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Understanding the Difference Between Anti-Glare and Anti-Reflective Lenses


woman holding glasses with anti-reflective lenses

The fun part of shopping for new eyeglasses is selecting stylish frames and prescription sunglasses, but it also requires decisions about your lenses. You’ll come across terms like “anti-glare lenses” and “anti-reflective lenses,” referring to different lens coatings that serve specific purposes. Understanding the differences between these two lens coatings can help you choose the best glasses for you and your lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know.


Anti-Glare Lenses

Anti-glare lenses are designed to reduce the glare reflecting off your lenses from bright lights, reflections and harsh indoor or outdoor lighting conditions. If glare from sunlight or artificial light sources makes it difficult for you to see, an anti-glare coating can help.


Anti-glare lenses improve contrast, reduce eyestrain and provide clearer vision by allowing more light to pass through the lenses. They enhance visual comfort by minimizing the distracting reflections on the lens surface. With anti-glare coating, you may experience reduced eye strain and find it easier to see in low-light conditions.


Anti-Reflective Lenses

Anti-reflective lenses, also known as anti-reflection or AR lenses, go a step further than anti-glare lenses by reducing reflections on the lens surface from both the front and back sides. The lens coatings are made of a microscopic layer of metal oxides that neutralize reflections, allowing them to minimize glare from the front and back surfaces of each lens.


Anti-reflective lenses virtually eliminate reflections, allowing 99.5 per cent of light to reach the eyes, compared to 92 per cent for regular lenses. In addition to providing sharper vision and reducing eye fatigue, AR lenses enhance your eyewear’s cosmetic appearance by reducing lens reflections. They’re especially beneficial for people who work for long hours in front of screens or under intense lighting conditions.


Benefits of Anti-Glare and Anti-Reflective Lenses

Here are some situations where anti-glare or anti-reflective lenses can help your vision:

  • Driving at night

  • Working in bright environments

  • Using computers or other electronic devices

  • Playing sports

  • Spending time outdoors


Which Lens Coating Is Better?

While anti-glare and anti-reflective lens coatings offer improved visual clarity under harsh lighting conditions, anti-reflective lenses minimize distracting reflections on both the front and back of the eyeglass lens. Anti-reflective lenses are worth the investment because they provide maximum protection and visual acuity.


Lens Coatings and Quality Eyewear in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C.

Our partner locations offer the latest in lens coatings and technology, ensuring optimal vision correction. Besides anti-reflective lenses, we also offer scratch-resistant lenses and lenses with blue light filters. Visit one of our partner locations to learn more about our discounts on lens coating bundles, including stores in Burnaby and Mississauga.


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