Anti-Reflective Coatings Have Come A Long Way

Anti-reflective coatings are used on optical lenses to increase the collecting of light, and to prevent stray light from bouncing around inside systems with multiple lenses. They have been around for a while now, having been invented in Germany in the 1930's. Anti-reflective coatings on corrective glasses make them look better, and also reduce glare, especially in high-contrast situations like night-time driving.

When I bought my daughter's latest pair of eyeglasses, I decided to go with Zenni's latest anti-reflective coating on the lenses. This coating is the latest generation, and is technically advanced. Not only does it reduce glare and make the glasses less likely to stand out in photographs, but it also boasts several advanced features.

This new generation of AR coatings is hydrophobic and oleophobic. This means that the coating repels not only water, but also oils. Repelling oil is significant because most smudges, fingerprints, etc., on lenses are caused by the oils on your hands and fingers. By repelling most oils, the oleophobic lenses stay cleaner longer, and are much easier to clean.

The differences between her old pair of glasses and the new pair of glasses has made a believer out of me as far as this coating is concerned. My daughter gets crystal clear vision without having to deal with glare from table lights, her computer screen, overhead lights, etc. Since more light passes through the lenses instead of being reflected away, things appear brighter, and with better contrast. The lenses have been much easier to clean and keep clear of dirt, smudges and fingerprints. And, best of all, she likes the fact that she does not have remove her glasses before posing for photographs!