Anti-Reflective Glass Vs. Non-Glare Glass (2024)

11|2019

Anti-Reflective Glass Vs. Non-Glare Glass (1)

Clearing up the confusion of Anti-Reflective Glass vs. Non-Glare Glass

The jargon of the glass industry is not alwaysclear when it comes to anti-reflective glass.The terms anti-reflective glass and non-glare glass are often usedinterchangeably; but in reality, they are very different types of glass. In this post we will explain how these twodifferent glass types serve a similar purpose and also help you determine whichmight be best suited for your specific application.

Let’s start with a detailed description ofboth anti-reflective glass and non-glare glass. After defining both glass types we will listhow each is used.

Anti-Reflective Glass

AR glass is optically coated on one or both sides. The anti-reflective coating is usually a di-electric coating and can be applied to the glass in a single layer or multiple layers. When this invisible optical coating is applied to a glass substrate it accomplishes the following:

– Reduces surface reflection

– Increases light transmission

– Increases glass transmission and brightness

– Increased brightness = better contrast definition

– Reduces ghost images / multiple reflections

A differentiator of Anti-Reflective glass – when compared toNon-Glare glass – is the ability to customize the coating for specificwavelengths of light. AR coatings can becustomized for visible light, UV and or NIR spectral bands.

Anti-Reflective Coatings can be applied to just about any glass substrate including: Gorilla Glass, Borofloat, Ultra Clear Low Iron Float Glass, Ultra Thin Glass (Schott AS-87, Schott D263, AGC EN-A1)

Anti-Reflective Coatings are also often applied to custom optics, optical bandpass filters and beamsplitter mirrors.

Non-Glare Glass

Non-Glare Glass is produced by etching (via acid bath) one or bothsurfaces of the glass. The etching process is very precise and leaves the glasswith an incredibly consistent etched finish across the entire surface. This etched surface disperses light as it hitsthe surface of the glass, virtually eliminating glare. This allows the end user to see transmittedimages and videos very clearly – even in direct sunlight. Non-Glare Glass works best with highresolution displays.

Non-Glare is measured in gloss units and is available in numerous gloss (etching) levels. The gloss levels range from 60 to 140. Non-Glare Glass is available in both Low Iron a Soda Lime gloat glass. The challenge with finding the right gloss level is balancing the amount of glare reduction (diffusion) with the resolution of the display behind the glass. The environment of the application, ambient light, thickness of the glass and brightness of the underlying display all play a part in the performance of the

Non Glare Glass. There is an inverse relationship between the amount of diffusion of the non-glare glass and the resolution of the display. Now that we have explored how both Non-Glare and Ant-reflective glass are produced, let’s look at their typical applications. The matrix below can help steer you in the right direction when deciding between Anti-Reflective and Non-Glare Glass.

Now that we have explored how both Non-Glare and Ant-reflective glass are produced, let’s look at their typical applications. The matrix below can help steer you in the right direction when deciding between Anti-Reflective and Non-Glare Glass.

Anti-Reflective Glass Vs. Non-Glare Glass (2)
Anti-Reflective Glass Vs. Non-Glare Glass (2024)

FAQs

Is non-glare and anti-reflective the same? ›

So those are the technical differences, but you may still be wondering how these two solutions are different? In general terms anti-glare coatings use either diffuse particles or etching on the substrate's surface, while anti-reflective coatings utilize film structure over the substrate surface.

Are anti glare or anti-reflective glasses better? ›

Anti-reflective vs Anti Glare

In short: anti glare coatings will protect against external light sources entering the glasses, while anti-reflective coatings will protect against both internal and external light.

Is anti-reflective glass worth it? ›

Benefits of Anti-Glare & Anti-Reflective Coatings

AG and AR coatings offer many benefits and are definitely worth the extra cost, especially if you find yourself bothered by glare. They can help you see better, look better, and feel better compared to wearing glasses with uncoated lenses.

Which is better anti glare or anti-reflective laptop screen? ›

You'll find anti-glare films in a lot of devices, including mobile devices, computer monitors, and sunlight-readable LCD display modules for indoors and outdoors. If you've got the budget for it, however, anti-reflection technology is the best way to improve readability and clarity under bright light conditions.

What are the disadvantages of anti-glare glasses? ›

Cons of Anti-Glare Glasses
  • Any scratches on the lens can reduce visual acuity.
  • Some are prone to scratches or peels if not handled with care.
  • Dirt is visible due to the absence of glare.
  • Cannot be repaired (replacement only)
  • Thin lenses get worn out over time.
  • The anti-reflective coating may wear off over time.
4 days ago

Are non anti-glare glasses good for eyes? ›

By eliminating reflections and glare visible to others, No-Glare lenses will also appear thinner and more transparent, like you are wearing no lenses at all. No-Glare lenses also offer many additional benefits: UV Protection. Easy-to-clean.

Who should wear anti-glare glasses? ›

Anti-glare glasses are particularly recommended for those who wear UV protection lenses or high-index lenses (thinner, lighter lenses for nearsightedness), as these glasses tend to reflect more light than regular lenses.

