Eyeglass Lens Coatings: Anti-Reflective, Scratch-Resistant, Anti-Fog and UV

By Liz DeFranco, ABOC, NCLC, with contributions by Gary Heiting, OD On this page Anti-reflective coating Scratch-resistant coating Anti-fog coating Ultraviolet treatment Lens coatings can enhance the performance and appearance of your eyeglass lenses. If you are thinking about purchasing new eyeglasses, here are lens coatings and treatments you should consider.

Anti-Reflective Coating
Anti-reflective coating (also called AR coating or anti-glare coating) improves both your vision through your lenses and the appearance of your glasses. AR coatings are similar to the coatings found on microscopes and camera lenses. They consist of several layers of metal oxides applied to the front and back lens surfaces. Because of the layering effect, AR coatings sometimes have a hint of green or purple color, depending on the individual manufacturer's formula.

Each layer is scientifically calculated to block reflected light. The result is that you'll see a reduction in glare, annoying reflections and halos around lights. This is a great safety benefit when you're driving at night.

Anti-reflective coating reduces the glare that you see, as well as the glare that others can see on your lenses. An anti-scratch coating can lengthen the life of your lenses, while hydrophobic coatings keep rain, snow and fog at bay. Also, anti-reflective coating reduces both internal and external reflections on the lenses themselves, creating a nicer cosmetic appearance. Internal reflections appear as rings that make lenses look thick. External reflections mask your eyes from a clear, complete view when someone is looking at you. So with an anti-reflective coating, reflections are eliminated and eyeglass lenses look thinner or non-existent, and your eyes are more visible so you can make better eye contact with others. Anti-reflective coating benefits virtually everyone who wears eyeglasses. Also, research shows wearing AR coated lenses improves night driving vision and increases comfort during prolonged computer use (compared with wearing uncoated lenses). AR coating is especially beneficial if you choose high-index lenses. These thinner, lighter lenses reflect more light than regular plastic lenses unless anti-reflective coating is applied. Anti-reflective coating is also beneficial when applied to the back surface of lenses in sunglasses, because it eliminates reflections of sunlight into your eyes from the lenses when the sun is behind you. (Since the purpose of sunglasses is to reduce how much light enters your eyes and because you aren't concerned about making eye contact with others when wearing shades, there is no benefit to having AR coating applied to the front surface of sunglass lenses.) Most premium anti-reflective coatings include a "hydrophobic" surface layer that prevents water spots from forming and makes the lenses easier to clean. Some AR coatings also include an "oleophobic" surface layer that repels skin oils and makes it easier to remove smudges from the lenses.

When cleaning AR-coated lenses, use only products that your optician recommends. Lens cleaners with harsh chemicals may damage the anti-reflective coating. Also, don't ever attempt to clean AR-coated lenses without wetting them first. Using a dry cloth on a dry lens can cause lens scratches. And because anti-reflective coating eliminates light reflections that can mask lens surface defects, fine scratches will be more visible on AR-coated lenses than on uncoated lenses.

Scratch-Resistant Coating
No eyeglass lenses not even glass lenses are scratch-proof. However, lenses that are treated front and back with a clear, scratch-resistant coating have a much harder surface that is more resistant to scratching, whether it's from dropping your glasses on the floor or occasionally cleaning them with a paper towel. Kids' lenses, especially, benefit from a scratch-resistant hard coat. Today, most eyeglass lenses, including high-index lenses and lenses made of polycarbonate and traditional plastic materials, have a built-in scratch-resistant coating. Since scratch-resistant coatings are sometimes optional, make sure your optician knows that you want your eyeglass lenses to include hard coating for extra durability. Also, ask about the warranty on eyeglass lenses that are treated with scratch-resistant coating versus those without the coating. Since a scratch-resistant coating can't completely protect your lenses from wear and tear, do keep your glasses in a cushioned case, and clean them with a microfiber cloth and the cleaning solution your optician recommends. Also, be wary of products that promise to repair your scratched lenses. These products may fill in the scratches, but it is impossible for them to make the scratches disappear so the lenses look new again.

