All of these different lens options! What’s the big difference?! Do I even need any of it?

Great questions! And, the short answer is “Yes”. The not-so-short and usually correct answer is “Yes AND No”. Allow us to explain…

So, let’s talk about lens additions.. There are so many to choose from, but let’s try to narrow it down to some of the most common and most popular items that your local Eyeglass Store or Licensed Optician may offer you.

Just to name a few options:

  • Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Blue Light Filtering (Clear or Traditional)
  • Transitions (Light Responsive)
  • Polarized
  • Mirror Coating
  • Tinted
  • UV Treatment
  • Scratch Resistance

Anti-Reflective Coating: This option is often times called “Anti-Glare” or “Non-Glare” coating. This is beneficial for everyday use and generally gives you the best visual experience. This option cuts out, roughly, 90%+ of outside glare and reflection perceived by your eyes. If you choose nothing else, this is a great option to take advantage of.

Blue Light Filtering: This option has become increasingly popular over the last few years and is beneficial to most people. Basically, there is an increasing number of sources that emit Blue Light that may be harmful to our eyes. A few of the biggest sources of Blue Light are the Sun, your Mobile Devices and Fluorescent Lighting. This option is definitely worth considering when getting a new pair of lenses.

Transitions (Light Responsive): There are quite a few Light Responsive options in terms of Colors, Brands and how they serve you. Some of the more popular options for color changes are True Grey, Brown and G-15 (Green/Grey), although there are many more color options available. Depending on your needs, there are options that become Polarized Sun Lenses when they get dark, options that activate behind the windshield of your car and then there is the traditional option that changes only in direct UV contact. Light Responsive Lenses also Filter Blue Light, as an added benefit.

Polarized & Mirror Coating: Polarized Lenses are generally used in sunglasses to block out Blinding Glare from reflective sources and surfaces. The Mirror Coating is an added protectant for blocking glare while adding a very cool aesthetic to your lenses. Mirrored Lenses are literally what the name implies, Lenses with a Mirror Coating on the front side.

Tinted Lenses: Tinted Lenses are not as popular of an option as polarized lenses, but there are still some very cool and necessary applications. The lenses are more customizable, in terms of color and/or shade; gradient or solid. It’s not always the best option, but sometimes it’s the right one for you.

UV Treatment & Scratch Resistance: UV Protection and Scratch Resistance are some of the most common options and generally are standard items already included in your lenses. There are times where they are an option and if you are ever faced with the “option” to either take it or leave it, please take it. UV Protection helps protect your eyes from Ultraviolet rays that cause many different eye illnesses, such as Cataracts, Retinal Damage and other avoidable issues. Scratch Resistance is just as the name suggests, it helps the lens resist scratches during normal use. Please remember, your lenses will be Scratch RESISTANT, not Scratch PROOF.

Many of the options can be mixed and matched for your individual needs. For instance, you can have a Blue Filtering Lens with Anti-Reflective Coating, Scratch Resistance and UV Treatment. All things are beneficial for your eyes and most likely will satisfy your visual needs. The mixing and matching of the options is largely the reason why “Yes AND No” is the answer to the question. ‘Yes” because they’re all beneficial to you in many ways and “No” because you don’t necessarily “need” all of the options at once.

We recommend finding a Licensed Optician or Eyewear Professional that you trust, determining the options available to you and taking advantage of the ones that best serve your needs. Do a bit of research, ask a lot of questions and make the decision that you feel best serves your needs and budget.