Anti-Glare Glasses: Benefits, Costs, Best Brands and More

Anti-glare eyeglasses work by filtering out excess light before it gets to the eyes of the glasses-wearer.

An anti-reflective coating is applied to the lenses. The coating makes the lenses more prone to nicks and scratches, necessitating special handling and care.

Costs run from $20 to $100, depending on manufacturer and the type of anti-reflective coating desired.

Intro

Anti-glare eyeglasses are normally treated with a special coating that prevents the adverse effects of glare. This coating is known as anti-reflection, AR, MAR and reflection-free coating.

Even if you do not have eye complications or not, you likely have heard about anti-glare glasses. They remain popular because of their filtering properties.

Light bounces off various objects before entering your eyes and allowing you to make out what the objects are. However, sometimes, the light bouncing off objects is greater than what your eyes are accustomed to.

When excess light enters the eye, it distorts your field of vision, making it harder to see. This is what is referred to as glare. In essence, glare is the visual sensation that is caused by excess and uncontrollable light and brightness.

Everyone experiences glare, although it is more common in people with a history of poor eyesight or those who wear corrective eyeglasses. You can experience glare in various situations, from when you are at night to when you’re on a screen.

Fortunately, anti-glare eyeglasses can help you deal with the effects of glare.

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How Anti-Glare Glasses Work?

According to the Vision Council of America, about 4 billion people worldwide wear glasses. While sunglasses and prescription glasses can significantly improve your eyesight, most are susceptible to glare.

Black glare can especially be frustrating as it can hinder your view. In some cases, people wearing prescription glasses report seeing a reflection of their eyes on the lens.

The anti-glare coating reduces the amount of light reflecting off the lenses. These glasses contain a thin and hard layer of coating on the lens that allows more light to pass through, thereby increasing your vision. 

It is noteworthy to mention that anti-glare properties wear off after about a couple of years. This may, however, vary depending on how you care for your glasses.

Benefit of Anti-Glare Glasses?

If you must wear prescription glasses, you should opt for lenses that have an anti-glare coating. Among the advantages of wearing corrective eyeglasses with anti-glare properties are:

• Comfort and field-of-vision improvement
• Screen protection
• UV protection
• Blue light protection

Comfort and Field of Vision Improvement

Because AR glasses work by reducing the amount of light reflecting off your lenses, your eyes will receive more light. This simply means there’s n increase in visual acuity, which reduces the need to squint whenever you’re driving or using a screen.

Screen Protection

Do you often struggle with finding the right angle when you’re on video calls? The same may be true for pictures, where you likely have to take off your glasses to avoid ruining the photo. With anti-glare glasses, you don’t have to worry about the light bouncing off. You can comfortably use your glasses in a video meeting and take a picture in them as the coating eliminates this glare.

UV Protection

While ultraviolet rays do not appear on your visual spectrum, they can harm your eyes over time. Anti-glare glasses can shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Additionally, you can further protect your eyes from UV rays by using polarized or photochromatic lenses.

Blue Light Protection

Most modern digital devices like phones, TVs, laptops, and tablets emit blue light that can be harmful to your eyes. Moreover, this blue light can disrupt your sleep patterns. Some AR glasses come equipped with mechanisms to help counter the effects of blue light.

However, not all anti-glare glasses house this component, and you should ensure you get ones that do, especially if you are in front f a screen a lot.

Cost of Anti-Glare Coating

While some lenses come anti-glare coating, you can also opt to have the coating applied to an existing prescription and to non-prescription glasses. Costs range from $20 to $100.

Factors like your location, type of glasses and the service provider all influence the price. In adaptation, some companies will include the AR coating for free when you buy their lenses.

Always ensure you get the right type of anti-glare coating. If you are unsure of what to get, ask your eyecare professional to explain the differences among the various anti-glare options.

Best Anti-Glare Brands

There are numerous factors to consider before settling on a specific brand of anti-glare eyeglasses. Before choosing, consult your eye specialist. Here are some of the brands that provide quality anti-glare eyeglasses:

• Aferelle anti-glare spectacles
• CrazyWinks oval anti-glare glasses
• U.S craft avengers anti-glare glasses
• Peter Jones unisex anti-glare glasses
• Mr. Brand rounded anti-glare glasses

How to Care for Anti-Glare Eyeglasses

AR glasses require more care than your typical eyeglasses. How well you care for your AR glasses determines how long the coating lasts.

A few practical tips to help you prolong the life of your glasses:

Tip 1: Carefully Store Them when Not in Use

When you are not wearing your glasses, put them in a case. Do not just throw them in your bag or pocket, as they will easily scratch. When you have AR coating, even the most minor of nicks and scratches are obvious on your lenses. 

If you remove your glasses for only a few minutes and do not use a case, place the glasses with the lenses facing up. That will alleviate not only nicks but also will lengthen the life of the lenses.

Tip 2: Use a Microfiber Cloth for Wiping

Wiping your glasses with a napkin or any cloth material can scratch the anti-glare coating. Always wipe the glasses with the clean microfiber cloth provided when you get the glasses.

You should also wet the lenses before wiping them clean. Even with a microfiber cloth, wiping the glasses when the lenses are dry makes it easier for the dirt or debris to scratch the coating.

Tip 3: Always Handle with Care

Anti-glare glasses scratch more easily compared to regular prescription glasses. Always exercise caution whenever you’re putting them on or taking them off. And use both hands when handling the glasses.

FAQs

Do anti-glare glasses really work?

Yes, these glasses allow nearly 100 percent of available light to reach your eyes. This eliminates glare and improves your field of view.

Do anti-glare glasses help with night driving?

Yes, by allowing light to pass through the glasses and into your eyes, you will have better vision on the road, especially at night.

Can the anti-glare coating be added afterward?

Yes, the coating can be added provided the lens is not scratched and has not been exposed to skin oils.

References

1. The Vision Council Organizational Review. (November 2018). The Vision Council of America.

2. Historical Development, Applications, and Advances in Materials Used in Spectacle Lenses and Contact Lenses. (May 2020). Dovepress Media.

3. Anti-Reflective Coatings: A Critical In-depth Review. (August 2011). Energy & Environmental Science.

4. The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes. (June 2020). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. Should You Be Worried About Blue Light? (March 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.