Do I need a coating on my lenses? Let us explain…
Do I need a coating on my lenses? Let us explain…
At Haine and Smith we know how important it is to look good. We strive to offer our customers a range of prescription and non prescription eyewear that is on trend, stylish and enhances (or conceals) specific facial features. However, when buying your next set of frames or sunglasses, whilst the colour and shape will be a top priority, you also need to consider which coating you will need on your lenses.
Coatings improve the performance and durability of spectacle lenses. A good quality coating will help to protect the lenses from surface scratching, make them easier to clean and provide clearer, sharper vision. They also provide a cosmetic advantage by ensuring your eyes are not hidden behind shiny, reflective lenses. People working in the television and film industry usually have anti-reflection coatings for this reason.
The coating you decide to choose will really depend on your lifestyle and specific needs. Sitting at a screen all day or play a lot of outdoor sports? Read on below for our round-up of the range of coatings available, so you can make a final and firm decision.
Scratch-resistant
Scratch-resistant, also commonly known as a hard coating, can help protect the frames from scratches and damage. The lenses are treated with the coating to produce a harder surface, but we would also suggest that you keep your frames in a case or pouch as no spectacle lenses are completely scratch-proof.
Anti-reflection
An anti-reflection coating improves visual clarity by reducing ghost images and reflections. When light passes through a spectacle lens, a proportion of the light reflects off the front and back surface of the lens causing a reduction in vision. An anti-reflection coating reduces this glare to provide clearer, sharper and more comfortable vision.The coating can be supplied in a more bespoke form to control the specific types of reflections experienced when driving or using a computer.
UV protective
You wouldn’t head out for a day in the sun without applying UV protection to your skin and protecting your eyes from the summer rays should be no different. It is well known that over exposure to the sun is linked to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions so UV protection is crucial. If you spend a lot of time outside, we would recommend you add a UV blocking filter to your lenses to help protect your eyes and the surrounding eye area. UV filters can be applied to both clear and tinted lenses.
Anti-fog coating
Essential for those who enjoy winter sports or high-energy exercise as the applied coating absorbs the moisture before fog (or sweat) forms. The coating helps keep your lenses clear so there is no need to keep stopping and wiping your frames improving vision overall. Anti-fog coatings can be applied to plastic, glasses, high-index lenses and photochromic lenses so you will not need to sacrifice safety over style.
Hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings
If you fall into more of a water sports category, then you may wish to consider a hydrophobic and oleophobic (anti smudge) coating. This coating acts as a water repellent and combats any drops of water looking to find a home on your lenses. The coating’s design also helps fight off finger marks making it another sensible choice if you lead an active and busy lifestyle. If you think your requirements may fall into more than one of the above, please contact your nearest practice and one of our optometrists would be happy to discuss your needs.