The practice of Dr. Gordon Wong

Depending on the material used to make a lens, between 4-16% of light striking the lens surface is ordinarily reflected back or "lost" by the lens. A multi-layer coating of metal oxides, just a few microns thick can significantly increase the amount of light transmitted through the lens by decreasing the percentage of light lost to reflection.

This multi-layer coating is called an anti-reflective or "AR" coating.

AR coatings are placed on microscopes and camera lenses to increase light transmission and maximize image quality. AR coatings can sometimes have a faint green or purple color. This color effect can be adjusted when necessary to create a pleasing cosmetic tint, as is often done for spectacle lenses.

AR coating for glasses

Cosmetic advantage - Eye contact is an important part of human interaction. If you glance at someone wearing glasses with ordinary clear lenses, it’s sometimes hard to see their eyes.

Even though the lenses are clear, their eyes are obscured by light reflected back toward you from both the front and back surfaces of the lenses.

Some light is actually being reflected from the back lens surfaces and bouncing back and forth inside the lens (between front and back surfaces), until it escapes. These "internal" reflections appear as a series of concentric reflections or rings. Thick lens edges, found in corrections for high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness), often produce rings which create a “coke bottle” look. Modern AR coatings can virtually eliminate these unsightly rings and make the lenses nearly invisible.

Nighttime advantage - Driving

Daytime advantage - Sunglasses

Reflections from back lens surfaces can also be annoying. This is most noticeable with sunglasses because a dark lens acts like a mirror. Under certain conditions, the wearer can actually see their own eyes reflected from the backs of the lenses. To see the effect a back-surface AR coating can have on your vision with sunglasses, cup both hands alongside your lenses, so that all light coming from behind you is blocked…the improvement may surprise you.

Improved technology

Lenses with antireflective (AR) coatings used to be hard to clean but no longer. Fingerprints and smudges have been a challenge for previous anti-reflective lenses but  many lenses now incorporate advanced surface treatments that make cleaning much easier. AR coatings are also more scratch-resistant than in the past.

The next time you order glasses, be sure to ask about what’s new in lens coatings and materials…a lot has changed! If you have a strong prescription, think about requesting an AR coating in conjunction with high-index lenses to make your glasses look and feel as thin as possible. You’ll not only look better but see better too!

Vision and Health Newsletter courtesy of:

Dr. Gordon Wong
Gordon G. Wong, O.D.
Wildon C. Wong, O.D.

7825 Fay Ave.
Suite 140
La Jolla, CA 92037

858-454-4699

When there are many light sources present, “ghost” images can be a real problemfor glasses wearers; the main example of this is driving a car at night. Headlights from other vehicles and streetlights can create distracting double images that make seeing difficult and contribute to eyestrain and fatigue. AR Coatings not only reduce the ghost images but actually increase the amount of light transmitted through the lenses to the eyes. There is an overall reduction in glare and halos around lights - a welcome addition to nighttime vision.

Diets Rich in Saturated Fat vs. Omega-3s Eating foods rich in saturated fats has been associated with the development of degenerative diseases, including heart disease and even cancer. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, however, are actually good for you. Omega-3s (found primarily in cold-water fish) fall into this category, along with omega-6s, another type of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in grains, most plant-based oils, poultry and eggs. Why "essential?" Omega-3s (and omega-6s) are termed essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are critical for good health. However, the body cannot make them on its own. For this reason, omega-3s must be obtained from food, thus making outside sources of these fats "essential." omega-6-rich foods excess - Nutritionists have come to recognize the importance of balancing omega-3 fatty acids with omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Although the body needs both omega-3s and omega-6s to thrive, most people on a typical Western diet co

Our office is committed to offering quality eyewear at affordable prices. This month we are extending a 30% courtesy on all Oakley and Christian Dior Eyewear. If you do not have vision insurance we extend a 50% courtesy on the second pair of frames and lenses. For those covered under vision plans such as VSP, we offer a 30% courtesy on a second pair of frames and lenses. For your convenience we will be open Friday November 28, the day after Thanksgiving and Saturday November 29 for appointments. We look forward to seeing you and continuing to provide you with the best quality eyecare possible. Sincerely, Gordon G. Wong Wildon C. Wong