What you need to know about Anti-Glare glasses
What are Anti-Glare Glasses?
Anti-glare glasses are commonly used but misunderstood among spectacle users and optical salespeople. The actual word is anti-reflective glasses.
Glare is a broad subject. Any unwanted or excess light that hampers normal vision can be loosely categorized as Glare. Different sources can create different types of glare. Anti-reflective glasses are useful for one specific type of glare: the glare caused by the reflection of light on the surface of the lens and the reflection of light internally within the spectacle lens.
Due to reflection of light on the surface of the lens and internal reflection of light within the lens:
- The lens does not appear as see-through. Since some of the light from the surroundings reflects from the polished surface of the lens
- The internal reflection within the lens causes ghost images of light sources, which may be irritating to the spectacle user.
- The color contrast through spectacles decreases compared to vision without spectacles.
- There are reflections off the edge, forming a ring-like appearance, also known as power rings, at the edge of high-powered lenses.
Anti-reflective spectacles, commonly known as anti-glare glasses, reduce these surface and internal reflections within a spectacle lens to a large extent (97% to 99% depending upon the brand and advanced technology used in the anti-reflective treatment).
As a result of this, anti-reflective spectacles:
- Appear almost transparent and cosmetically more appealing than spectacles without anti-reflective lenses
- The visual comfort is better as there are no irritating internal reflections within the lens
- Reduction of ghost images of light sources makes for easier vision at night. However, these spectacles do not reduce the brightness of oncoming headlights. Hence, there is no reduction in glare caused by the brightness of headlights—it is a misunderstood concept.
- The contrast is enhanced.
- Many spectacle users report ease of vision and reduced fatigue even when working for long hours in the office and digital devices.
- The reduction of peripheral rings makes the lens appear better from the front. Though there is no reduction in the physical thickness of the lens, the appearance from the front is like that of regular spectacle power. Due to the appearance of the power-rings, it is greatly reduced.
How do Anti-Glare lenses work?
The surfaces of this type of spectacle lens are specifically processed with an anti-reflective treatment that allows the light to go through. As a result, it reduces the number of distractions and improves lenses' transmittance to provide smooth vision. The anti-reflective treatment, also known as AR treatment, is especially beneficial when applied on lenses with a high index number since the higher refraction of the lens material will ensure more light is reflected from the surface. Therefore, most reputed brands, by default, offer high index lenses with anti-reflection.
The current trend of anti-reflective treatments can remove almost most light reflection from eyewear lenses’ surface, awing maximum light to pass and enter the eyes. It further enhances contrast by reducing the internal reflection of light; all these features lead to better, more comfortable vision. In addition, with the help of AR treatment on the lens, your eyeglasses are nearly invisible to allow people to see your eyes and expressions. These AR-treated glasses are also more arresting as they will make you look better irrespective of the lighting conditions.
Due to the variety of AR coatings for different needs and purposes, users can pick the type of coatings they need for their field and the nature of work. With progress in the technology of creating eyewear, applying AR coatings on the glasses has evolved. Current trends add AR coatings with the help of an intricate heating process that lasts for a long time.
Uses of Anti-Glare Glasses
Anti-glare coatings on lenses for eyewear in the current times serve many purposes all at once. Here are a few anti-glare glasses uses that might appeal to you for your understanding.
Those who work for long hours on computers may benefit from the layer of AR coating, as enhancement of contrast and reduction of internal reflection make vision nicer and more comfortable. AR coatings may also be beneficial for video game enthusiasts during long gaming sessions, graphic designers, and people who work with images on digital devices a lot due to the enhancement of color contrast
For the points above, if you can stick to facts I have put at the beginning of this edit - it would be great. Most of these points are only partially true, these have been stated in an exaggerated, unrealistic way, distorting the scientific facts to project an unrealistic benefit for ease of selling. Please refer to my edit above and rewrite this accordingly without over-commitment.
Need for Anti Glare Glasses
The need for anti-glare glasses arises not only out of trend but also due to necessity. Here is why there is a need for anti-glare glasses:
Anti-Reflective Lenses
Anti Reflective lenses reduce the amount of light reflected. These coatings can be applied to either one side of the glasses or on both sides, which allows the most light for a clear view. However, most reputed brands offer anti-reflective treatment on both lens surfaces. By default, putting this treatment on your glasses does not allow light to bounce off the lenses and reduces interference with your vision.
Benefits of Anti-Reflective Lens
In comparison to standard lenses, AR lenses provide more than one benefit for your eyes. With the versatility of their uses and purposes, it is easy to understand why choosing AR lenses over standard lenses is a better idea. Below are the benefits of having a pair of AR coated lenses:
Increased visual comfort and transparency
Anti-Glare or Anti-reflective lenses help in dispersing more light which helps in giving you a comfortable and clear view without reducing its visibility, which is a helpful quality for high-focus work, like looking at a screen during work hours or while driving to a location.
Uninterrupted sports activities
Activities like skiing, snowboarding, or football can be challenging with glare on your glasses. However, with the anti-glare/anti-reflective coating, you can get a clear field of vision and play your favorite sports or do your favorite activities with comfort.
