Which Anti-Reflection Coating Should I Get? What To Consider

Which Anti-Reflection Coating Should I Get? What To Consider

Choosing anti-reflective lenses to protect your eyes from the "silent" damage of the sun is extremely vital. Yet, these types of glasses are varied on the market today. As a result, you can make mistakes if you don't spend enough time considering your options.

The following article will help you no longer worry about the question "Which anti-reflection coating should I get?" by giving more information about three different AR types.

Which Anti-Reflection Coating Should I Get

Single-Layer AR Coatings

AR coatings commonly used for single-layer anti-reflection lenses is Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2). According to research, MgF2 has a refractive index of 1.38, which is close to the ideal anti-reflection index of 1.23.

With tough Magnesium Fluoride coatings, the application is more accessible. Also, this coat works better on glass with a high refractive index, especially those with a refractive index close to 1.9.

Uncoated lenses with a high refractive index will reflect about 50% more light. Thus, it would be best to consider ARC to decrease the level of reflections.

A single-layer one is not too expensive, which is suitable for customers in the mid-range segment.

The quality of this type is acceptable. Each coat of it will work with different wavelengths of light. Therefore, the smaller the number of layers, the lower the AR effect.

Multi-Layer AR Coatings

As mentioned above, one-single type can reduce the AR effectiveness of glasses. Hence, you should use a multi-layer one to increase a clearer vision. High-quality ARC may have up to 7 layers.

Multi-layer lenses are more expensive, requiring more meticulous care in designing. This kind of AR film mainly has two categories: Standard AR and Premium AR.

Standard Anti-Reflective Coating

AR film usually consists of two layers: the anti-reflective and the anti-scratch. If you want lenses with just anti-reflective function, this one can certainly meet your needs.

More specifically, the scratch-proof thin film helps you ensure the durability of the lenses. Famous lens manufacturers often have coatings providing the same hardness as glass lenses. Thanks to this coat, you can use glasses more conveniently, especially for children's spectacles.

Premium Anti-Reflective Coating

This thin film consists of multi-layers. Each coat provides a different function. Remember, different users can have different kinds of layers to choose from.

For example, AR glasses should have a blue light filter feature for people who often use electronic devices, limiting the harmful purple light from electronic screens to the eyes.

Or, for those who often drive at night, a good ARC can limit uncomfortable glare from car lights and street lights, making drivers safer.

It would be best to choose the most appropriate combined coatings based on your actual needs. Below are some popular coat types of premium AR that you can consider yourself.

Anti-reflective layer

Colorless premium AR films give you a better experience. Not only does this reduce reflections on your lenses, but it also eliminates color spots appearing in standard AR ones.

Optimal scratch resistance

Premium AR films have an extra protective coat, known as SR booster. Thanks to this, the scratch resistance of eyeglasses is greatly improved.

Hydrophobic

All moisture clinging to the eyeglasses makes you see things blurrily. As a result, it may make you unsafe on the road.

The hydrophobic layer is a necessary coating, as it helps repel moisture in breath, sweat, fog, or rain. Thanks to it, tiny water droplets no longer stick to the glass surface

This coat will be a great choice if you are often exposed to rain or snow or regularly play sports.

Oleophobic

You don't need to worry about leaving fingerprints on the eyeglasses if you habitually touch them. With the oleophobic coat of the premium AR film, you will easily wipe away residual fingerprints.

Anti-static

This coating is resistant to static electricity when you rub an object against your eyeglasses, such as cloth. From there, your glasses will reduce dust significantly.

UV protection

Ultraviolet rays can cause serious eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The UV protection coat built into the lenses can block 98-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

So, when choosing coatings for your eyeglasses, consider adding this coat to protect your eyes.

Blue light protection

The blue light layer can combat eye fatigue by reducing exposure to blue light from digital devices.

This layer helps optimize your visual performance, improve visual comfort, and extend the life of your lenses.

Due to the film that blocks blue light, you will see a more yellow image when you first wear it than usual. But don't worry too much, after a few days you will get used to this feeling.

Durability

Thanks to more advanced technology, AR film is more durable when compared to standard AR.

“V” Coatings

A less common type than the other two is "V" film. The variant is named V because the shape of the index refraction curve over a wavelength range is V-shaped.

This one has the same operating principle as the two above. However, what sets it apart is that it is designed for maximum efficiency over a minimal wavelength range.

"V" coatings are typically used for specialized purposes. For lenses, it usually appears in UV safety glasses. If you have to work in the sun for many hours, this type will help you reduce the intensity of sunlight affecting your vision a lot.

Conclusion

Now you can answer yourself, "Which anti-reflection coating should I get?" We hope you have gained a basic understanding of different ARC with this article.

Choosing lenses with quality AR films can protect your eyes in the best way. Consider your own needs and the information provided above to have your right ones. Thanks for reading!

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