Anti-reflective lenses in glasses – why are they needed and how to choose them?

Prolonged use of a computer can cause an eye condition known as Computer Vision Syndrome: around 75% of people who spend more than three hours a day in front of a computer screen have been diagnosed with this condition.

The cause of this phenomenon lies in the way the eye perceives the computer screen. When a person reads printed material, text and images have clear contours, whereas on a monitor there are a large number of flickering pixels. As a result, text displayed on laptops and computers looks blurry. This effect quickly fatigues the visual system. Visual acuity is also affected by the brightness of the screen, the characteristics of the fonts, the location of blocks of information, the colours and the position of the monitor.

To protect your eyesight from harmful radiation, it is recommended that you wear glasses with an anti-glare effect. Regular use of such glasses can prevent the development of astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia. It is important to note that anti-glare lenses also reduce fatigue and increase performance by 30% by reducing eye strain.

What are anti-reflective lenses?

Anti-reflective lenses are made with a unique coating that blocks out light rays, leaving only the eye-safe yellow colour. This type of lens completely absorbs blue rays, which cause the most damage to the visual system. High quality anti-reflective coatings completely eliminate the reflection of light rays. In addition to choosing the right composition, it is important to calculate the thickness of the coating.

Dioptric anti-reflective lenses reduce glare caused by light interference. This means that waves of the same frequency meet and neutralize each other. When lenses have an anti-reflective coating, light is reflected from the outside of the coating as well as the inside.

Reasons why anti-reflective glasses are needed and who they are for

Computer glasses are suitable for people who spend more than three hours a day in front of a computer screen. They can be used by both adults and children. Glasses with anti-reflective lenses are also necessary for people who play sports or work in hazardous conditions. They are popular with fishermen, skiers and water sports enthusiasts.

Protection from unexpected lightning is also important for drivers. After all, even a momentary loss of vision can cause a serious accident. If you work with a lot of documents, contrast enhancing glasses are a good choice. Graphics professionals will benefit from lenses that enhance the brightness of colours.

Indications for the use of anti-reflective lenses:

• Prolonged daily use of devices such as mobile phones, tablets and computers;
• The mucous membranes of the eyes are prone to dryness;
• Burning or tingling sensation;
• Increased tear production;
• Sand in the eyes;
• Photophobia;
• Hyperaemia – redness of the mucous membranes of the eye due to intense blood flow to the site of injury or as a result of infection;
• Chronic eye fatigue.

Important: Modern technology provides for the application of an anti-reflective coating to the inner surface of the lens to prevent it from being damaged.

How to choose anti-reflective lenses

Before buying, it is worth consulting an optician. But before you do, you need to understand why you need anti-reflective lenses.

Lens colour – characteristics

Dark
Suitable for daytime driving, reflects light from the headlights of oncoming cars. Protects against UV rays. Improves visibility in foggy conditions.

Amber
Reduces eye fatigue. Enhances the anti-reflective effect on snow-covered roads (mountains and snow-covered roads).

Brown
Versatile. Ideal for drivers. Easy to focus in fog, rain and bright sunlight.

Colourless
Universal – suitable for use in artificial light. Ineffective in bright sunlight.

Choice of spectacles:

• Check the quality of the materials supplied;
• High quality lenses do not distort the image and project a clear, accurate image;
• Glass lenses are fragile, heavy and not always comfortable; modern polymer lenses are practical and at the same time equal to, and in some parameters superior to, glass lenses;
• Optimum UV protection – 400 UV and above;
• Genuine lenses with special coatings should change the intensity of reflections. Place one pair of glasses on top of the other and rotate the top pair 90°. The anti-reflective lenses will become opaque;
• Do not use glasses with very narrow frames. The angle of vision will be greatly reduced;
• If the frame is heavy, the glasses will get in the way and may not be used all the time;
• The material of the frame should not oxidize;
• Suitable glasses should not press against the temples of the face, rub against the ears or the bridge of the nose.

Care for anti-reflective lenses:

Modern lenses are scratch-resistant but should be treated with care. Follow recommendations for anti-reflective products:

1. Store glasses in a hard case with a soft lid;
2. If possible, wipe the lenses with a special lint-free or soft cloth;
3. Do not wash dirty lenses with aggressive detergents;
4. Do not put glasses in a bag without a case or near other objects;
5. It is necessary to regularly clean the lenses from oil stains caused by fingers, which are inevitable when the glasses are worn for a long time.

It is important to note that anti-reflective glasses can be ordered with or without dioptres. This depends on your visual acuity and the presence or absence of eye problems. In this case, the prescription does not affect the colour, shape or design of the lenses. Spend money on good glasses, especially those with an anti-reflective coating.