So, as described, anti-glare glasses have lenses that eliminate glare. But, there’s a science to it and several benefits in addition to anti-glare. Manufactured with an anti-reflective or AR coating, the lenses allow 99.5 percent of available light to reach your eyes. This can seem counter-productive, but it is not noticeable to the wearer. Instead, by letting this light through, the lenses drastically reduce or eliminate glare from excessive brightness caused by natural and artificial light sources, which cause reflection of your lenses. From snow and water conditions to tablets, computer screens and even your phone, glare is a bigger issue for glasses wearers than they often realise.
The problems glare can cause
So, why do we care about glare? Well, it can present numerous problems for wearers, especially when driving, playing sports and working with computers and other tech with direct light sources. The result is inhibiting vision and attributing to health issues, including eye strain, blurred vision or ‘halos’ around bright lights such as street lamps, headaches, migraines and a significant decrease in concentration and focus when squinting to avoid glare. On the odd occasion, it may not seem like a priority to have anti-glare, but once these health issues become chronic, you can have very real, very uncomfortable health issues to deal with.
Do I need anti-glare lenses?
Anti-glare lenses are suitable for everyone, especially in our predominantly digital workspaces, working from home, TV streaming and internet heavy lives we lead. And while some people suffer from the effects of glare more than others, the exposure to digital screens and then natural light to take a break from them will only ever increase. Computer screens, driving at night, and sun exposure are all very different scenarios that can be marred by the effects of glare. And while AR coating does not guarantee reflection elimination, wearing anti-glare lenses will reduce fatigue in your eyes and headaches as a result by lessening the amount of reflection and light coming through your lenses.
Benefits of anti-glare glasses
Significantly reduces eye strain
No one wants eyestrain – it’s intensely uncomfortable and hard to shake off once it sets in. Not ideal when you are driving long distances, trying to get a report finished, or finally settling down to relax. We try to omit glare ourselves by squinting, which only exasperates the problem and causes further ailments. Anti-glare glasses in any situation, be it work, rest or play, will help put less stress on your eyes and so, less squinting.
UV Protection
Critical for eye health, the anti-reflective coating provides protection from UV rays emitted by the sun and some artificial light sources. With the risk of damage such as inflammation and burning to the cornea on the front of the eye a very real and high risk in the sun, UV protection needs little promotion for healthy eyes and long-term vision.
Clearer, more comfortable vision
You might not have a headache – yet – but glare will absolutely impair your vision, especially when squinting again. However, by eliminating the light reflection off of your lenses, more light will reach your eye, increasing visual depth and clarity vital for driving, working, and sports such as skiing and watersports. If you’re doing all three, then anti-glare glasses are definitely for you.
People can see you
Have you ever had a photo taken only to find your face covered by a weird flash of light? Or taking a video call only to see your reflection staring back at you (or calling you out for looking at something on your phone at the same time!) If you have glasses without an anti-glare coating, any bright lights or camera flash will reflect off of your lenses. In real life, bright sunshine or LED strip lights will cause the same problem, they can’t see your eyes, and you can experience glare around the sides of your lenses, too, all of which is extremely off-putting. Anti-reflective coating on your lenses eliminates this glare so that everyone can see your eyes, and you can feel confident online and in person.
Improve sporting performance
Whether hobbying, teaching, or sporting for a living, glare can be a big problem, especially in many outdoor sports.
Fishing, skiing, snowboarding, golf, running and hiking are often in very bright settings and subject to glare. There is little worse for a golfer trying to tee off with a bright glare in their eyes, skiers trying to navigate through bright white conditions, or athletes running against the sun with miles to go. Anti-reflective glasses and sunglasses help to significantly reduce the light and brightness to provide a clear field of vision and 100% concentration on the sport.
What is The difference between anti-glare and blue light blocking lenses?
Blue light lenses are not coated. They are specifically manufactured to block blue light – high-energy light coming from our screens, tablets and mobile phones. As we use screens more and more, blue light has become a more significant issue in eye health, so blue light-blocking lenses are an excellent choice for heavy screen users such as gamers and office workers. Anti-glare lenses are coated to minimise glare and reflection for clearer vision and prevent squinting from many different light sources.
At Lensology, we can supply both anti-glare lenses and blue light blocking lenses in your frames, giving you optimal protection and visual performance as you go from the office to the slopes and everywhere in between. We are specialists at reglazing glasses, and offer a wide range of lenses for your needs, from different levels of prescriptions to coatings on your lenses.
Anti-Glare Glasses FAQs
Can I wear anti-glare lenses all the time?
Yes. You can wear anti-reflective coatings or anti-glare glasses all day. How long they’re comfortable for is entirely up to the individual wearing them and how much glare exposure you will experience throughout the day.
Can I wear anti-glare lenses for night driving?
Anti-glare coating is perfect for night driving, reducing harsh reflections from car headlights, street lamps and traffic lights across the surface of the lenses. As the light begins to fade from day to dusk, the finally to nightfall, anti-glare can keep you comfortable and, importantly, safe while driving through the change in conditions.
Can I get anti-glare lenses added to my current glasses?
Absolutely. Using our reglazing service, you can choose whether to have your existing frames reglazed or have your prescription lenses put into any frame you like via our Free-post service. Order a box from us and select the coatings and prescription you need, and Lensology will reglaze your lenses to order.
Anti-reflective coating is available on all lens types, including single vision, sunglasses lenses, bifocal lenses, varifocal lenses, and more.
Request a FREE reglazing pack today
Anti-glare glasses aren’t just for sunny climbs, it can be hugely beneficial for all types of lens wearers, and the benefits are many. With Lensology, it is fast and easy to get anti-glare added to your current frames, starting from £31.90.
See our latest deals for our special offers, deals and promotions to save more!
If you are unsure or would like to discuss your visual needs further, contact our team, and we will guide you through the process to make sure you get the right lenses.
Ready to go? Order your Freepost pack here.
