Do I Need Anti-Reflective Coating on Prescription Sunglasses?

When you’re looking at investing in a pair of high-quality sunglasses there are quite a few points to consider to make the best possible purchase. Particularly if you’re purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses, you want to make sure that you’re getting a pair of sunglasses that will help you see and protect your eyes from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays.

One point you might want to consider as you purchase a pair of custom prescription sunglasses is whether or not you want an anti-reflective coating on the lenses. While you don’t necessarily NEED it, it can certainly make the sunglasses more effective and give you better overall user experience. It’s certainly an option that you should consider. So before you complete your purchase, here’s what you should know about anti-reflective coatings on your prescription sunglasses.

What is the Anti-Reflective Coating on Sunglasses?

The anti-reflective coating is also called an AR coating or an anti-glare coating. It’s applied to lenses by applying a series of layers to the front and back of the lenses. The layers reduce reflections that normally bounce off of the lens. Each of these layers blocks specific wavelengths of light. It allows the glasses to have anti-reflective properties with no noticeable drawbacks.

Benefits of Anti-Reflective Coatings on Sunglasses

Anti-reflective coatings have the following benefits:

1. Increase clarity – The anti-reflective coating will help you see better as it blocks certain light that can impede your vision.
2. Enhance your appearance – The AR coating will help your eyes remain visible through your glasses, which means people will see you rather than an annoying glare.
3. Extra protection for your lenses- The anti-reflective coating helps protect the lenses and can actually extend the life of your glasses.
4. Reduce your blue light exposure- Blue light can cause headaches and all sorts of other issues in people who spend a lot of time in front of screens. Anti-reflective coatings can help block the blue light and keep your eyes healthy in the face of new technology.
5. Protect your eyes from UV light- The anti-reflective coating will protect your eyes from UV light better than lenses without an AR coating.

Are Glasses with an Anti-Reflective Coatings Worth It?

Absolutely! The benefits of anti-reflective coatings far outweigh the additional cost. While it’s not completely necessary, it’s a great option for anyone investing in a really good pair of sunglasses and it can lead to a much longer life for the glasses.

Anti-reflective coatings are particularly effective if the lenses aren’t polarized. Polarized lenses block the light reflected off of horizontal surfaces such as snow, water, or the road. In the event that you do not have polarized lenses, an anti-reflective coating can make a huge difference in how well the sunglasses protect your eyes.

Can You Get an Anti-Reflective Coatings on Polarized Lenses?

Definitely! Anti-reflective coatings can certainly be applied to polarized lenses, in fact, the best possible lenses are polarized with a flash mirror on the front of the lenses and an anti-reflective coating on the back of the lenses.

When Should I Have Polarized Lenses?

Polarized lenses are a great option for anyone who spends a substantial amount of time outside. People interested in playing sports, being out on the water, or generally getting outside should certainly consider getting polarized lenses. The good news is there are plenty of stylish options that will give you the look and protection you’re going for. You never have to feel like you have to sacrifice your eye health for the sake of fashion. The benefits of polarized lenses are certainly much more substantial than the potential inconvenience of having your choice of sunglasses restricted. In addition, many companies will give you the option to special order polarized lenses for your sunglasses, so if there is a particular pair you have your heart set on, you might be able to get them customized for both fashion and function.

Plus, if you decide to do so, you can have an anti-reflective coating applied to your polarized lenses at the same time. It will be an easy additional step to take for the sake of your eye health.

Any long term damage to your eyes from a lack of substantial sun protection can be serious. It can lead to some conditions that are very difficult to deal with. Some potential consequences could include chronic dry eye or an increased risk of eye infection. Polarized sunglasses will give you the tools you need to take part in all of the activities you love without compromising your eyesight and the anti-reflection coating can ensure that you have the most protective sunglasses possible. RXSafety has plenty of options and our professional team who will be happy to answer any other questions you might have about anti-reflective coating lens options.