Anti-Fog Coating
If you live in a cold climate, nothing is more frustrating than having your eyeglasses fog up when you come in from the cold. This also can be a safety issue, since it limits your ability to see for several minutes until the fog clears. Lens fogging can be especially dangerous for police officers and other first responders to emergency situations. At least one eyeglass lens coating company (Opticote, Inc., Franklin Park, Ill.) has created a coating designed to eliminate this problem. Its thermally cured coating called Fog Free eliminates the condensation of moisture on lenses that causes fogging, keeping your lenses and vision clear when you make the transition from a cold environment to a warm one. It may also keep your lenses from fogging up during sports and other times you are hot and perspiring.

Fog Free can be applied to plastic, polycarbonate and other eyeglass lenses, including high-index lenses and Transitions photochromic lenses. The anti-fog coating is applied to the lenses before they are cut to fit into your frame at the optical lab. Ask your optical retailer about pricing and availability.

Ultraviolet Treatment
Another beneficial lens treatment is an invisible dye that blocks ultraviolet (UV) light. Just as sunscreen keeps the sun's UV rays from harming your skin, UV-protective treatments for eyeglass lenses block those same rays from damaging your eyes. Overexposure to ultraviolet light is thought to be a cause of cataracts, retinal damage and other eye problems. Regular plastic eyeglass lenses block most UV light, but adding a UV-blocking dye boosts UV protection to 100 percent for added safety. Other eyeglass lens materials, including polycarbonate and most high-index plastics, have 100 percent UV protection built-in, so an extra lens treatment is not required for these lenses. Photochromic lenses also block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays without the need for an added UV lens treatment.

Photochromic Lenses ("Transition" Lenses)

By Gary Heiting, OD Photochromic lenses such as those made by Transitions Optical are clear (or nearly clear) indoors and darken automatically in response to sunlight outdoors. They also protect your eyes from 100 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. These features make photochromic lenses a great convenience, because they reduce your need to wear prescription sunglasses in most outdoor conditions. Today's photochromic lenses come in a wide variety of lens materials. So whether you prefer polycarbonate lenses, high-index lenses, or regular plastic or glass lenses, you typically will be able to purchase a photochromic version of your preferred lenses. Photochromic lenses also are great for kids, who tend to spend more time outdoors than most adults. Experts say the risk for cataracts and other age-related eye problems is associated with a person's lifetime exposure to the sun's UV rays, so protecting your child's eyes early on could pay dividends when he or she is a mature adult. And remember, polycarbonate is the safest lens material for kids. According to a recent survey by The Vision Council, photochromic lenses today account for about 18 percent of eyeglass lenses sold in the United States.

Brands of Photochromic or "Transition" Lenses

The technology used for the most popular brands of photochromic lenses today is owned by Transitions Optical Inc. (Pinellas Park, Fla.). This has led some eye care practitioners and consumers to call all photochromic lenses "transition" lenses. But though Transitions photochromic lenses outsell other brands, a number of lens manufacturers have their own photochromic lens technology.

Here is a summary of some of the most popular brands of photochromic lenses available today: Transitions lenses. Transitions lenses are the predominant photochromic lenses sold today. These lenses are available in nearly every lightweight lens material and lens design, including bifocals and progressive lenses. The variable tint in Transitions photochromic lenses is available in gray and brown shades. Transitions Optical partners with other lens manufacturers to make photochromic versions of their lenses. For example, progressive lenses designed by lens manufacturers Essilor, Hoya and Shamir are available with the same Transitions photochromic lens technology. Transitions lenses are produced in lightweight lens materials only plastic, polycarbonate, Trivex (similar to polycarbonate) and high-index plastics. They are not available in glass or high-index glass materials.

