Testing AR Coating on Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are best suited for a dedicated pair of sunglasses. Anti Reflective (AR) coatings are often added to the back of polarized lenses to help reduce reflections on the back of the lenses (some can see reflections of their own eyes); which some people find very distracting. The question becomes, should you add the AR coating to both sides of the lens, or just the back? Does adding the AR coating negate the polarized lenses by allowing too much light to pass through?
In this video, we test the difference of adding an AR coating to just the backside vs. the front and back, and just how much more light passes through the lenses.
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[@deemelody2396]

Thanks, good video & comparison.

[@deemelody2396]

Is the AR coating on polarized lenses just for cosmetic looks, like when getting your picture taken, since the polarized lens itself blocks so much glare?

[@UseMyFrame]

Great question Dee, thank you! When the AR coating is applied to polarized lenses, most labs (including us) don't usually coat the front so it doesn't change the look of the lenses from the front. If that's the case then should we not put AR on polarized lenses at all? Not necessarily. The main benefit when coating the backside is to help reduce the reflections on the backs of the lenses. Because the lenses are dark, it's easier to see reflections on the back of the lenses and some (especially myopes - minus Rx's) can actually see the reflection of their own eye. AR coatings help reduce these reflections and therefore, provide a little better clarity (by reducing the distractions). Most of your high end sunglasses will add the AR coating to the backside of polarized lenses for this reason (Oakley, Maui Jim, etc.). Some coatings offer an additional layer to help reduce the UV from reflecting into the eyes as well.

[@toyyyoootaaa]

I m looking to find fir a small lab a very compact and affordable AR coating machine, I don't know how to get in touch with you for more assisting info, would be very welcome. Thank you!

[@bigeyejim]

10 is my guess.

[@neiluherii5515]

Were you surprised? :)

[@bigeyejim]

I'm not sure....I was going to go for more. @@neiluherii5515

[@HarryChilinguerian]

That's taking an average transmission across the spectrum. Depending on the costing certain wavelengths are blocked more others less.