One of the most universal coatings in our industry is the ever-popular antireflective coating. Nicole Grasso reviews the benefits of this – and other premium lens features – that will enhance your patients’ visual experiences.
It’s important to clarify that antireflection coating is not designed to reduce glare.
I’ve often heard dispensers, assistants, and even optometrists refer to it as ‘anti-glare’ coating, but that is not accurate. Glare is primarily reduced by sunglasses. What antireflection coating does is reduce the reflections caused by glare. A good example of this is when driving at night with oncoming headlights. The headlights will still be glaring, but the driver won’t experience multiple reflections of the lights.
There is more to this coating than just reducing reflections. Antireflection coatings are made from a ‘stack’, with each lab having their own secret recipe. Traditionally, this stack is comprised of at least six different layers, targeting different optical properties. Hence, this coating is often also known as a multicoat.
Most of the benefits of these coatings are invisible. Antireflective coatings create an oxygen barrier and prolong the life of the lens, increasing light transmittance into the eye, and comfort during prolonged computer use. A patient won’t know what a difference these 0.2 to 0.3 microns of additional coating are making if we don’t inform them.
Some customers cannot visualise your explanation of ‘less reflection on the lens’ so having a physical example of a coated and uncoated lens on hand can help tactile learners make an informed decision about the difference an antireflection coating can make to them.
I spoke with multiple labs to find out how they would recommend the optical dispenser approach this conversation with the patient. Here are their tips.
“We recommend taking a needs-based dispensing approach, by listening to the needs of the patient and basing your recommendation on their lifestyle. They may value some benefits over another, but no one wants their glasses to look unattractive. With Crizal Sapphire HR they are going to see their best, look their best, and have tough and durable lenses. That’s not very hard to recommend!”
– Indira Izidoro, Senior Trade Marketing Specialist, EssilorLuxottica
“Our new LayR technology features advanced anti-reflective layers that ensure more light is focussed on the sharp vision centre of the eye, significantly enhancing visual clarity. The X-tra Clean layer in LayR technology makes lenses smoother and easier to clean by repelling water, grease, and dirt. This layer reduces the frequency of cleaning and ensures that when cleaning is necessary, it is quick and easy.”
– Alex Rigby, Professional Services Manager, Rodenstock Australia
“When discussing HiVision Meriyo Diamond Coating with patients, focus on the real-world benefits that matter most to them. Start by explaining that this is our most advanced lens coating technology, then highlight key points like the premium diamond-grade coating, which offers remarkable durability – it’s actually 2.5 times more scratch resistant than other leading brands. What this means is that lenses will stay clearer for longer, even with daily wear. Remember to listen to your patients’ specific concerns and relate these benefits back to those needs. For example, if they mention struggling with scratched lenses in the past, emphasise the superior scratch resistance.”
– Ulli Hentschel, Training and Development Manager, HOYA
Some customers will always have objections when you recommend extras. It is important to listen to their experiences and think of any new advancements that could counteract these objections. For instance, if they found that they were constantly cleaning their lenses from their first experience with an antireflective coating, then ZEISS’s new coating may be advantageous for them.
“ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV is the newest and most premium member of the ZEISS DuraVision coating family. It provides excellent clarity with an antireflective performance that peaks in low light conditions and enhances light transmittance. It is powered by innovative CleanGuard technology that ensures lenses are faster to clean and exceptionally smudge resistant.”
– Amanda Bartlett, Marketing Manager, Carl Zeiss Vison
Blue Light Coatings
Blue light blocking coatings have become increasingly popular over the past eight years, with blue blocking non-prescription glasses now available at large non-optical retail companies like K-mart, Officeworks, and Amazon. The main attraction is protection against blue light that we are exposed to when using digital devices.
There are still a lot of unknowns about the effect of blue light, and research is ongoing.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists has said that “no evidence exists to suggest that normal environmental exposure to blue light, including those from digital screen technology, causes damage to eyesight… Filtering out the blue light from screens is not necessary in general use.”1
Optometrist Lauren Sargent from The Optical Co said she doesn’t often recommend blue light lenses to patients due to the lack of research showing benefit for the eyes.
“I would consider it for people who have trouble sleeping or if they’ve had it on their lenses before and liked it. Otherwise, I suggest changing the hue of the screen they’re looking at to be more yellow, which essentially does the same thing as the blue light filter.”
The Blue Bloom
Just like antireflection coatings, the issue of a ‘blue bloom’ often seen on blue light lenses has changed over time.
Tokai Optical has a lens coating called Blue Cut Prime that reflects and absorbs blue light, resulting in less of a blue ‘bloom’ on the front surface of the lens. This proves highly advantageous for people in media or ‘people facing’ professions, where they would benefit from having a blue blocker without the bloom being so obvious to viewers.
Transitions
In August last year, a new generation of Transitions hit the market. While not a coating per se, Transitions lenses are a premium option for patients because they automatically manage changing light for visual comfort and clarity. The best way to show this is to demonstrate in-store the latest ultra-dynamic lenses: Transitions Gen S. With response rates to ultraviolent light activating to a full tint after 30 seconds2 and with a fade back speed of between two and four minutes,3 this is an improvement for our patients.