An example of photochromic lenses. Photo provided by Transitions Optical. PhotoGray and PhotoBrown lenses. Corning Inc. (Corning, N.Y.) created the first mass-produced photochromic lenses in the 1960s, and modern versions of these glass photochromic lenses remain popular today. As their name suggests, Corning's PhotoGray and PhotoBrown lenses are available in variable tints of gray or brown. Today, Corning also offers a thinner, lighter glass photochromic lens called Thin & Dark. These lenses feature a variable gray tint and are up to 30 percent thinner and lighter than conventional glass photochromic lenses. The company also has lightweight photochromic lenses called SunSensors. These Corning "transition" lenses are available in gray and brown variable tints and are fabricated with mid- and high-index plastic materials. Like Transitions lenses, Corning's line of photochromic lenses are available in single vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive lens designs. ColorMatic photochromic lenses are made by German lens manufacturer Rodenstock. These lightweight "transition" lenses are available in variable shades of gray, brown and green. Outdoors, ColorMatic lenses are as dark as sunglasses and block 100 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays, according to the company. LifeRx photochromic lenses are produced by Vision-Ease Lens (Ramsey, Minn.). These lenses are made of polycarbonate and are available in variable tints of gray or brown.

LifeRx lenses darken in less than one minute and the photochromic dye is formulated to fade back faster indoors than leading photochromic lenses, according to the company.

Photochromic Sunglasses
A number of lens manufacturers offer photochromic lenses that are darker than regular "transition" lenses. Because Transitions lenses and other popular photochromic lenses rely on UV light to activate (darken), general purpose "transition" lenses do not darken behind automobile and truck windshields that block the sun's UV rays. To overcome this problem, lens manufacturers have introduced "sun" photochromic lenses that are designed primarily for outdoor wear and for use when driving in sunlight. Currently, two leading brands of photochromic sunglass lenses are: Transitions XTRActive. These new photochromic lenses from Transitions Optical are darker than regular Transitions lenses and are designed for wearers who prefer a slight tint indoors and very dark lenses outdoors. Transitions XTRAcitve lenses also darken moderately inside a car or truck, according to the company. Transitions XTRActive lenses currently are available in polycarbonate, Trivex and 1.67 high-index plastic lens materials in single vision and progressive lens designs. Drivewear lenses are photochromic polarized sunglasses developed by Younger Optics (Torrance, Calif.) in partnership with Transitions Optical. The lenses are capable of sensing and reacting to varying light conditions both outdoors and behind the windshield of a car or truck, according to Younger. By combining photochromic and polarization technologies, Drivewear lenses reduce glare and maximize visual acuity in bright light conditions, the company says. Drivewear lenses currently are available in plastic and polycarbonate lens materials and in single vision, bifocal and progressive lens designs.

Medical Applications of Photochromic Lenses

In addition to adjusting automatically to different lighting conditions, some photochromic lenses also have medical applications. Corning's CPF family of glass photochromic lenses has specially selected red colors. These lenses sometimes are used to enhance the vision of patients who have various eye pathologies, including macular degeneration. Doctors who specialize in low vision are familiar with these lenses and can determine if they will be effective for specific vision problems.

Non-Photochromic Tinted Lenses

Alternatives to photochromic lenses for improving visual comfort are lenses with tints that remain constant at all times. Tints of virtually any color can be applied to eyeglass lenses. Lighter, fashion tints are used primarily for cosmetic purposes to enhance a wearer's looks. Darker tints allow the wearer to use the lenses as sunglasses. Color can be added to a lens as a solid tint, where the entire lens has the same color density, or as a gradient tint, where the color density is darkest at the top of the lens and gradually fades to clear or nearly clear at the bottom. Different colors can be applied to lenses for different purposes: Yellow often is added to a lens to enhance contrast, especially in overcast conditions, making it a popular tint for hunters who desire "shooting glasses." Green, or its cousin G-15 (the classic color of lenses in Ray-Ban sunglasses), is sometimes used as a sunglass tint, though brown and gray are the most popular sun shades. Red is a bold fashion color and also is popular among people who enjoy seeing the world through "rose-colored glasses."

