As technology has evolved, so have eyeglasses. Glasses have changed tremendously since they were first invented. Today, most glasses are made with plastic lenses (instead of the original glass lenses). Fortunately, or unfortunately (due often times to confusion), there are many different variables of add-ons available when purchasing new eyeglasses.
There are three main types of protective coatings that can usually be added to any to pair of eyeglasses (or sunglasses). While the name may differ depending on the distributor, they basically consist of some sort of an anti-reflective (or anti-glare), anti-scratch, and a UV protective coating. While it may be possible to live without the anti-reflective coating, but all three are significantly important – in their own ways.
Anti-Scratch Coating
While it is just about impossible to find a pair of glasses claiming that the lenses are absolutely shatter-proof, there is such a thing as anti-scratch coatings. This coating is added to both sides of the lenses to help prevent any scratches affecting the lenses. This is usually a highly recommended addition to most glasses purchased, as we all commonly tend to drop things – even if it is only is once in awhile. The anti-scratch coating is particularly recommended for patients that are very active, very clumsy, and oftentimes: children.
UV Protective Coating
The UV Protective coating is probably the most important additive on your new eyeglasses. This coating works very similarly to an application of sunscreen on the beach – simply put: protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. Quite a few of the vision problems out there have been traced back to overexposure to UV rays (like cataracts). Whether you wear your glasses outside or not, it really doesn’t matter as windows are usually surrounding. Furthermore, why risk having some major vision problems in the future simply because you didn’t add the UV protective coating to your glasses?
Anti-Reflective Coating
As stated above, there are rare situations in which anti-reflective coatings may not be so necessary. However, as a general rule: opting to add the anti-reflective coating is just about always the best choice because of screens (computers, televisions, the Kindle, etc.) This coating is an extremely thin multilayer addition that is meant to eliminate all glare and reflections coming in, and going out of your glasses. You may not care so much if the person in-front of you can see themselves or even into your eyes. However, reflections off of your computer screen can significantly affect both your situational vision – as well as your optical health. Even some non-eyeglass-wearers get a pair of plano lenses (basically clear, non-prescription lenses) along with the anti-reflective coating, specifically when working on the computer. Anti-glare also helps significantly during night driving – as headlights can bounce off eyeglass lenses.
Glasses usually cost a fortune to buy – so adding any additional features is usually an immediate ‘NO THANK YOU!’ However, you can actually find really cheap eyeglasses on the Internet – without skimping on the quality! The other great thing about buying glasses online is that you will be able to afford adding these coatings. Giving your glasses the full package treatment is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Hillary Glaser is a social networking specialist and expert in cross-media promotion, currently working on promoting prescription eyeglasses. She is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for GlassesUSA – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping on all US orders with the code FreeShip10.