Are Anti-Glare Coatings Worth it? Pros, Cons & Costs

Anti-glare (AG) or anti-reflective coatings help reduce glare from glasses. They work by applying a thin, multi-layered coating, typically made of metal oxides, to the lens.

These layers are designed to interfere with the reflected light waves, effectively canceling them out and allowing more light to pass through the lens.

What Are the Benefits of Anti-Glare Glasses?

AG lens coatings aren’t necessary, but they offer numerous benefits, especially to those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Here are some benefits you might want to know:

Better optical clarity. AG glasses reduce reflections and increase the light that reaches your eyes, improving overall visual acuity.
Durability. Modern AG lenses are durable. Unlike past versions of this technology, the coating won't rub off over time.
Reduced eye strain. AG lenses make it easier for eyes to focus on small letters and patterns, reducing fatigue from prolonged screen use.
Easy to clean. Anti-glare glasses use compounds that help keep dirt, smudges, and watermarks away.
Improved night driving. AG glasses can reduce glare and halos from headlights or streetlights, improving visual acuity and safety when driving at night.
Enhanced aesthetics. AG coatings make your eyeglass lenses appear almost invisible by minimizing reflections. This lets others see your eyes more clearly and improves your overall appearance in photos and face-to-face interactions.

What are the Disadvantages of Anti-Glare Glasses?

Even with their multiple benefits, anti-glare glasses have their share of drawbacks. For one, scratches on the lens can be more noticeable, potentially decreasing visual acuity. Like all lenses, they require careful handling to avoid scratches.

While their specialized surface makes them easy to clean, you might find yourself cleaning them more often because smudges and dirt can appear more obvious without reflections to mask them.

Additionally, AG lenses can’t be repaired; if the coating is damaged, the lenses have to be replaced. They can be expensive, and standard AG coatings typically don’t block out UV light. UV protection is a separate lens treatment that can (and often should) be combined with an AG coating.

How Much Do Anti-Glare Glasses Cost?

Type	Average price range
Anti-glare coating only (add-on)	$20 to $150
Prescription glasses with anti-glare	$100 to $500 or more
Designer frames with AG lenses	$300 to $1,000 or more
Blue light and AG lenses	$50 to $250
Over-the-counter AG glasses	$15 to $100

What Will You Be Paying For?

Cheaper AG lenses offer the standard benefits. However, premium coatings often include scratch-resistance, UV-protection, and hydrophobic layers.

You may also have to pay more for prescription AG lenses. Stronger prescriptions or progressive lenses can increase the overall cost.

Additionally, optical chains and luxury brands may charge more than online or warehouse options.

Are Anti-Glare Glasses Worth It?

Considering the enhanced visual comfort, clarity, and improved night driving, is the extra investment for an anti-glare coating justified? For most wearers, the answer is a resounding yes.

While anti-glare glasses often cost more than standard lenses, the significant improvements in vision quality and reduction in eye strain can substantially enhance your daily life.

The benefits, such as better visual clarity and reduced eye fatigue, often outweigh the additional expense, making them a valuable addition to eyewear.

How to Choose the Right AG Coating

Several manufacturers of anti-glare coatings exist, each with its own specifications. For example, the AG coating can be single or multiple-layered.

The more layers, the greater the glare-blocking ability. Quality brands often have multiple layers and cost more.

Your lifestyle can also help determine the best anti-glare coating for you. If you spend significant time in front of digital screens, your eye doctor might recommend lenses that combine an anti-glare coating with blue light filtering technology. Options like Crizal Prevencia or Shamir Glacier Plus incorporate both features.

If you need more help, talk to your eye doctor about the best anti-glare glasses for you. Visit VisionCenter.org today to find an eye doctor near you.

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