EssilorLuxottica’s Alisha Kapoor said the key to promoting Transitions Gen S lenses in practice is understanding your patient’s lifestyle and needs, then matching with the three pillars that underpin the Transitions technology: speed, style, and smart.
“With eight vibrant colours, including Ruby, your patients can express their individuality with ease. Match the different colours of Transitions Gen S to a frame of their choice, to find their unique style. Also show the various levels of tint so patients can see all colours are true to tone,” Ms Kapoor said.
To find out more about the latest lens coatings on offer, take a look below.
Nicole Grasso is a qualified optical dispenser and a regional compliance officer and optical trainer at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing. She also dispenses at The Optical Co and provides volunteer dispensing services internationally.
References
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, Blue light and digital screens, July 2019, available at ranzco.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/RANZCO-Blue-Light-and-Digital-Screens-Position-Statement.pdf [accessed Feb 2025].
- For polycarbonate and CR39 lenses across colours achieving 18% transmission at 23°C in less than 30 seconds. Transitions data on file.
- For grey polycarbonate and CR39 lenses fading back to 70% transmission at 23°C. Transitions data on file.
Lens Coatings for a Premium Experience
Satin+ by CR Labs
Satin+ Coating by CR Labs is an advanced lens coating designed to enhance vision clarity, durability, and eye comfort. It offers superior resistance to smudges, scratches, and reflections, ensuring long-lasting performance and easy maintenance. With exceptional anti-reflective properties, Satin+ reduces glare from screens and artificial lighting, minimising digital eye strain and enhancing visual comfort in all environments. Its advanced hydrophobic and oleophobic layers repel water and oil, keeping lenses cleaner for longer. By improving light transmission and reducing unwanted reflections, Satin+ helps protect eye health, promoting clearer, more comfortable vision for everyday wearers and those with visual sensitivities.
Contact: CR Labs (AUS) 03 8795 9111
Crizal Sapphire HR by EssilorLuxottica
Crizal Sapphire HR has been designed to withstand the daily struggles of spectacle wearers. According to EssilorLuxottica, three innovations underpin the coating’s efficacy: first is multi-angular technology that reduces front, lateral and back reflections.
The second element is high resistance technology, a combination of four specific oxides known for their resistance against scratches and temperature, which results in 70% more scratch resistance and has 20% more thermal resistance than previous generations.
The third feature is high surface density process; this produces a super hydrophobic and ultra-smooth topcoat for smudge resistance and to repel dirt and water. Additionally, Crizal Sapphire HR offers UV protection benefits of E-SPF 35. High level UV protection is offered with all lens materials; except clear CR39, which is slightly lower giving E-SPF 10.
Contact: EssilorLuxottica Account Manager
Skeye Plus by Opticare
Skeye Plus Multicoat from Opticare delivers impressive anti-reflective performance with advanced protection against dirt, scratches, and moisture.
Key Benefits:
- Clearer vision: Increases light transmission by at least 8%, reducing reflections for crisper vision,
- Cosmetic enhancement: Minimises reflections, making glasses appear thinner and more transparent,
- Improved night vision: Allows up to 99% light transmission, reducing glare for safer night driving,
- Easy to clean: Hydrophobic technology repels dirt and water, and
- Anti-fog: Reduces fogging for clearer vision.
Visit: opticare.com.au
Rodenstock Layr X-tra Clean
Rodenstock LayR X-tra Clean finish revolutionised lens coatings with its flexible molecular chains, ensuring exceptional water- and oil-repellent properties.
Unlike traditional coatings that do not include this advanced molecular technology, LayR X-tra Clean forms an ultra-smooth surface, preventing dirt and smudges from adhering. This advanced technology allows patients to enjoy crystal-clear, streak-free vision all day long with minimal effort. Say goodbye to constant wiping – Rodenstock lenses with LayR X-tra Clean stay cleaner for longer, offering valuable convenience and clarity.
Contact: Rodenstock Account Manager
Glacier Expression by Shamir
Shamir’s Glacier Expression is based on its latest proprietary technology, LayerCalc, and with extensive research and development in multi-layered lens coatings.
According to the company, Shamir Glacier Expression provides an astonishing level of clarity, devoid of disturbing reflections, for improved quality of vision. Based on internal comparative tests with Shamir’s standard premium anti-reflective lenses, results demonstrated that Shamir Glacier Expression provided 70% less reflection and 20% better contrast.* Similarly, in a comparative survey of lens coatings conducted among over 100 eye care professionals worldwide, 96% chose
Glacier Expression for overall satisfaction, making it the clear winner.* More than that, research showed it improved quality of personal interaction, offering a total see-better, look-better, feel-better experience.*
Visit: shamir.com/au
*Shamir data on file.
ZEISS DuraVision
ZEISS DuraVision Platinum UV, with a blue residual reflection colour, increases light transmittance and provides reduced reflection for a better appearance and improved aesthetics. An anti-static layer prevents build-up of static electricity and the ion-assisted deposition results in an ultra-hard lens surface.
ZEISS DuraVision Gold UV is the newest and most premium member of the ZEISS DuraVision coating family. It provides excellent clarity with an antireflective performance that peaks in low light conditions and enhances light transmittance. Powered by ZEISS’s innovative CleanGuard technology, this coating makes lenses faster to clean and exceptionally smudge resistant.
Contact: ZEISS Account Manager
