The importance of non-glare coatings for visual clarity cannot be overstated. By reducing reflections and glare on lenses, these coatings help improve clarity and reduce strain on the eyes, making it easier to focus and see clearly. However, with the rise of misinformation and false claims about non-glare coatings especially in today’s digital age and work-from-home jobs being so popular, it is crucial for eyewear professionals to be well-informed so they can help their customers understand the difference between fact and fiction.
Non-glare coatings, also known as anti-reflective coatings, are a specialized treatment applied to the lenses of eyeglasses to reduce glare and reflections. By minimizing reflections on the lens surface, non-glare coatings improve visual clarity and contrast, making it easier to see details and reducing eye strain. The anti-reflective properties of these coatings also enhance the appearance of the eyeglasses, giving them a more polished and professional look.
Eye care professionals play a crucial role in guiding customers toward making informed decisions about their eyewear, including the choice to add non-glare coatings. Understanding the science behind non-glare coatings is key to effectively communicating their benefits to customers. By explaining how these coatings work to reduce reflections and improve vision, eye care professionals can empower customers to make choices that prioritize their eye health and visual comfort.
Non-glare coatings are not only beneficial for reducing glare and eye strain but also offer additional advantages such as scratch resistance and protection against visual discomfort caused by some blue light. Well, isn’t blue light just that? Why would I say ‘some’? I say this because contrary to popular belief and because of some very strategic (false) marketing, there are several different types of blue light we are exposed to daily. Let’s start with the basics, blue light ranges from 400-500 nm on the visible spectrum and has different categories with varying impacts. For instance, the shorter wavelengths affect us differently than longer ones making it crucial to not generalize blue light when educating your customers of its effects and solutions. Blue light plays a vital role in our sleep/wake cycle, as it helps keep us alert during the day but is and can disrupt sleep at night. The majority of “blue-light” filtering non-glare coatings only block a small amount, for example, a name brand blue-light blocking coating only blocks about 20% of blue light between 400-455nm. (Which would primarily be outdoor blue light.) Electronic devices emit longer wavelengths that range from 460nm- 500nm and the only effective way to block the longer wavelengths would be with a yellow/amber lens tint which due to cosmetic reasons is less common/popular.
While it may be tempting to some customers to question the need for adding the treatment to their lenses, it is essential to acknowledge the ubiquitous presence of screens in our daily lives, especially work from home or remote jobs. Adding this feature is a crucial element for projecting a polished and sophisticated image by diminishing reflections and glare that can be distracting to peers or possible prospects. In addition to protecting our eyes and giving you a more well-groomed look, non-glare coatings also enhance the overall quality of our vision. These coatings allow more light to pass through the lenses, resulting in improved contrast and color perception. This increase in light transmission can be likened to the concept of “more light = more sight,” as light serves as a stimulus that enters the eye and stimulates the photoreceptors in the retina. These photoreceptors are responsible for processing visual information, and by optimizing light transmission through non-glare coatings, individuals can experience enhanced visual acuity.
Eye care professionals who are well-versed in the benefits of non-glare coatings can guide their customers toward making informed decisions that prioritize their eye health and visual comfort. By explaining the importance of non-glare coatings in today’s digital age and highlighting the various advantages they offer, eye care professionals can empower customers to choose eyewear that not only meets their visual needs but also protects their eyes from digital eye strain and other potential issues.
Eye care professionals play a vital role in educating customers about the facts and benefits of these coating and their importance. By understanding the science behind non-glare coatings and their importance in reducing glare, improving vision, and protecting against harmful light, we can equip customers with the proper knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their eyes and enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
