What to Know About Antireflective Coating for Eyeglasses Lenses

Anti reflective coating reduces glare and other reflections.

Person looking up with glasses

When you walk out of an eye exam ready to pick out new glasses, frames may be top of mind, but it’s the lenses that are actually going to help you see better.

That means you’ll want to pay close attention when the optician reviews the special lens coatings and treatments that can enhance your view or improve the look of your glasses.

One of the most popular add-ons to consider is an anti-reflective coating for lenses. As the name implies, the coating reduces glare and other reflections for a more comfortable view.

Read on to understand how it works:

The eye care specialists at America’s Best can help you find lenses that are just right for you!  Learn more here.

What is anti-reflective coating?

Anti-reflective coating is a special formula that is added to the front and back of your eyeglass lens. When this formula has been added, it can greatly reduce the amount of glare that you get on your glasses from surrounding lights.

This can include:

  • Sunlight
  • Overhead lights
  • Task lighting
  • Light from the computer screen
  • Headlights from oncoming cars at night.

In fact, most people cite the reduced glare when driving at night as one of the biggest benefits of anti-reflective coating.

How does anti-reflective coating improve visual clarity?

Less glare means less straining to see clearly when you’re driving at night, helping customers at work, studying for exams in a fluorescent-lit library, or posting pool-side pics to your social feed.

Is anti-reflective coating necessary for all lenses?

No, you don’t need an anti-reflective coating to achieve 20/20 vision. But it can make a noticeable difference — especially if you’ve chosen a thin, high-index lens like the Verithin high-index lenses from America’s Best.

Thin, high-index lenses, which are good for individuals with a stronger prescription, tend to reflect more light.

Are all anti-reflective coatings alike?

No. The America’s Best NeverGlare Advantage anti-reflective coating includes a blue-light blocking feature that can help reduce eye fatigue and strain.

How does anti-reflective coating affect the appearance of eyeglasses?

In addition to shielding your eyes from harsh reflections, anti-reflective coating can also make your glasses have a better appearance to others as well.

Because the glare is reduced, others who are looking at you will be able to clearly see your eyes without the surrounding lights casting unflattering effects on the eyeglass lenses.

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Can anti-reflective coating be applied to sunglasses?

Yes. In fact, it’s a good idea. The addition of an anti-reflective coating to both the front and back of the lens will give your eyes the best protection from strong UV rays that come in directly, as well as those that bounce off surfaces like windows and sidewalks.

This can allow you to see more clearly with your sunglasses[CB3]  on a bright, sunny day — even with a lighter tinted lens.

How should you care for lenses with an anti-reflective coating?

You’ll want to use special cleansers to preserve the coating and guard against scratches. and should never be cleaned with a dry cloth without wetting the lens first.

This can cause scratches which will be more noticeable with an AR coated eyeglass lens.

Press play to learn the easy steps to clean your glasses:

Can I try out lenses with anti-reflective coating?

The optical experts at America’s Best can help you compare different lens options that are right for your prescription and that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Visit a location near you or find an exam time that fits your schedule.