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The Pros and Cons of Crizal Lenses

Amy Isler
Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Written by Amy Isler Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Updated on September 24, 2024 3 min read 9 sources cited
In this article

Crizal lenses, with their promise of enhanced clarity, reduced glare, and superior protection, have become a popular choice for eyeglass wearers. But are they truly worth the investment?

Let's discuss the pros and cons, explore the technology behind them, and help you decide if Crizal lenses are the right fit for your visual needs and budget.

Are Crizal Lenses Worth It?

Crizal is an anti-reflective (AR) coating applied to the back or front of eyeglass lenses. Here are some pros and cons to see if Crizal lenses are worth your while:

Pros Cons
Great blue light and glare reduction High cost
Smudge resistance and scratch protection Requires frequent cleaning
More durable than regular lenses Can’t be used as reading glasses
Reduces eye fatigue Lenses can’t be replaced if they’re damaged
Superior night vision
AR coatings make your eyes look clearer
UV protection

Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts

Best Overall: Warby Parker

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Also Great: Liingo

Best Place to Buy Contacts: Discount Contacts

How Much Do Crizal Lenses Cost?

Aside from the benefits, you’ll want to know how much these lenses cost. Crizal lenses range from $92 to $160, which is more than the cost of regular eyeglass lenses.

Crizal lenses are sold by various chain and independent optometry offices worldwide. You can buy them at a place nearby by entering your zip code on the Essilor website.

How Do Crizal Lenses Work?

Compared to ordinary lenses, Crizal coating uses 360° Multi-Angular Technology. This technology reduces the amount of reflective light hitting the lenses resulting in less:

  • Backside reflections
  • Optical diffusion caused by scratches and smudges
  • Ghost images induced by multi-reflections

The 360° Multi-Angular Technology changes the way light interacts with eyeglass lenses. It manipulates light’s wavelengths, intensity, and direction to create less glare and protect the eyes from UV rays and blue light.

Types of Crizal Lenses

There are several types of Crizal lenses. Each type provides different benefits and levels of protection depending on your needs.

Types of Crizal lenses include:

  • Crizal Sapphire. It provides enhanced glare and UV protection but not blue light protection.
  • Crizal Prevencia. Selectively filters blue-violet light from computers, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Crizal Rock. It uses High Resistance Technology to reduce scratches and smudges from dust and water.
  • Crizal Easy Pro. It is designed to be smudge-resistant and stay clean longer
  • Crizal Easy. Ideal for smudge, glare, and scratch resistance

How to Clean Crizal Lenses

Because Crizal lenses are transparent, they are more likely to look dirty than regular eyeglass lenses and require more frequent cleaning. Rinse the lenses under warm water to remove dirt and debris.

You can use mild dishwashing soap to clean it and remove facial oils. After you finish washing it, dry it with a soft cotton cloth.

They’ll also give you a microfiber cleaning cloth to polish the lenses. You can even use this to touch up the lenses throughout the day.

Crizal lenses offer a compelling combination of benefits. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual needs and priorities.

9 sources cited

Updated on September 24, 2024

1.
“Crizal.” Essilor.
2.
“Crizal technology.” Essilor.
3.
“Crizal Sapphire 360 UV white paper.” Essilor International, 2017.
4.
“Frequently asked questions.” Essilor.
5.
“Crizal AR coatings.” RX Frames N Lenses.
6.
“Benefits and disadvantages of anti-reflective coating glasses.” RX Safety.
7.
Vimont, C. “Are blue light-blocking glasses worth it?” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2021.
8.
Law et al. “The performance and durability of Anti-reflection coatings for solar module cover glass – a review.” Solar Energy, 2023.
9.
Leung et al. “Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses: Optical and Clinical Performances.” PLoS One, 2017.

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About Our Contributors

Amy Isler
Amy Isler
Author

Amy, a registered nurse with an M.S. in Nursing from California State University, Sacramento, and a B.A. in Journalism from California State University, Chico, is a freelance health writer for Vision Center. Her unique combination of nursing knowledge and journalism skills enables her to educate readers about eye health effectively. Amy's goal is to merge her nursing experience with her writing talent to raise awareness about common eye conditions and ways to prevent vision loss.

Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer with a passion for educating people about eye health. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and writing skills, Dr. Huang seeks to guide individuals towards healthier and happier lives. Her interests extend to Eastern medicine and integrative healthcare approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new skincare products, experimenting with food recipes, and spending time with her adopted cats.