Anti-reflection, blue light, photochromic: which lens coatings are worth it?

Worth it for nearly everyone: anti-reflection

Every lens surface reflects some light. Those reflections are the ghost images and halos round headlights at night, the glare on screens, and the mirror effect in photos and on video calls. An anti-reflection coating removes most of them. If you drive at night, work on screens or are ever photographed in your glasses, it’s the one to have. Modern versions include the scratch-resistant layer and are easier to clean than they used to be.

Standard, not optional: scratch-resistant

On every lens we fit. If you’re quoted for it separately, that’s odd.

Worth it for some: photochromic

Lenses that darken in sunlight and clear indoors. For anyone who doesn’t want to carry a second pair, and for light-sensitive eyes, genuinely useful. Two honest limits: they don’t darken much behind a car windscreen (the glass blocks the UV that triggers them — “driving” versions help), and they take a minute to clear when you come inside.

Worth it if you drive: polarised

For prescription sunglasses. Cuts the horizontal glare off wet roads, bonnets and water in a way a tint can’t. Anglers, sailors and anyone with a long summer commute notice the difference immediately.

Worth knowing about: blue-light filters

The evidence that screen blue light harms eyes is weak, and the evidence that filters help sleep is mixed. What people do notice is a little less glare from screens — which anti-reflection coating also gives. If it comes included, that’s fine; we wouldn’t suggest paying extra for it on health grounds.

Already there: UV

Modern lens materials block UV by themselves. A separate “UV coating” on a 1.6 or higher lens is buying something you already have.

The short version

• Anti-reflection: helps nearly everyone
• Scratch-resistant: included as standard
• Photochromic and polarised: worth it if you’re outdoors or driving
• Blue-light: weak evidence; UV: already built in

The lens comparison