Why is anti-glare so expensive? ›

Anti reflective coatings are applied to all sorts of ophthalmic substrates (various plastics and glass materials), but the process and machinery required to reproduce these with any sort of uniformity time after time is where the cost comes from.

What does non glare mean for glasses? ›

Anti-reflective, or non-glare glasses work to eliminate the reflections from the front and back surface of your eyeglass lenses, which allows more light to pass through. This increase in light improves your vision's clarity and minimizes the glare from objects, especially at night or while staring at a screen.

What kind of glass is best for picture frames? ›

Most Popular Types of Picture Framing Glass:
  • Museum Glass®: Tru Vue's Museum Glass is one of the best options because, well, you get museum-grade protection. ...
  • Conservation Clear® Glass: While Conservation Clear Glass doesn't offer the anti- reflection feature as Museum Glass, it does block 99% of UV rays.

Which glass is best for eyes while using laptop? ›

Eyezen lenses are computer glasses made to protect your eyes while you work on your computer, tablet or smartphone. They can help you see your screen more clearly, whether it be large or small, and can help protect your eyes from the harmful blue light given out by computer screens.

Are anti-glare glasses more expensive? ›

Anti-glare lenses are more expensive than standard lenses

Unsurprisingly, anti-glare lenses do come with a price premium, but the vast majority of patients agree that the additional expense is far outweighed by the benefits that AR coating offers.

Which anti-glare is best? ›

Crizal is the best known anti-reflective coating on the market, and also the best and the most expensive. Before you choose Crizal, think carefully about whether you even need or want anti-reflective coating on your glasses.

Which glass is good for eyes? ›

Lenses that protect your eyes:

Photochromic lenses are light-sensitive lenses that adapt to varying degrees of brightness and filter UV rays. Anti-glare lenses protect your eyes against bright lights and are great for people who drive regularly or for those who spend some time outdoors.

How long do anti-glare lenses last? ›

The intact anti glare glasses reduce the reflection of light and give you clearer vision through lenses, but peeling anti-glare coating can ruin your vision and style. The average life of an anti glare coating is two years, and after that, you have to change it with the new one.

What glass frames make you look younger? ›

Generally, warm-colored frames can make you appear younger. Warm tones suit most faces, especially browns, burgundies, berry tones, and jewel tones. Of course, you should choose a color that suits your skin tone. It can also be helpful to choose shinier materials to give your eyes an extra sparkle.

How do I choose the right glass for my face? ›

Curved frames with delicate lines tend to be especially complementary for diamond-shaped faces: Oval glasses: Balance out angular features. Cat-eye or browline glasses: Play with opposites and draw the eye to the brow line. Round glasses: Bring soft contrast to defined forehead and chin.

What is the best non reflective glass for picture frames? ›

UV Conservation Clear Glass

We recommend using UV conservation glass when the artwork being framed is important, of high value or irreplaceable.

Which glass should I wear while using computer? ›

Monofocal or single-vision glasses are specially for computer work. They provide the appropriate optical correction required for the working distance between the screen and the computer your eyes.

Which glasses should we wear while using phone? ›

It is important to wear anti-reflective lenses if you spend a lot of time online. These glasses block out 99% of the blue light that will be reflected by a lens that is not coated. They can also reduce eye strain. The anti-reflective lenses are a must for night driving.

What type of glasses help with computer eye strain? ›

Blue-Blocking Lenses: Definitely recommended for this electronic age, blue-blocking lenses block blue light emitted from computer screens that is associated with glare, eye strain and possible sleep disturbances.

Are there different types of anti-glare glasses? ›

There are several hundred types of anti-reflective lenses on the market, and research is important. Quality can be substantially different between retailers.

What means non glare? ›

adjective. non·​glare ˌnän-ˈgler. : designed to reduce or eliminate the glare of bright, reflective light. nonglare glass. a monitor with a nonglare screen.

What is the meaning of anti-reflective? ›

: being or coated with a transparent film that reduces the intensity of reflected light.

What is a non glare light? ›

Anti-glare light is designed for people who are sensitive to bright lights. It provides gentle lighting that makes it easier for your eyes to adjust and concentrate on reading or something else.

What is non glare glass called? ›

Anti-Reflective Glass

This type of glass has a special type of coating to greatly reduce reflections very similar to that used on glasses and sun-glasses you wear. Pros: Virtually eliminates reflections.

What are anti glare glasses used for? ›

Anti-glare glasses help reduce glare, which can cause eye strain and headaches. They also protect the eyes from harmful particles emitted by digital screens of electronics.

How does anti-reflective glass work? ›

Anti-reflective coatings, also known as AR coatings or anti-glare coatings, are applied to glasses via a series of layers adhered to the front and back of the lenses. These layers block certain wavelengths of light, helping to reduce reflection.

Are blue light glasses the same as anti glare? ›

The key difference between blue light glasses and anti glare glasses is that blue light glasses block the blue light high energy rays emitted from the led screens. While anti glare glasses have an outer coating on the lense to minimize the light reflection and glare for a clearer vision.

Does non reflective glass stop fading? ›

It is important to note that non-reflective glass does not reflect UV light rays and therefore provides no protection against UV light fading. Find out more about our UV filters for picture framing below. It is not recommended for picture framing with fine detail as some clarity will be lost.

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