It’s essential for anyone wearing glasses to understand the importance of the different types of optical lens coatings available. While there are numerous types of coatings available, the three most common are photochromatic, antiglare, and blueblock.

Each of these coatings offers its own benefits depending on the type of activities you’re engaging in and the environment you’re in. Photochromatic lenses darken or lighten depending on the amount of UV light present, antiglare lenses reduce glare and reflections, and blueblock lenses help protect your eyes from high-energy visible blue light. Knowing the pros and cons of each of these coatings will help you make an informed decision about the type of lenses you choose for your glasses.

What are Optical Lens Coatings?

An optical coating is a thin layer of material applied to the surface of a lens to modify its properties. Coatings come in a wide variety of types and values depending on the desired characteristics.

Coatings are typically applied to reduce glare, increase scratch resistance, and control the amount and quality of light transmission. The most common types of lens coatings are scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, UV-blocking, and blue light-blocking coatings. However, the specific types of coatings available will depend on the type of lens you’re looking to purchase. The scratch-resistant coating is the most common type of coating and is applied to many types of lenses, including regular clear, photochromic, and others. Scratch-resistant coatings are typically made from a material called “CR-39” and are used to reduce the chances of your lenses getting scratched.

Types of Optical Lens Coatings

1. Photochromatic lenses are designed to darken or lighten depending on the amount of UV light present. They’re the most commonly used type of lens, especially among people in the construction and engineering industries. Photochromatic lenses are ideal for people who frequently engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and construction, since they’ll automatically adjust to changing light conditions. The only downside to photochromatic lenses is that they take a few minutes to fully transition from clear to darkened. This can be frustrating if you’re in an environment where you need full protection right away, such as when driving your car. It can also be dangerous if you’re engaged in an activity that requires your full attention.
2.  Antiglare lenses are designed to reduce the amount of glare and reflections that your lenses are prone to. They’re commonly used in situations where lots of light is present, such as when driving in sunny conditions or near water. Thankfully, many antiglare lenses are also photochromatic, which means they’ll automatically adjust to changes in light to reduce the amount of glare. Antiglare lenses are a good choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors during peak sunlight hours.
3. Blueblock lenses are designed to protect your eyes from high-energy visible blue light (HEV). HEV is a type of light that’s emitted by electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and LED lights. This light is also commonly referred to as blue light. Blue light has been linked to several health concerns, including eye strain, insomnia, and disrupted sleep cycles. While blueblock lenses can be a bit pricier than other types of lenses, they’re a great choice for anyone who spends a lot of time using computers or other electronics.

Benefits of Different Lens Coatings

As you can see, many different types of coatings are available for optical lenses, each providing its own set of benefits. When shopping for lenses, it’s important to keep the specific types of coatings in mind so you can find the best combination of features for your needs. Scratch-resistant coatings are applied to many types of lenses, including regular clear, photochromic, antiglare, blueblock, and others. These coatings are useful for protecting your lenses from scratches, which can cause your lenses to become foggy and discolored over time. If you plan on wearing your lenses on a regular basis, it’s important to find lenses that have scratch-resistant coatings applied to them.

How to Choose the Right Lens Coatings

Choosing the right lens coatings can be tricky since there are so many different types of lenses available. While there are many different things you can take into consideration when shopping for new lenses, you should always keep the specific types of coatings in mind. If you regularly engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, or construction, it may be a good idea to invest in photochromatic lenses that will automatically adjust to changing light conditions. If you often find yourself driving in sunny conditions and you’re prone to glare, you may also want to consider photochromatic lenses. If you spend a lot of time using electronics, it may be a good idea to invest in blueblock lenses to protect your eyes from high-energy visible blue light.