If you are shopping around for new glasses, you might be unsure about all the different options that are available for your eyeglass lenses. There are several different types of lens coatings you can get for your glasses. Read on to learn more about their functions so you can make the best choice.

Anti-reflective lens coatings

Our optometrist recommend anti-reflective coating, which she thinks is one of the best coatings available. There are different reflections and light bouncing off the glasses, which can cause more glare and light sensitivity when you're wearing your glasses. Having anti-reflective coating on your glasses actually works by using the index of refraction, so that when light hits the glass from either side, the light rays cancel each other out. Overall, it minimizes glare and provides comfort when wearing glasses. In addition, this helps with the glare from screens that we use these days, as well as driving at night. At our practice in Olympia our opticians generally recommend anti reflective lenses as they provide improved vision, safety and comfort.

Scratch resistant coatings for your glasses

There is also a scratch-resistant coating that you can get for your lenses. It's something you'd discuss with our optician when you're ordering glasses, some lenses have that built in, and others require an additional coating. This is really important because when you remove your glasses and put them down, it actually prevents the little scratches that can occur on the different lens coatings and the actual lenses, which keeps them in good working condition for a longer period of time. When cleaning your glasses, don't use a wet cloth because that can cause little scratches on the coating on the lens. Use a dry cloth instead. Our opticians generally recommend scratch resistant coatings for both children's and adult glasses as that increases the life of the lens and improves vision.

Blue light coating

The other coating that has recently been introduced is the blue blocking coating. This tends to block some of the blue UV rays that come from screens and computers and other lighting. These are a bit more optional depending on how your day-to-day looks. For people who spend most of their day in front of the computer, it may be a little more beneficial than for people who don't use the computer much. This blue blocking coating helps to reduce fatigue, especially during the nighttime, so that you can get your rest without being affected by the blue rays from digital devices.

UV protection in your prescription glasses

There are many lenses today that come with UV protection built in, but it is not universal. It is important to protect your eyes against UV rays as much as possible for the long term health of your eyes. Before buying your lenses, make sure to ask if UV protection is built in, or if it can be added later. Some people prefer to wear prescription sunglasses, while others would rather have the convenience of having only one pair of glasses. Our opticians always recommend some form of UV protection for children and adults, however whether that is a coating on your glasses, transition lenses that change color inside or outside, or sunglasses, is a personal choice.

Anti-Fog

Adding anti-fog coatings to lenses is helpful for those who frequently move between hot and cold environments, or who expect to regularly encounter other situations that lead to fogged lenses. For someone who wears face masks a lot, anti fog coatings may reduce the annoyance of having your glasses fog up a lot.