Improved appearance
Performing everyday activities can be somewhat tenuous with glasses that do not have AR or anti-glare coating on their lenses. Especially when the flash goes off, the light reflects off the non-AR-coated glasses. However, wearing a pair of AR-coated glasses would help reduce glare so that everyone can see your features.
Cleaning Anti-Reflective glasses
Anti-reflective glasses helps in reducing the amount of light that reaches your eyes, do get smudged like any other glasses, which is why it needs cleaning regularly. However, routinely cleaning your anti-reflective glasses will make them last for a long time. There is a wrong way and a correct way to clean your anti-reflective glasses. You will know how to clean them easily. In the following few parts
In general, wipe any eyewear lenses, always place under running water or dip in a glass/bowl of water before wiping the lenses, and wipe the lenses when dry is the number one cause of scratches on eyewear lenses. Instead, wipe with the micro-fiber cloth provided with the eyewear.
Hold the rim or the edges (in the case of rimless eyewear) of one lens between the thumb and fingers of one (usually the non-dominant) hand. Then wipe with the surface of the lens with the microfiber cloth in the other hand.
Try to wipe in straight strokes sideways. We have observed by experience that these cause the least scratching in the long run.
Collecting the cleaning supplies
A microfiber cloth and clean hands are the essential things needed. Remember to wash your hands before you start to clean the anti-reflective glasses.
Wash with room temperature water
Remove the soap or eyeglass cleaner from the eyeglasses and run it under lukewarm water until and unless all the soap and debris is gone. With a few sprays of the lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth, the lens becomes clean and provides proper vision. However, if they are not properly checked, smudges or smears may appear on the anti-reflective coating.
Wipe it up and wear the eyeglasses
Give your eyeglasses a little shake to remove the remaining water, and then dry them with a clean microfiber cloth. It is advisable to contact your local optician for advice on the best type of eyeglass cleaning cloth while purchasing a new pair of eyewear.
However, apply a little bit of water to eyewear coated with the AR coating, as using a dry cloth could cause scratches to appear quickly. That is also because anti-reflective coating lowers light reflection and can hide defects on the lens surface. However, fine scratches on the surface of any eyewear easily, hence regular maintenance of your eyeglasses is necessary.
FAQs
How to check anti-glare glasses?
Anti-glare glasses are quite helpful, as mentioned above. But on many occasions, people who are not that aware of the specific technologies related to eyewear and coating may end up paying more for nothing at all. To check for the anti-glare coating on your eyewear is simple. First, tilt your glasses and observe for a glare. Once the glare is visible, it should have either a greenish or pinkish color. However, if there is no anti-glare coating on the eyewear, the same glare will be white, and the reflection will be strong.
How do anti-glare night vision glasses work?
Anti-glare night vision glasses are also known as “shooter’s glasses,” which have existed for some time. Although they are similar, night driving glasses include a layer of anti-glare coating that minimizes internal light reflections from surrounding light sources that could cause glares.
How effective are anti-glare glasses?
As mentioned earlier, wearing anti-glare glasses does help in reducing the amount of light that enters, which means a majority of light can reach your eyes, thereby reducing glare and better vision. In addition, these anti-glare glasses are also helpful in lowering the chances of eye strain during work hours from looking at various handheld and stationary devices.
Can I wear anti-glare glasses all the time?
It is imperative to protect your eyes from digital eye strain in a time of multiple screens. Therefore, wearing anti-glare glasses is necessary to take time off from looking at screens, reduce eye strain, and improve sleep. So it is safe to say that wearing anti-glare glasses all the time will be beneficial for your eyes.
What are the best anti-glare glasses in India?
Among the many brands available in India, some brands can provide quality anti-glare coated eyewear. The names of such quality eyewear brands are mentioned below:
1) Intellilens Square Anti-Glare Glasses (Unisex)
These glasses are available with the latest Blue Cut technology to filter harmful blue light from various screens and devices. In addition, these lenses can reduce the amount of blue light that goes through the anti-glare glasses.
2) Specsmaker Blue Zero Computer Glasses (Anti-Blue Ray Glasses)
This brand of anti-blue ray glasses helps block a significant amount of blue light emitted from digital devices, which helps in keeping your eyes protected while looking at screens. Wearing these glasses reduces the risk of headaches during work and seems quite stylish, durable, and comfortable to wear.
3) Vincent Chase Anti-Glare Computer Eyeglasses
Vincent chase by LensKart comes with Blu Lens technology that filters UV rays from the sun and prevents any harmful blue light from gadgets entering your eyes.
4) Jim Halo Blue Light Blocking Anti-Glare Glasses
Jim Halo Blue Light Blocking Anti-glare glasses come with anti-blue light lenses that reduce strain on the eyes.
5) Gamma Ray Optics Non-Polarized UV Glare Protection Glasses
These glasses are fitted with UV protection and anti-glare coating, making them suitable for all digital-based activities like gaming, web-surfing, or working under harsh lights, leading to visual discomfort and tiredness.
At R Kumar Opticians, you can purchase the brands mentioned above and other brands as per your needs, budget, and requirements.
