Why We Include Anti-Reflective Coating On Every Pair of Glasses.
You just saw your nearby optometrist for your annual eye checkup and are about to purchase a new, fun and fashionable set of glasses. Many other clinics overcomplicate your options when it comes to choosing lenses and coatings for your new glasses. The price keeps changing and the options become overwhelming and confusing. However, the choice is very simple.
At Helio Optometry, every set of glasses (except safety glasses) that we dispense to our patients comes with a premium anti-reflective coating. This is included with every lens at no additional charge. This is the standard of care and the only way to ensure your brand new set of glasses gives you the highest level of durability and visual performance.
When selecting one of our premium lenses, we even offer an upgrade to blue light blocking lenses at no charge.
What is Anti-Reflective Coating?
Anti-Reflective (AR) coating is a thin layer of material that is applied to eyeglass lenses to reduce glare and reflections. This coating is traditionally used in eyeglasses with higher prescriptions, which can cause more reflections than low prescriptions. AR coating enhances the clarity of the lenses, making them more comfortable and easier to wear for extended periods.
Why is Anti-Reflective Coating Important?
AR coating provides many benefits that enhance the functionality of your brand new eyeglasses. These benefits include:
Reduced glare: AR coating reduces the amount of light that reflects off the surface of the lens, which reduces glare and makes it easier to see in most lighting conditions.
Improved vision: The coating allows more light to pass through the lens, improving visual acuity and reducing eye strain.
Better appearance: AR coating makes lenses appear more transparent, which gives glasses a more polished, sophisticated look.
How is Anti-Reflective Coating Made?
The process of creating AR coating involves depositing a thin layer of material onto the surface of the lens. This material is typically made of metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. The process involves the use of a vacuum chamber, where the lens is placed and exposed to the metal oxide vapour. The vapour condenses onto the lens surface, forming a thin layer of coating.
What coatings do we use at Helio Optometry?
EX3+ anti-reflective coating.
EX3+ is a high-performance anti-reflective (AR) coating made by Hoya, a leading manufacturer of optical lenses and coatings. This coating is designed to provide exceptional clarity, durability, and protection for eyeglass lenses.
EX3+ coating features multiple layers of advanced materials that are designed to reduce reflections, improve visual acuity, and enhance the durability of the lenses. The coating is made up of three distinct layers:
The first layer is a scratch-resistant coating that protects the lens from scratches, abrasions, and other damage.
The second layer is the anti-reflective layer, which reduces glare and reflections, and improves visual acuity.
The third layer is a superhydrophobic layer that repels water, dirt, and other debris, making the lenses easier to clean and maintain.
EX3+ coating also includes an additional layer of UV protection, which helps block harmful UV rays from the sun. This can help reduce the risk of eye damage and other vision-related problems caused by exposure to UV radiation.
One of the key benefits of EX3+ coating is its durability. The scratch-resistant coating and superhydrophobic layer help to protect the lenses from damage, while the anti-reflective layer helps to maintain visual clarity over time. This can help extend the life of the lenses and reduce the need for replacements.
EX3+ coating is also available in a variety of colours and tints, which can be customized to suit the needs of individual wearers. This includes options for polarized lenses, which are designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity in bright conditions.
Overall, EX3+ is a high-performance AR coating that provides exceptional clarity, durability, and protection for eyeglass lenses. Whether you're looking for better vision, protection from UV radiation, or improved lens durability, EX3+ coating is an excellent choice for your eyeglasses.
Recharge blue-blocking coating.
Recharge is a proprietary coating made by Hoya that is designed to protect eyeglass wearers from the harmful effects of blue light. Blue light is a high-energy form of light that is emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Recharge coating works by selectively blocking blue light while allowing other colours of light to pass through the lens. This can help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches the eye, thereby reducing the risk of vision-related problems thought to be caused by blue light exposure.
Recharge coating is available as an add-on to Hoya's existing AR coatings, including the EX3+ coating. This means that wearers can enjoy the benefits of both anti-reflective and blue light protection in a single lens.
In addition to its blue light protection capabilities, Recharge coating also provides excellent clarity and durability. The coating is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, and it helps reduce reflections and glare on the surface of the lens. This can help to improve visual acuity and reduce eye strain, particularly in bright or outdoor conditions.
In summary, Recharge coating is an excellent option for people who are concerned about the potential effects of blue light exposure on their eyes and vision. Whether you're a heavy computer user or simply want to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light, Recharge coating can provide the protection you need in a high-quality, durable eyeglass lens.
What Features are Improved by Anti-Reflective Coating?
In addition to anti-reflective coating, there are a few additional lens options to consider:
Polarized lenses: Polarized lenses reduce glare by blocking light waves that create reflections. Adding anti-reflective coating to the inside of polarized lenses helps reduce distracting reflections and glare from the inside surface of the lens.
Tinted lenses: Tinted lenses reduce glare and improve contrast, making them an excellent choice for outdoor activities. As with polarized lenses, adding anti-reflective coating to the inside of tinted lenses helps reduce distracting reflections and glare from the inside surface of the lens.
Photochromic lenses (Transitions): Photochromic lenses change their tint in response to light, becoming darker in bright light conditions and lighter in low light conditions. Adding anti-reflective coating to a photochromic lens enhances their performance and also helps with clarity when the lenses are clear.
What are Blue Light Coatings, and are they Effective?
Blue light coatings, also known as blue light blocking coatings, are a type of coating that is added to eyeglass lenses to reduce the amount of blue light that enters the eye. Blue light is emitted by digital devices, such as smartphones and computers, and is thought to contribute to eye strain, headaches, and sleep disruption.
Research on blue light coatings is ongoing, and while there is some evidence to suggest that they can reduce the negative effects of blue light exposure, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.
At Helio Optometry your anti-reflective coating is included in every lens we dispense (except safety glasses) with no hidden or additional charges.
Anti-Reflective (AR) coating is an important feature of eyeglasses that provides many benefits, including reduced glare, improved vision, and a better appearance. If you're looking for alternatives, consider polarized lenses, tinted lenses, or photochromic lenses. If you're concerned about blue light exposure, blue light blocking coatings may be worth considering. If you have any questions about AR coating or any other eyeglass features, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be happy to help you find the perfect glasses for your needs!
Anti-Reflective Non-Glare Eyeglasses in Edmonton
Helio Optometry can help people of all ages achieve better vision. We diagnose and treat various eye conditions, then use premium anti-reflective non-glare eyeglasses so they have clear, comfortable vision in work, life and play. Contact us at 780-628-6855 to book an appointment at our new eye care clinic located in West Edmonton on 149th Street and 95th Ave. We anchor the communities of Crestwood, Parkview, Sherwood and Jasper Gats.
