Lens Treatments

Lens treatments are special additives that may either be bonded to the lenses or built into them when they’re being manufactured. The lens treatments our Chalmette optical offers help our patients see as clearly and comfortably as possible.

Common Lens Treatments:

Ultraviolet (UV) Protection
It’s no secret that UV rays are harmful to our skin, which is why we wear sunscreen when we’re in the sun for long periods of time. UV rays are very harmful to the eyes as well, so much like how sunscreen blocks out the UV rays, there are lens treatments that block out those UV rays from entering and affecting our eyes.

UV Protection Is Essential To Maintaining Eye Health
Exposing your eyes to UVA/UVB rays can severely damage them and UV rays don’t only exist when it’s sunny out; UV rays are present even when it’s rainy and cloudy. Over time, this exposure can lead to serious age-related eye diseases, unless you wear UV-protected lenses.

When it comes to UV-protected eyewear, make sure it protects against 100% of UV rays. Anything less isn’t enough for long-term exposure or protection.

Other Facts About UV Rays

• UV light can sunburn the surface of the eye, leading to yellowish growths. They are usually benign, but are still the direct result of sun damage.
• Long-term exposure to UVA/UVB radiation can lead to serious age-related eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults 60+ years old. 
• Only lens treatments or materials that promise 100% protection against UV rays can effectively protect your eyes for life.

Scratch Resistance
Currently, it is virtually impossible for eyeglasses lenses to be completely scratch-proof. At this point in time, we can only increase their resistance to scratches. Although scratches don’t affect how the lenses work, they can still impede your ability to see clearly. Glasses can get scratched if you drop them, accidentally whack them with jewelry, if you don’t use the right materials to clean them, or if you’re clumsy when you set them down, causing them to bounce and hit other nearby objects. Daily wear and tear is bound to scratch them! By getting a lens treatment–such as a hard surface treatment–that makes them more scratch-resistant, you are prolonging their life and ensuring you see clearly at all times.

Lens Care For Scratch-Resistant Glasses
Because lenses are bound to get scratched, even with a hard surface treatment, it is essential to take the necessary measures that will further reduce their likelihood of becoming scratched.

• Clean your lenses with warm, soapy water and wipe them dry with a soft cloth
• Store your glasses in a cushioned case when you don’t wear them

Anti-Reflective Lenses Treatment
Anti-reflective lenses can provide a world of benefits, such as:

• More comfort
• Better clarity
• Reduced glare from oncoming headlights

• Cosmetic Appeal

Previously, anti-reflective treatment was primarily used in the manufacturing of precision lenses in microscopes and cameras. Today, this technology is readily available for your eyeglasses to enhance your clarity.

How Anti-Reflective Lenses Work
Delicate layers of metal oxides are applied to the front and the back of your lenses, greatly reducing the amount of light that gets reflected on them. These metals eliminate glare, “halos” around lights when you’re driving at night, prevent squinting and eye fatigue, and even help your eyes appear more natural if you have a strong prescription.

Caring For Anti-Reflective Lenses
Because these metal oxides are rather delicate, it is crucial that you abide by the cleaning guidelines our Chalmette optometrist sets forth.

Other Facts About Anti-Reflective Lenses:

• Glare can occur during the daytime as you move from indoors to outdoors and shade to sunlight.
• Glare is especially prominent at nighttime from oncoming headlights, wet roads, and even street signs.
• Glare is notorious for hindering visual quality and comfort, harming your eyes more than helping them
  Anti-Reflective treatments can (and should) be combined with photochromic technology and polarized lenses to make your eyeglass lenses all the more glare-proof and protective.