Anti-reflective (anti-glare) coating is the most worthwhile upgrade: it cuts reflections, helps night driving and makes lenses look clearer. Scratch-resistant coating is standard on most plastic lenses, and polycarbonate and high-index lenses block UV. Photochromic lenses darken outdoors. Blue light filtering is optional: major eye care organizations do not recommend it for eye health, though some people find it more comfortable.
Lens options can double the price of glasses. Some are well worth it; some are optional. Here is how they compare.
Lens materials
| Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard plastic (CR-39) | Mild prescriptions | Good optics, thicker for strong prescriptions |
| Polycarbonate | Kids, sports, safety | Impact-resistant, blocks UV, light |
| Trivex | Impact resistance with crisp optics | Light, blocks UV |
| High-index (1.67, 1.74) | Strong prescriptions | Thinner and lighter; pair with anti-reflective |
Coatings and options
- Anti-reflective (AR): reduces reflections and glare, especially at night and on screens. The upgrade most worth paying for.
- Scratch-resistant: standard on most lenses; no lens is scratch-proof.
- UV protection: built into polycarbonate, Trivex and high-index lenses; added to others.
- Photochromic (light-adaptive): darken in UV light outdoors and clear indoors. Many don’t darken fully behind a car windshield, which blocks most UV.
- Blue light filtering: reduces some blue light from screens. Major eye care organizations don’t recommend it for eye health; it is a comfort preference.
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic: repel water, smudges and fingerprints; often bundled with AR.
What to choose
- Everyday glasses: AR coating, plus scratch resistance and UV.
- Strong prescription: high-index with AR.
- Kids and sports: polycarbonate or Trivex.
- In and out of the sun often: photochromic, or a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
Looking after coatings
Clean lenses with lens cleaner or mild dish soap and water, dry with a microfiber cloth, and avoid paper towels, clothing and hot water, which can damage coatings.
Common questions
Is anti-reflective coating worth it?
For most people, yes. It reduces glare from screens and headlights, makes your eyes more visible through the lenses, and is especially helpful with high-index lenses.
Do blue light glasses work?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light glasses for preventing eye disease or eye strain, because there is no evidence that screen blue light damages eyes. Breaks from screens help more.
What are high-index lenses?
Thinner, lighter lens materials for stronger prescriptions. They are most worthwhile from about ±3.00 and up.