Glasses: Anti-Scratch Lenses and UV Protection
Patients often ask me about anti-scratch lenses, additional UV protection and anti-reflective coating. Here's my take on all three:
Extra UV protection isn't necessary, the lens material (glass or plastic) already has an effective UV filter. Think of it like buying 'undercoat protection' at the new car dealership. Didn't Detroit already take care of this?!?
Don't buy anti-reflective coatings unless you are a TV personality (in which case have the broadcaster buy your eyewear). This add-on spray utilizes a clever optical principle called destructive interference to eliminate the harsh reflection of lightbulbs on the front surface of your glasses. Yes, the observer is the beneficiary, not the wearer!
Those indestructable anti-scratch polycarbonate lenses have a soft surface that tends to scratch fairly easily. Plastic (CR39) lenses should not scratch. The protective coating will likely wear out before the lens does.
Related Topics: Eyeglasses & Contacts, Eyeglass Prescriptions
Technorati Tags: eyeglasses, UV, antiscratch lenses
Extra UV protection isn't necessary, the lens material (glass or plastic) already has an effective UV filter. Think of it like buying 'undercoat protection' at the new car dealership. Didn't Detroit already take care of this?!?
Don't buy anti-reflective coatings unless you are a TV personality (in which case have the broadcaster buy your eyewear). This add-on spray utilizes a clever optical principle called destructive interference to eliminate the harsh reflection of lightbulbs on the front surface of your glasses. Yes, the observer is the beneficiary, not the wearer!
Those indestructable anti-scratch polycarbonate lenses have a soft surface that tends to scratch fairly easily. Plastic (CR39) lenses should not scratch. The protective coating will likely wear out before the lens does.
Related Topics: Eyeglasses & Contacts, Eyeglass Prescriptions
Technorati Tags: eyeglasses, UV, antiscratch lenses
10 Comments:
Dear Dr. Lloyd, with all due respect, you have contradicted two of WebMD's very own important articles: 1) Safety Eyewear Recommended to Reduce Sports-Related Eye Injuries; 2)
The appropriate glasses can prevent injuries and save your vision.
I beg to differ with your statement that the wearer of anti-reflective coatings reap no benefits. Having undergone RK surgery years ago, I suffer from significant glare disability. I definitely benefit from AR coating. WebMD quote: If glare becomes a problem, consider an anti-reflective coating applied to new eyeglasses. Anti-reflective coating will reduce reflections, decrease halos around light, and create a nicer cosmetic appearance. Safer night driving!
Re: Anti-reflective. I have worked in the optical field and now have been diag. with Macular Degeneration (dry). The anti-glare really dosen't benefit me because I am now seeing halos at night when driving. This is pretty scary for me, I am feeling uncomfortable now driving at night.I am 53yrs old and still have along way to go.
Linda-Palm Desert, CA
Re:A/R Coating
I have been in the optical field for awhile and I have A/R Coating on my glasses. At night I am seeing halos while driving. The Coating dosen't do me any justice at this point. I have been diagnosed with AMD (dry) Also having Transition Coating is fine at night but I still have problems during the day. After all, your windshield has the A/R Coating on it and this prevents the transitions from working to their max. protection.
With regards to the A/R coatings on the lens, it is all about the quality of the coating. I have been in the optical field for a few years now and many of my customers swear by it. I use my A/R lens when I am on a computer as I am now and the glare is gone! My eyes don't get as tired as quickly and I am able to focus on what I am doing. As for driving at night, the technology hasn't gotten that far. I recommend A/R lens to everyone. Plus they look so much better! I want people to look at me and not my glasses!
I am very nearsighted (diopters in the negative teens), and I find AR coating to be quite beneficial. I used to get reflections of the (thick) edges of my lenses. These effectively narrowed my field of vision, since I couldn't see much through these rings of glare. The AR coating makes them virtually unnoticeable.
Can A/R Coatings be applied to all types of lenses, such as polycarbonate lenses? Are they applied when you're lenses are being made, or can they be applied afterwards? If they can be applied on afterwards, is it something you can do yourself?
I need some help. Thanks in advance!
Profound lack of education Dr. lloyd. First of all, (dependent upon brand) premium AR lenses (Alize, Hoya) have a much higher bayer rating (6.5 - 10.9) than naked or factory HSC (1 - 2.5) In addition scratch warranty claims are 2% and less versus 5-10% on bare or HSC plastics (CR39 and Poly) These are industry averages.
They can be applied afterwords if your lenses are completely free of scratches. This AR coating has a less scratch resistant characteristic. It cannot be applied by yourself unless you have a million bucks to blow on the machinery....and if you do, please call me.... ;) I don't think they have the old dip coat or spray like they did in the old days.
-----
QUOTE: Can A/R Coatings be applied to all types of lenses, such as polycarbonate lenses? Are they applied when you're lenses are being made, or can they be applied afterwards? If they can be applied on afterwards, is it something you can do yourself?
I just have my eye check this past monday and the opthamologist recommend anti-reflective coating to my eye glasses. I dont know if this will work or not. I hope it will.
Ruben
Post a Comment