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Your Eyes

By Gary Heiting, OD The UV Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) has made many Americans more aware of the risks of sunburn and skin cancer from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But did you know UV and other radiation from the sun also can harm your eyes? Extended exposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae and pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss. And new research suggests the sun's high-energy visible (HEV) radiation also called "blue light" may increase your long-term risk of macular degeneration. People with low blood plasma levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants especially appear at risk of retinal damage from HEV radiation.

Dangers of Ultraviolet Radiation to Your Eyes

To protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation, sunglasses should block 100 percent of UV rays and also absorb most HEV rays. Frames with a close-fitting wraparound style provide the best protection because they limit how much stray sunlight reaches your eyes from above and beyond the periphery of your sunglass lenses. While many people refer to ultraviolet radiation as UV light, the term technically is incorrect because you cannot see UV rays. The three categories of invisible high-energy UV rays are:

UVC rays. These are the highest-energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere's ozone layer

blocks virtually all UVC rays. But this also means depletion of the ozone layer potentially could allow highenergy UVC rays to reach the earth's surface and cause serious UV-related health problems. UVC rays have wavelengths of 100280 nanometer (nm). UVB rays. These have slightly longer wavelengths (280315 nm) and lower energy than UVC rays. These rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some still reach the earth's surface. In low doses, UVB radiation stimulates the production of melanin (a skin pigment), causing the skin to darken, creating a suntan. But in higher doses, UVB rays cause sunburn that increases the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays also cause skin discolorations, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging of the skin. UVA rays. These are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. But UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role in development of macular degeneration.

To protect your eyes outdoors, wear broad-brimmed hats and wraparound sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. Various eye problems have been associated with overexposure to UV radiation. As an example, UVB rays are thought to help cause pingueculae and pterygia. These growths on the eye's surface can become unsightly and cause corneal problems as well as distorted vision.

In high short-term doses, UVB rays also can cause photokeratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea. "Snow blindness" is the common term for severe photokeratitis, which causes temporary vision loss usually lasting 24-48 hours. The risk for snow blindness is greatest at high altitudes, but it can occur anywhere there is snow if you don't protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses. Because the cornea appears to absorb 100 percent of UVB rays, this type of UV radiation is unlikely to cause cataracts and macular degeneration, which instead are linked to UVA exposure.

HEV Radiation Risks

As the name suggests, high-energy visible (HEV) radiation, or blue light, is visible. Although HEV rays have longer wavelengths (400500 nm) and lower energy than UV rays, they penetrate deeply into the eye and can cause retinal damage. According to a European study published in the October 2008 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, HEV radiation especially when combined with low blood plasma levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants is associated with the development of macular degeneration.

Outdoor Risk Factors

Anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. Risks of eye damage from UV and HEV exposure change from day to day and depend on a number of factors, including:

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are higher in energy and do not fall within the realm of visible

light, as shown here. In the electromagnetic spectrum, radio waves have the lowest energy, and gamma rays have the highest energy. Geographic location. UV levels are greater in tropical areas near the earth's equator. The farther you are from the equator, the smaller your risk. Altitude. UV levels are greater at higher altitudes. Time of day. UV and HEV levels are greater when the sun is high in the sky, typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Setting. UV and HEV levels are greater in wide open spaces, especially when highly reflective surfaces are present, like snow and sand. In fact, UV exposure can nearly double when UV rays are reflected from the snow. UV exposure is less likely in urban settings, where tall buildings shade the streets. Medications. Certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, can increase your body's sensitivity to UV and HEV radiation. Surprisingly, cloud cover doesn't affect UV levels significantly. Your risk of UV exposure can be quite high even on hazy or overcast days. This is because UV is invisible radiation, not visible light, and can penetrate clouds.

