Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

You grab your new prescription glasses with the sweet frames that highlight your face shape, slide under the steering wheel and — are blinded by glare from oncoming headlights. Oh no, it is too late to fix this situation. Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

Fortunately, the answer is yes, but with some fine-print conditions. Discover what you need to know to add an anti-glare coating to previously purchased eyewear. By upgrading your current glasses, you can experience less glare, better vision, and reduced eye fatigue. 

Adding anti-glare to glasses: Post-purchase considerations

Of course, we have to mention this from the beginning (not to nag). It’s much easier to add anti-glare coating to your glasses when you place your order. That said, let’s go ahead with the idea that you’ve already brought your glasses home and now want anti-glare or AR coating. Can it be done?

The most critical criterion or the one thing that can stop the whole process in its tracks is the condition of your eyeglasses. They need to be — in a word, perfect. This means no scratches on the lens surface and no accumulation of skin oils. And don’t feel that you can get away with a spray cleaner and a microfiber cloth. We're talking mint condition!

If they’re roughed up in any way, the coating process will not be successful. In fact, applying anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings can permanently seal oils against the lens surface and magnify current scratches or chips.

Because of this possibility, many companies avoid adding anti-reflective coatings to glasses taken home and worn. You’ll need to discuss your situation with an experienced optical expert to see if your glasses are worthy candidates.

Possibility and benefits

Let’s suppose your glasses are in perfect shape; maybe you didn’t even bring them home. What benefits would you gain from adding an anti-glare coating after purchase?

• Most importantly, you would have reduced glare from reflected light, whether the sun on a clear day, your computer screen, or headlamps and streetlights at night.
• More light waves would reach your eyes, between 98 and 99.5%. This helps reduce eye fatigue because you see better with less effort. (Yay!)
• Less fatigue may help your eye prescription remain the same.
• You’ll look better in photographs because light will go through your glasses rather than bouncing back at the camera, creating that alien look. This is especially useful if you wear high-index or safety glasses.
• Most anti-reflective coatings also help repel water, making lens cleaning a snap.

Some anti-glare coatings may have additional properties as well, including:

• Blue light blocking for those of us who sit at a computer screen all day
• UV blocking for anyone who wants extra protection against the sun’s rays

Optician consultation

You should have your glasses inspected by an optician if you want to add anti-glare coating after purchase. They’ll examine your glasses for scratches or oily residue. They also will determine if your type of lens and glasses are compatible with the anti-reflective coating process. For example, if you already have a coating, such as an anti-fog preparation, you may be unable to add anti-glare. 

Suppose your current eyewear is too damaged for anti-glare technology. In that case, the optician may suggest removing the lenses and using your fashion frames for a new set of lenses with beneficial anti-reflective properties. 

The process of adding anti-glare coating

In case you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, it takes a great deal of equipment, time, and know-how to apply the anti-reflective coating, especially if you want a clear finish. The entire process takes hours, and many steps are repeated over and over again.

Lens inspection

The first step involves a thorough inspection of your lenses. An experienced optical expert checks for even the tiniest of chips or scratches because these will be magnified once the coating is applied.

They then look for remnants of skin oils, which must be removed entirely. Any oil on the lens can be trapped between the glass lens and the coating, leaving you with a blurry surface. Lastly, the optician checks for incompatible previous coatings, such as anti-fog.

Lens cleaning and preparation

Your lenses are cleaned, rinsed, and dried repeatedly. This intense cleaning process removes all oils, dust, and lint. Next, your lenses are prewashed with a solution to help the coating adhere securely.

Before your lenses move on to the application process, they must be dry — as in, bone-dry with not a hint of moisture. Like oils, any water trapped between the anti-reflective coating and the lens can cause haze. A final inspection finishes the preparation stage.

Application of anti-glare coating

The anti-reflective coating is made up of various metal oxides, each responsible for canceling or blocking different light waves. Applying these compounds in multiple layers stops the majority of wave reflection, so more light is transmitted through the eyeglass lens.

At the coating laboratory, lenses are placed in a vacuum where compounds are added one at a time, vaporized by intense heat, and bonded to the glass. This stage of the coating process may take several hours. Each manufacturer may use a unique combination of compounds with different reflectance results. 

How do I add anti-glare coating to eyeglasses after purchase?

Start by considering the condition of your eyeglasses. For this process to work, you need pristine lenses — no scratches or chips. Consult an optician if you feel your glasses are likely candidates for anti-reflective coating. They can check suitability and offer suggestions on lens replacement if necessary so you can enjoy the benefits of anti-glare technology.

Consider online vision exams if you need a new prescription for contacts or glasses or want to discuss anti-glare technology with an eye care professional. Visit 1-800 Contacts for more information on ordering — we're available 24/7 if you need help with your order — yes, even at 3am.

FAQs

Is adding anti-glare coating cost-effective?

Adding a reflective coating is time-consuming, with associated expenses. Therefore, you should carefully weigh the advantages vs. the cost to determine if it is the right move for you. Keep in mind that the initial expense is a one-time outlay, while your vision benefits will last as long as you own your glasses. Another consideration is how often and when you wear glasses or if they’re just a temporary substitute for your daily contacts.

Can anti-glare coating be added to all types of lenses?

Not all lenses are compatible with adding on an anti-reflective coating. Lenses that show scratches and are heavily smudged with skin oils can cause poor results. Also, lenses with a conflicting coating, such as an anti-fog preparation, are unsuitable.

What are the potential drawbacks or risks of adding anti-glare coating post-purchase?

If your existing lenses are not in prime condition, your results will also be less than optimal. Minor nicks and scratches can appear much larger after anti-glare application. In addition, if any oils are present, they may cause permanent blurriness. If you are worried about the condition of your current glasses, it’s best to order replacement prescription lenses with anti-glare added at the beginning.