What are the different types of eyeglass lens coatings?

The main types of eyeglass lens coatings include: anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, anti-fog, UV protection, and polarized.

What does an anti-reflective coating do?

An anti-reflective coating reduces glare and reflections from your lenses so you have clearer vision and less eye strain.

Should I get scratch-resistant coating?

Scratch-resistant coatings help prevent minor scratches and abrasions on your lenses, which can impair vision and be difficult to remove. They are recommended for plastic and polycarbonate lenses.

When would I need an anti-fog coating?

Anti-fog coatings prevent condensation from building up on your lenses, especially useful for sports and other strenuous activities. They are ideal for eyeglass wearers who sweat a lot.

What are the benefits of UV protection coating?

A UV protection coating filters out ultraviolet rays that can cause long-term damage to your eyes. It helps prevent conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

When should I get polarized lenses?

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads. They are especially useful for driving and outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking.

How To Choose The Best Anti Reflective Lens Coating For You?

BY Dr. Mori Goodyear
IN Glasses
Sep 02, 2021

This article was revised on July 19, 2023.

Lens coatings are a great way to tailor your glasses to your individual needs. But with so many different lens coating types available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a coating that will reduce glare or make your glasses more scratch-resistant, this comprehensive guide has you covered to help you find the best options for your lifestyle and preferences.

What is an anti reflective coating on glasses?

Anti reflective coating for glasses, also called AR coating or anti glare coating, is a thin layer applied to the surface of eyeglass lenses to minimize glare and reflected light. Anti-reflective coating can enhance the clarity, comfort and overall performance of a pair of glasses by reducing unwanted reflections.

Here at Zenni, all of our lenses are scratch-resistant and come with UV protection, free of charge. To customize your glasses further, we offer three different types of anti-reflective coating:

Standard: This reduces glare, reflections, and halos around lights at night, improving the vision and appearance of your glasses.
Advanced: Super-Hydrophobic, a water-resistant coating that repels dirt and water, making it easier to clean your lenses.
Premium: Oleophobic, an oil-resistant coating that repels fingerprints and anti-fog, which prevents your glasses lenses from fogging up for better visibility.

Your choice of anti reflective coating will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a coating that will reduce glare and improve your vision, standard AR coating is a great option. If you’re concerned about fingerprints and smudges, oil-resistant coating will prevent that from happening. If you’re prone to situations where your glasses fog up often, such as working out, cooking, playing sports, or wearing a mask, hydrophobic or anti-fog coatings may be the best option for you.

Is anti reflective coating worth it?

We certainly think so! Here are a few additional benefits for AR coating on glasses:

Reduced glare = reducing eye strain. Anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare from light sources, such as sunlight, car headlights, and computer screens. This makes it easier to see in bright environments and reduces eye strain.
Improved vision. AR coating can improve your overall vision by making it easier to see through the lenses. This is especially beneficial for people who wear glasses with high prescriptions.
More comfortable to wear. AR coating makes your glasses more comfortable to wear by reducing the amount of light that is reflected back into your eyes. This can help to reduce eye fatigue and make it easier to focus.

Three pairs of stylish eyeglasses with different frames inside a gold-trimmed glass display case.

Is anti reflective coating necessary for reading glasses?

While AR coating is not required for reading glasses, it can greatly improve your vision and comfort. Because AR coating helps to reduce glare and reflections and makes it easier to see through the lenses, it can be beneficial for people who wear reading glasses in bright environments, such as outdoors or in well-lit rooms.

About the Author: Dr. Mori Ahi, O.D.

Dr. Mori has over 10 years of experience in eye care. She earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA and her optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry. She has worked in a variety of eye care settings and is passionate about helping her patients find a great pair of affordable glasses