Is anti-glare coating worth it on glasses?
By See Better · Updated · 4 min read
The short answer
For most people, yes. An anti-glare coating, properly called an anti-reflective coating, lets more light through the lens and removes distracting reflections. It makes the biggest difference for night driving, screen work and strong prescriptions. The trade-offs are extra cost and lenses that show smudges more easily.
Key points
- Uncoated lenses reflect about 8% of light. Coated lenses let almost all of it through.
- The benefit is most noticeable when driving at night and working at screens.
- Coated lenses show fingerprints more and need gentle cleaning.
- Anti-glare is not the same as a tint, a blue light filter or polarised lenses.
What an anti-glare coating does
Every lens surface reflects some of the light that hits it. An ordinary uncoated plastic lens bounces back roughly 8% of the light, so only about 92% reaches your eye. Those reflections show up as ghost images of lamps and headlights, a faint haze over what you are looking at, and a shine on your lenses that hides your eyes from other people.
An anti-reflective (AR) coating is a set of microscopically thin layers applied to the lens. The layers cancel out most reflections, so around 99% of the light passes through. The lens looks almost invisible, and what you see through it is slightly brighter and crisper.
Who benefits most
- Night drivers. Reflections from headlights and street lights inside the lens are reduced. See trouble seeing when driving at night.
- People who work at screens. Reflections of windows and overhead lights on the back of the lens are cut down, which makes long sessions more comfortable.
- People with strong prescriptions. Thinner, high-index lens materials reflect more light than standard plastic, so the coating makes a bigger difference.
- Anyone on camera. In photographs and video calls, people see your eyes and not the reflection of your screen.
The downsides
- Cost. It is an add-on, and medical aids often do not pay for it.
- Smudges show. Because the lens is so clear, fingerprints and dust are more visible. Good coatings include a layer that repels oil and water, which helps.
- It can be damaged. Heat and harsh cleaners can make the coating crack or peel. A damaged coating cannot be repaired. The lenses must be replaced.
Anti-glare, tints, blue light and polarised: the difference
These are often confused, and they do different jobs.
| Lens feature | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-reflective coating | Removes reflections from the lens surfaces | Night driving, screens, everyday clear lenses |
| Tint | Reduces the amount of light reaching the eye | Comfort in bright light |
| Photochromic lenses | Darken outdoors and clear indoors | People who move in and out of sunlight |
| Polarised lenses | Block glare reflected off roads, water and car bonnets | Daytime driving, fishing, the beach |
| Blue light filter | Filters part of the blue light from screens | Personal preference. The evidence for it is weak |
One point surprises people: sunglasses and tinted lenses should never be worn for night driving. They reduce the light reaching your eyes when you need more of it, not less. For night driving you want clear lenses with an anti-reflective coating. For the tint options, see photochromic or tinted lenses?
How to look after coated lenses
- Rinse them under lukewarm water before wiping, so that dust does not scratch the surface.
- Use a drop of plain dishwashing liquid or a lens spray, and dry with a clean microfibre cloth.
- Never use window cleaner, methylated spirits, acetone or hot water.
- Do not leave your glasses on the dashboard or anywhere else that gets hot.
- Keep them in a case when you are not wearing them.
How to clean your glasses has the full routine.
So, is it worth it?
If you drive at night, use a computer for most of the day or have a stronger prescription, an anti-reflective coating is one of the more worthwhile lens upgrades. If you wear glasses only for reading in good light, you will notice it less. When you order glasses, ask what coatings are available for your lenses and what they add to the price, then decide based on how you use your eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Is anti-glare the same as anti-reflective?
Yes. Anti-glare, anti-reflective and AR coating are different names for the same thing: a coating that reduces reflections from the surface of the lens.
Does anti-glare coating help with night driving?
Yes. It reduces the reflections of headlights and street lights inside your lenses. It will not fix glare that is caused by an out-of-date prescription, a cataract or a dirty windscreen, so have your eyes tested if night driving has become difficult.
How long does an anti-glare coating last?
With careful cleaning and no exposure to heat, a good coating should last the life of the lenses, usually two years or more. Peeling or fine cracks in the coating are a sign that the lenses need replacing.
Can anti-glare coating be added to my existing glasses?
Generally not. The coating is applied in the laboratory when the lenses are made. If you want it, the practical route is to order it on your next pair of lenses.
This article is general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes or your sight, see an optometrist or a doctor. Sudden loss of vision, eye injuries and severe eye pain are emergencies.
