, clearer lenses that show your eyes can be a wonderful style choice.
Talk to a Professional About Your Needs
A great way to figure out your options is to have a conversation with your optician about how you use your glasses. A professional can show you different types of coatings and explain which ones work well with your chosen frames and prescription.
At Weston Optical, our team is here to help you find a solution that fits your style and visual needs. A one-on-one fitting helps you explore all the little details that make a pair of glasses uniquely yours.
