An anti-reflective coating (also known as AR coating or anti-glare coating) improves both your vision through your lenses and the appearance of your eyeglasses. Both benefits are due to the AR's ability to eliminate reflections of light from the front and back surface of eyeglass lenses. AR coating is especially beneficial when used on high index lenses, which reflect more light than regular plastic lenses. Generally, the higher the index of refraction of the lens material, the more light that will be reflected from the surface of the lenses.
For example, regular plastic lenses reflect roughly 8% of the light hitting the lenses, so only 92% of available light enters the eye for vision. High index lenses can reflect up to 12% allowing only 88% of available light to the eye for vision. This can be particularly troublesome in low light conditions, such as night driving. Today’s modern anti-reflective coating can virtually eliminate the reflection of light from eyeglass lenses allowing 99.5% of available light to pass through the lenses and enter the eye for good vision. By eliminating reflections, AR coatings also make your eyeglass lenses look nearly invisible so people can see your eyes more clearly. Anti-reflective coatings also make you glasses look more attractive so you can look your best in all lighting conditions.
Unlike the older generation of AR coatings, today’s premium coatings include a “hydrophobic" and "oleophobic" surface. These surfaces repel water and skin oils which make the surface much easier to keep clean.
If you have any questions or are interest in having AR coating our Opticians at Eyewear at Willows will be happy to help. Please call them at 203-227-9380.
