Getting the right prescription glasses and sunglasses is about more than vision correction. From scratch resistance to anti-glare to blue light blockers, you may wonder how many of these coating options are necessary for your lenses. Here’s an overview of the most common lens coatings and how they can support your vision and eye health.
Anti-reflective
Reflections on the inner surface of your lenses can be distracting and impede clear vision, especially at night. Anti-reflective coating, also referred to as AR coating, prevents the inner and outer surfaces of your glasses from reflecting.
Polarized
Polarized sunglass lenses are sometimes described as anti-glare. They improve your ability to see clearly in bright sunshine and reduce eye strain, promoting safety while you're working or driving in sunny conditions. They’re especially beneficial in environments with highly reflective surfaces, such as on a boat or in a snowy landscape.
Scratch-resistant
Resistance to abrasions is a must for any glasses, especially for children or people engaging in sports or other high-impact activities. Some lenses are made of materials with scratch-resistant properties, while others are treated with an extra coating. Bear in mind that a microfibre cloth and an appropriate storage case will help you keep them scratch-free for longer.
UV Protection
UV protection is essential to minimize your risk of complications related to sun exposure and aging, such as cataracts, retinal damage and macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses with a sticker indicating 100 per cent UVA and UVB.
Photochromic Lenses
Commonly recognized by the brand name Transitions®, photochromic lenses adjust automatically to changing light conditions. This quality becomes most noticeable when you move from an indoor environment to a sunny outdoor space. They’re an excellent option if you wear prescription glasses and don’t want to have to switch when moving in and out of doors.
Tinted
Tinted lenses do more than prevent you from squinting in bright sunlight. Some types of tint can counteract the effects of certain eye conditions. Of course, the key to effective tinting is to get the right level — not too much nor too little. Your optician can tell you whether you might benefit from lens tinting.
Blue Light Filters
Blue light filtering is a form of tinting that protects your eyes against the harmful effects of the light emanating from digital screens. Wearing glasses with blue light filters, in combination with other balanced screen habits, can help you avoid screen-related sleep disruption and degenerative eye conditions.
Designer Glasses and Sunglasses in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario
Whatever your vision care needs, we can deliver with a frame for every face. Beyond our impressive inventory of glasses and sunglasses, many of our partner stores provide eye exams for the entire family and promotional offers to make your eyewear more affordable. Visit a location near you to find the right frames and lenses for your eyewear.