Anti-reflective coating
See clearly. Be seen.
Anti-reflective (AR) coating is a thin layer on your lenses that lets more light through and cuts the glare and reflections that bounce off the surface, for clearer, more comfortable vision, especially at night and on screens. Our ABO-licensed optician and experienced team will help you choose.
With and without
Drag to compare.
Everyday reflections
Night driving
Computer screen
How it works
Without AR, some light bounces off the front and back of the lens. That bounce shows up as glare, halos and reflections. AR is made of very thin layers that cancel that bounce, so more light reaches your eye.
Good for: night driving, long computer days, everyday reflections, and thicker or high-index lenses, which reflect the most.
Watch
How Crizal works.
AR levels
Choose your level.
Brands build AR differently, so the exact features vary. What stays the same: each step up gives you less glare and a coating that is easier to live with. Our optician will walk you through the options.
Glare reduction
- Cuts the main glare
- May smear a bit more
Less glare, tougher
- Reduces more glare than Basic
- Scratch resistant
Easier to keep clean
- Cuts glare even more
- Scratch resistant
- Repels water and dust
- Helps reduce smudges
Our clearest view
- The least glare
- Reflections and coating color are less noticeable
- Scratch resistant
- Repels water and dust
- Helps reduce smudges
Scratch resistant, not scratch proof. Features vary by brand and plan. Some insurance plans use their own lab, so not every brand is available with every plan.
Brands we fit
We mostly fit Essilor Crizal. We can order other brands on request.
Blue-light filter
Some patients find it more comfortable on screens. It can be added to certain AR coatings, or offered as a stand-alone filter. Availability depends on your lens material and lens options. Some insurance labs may not offer it.
More on the Lenses page.
Is it for me?
Tick what sounds like you.
Care tips.
- Rinse with lukewarm water first to wash off dust. Never wipe dry.
- Use lens spray or one drop of plain, lotion-free dish soap.
- Dry with a clean microfiber cloth. Wash the cloth often, since a dirty cloth smears.
- No alcohol, ammonia, window cleaner or harsh chemicals.
- No shirts, tissues or paper towels.
- Keep them away from heat: hot dashboards, hair dryers, steam and hot water. Heat can crack the coating.
- Smearing? Clean the cloth first, then the lenses.
Good to know. Common questions.
Does AR scratch easier?
No. Modern AR is scratch resistant, not scratch proof. Care matters with any lens.
Why do my lenses peel?
AR is a very thin layer. Heat is the most common cause: a hot dashboard, hot water, steam or a hair dryer can make tiny cracks that later peel. Harsh cleaners and wiping dry with a shirt or tissue can also lift the coating. Bring them in and we will take a look.
Why do my lenses show smears?
AR removes the mirror-like reflection that hides fingerprints, so oils and smudges show more. A dirty cloth makes it worse. Wash your cloth, rinse the lenses first, and clean gently. Higher levels help reduce smudges.
How long does it last?
With good care, about couple years. Warranty details depend on the brand, and we will explain them.