Measuring Ultraviolet Rays

In the United States, the risk for UV exposure is measured using the UV Index. Developed by the NWS and EPA, the UV Index predicts each day's ultraviolet radiation levels on a simple 1 to 11+ scale. In addition to publishing the UV Index daily, the EPA also issues a UV Alert when the level of solar UV radiation that day is expected to be unusually high. UV Protection Recommendations UV Index Risk Level Recommendations 1. Wear sunglasses. 2 or less Low 2. If you burn easily, use sunscreen with an SPF* of 15+. 1. Wear sunglasses. 3-5 Moderate 2. Cover up and use sunscreen. 3. Stay in the shade near midday, when the sun is strongest. 1. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 6-7 High 2. Cover up and use sunscreen. 3. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 1. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 8 - 10 Very high 2. Cover up and use sunscreen. 3. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 1. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 11+ Extreme 2. Apply sunscreen (SPF 15+) liberally every two hours. 3. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. *SPF = sun protection factor Information based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

If you're wondering how high today's UV light levels are where you live, here's a handy UV index map for the United States.

Kids Need UV Protection Even More Than Adults

These rubber frames are soft and flexible, so your kids won't break them, and the polycarbonate lenses offer 100 percent UV protection. RKS Flex, by Real Kids Shades. The risk of damage to our eyes and skin from solar UV radiation is cumulative, meaning the danger continues to grow as we spend time in the sun throughout our lifetime. With this in mind, it's especially important for kids to protect their eyes from the sun. Children generally spend much more time outdoors than adults. In fact, experts say nearly 50 percent (or more) of our lifetime exposure to UV rays may occur by age 18, given that many children spend significantly more time outdoors than the average adult. Therefore, make sure your kids' eyes are protected from the sun with good quality sunglasses. Also, encourage your child to wear a hat on sunny days to further reduce UV exposure.

Sunglasses That Protect Your Eyes From UV and HEV Rays

To best protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV and HEV rays, always wear good quality sunglasses when you are outdoors. Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays and that also absorb most HEV rays. Your optician can help you choose the best sunglass lenses for your needs. To protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible, try at least one pair of sunglasses with large lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style. Depending on your outdoor lifestyle, you also may want to explore performance sunglasses or sport sunglasses.

The amount of UV protection sunglasses provide is unrelated to the color and darkness of the lenses. A light amber-colored lens can provide the same UV protection as a dark gray lens. Your optician can verify that the lenses you choose provide 100 percent UV protection. But for HEV protection, color does matter. Most sunglass lenses that block a significant amount of blue light will be bronze, copper or reddish-brown (see lens tint guide). Again, your optician can help you choose the best "blue-blocking" lenses. In addition to sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days can reduce your eyes' exposure to UV and HEV rays by up to 50 percent.

More Tips About Sunglasses and UV Exposure

Many misconceptions exist about the right sun protection for your eyes. Keep these tips in mind:

This UV Index devised by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service provides a color-coded warning system to alert people to the dangers of being outdoors on certain days. Not all sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays. If you're unsure about the level of UV protection your sunglasses provide, take them to your eye doctor or optician for an evaluation. Many eye care professionals have instruments such as spectrophotometers that can measure the amount of visible light and UV radiation your lenses block. Almost all sunglasses block a portion of HEV rays, but some tints block more blue light than others. Blue-blocking sunglass lenses usually are bronze, copper or reddish-brown in color.

Remember to wear sunglasses even when you're in the shade. Although shade reduces your UV and HEV exposure to some degree, your eyes still will be exposed to UV rays reflected from buildings, roadways and other surfaces. Sunglasses are important especially in winter, because fresh snow can reflect 80 percent of UV rays, nearly doubling your overall exposure to solar UV radiation. If you ski or snowboard, choosing the right ski goggles is essential for adequate UV protection on the slopes. Even if your contact lenses block UV rays, you still need sunglasses. UVblocking contacts shield only the part of your eye under the lens. UV rays still can damage your conjunctiva and other tissues not covered by the lens. Wearing sunglasses protects these delicate tissues and the skin around your eyes from UV damage. If you have dark skin and eyes, you still need to wear sunglasses. Although your dark skin may give you a lower risk of skin cancer from UV radiation, your risk of eye damage from UV and HEV rays is the same as that of someone with fair skin.

You need not fear the outdoors and sunny days, as long as you are equipped with the right eye and skin protection to reduce your UV exposure.