Eyeglasses: Types of Lens Coatings and Optical Lenses

Rey Bolic • September 14, 2021

In recent years, technology and fashion have made massive advancements to create eyewear 
that is functional and stylish. If you're tired of wearing contacts every day, keep reading to learn 
about the various types of lens coatings and optical lenses for your next eyeglasses!

Lens Coatings
The types of lens coatings you choose can elevate your glasses and make them more 
comfortable, long-lasting, and multi-functional. Here are the eight different layers you can add to
your eyewear:

Scratch-Resistant
This type of coating will make your glasses resistant to scratches and marks, increasing their 
lifespan. It is not entirely scratch-proof but becomes more durable and solid overall.

Anti-Fog
Whenever you come into contact with the cold, your lenses typically fog up from the 
temperature change. Adding an anti-fog lens coating can reduce the amount of fog and sweat 
that accumulates on your glasses. 

UV Blocking
It's best to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays at all times since it can result in eye diseases
and vision difficulties as you age. No additional coating is needed with ZEISS lenses because 
they all have the UVProtect Technology. 

Anti-Reflective (AR)
Anti-reflective coatings, also known as anti-glare, are applied to both the front and back of the 
lens to eliminate glare. It is helpful for anyone sensitive to harsh reflections, both young and old.

Blue Light Blocking
Blue light is the harsh light that comes from electronics and causes eye strain, 
fatigue, and headaches. ZEISS ofers the DuraVision BlueProtect coating to protect Ⓡ
you from the digital displays you use every day.

Polarization
Polarization is a type of chemical filter which blocks horizontal light and eliminates glare. Unlike 
UV Blocking, which protects your eyes from the sun, polarized lenses reduce the amount of light​
reflected on shiny surfaces.  

Mirror Coating
Mirror coatings provide the wearer with some privacy, look attractive, and improve 
your comfort in extreme light conditions. The ZEISS DuraVision Mirror Coating is Ⓡ
available for purchase in eight diferent colors.

Tinted
Tinted lenses have always been popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts since it improves depth 
perception by increasing the contrast. It also adds a bit of fun and fashion to your overall look!
Types of Optical Lenses
While the lens coating is a personal choice you add to your glasses, the optical lens is 
determined based on your prescription. Visit an optometrist to find out exactly which kind you 
need!

Single Vision Lenses
Single vision lenses are ideally suited for those with myopia, near-sightedness, or hyperopia, 
far-sightedness. These types of lenses will have the same prescription power across the entire 
thing.

Bifocal Lenses
Bifocals are for those who suffer from both far- and near-sightedness. These optical lenses are 
made up of two prescriptions with a visible line on the glass, dividing the sections up.

Trifocal Lenses
As the name suggests, trifocals have three different lenses to help improve eyesight. This lens 
corrects myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia, the inability to focus in the middle distance. This 
intermediate distance is about arms-length, and the condition is due to the loss of flexibility in 
our eye lens.  

Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses are for those who don't want a visible divide on their bifocals or trifocals. 
These optical lenses have the prescription power to correct near, intermediate, and far 
distances without a noticeable transition.

Toric Lenses
This type of lens corrects astigmatism, which causes blurred distance and near vision due to an 
imperfect curve of the eye. Toric lenses are single vision with additional cylinder correction to 
increase the prescription power. ​

Prism Lenses
Prism lenses are for those with heterophoria, a condition where the eyes don't face the same 
direction when resting. Prisms bend the light to trick the eye into believing an item is in a 
different location, which improves eye alignment.

The types of lenses you choose will play a significant role in your level of comfort and safety in 
your everyday life. Take the time to research which coatings and optics best suit you and your 
daily needs! Come check out our state of the art optical boutiques in Clifton, NJ, and Englewood, NJ and speak with one of our experienced optical sales associates to help you choose the right lens. 
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