Why
Lens coatings are treatments done on lenses that help enhance their performance, durability and even appearance.
We all know that being exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is harmful not only to your skin, but also to your eyes.
This is why adding UV-protective coating on your eyeglasses is a good decision.
But there are more coatings that can upgrade your spectacles.
Types of Coatings
Hard Coat – A scratch resistant coating provides lenses with durability and increased longevity. High quality thermally cured hard coat provides the best scratch resistance.
Anti-Reflective Coat - Anti-reflective coating, often referred to as AR, or non-glare, is a coating that is applied to the surface of a lens. The purpose of this anti-reflective coating is to reduce the amount of glare that reflects off your lenses.
Blue Protect Coat – It diverts blue light from entering your eye and makes a big impact in filtering out harmful incoming blue light rays.
Mirror Coat - A reflective coating on the outside of the lens that makes it appear like small mirror.
How to take care of your coated spectacle lenses
You have invested a lot in your vision and it is important for you to protect this investment. This is particularly true if you have purchased a pair of prescription glasses with an added anti-reflective lens coating. This coating is great because it will make your eyes look better to the outside world while also making it clearer for you to see. At the same time, there are a few measures that you need to take to make sure that this coating and the rest of your eyeglasses are protected.
· Rinse the Glasses Prior to Cleaning
While it might not be convenient for you to find a water source every time you need to rinse off your glasses, it is important for you to rinse them before cleaning them. Always rinse the lenses before you wipe them down. If there is a tiny particle of either dust or dirt, this has to be removed before the lenses are wiped down. If the lenses are wiped with this particle on top of the lens, it is going to be abrasive. This will cause the coating to scratch. This will increase the longevity of the coating and the lenses.
· Choose Your Eyeglass Cleaning Spray Carefully
Instead of using water, many people elect to go with a cleaning spray instead. There is nothing wrong with this spray as long as it has been specifically designed to clean both eyeglass lenses and the coating on top. There are plenty of options when it comes to finding a suitable spray for eyeglasses. Just make sure to read the package and ensure that it is appropriate.
At Olympia Optics you receive a lens cleaner bottle free of charge with the purchase of any spectacles. This bottle can be refilled as often as you like, also free of charge. The bottle can also be purchased, Free refills included.
· Select the Cloth You Clean Your Glasses with Cautiously
If you want to wipe down your glasses after spraying them with an (appropriate) solution, that is fine. Just make sure to use the right cloth. There are cloths that have been made specifically to take care of lenses and coatings. Use them. Do not use napkins or shirttails. All of these fabrics have been textured to some degree. This texture is going to scratch the lenses and destroy the coating. Furthermore, these fabrics probably have dust or dirt on them. This will be transferred to the lenses in the process, adding to the issue.
· Store Your Glasses Properly
Finally, also make sure the glasses are stored properly when they are not in use. This will protect both the lenses and the coating. Make sure to use a specified glasses case. This will protect the glasses from getting covered in dust or dirt. If a strong case is too bulky, then go with microfiber pouches instead. This type of pouch is also great for glasses that do not leave the nightstand. Never leave the glasses out in the open when they are not being worn. This is a great way to get the glasses crushed, scratched, or dirty.
These are a few of the tips that everyone should follow when it comes to taking care of an anti-reflective lens coating. These coatings are expensive investments and they need to be protected.