Is Anti-Reflective Coating for Glasses Worth It?

Is anti-reflective coating for glasses worth it? Our customers ask this question on an almost daily basis. But anti-reflective coating for glasses is not a new thing. Anyone who has purchased a pair of eyeglasses, walked by an optical shop, or even seen a commercial on the television for eyeglass lenses in the past decade or so has mostly likely heard of anti-reflective coating  How can you be sure anti-reflective coating for glasses are right for you? Is anti-reflective coating for glasses worth it? Let’s answer this question by examining the facts….

Do Anti-Reflective Coatings on Glasses Reduce Glare?

Yes, anti-reflective coatings on glasses reduce glare. By applying anti-reflective coating to the front and back of an eyeglass lens, we can reduce the amount of glare that reflects off the surface of the lens. This allows more light to pass through the lens to your eyes, and it also provides you with clearer and sharper vision. Applying anti-reflective coatings on glasses to reduce glare even makes eyeglasses more attractive. Reducing glare also means anti glare coating for eyeglasses actually reduces eye strain.

Does Anti-Glare Coating for Eyeglasses Reduce Eye Strain?

a young woman with a tv screen shining in her glasses

Yes. By eliminating annoying reflections from the front and back of the lens, your eyes do not have to strain to see through the lens surface. Think about all the glare we subject our eyes to on a daily basis. Some common glare inducers include computers, tablets, smartphones, televisions, and just as importantly the sun during the day and headlights or street lights at night.  

Because anti-glare coating for eyeglasses reduces eye strain, our eyes do not tire as quickly as they otherwise would. Additionally, anti-glare coating for eyeglasses also help people see your eyes instead of reflections coming off the front of your lenses. This becomes particularly noticeable, and makes a huge difference, in photos and videos.

Caring for Anti Reflective Coating on Eyeglasses

Caring for anti-reflective coating on eyeglasses is very simple. Most good quality anti-reflective coatings are hydrophobic and oleophobic (meaning they repel water and oils), in addition to repelling dust and smudges. This makes them remarkably easy to clean. Good quality coatings will also have a one to two year scratch warranty on them, meaning if the lenses become scratched at any point within that time frame, the lab will replace the lenses at no cost to you. This is a great benefit because caring for anti-reflective coating on eyeglasses is never going to be foolproof.

Not all Anti-Reflective Coating Brands are Created Equal

a pair of smudged eyeglasses on the ground in the forest

The peace-of-mind gained from a good manufacturer’s warranty is well worth the added expense of a good quality coating…. because not all anti-reflective coating brands are created equal. There are significant differences between anti-reflective coating brands.

 

  • High quality anti-reflective coating brands filter out glare, eliminating the strain on our eyes. Their coatings repel water, oils, dust, and smudges. They have a scratch warranty that brings peace of mind amid the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day glasses wearer.
  • Standard anti-glare coating for eyeglasses does not repel dust, smudges, water, etc. Because of that fact alone, the number one complaint from our customers is the difficulty they face cleaning their lenses. Additionally, the warranty on a standard coating is an average of 90 days, not the 12-24 months of a high quality coating.

What is the Cost of Anti-Reflective Coating on Glasses?

The warranty length alone is reason enough to justify the cost of anti-reflective coating on glasses. Of course, the cost of anti-reflective coating on glasses will vary depending on whether you choose standard or high quality anti reflective coating brands. The benefit for many consumers is that most vision insurance plans significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense. Using vision insurance, the cost of anti-reflective coating on glasses is generally a copay of around $45-95. For that amount, going with a high quality brand is well worth it!

Anti-Reflective Coating Benefits Everyone!

Anti-reflective coating benefits for eyeglasses know no age or specific use. Adults and children alike can benefit from anti-reflective coatings. After all, children are spending more and more time on tablets, computers and cell phones, starting at very young ages. Their eyes, just like an adult’s, have to strain to see through all the glare from each of the devices.

Plus, children are notorious for scratching their glasses, and the scratch warranty you get from a high quality brand can definitely come in handy in these cases.  

Whether for a person who is highly active in the outdoors, or someone who spends a large amount of time indoors behind a digital screen of any sort, anti-reflective coating benefits everyone and anyone who wears eyeglasses.

The Best Optometrists in North Phoenix

No matter where you reside, anti-reflective coating for glasses is definitely worth the investment. However, if you are local to the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, we welcome you to stop by Tatum EyeCare to learn more about this amazing lens technology.

When you choose Tatum EyeCare for you vision health and fashion needs, you are choosing optometrists in North Phoenix who are invested in our clients and community. We’ve proudly served the Valley of the Sun for over 20 years.

Stop in to view our extensive eyewear collection, and see for yourself how Tatum EyeCare reframes customer service and optical expertise for everyone!

Contact Tatum Eyecare

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry