eyeglass lens coatings

7/27/2019 Eyeglass Lens Coatings

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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 treatmentsyou 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. Theyconsist 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 purplecolor, depending on the individual manufacturer's formula.
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Each layer is scientifically calculated to block reflected light. The result is that you'll seea 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 cansee on your lenses. An anti-scratch coating can lengthen the life of your lenses, whilehydrophobic coatings keep rain, snow and fog at bay.

Also, anti-reflective coating reduces both internal and external reflections on thelenses themselves, creating a nicer cosmetic appearance. Internal reflections appear asrings 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 eyecontact with others.

Anti-reflective coating benefits virtually everyone who wears eyeglasses. Also, researchshows 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 isapplied.

Anti-reflective coating is also beneficial when applied to the back surface of lenses insunglasses , because it eliminates reflections of sunlight into your eyes from the lenseswhen the sun is behind you. (Since the purpose of sunglasses is to reduce how much lightenters your eyes and because you aren't concerned about making eye contact with otherswhen 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 iteasier to remove smudges from the lenses.
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When cleaning AR-coated lenses, use only products that your optician recommends. Lenscleaners with harsh chemicals may damage the anti-reflective coating.

Also, don't ever attempt to clean AR-coated lenses without wetting them first. Using adry 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 morevisible on AR-coated lenses than on uncoated lenses.

Scratch-Resistant Coating

No eyeglass lenses not even glass lenses are scratch-proof. However, lenses thatare 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 thefloor or occasionally cleaning them with a paper towel. Kids' lenses, especially, benefitfrom 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 knowsthat 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 coatingversus 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 thecleaning solution your optician recommends.

Also, be wary of products that promise to repair your scratched lenses. These productsmay fill in the scratches, but it is impossible for them to make the scratches disappear sothe lenses look new again.

Anti-Fog Coating

If you live in a cold climate, nothing is more frustrating than having your eyeglasses fogup 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 especiallydangerous for police officers and other first responders to emergency situations.

At least one eyeglass lens coating company (Opticote, Inc., Franklin Park, Ill.) hascreated a coating designed to eliminate this problem. Its thermally cured coating calledFog Free eliminates the condensation of moisture on lenses that causes fogging,keeping your lenses and vision clear when you make the transition from a coldenvironment to a warm one. It may also keep your lenses from fogging up during sportsand other times you are hot and perspiring.
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Fog Free can be applied to plastic, polycarbonate and other eyeglass lenses, includinghigh-index lenses and Transitions photochromic lenses. The anti-fog coating is applied tothe lenses before they are cut to fit into your frame at the optical lab. Ask your opticalretailer 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-protectivetreatments 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 andother 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 anadded UV lens treatment.

Photochromic Lenses("Transition" Lenses)
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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, youtypically 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 thanmost adults. Experts say the risk for cataracts and other age-related eye problems isassociated 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 accountfor about 18 percent of eyeglass lenses sold in the United States.

Brands of Photochromic or "Transition" LensesThe 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 lensmanufacturers have their own photochromic lens technology.
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Here is a summary of some of the most popular brands of photochromic lenses availabletoday:

Transitions lenses. Transitions lenses are the predominant photochromic lenses soldtoday. 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 photochromicversions of their lenses. For example, progressive lenses designed by lens manufacturersEssilor, Hoya and Shamir are available with the same Transitions photochromic lenstechnology.

Transitions lenses are produced in lightweight lens materials only plastic, polycarbonate, Trivex (similar to polycarbonate) and high-index plastics. They are notavailable 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 firstmass-produced photochromic lenses in the 1960s, and modern versions of these glass

photochromic lenses remain popular today. As their name suggests, Corning's PhotoGrayand 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 andlighter than conventional glass photochromic lenses.

The company also has lightweight photochromic lenses called SunSensors . TheseCorning "transition" lenses are available in gray and brown variable tints and arefabricated with mid- and high-index plastic materials.

Like Transitions lenses, Corning's line of photochromic lenses are available in singlevision, 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 andgreen. 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.). Theselenses are made of polycarbonate and are available in variable tints of gray or brown.
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LifeRx lenses darken in less than one minute and the photochromic dye is formulated tofade 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 toactivate (darken), general purpose "transition" lenses do not darken behind automobileand truck windshields that block the sun's UV rays. To overcome this problem, lensmanufacturers 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 aredarker than regular Transitions lenses and are designed for wearers who prefer a slighttint indoors and very dark lenses outdoors. Transitions XTRAcitve lenses also darkenmoderately inside a car or truck, according to the company.

