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What Are Lens Coatings?

April 11, 2024

Have you ever wondered why you see more clearly with some glasses than others? The secret might be no more than a thin, almost invisible coating. Lens coatings are microscopically thin layers of various materials applied to the surface of eyeglass lenses. They are designed to enhance the functionality and durability of your glasses, while also improving your vision and comfort in different lighting conditions.

These coatings can make significant differences in how you use your glasses and how they benefit your daily life, which is why our White Plains-based optical team often recommends them. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know before trying lens coatings.

Types of Lens Coatings

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

Anti-reflective coatings help eliminate reflections from the front and back surfaces of your lenses. This reduction in glare means fewer distractions while driving at night or working in front of a computer, resulting in clearer, more comfortable vision and a better aesthetic appearance. AR coatings are particularly beneficial in reducing eye strain in low-light conditions and when using digital devices. Furthermore, they enhance the transparency of your lenses, making your eyes more visible to others, which enhances facial expressions and eye contact in social or professional settings. By optimizing the passage of light through your lenses, these coatings also ensure that your vision is as sharp and accurate as possible, mimicking natural eyesight conditions.

Scratch-Resistant Coating

Even though no lens material is completely scratch-proof, modern polymer lenses treated with a high-quality scratch-resistant coating can withstand everyday wear and tear much better than untreated lenses. At Raphael Opticians, we only use the best materials that, while banned in other countries for safety concerns, are still commonly used in America without adequate warnings. Our scratch-resistant coatings help prolong the life of your lenses and maintain clear vision.

UV Coating

Ultraviolet (UV) coating on lenses blocks harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes, similar to how sunscreen protects your skin. Continuous exposure to UV light can lead to serious eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. This coating is essential for maintaining long-term ocular health.

Blue Light Coating

With the increasing use of digital devices, exposure to blue light is also rising. A blue light coating helps reduce exposure to the blue-violet light emitted by screens, which can contribute to digital eye strain and sleep disturbances. This coating can be particularly useful for those who spend substantial time in front of computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Choosing the Right Coatings

When selecting lens coatings, consider your daily activities, your environment, and how you use your glasses. At Raphael Opticians, we pride ourselves on not just selling glasses but also helping our customers make informed decisions. We encourage you to visit other stores, see what they offer, and then come to us. We’re here to help you understand the pros and cons of different materials and coatings.

Why Trust Raphael Opticians?

At Raphael Opticians, we believe in using only the safest and most effective materials for our glasses. We’re vigilant about industry practices and proactive in avoiding materials that are deemed unsafe or banned in other countries but still used in the U.S. Our goal is to provide not only the best products for every prescription but also the right education to our customers about the science of vision and eyewear technology.

We invite you to visit our White Plains store for all your optical needs, where you can experience the difference knowledge and care can make in choosing your eyewear. Let us help you see the world more clearly and protect your vision for the future.

For more information on our products at Raphael Opticians, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.

The White Plains optical experts at Raphael Opticians offer a range of useful products