There are a number of finishes you can have on your glasses. These are usually seen as an extra cost, but they can be advantageous. Think about how you are going to use your glasses before saying no.

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Reflection Free

Reflection free cuts out glare. This is useful for night driving (prevents headlights reflecting off your glasses – safety feature) and using a computer (VDU light reflecting off your glasses – annoying). All the light goes through your lenses into your eyes. This is useful if you are in an environment with dim lighting. You will be able to see better as more light will pass through your lenses. Reflection free can be put on the back of your sunglass lenses to prevent UV light bouncing off the back of your lenses into your eyes. Reflection free also gives you UV protection on your glasses.

　

Another advantage is aesthetic. Normal lenses will reflect the image of the person you are talking to. Reflection free does not. The only advantage to not having reflection free is if you have a vain partner who likes to look at their own reflection. This way you can pretend they are gazing into your eyes.

　

Blue Violet Protection

There is a narrow spectrum of light called blue violet. It is found in light emanating from: light bulbs, VDU screens, mobile phone screens, TVs and the sun. Long term exposure to this spectrum of light can cause glare and cause your eye discomfort. This finish is ideal for computer use, night driving and if you work in bright environments.

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Anti static

This finish prevents the build up of dirt and dust. This reduces the need to clean the glasses and allows more light into your eyes. This gives you crisper vision.

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Hydrophobic

This prevents the lenses smudging by repelling water and oils. This reduces the need to clean the glasses and allows more light into your eyes. This gives you crisper vision. It also helps to speed up the process of demisting your lenses when you go from a cold into a warm environment.

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Scratch Resistance

Scratch resistance is also a good finish. This helps protect your lenses against harm. It will not completely protect them – if you are determined to damage your lenses, you will.

　

Photochromic

Photochromic lenses tint when they are hit by sun light. They are good if you like doing a lot of outdoor activities or have some photosensitivity and would benefit from the constant protection from light.

　

There are crystals in the clear lenses that blossom when UV rays hit them and tint. When UV rays are reduced the lenses become clear again. They are not ideal if you are driving – the windscreen cuts out the UV rays although some modern versions work behind windscreens. They can look like you are wearing sunglasses in photos – not ideal for those wedding shots, especially if you’re the groom. Be wary of taking photochromic glasses abroad if you buy them in the UK. They are designed to react to the UV levels in the UK (or the country they are bought in). This means they won’t react as well in sunnier and hotter countries.