Transitions XTRActive lenses currently are available in polycarbonate, Trivex and 1.67high-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 windshieldof a car or truck, according to Younger.

By combining photochromic and polarization technologies, Drivewear lenses reduceglare and maximize visual acuity in bright light conditions, the company says. Drivewear lenses currently are available in plastic and polycarbonate lens materials and in singlevision, 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 arefamiliar with these lenses and can determine if they will be effective for specific vision

problems.
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Non-Photochromic Tinted Lenses

Alternatives to photochromic lenses for improving visual comfort are lenses with tintsthat remain constant at all times.

Tints of virtually any color can be applied to eyeglass lenses. Lighter, fashion tints areused primarily for cosmetic purposes to enhance a wearer's looks. Darker tints allow thewearer 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 andgradually 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), issometimes used as a sunglass tint, though brown and gray are the most popular sunshades.

Red is a bold fashion color and also is popular among people who enjoy seeing the worldthrough "rose-colored glasses."

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiationand Your Eyes
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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, includingcataracts , macular degeneration , pingueculae and pterygia and photokeratitis that cancause 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 withlow 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 eyesfrom above and beyond the periphery of your sunglass lenses.

While many people refer to ultraviolet radiation as UV light, the term technically isincorrect 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 themost harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere's ozone layer
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blocks virtually all UVC rays. But this also means depletion of the ozone layer potentially could allow high-energy 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, butsome 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 skincancer. 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 andretina inside the eye. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certaintypes of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role indevelopment 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 anexample, UVB rays are thought to help cause pingueculae and pterygia. These growthson the eye's surface can become unsightly and cause corneal problems as well as distortedvision.
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In high short-term doses, UVB rays also can cause photokeratitis, a painful inflammationof the cornea. "Snow blindness" is the common term for severe photokeratitis, whichcauses 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 radiationis unlikely to cause cataracts and macular degeneration, which instead are linked to UVAexposure.

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 UVrays, 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 plasmalevels 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. Risksof 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
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light, as shown here. In the electromagnetic spectrum, radio waves have the lowestenergy, and gamma rays have the highest energy.

Geographic location. UV levels are greater in tropical areas near the earth'sequator. 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 exposurecan nearly double when UV rays are reflected from the snow. UV exposure is lesslikely 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 andHEV 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 invisibleradiation, 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 radiationlevels on a simple 1 to 11+ scale. In addition to publishing the UV Index daily, the EPAalso issues a UV Alert when the level of solar UV radiation that day is expected to beunusually high.

UV Protection RecommendationsUV Index Risk Level Recommendations

2 or less Low 1. Wear sunglasses.2. If you burn easily, use sunscreen with an SPF* of 15+.

3 - 5 Moderate1. Wear sunglasses.2. Cover up and use sunscreen.3. Stay in the shade near midday, when the sun is strongest.

6 - 7 High1. Wear a hat and sunglasses.2. Cover up and use sunscreen.3. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

8 - 10 Very high1. Wear a hat and sunglasses.2. Cover up and use sunscreen.3. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

11+ Extreme1. Wear a hat and sunglasses.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.


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If you're wondering how high today's UV light levels are where you live, here's a handyUV 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, meaningthe 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 mayoccur by age 18, given that many children spend significantly more time outdoors thanthe average adult.

Therefore, make sure your kids' eyes are protected from the sun with good qualitysunglasses. Also, encourage your child to wear a hat on sunny days to further reduce UVexposure .

Sunglasses That Protect Your Eyes From UV and HEVRays

To best protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV and HEV rays, always wear goodquality sunglasses when you are outdoors.

Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays and that also absorb most HEVrays. 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 sportsunglasses .
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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 graylens. 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 significantamount 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 tipsin 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 beingoutdoors 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 asspectrophotometers that can measure the amount of visible light and UV radiationyour 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.
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Remember to wear sunglasses even when you're in the shade. Although shadereduces your UV and HEV exposure to some degree, your eyes still will beexposed 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 adequateUV protection on the slopes. Even if your contact lenses block UV rays, you still need sunglasses. UV-

blocking contacts shield only the part of your eye under the lens. UV rays still candamage your conjunctiva and other tissues not covered by the lens. Wearingsunglasses protects these delicate tissues and the skin around your eyes from UVdamage.

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 theright eye and skin protection to reduce your UV exposure.
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