Hardcoat
Used on a plastic lens for added resistance against surface scratching and can be combined with an anti-reflection coating.
Anti-Reflection Coating (HMAR)
An anti-reflection coating significantly reduces the reflections from a lens surface as well as the ghost rings at the edge of thicker lenses. It allows for clearer vision by permitting 99.8% of the light to pass through the lens thus ensuring distractions to your vision are minimised. Your glasses appearance is also improved as others can see your eyes rather than light reflected from your lenses. It is recommended for lenses within rimless and semi rimless (supra) frames and on thinner lens materials. In addition, it reduces glare and so is ideal for driving and for work at a VDU screen.
UV block
UV protection is necessary in any pair of sun glasses as it helps shield the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A UV coating is also recommended for those who have had a cataract removed. On removal of a cataract the eye’s natural defence to UV is reduced. It is therefore important to ensure the retina is protected from the damaging effects of UV.
Tints
There is a comprehensive range of tints available for plastic lenses, with slightly more limited options for glass. Most common are brown and grey but they can be customised for any look both in terms of their depth and colour. We have a range of samples to view in store.
Polarising lenses
These reduce glare and are ideal for water based activities such as sailing and fishing. They also greatly reduce reflections from wet road surfaces making them ideal for driving. Polarised lenses are available in both standard and thinner lightweight materials, usually in brown or grey.
Photochromic lenses
Photochromic spectacle lenses are lenses that darken on exposure to the ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. Once the UV is removed (for example by walking indoors) the lenses will gradually return to their clear state. They can be made in either glass or plastic and are available in most lens types and prescriptions. By adapting to changing light conditions they can offer the perfect balance between outdoor darkness and indoor clarity. As they work by absorbing UV light they provide the added benefit of helping to protect your eyes too.
There are a variety of brands to be had e.g. Transitions and SunSensors, and are usually offered in either brown or grey colour.
Unfortunately these lenses do not darken to their full potential when behind a car windscreen as this will block most of the UV light emitted by the sun. However many people find them adequate and convenient as they do not require a separate pair of sun glasses.
