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Blog > Anti-reflective coating > TechShield Superior Quality Begins with Advanced Technology
If you believe that anti-reflective (AR) coatings are as important to eyewear as the frame itself, you’re right. An AR coating like TechShield® helps wearers look better, see clearer and protects lenses from smudges and scratches. Fun Fact: AR coatings were introduced in the early 20th century. The first practical application was for military purposes because highly reflective binocular lenses were giving away troop locations. Decades later, AR coatings became available on glass ophthalmic lenses and later on plastic lenses. It's a scientific fact that all lenses reflect and refract light. The impact lens reflections can have include:
Top image represents glare from light dispersing within the lens and disrupting visual clarity. Bottom represents light being reflected off surface of lens, compromising cosmetic appearance. Both prevent full transmission of light through the lens and into the eye.
Some patients may remember the growing pains of early AR coatings that used a single anti-reflective layer that reduced reflections by just 50%. These coatings were difficult to clean and cracked and peeled easily if wearers didn’t clean their lenses “by the book.” Today’s AR coatings allow almost 100% of the light through, making them appear nearly invisible, and are much more durable and easier to clean.
Major advances in AR coating technology have resulted in premium AR coatings like TechShield Elite which incorporate multiple layers to provide unparalleled visual performance, outstanding cosmetics, and lasting durability. To understand how much the technology has improved, you need to understand how much the manufacturing process has changed over the years.
“All TechShield products include many layers of thin films which provide top-notch anti-reflective properties, enhancing the ability for light to pass through the lens,” says Austin Tinkess, TechShield Quality Assurance Supervisor. “We use a superior hard coating method with strict quality standards to serve as the foundation for TechShield AR, all designed to provide strong cleanability and withstand scratches or abrasions.”
According to Tinkess, the hard coating used for TechShield, known as Unity Hard Coat, reduces the risk of cracking and peeling due to the expansion and contraction of the lens.
Premium AR coatings like TechShield Elite feature multiple layers that combine to give patients an excellent visual experience (picture not to scale).
After preparing the lenses, the hard coating that resists scratches is applied, and then the anti-reflective coating itself. Finally, a top hydrophobic coating that resists water is applied and in the case of TechShield Elite and TechShield Blue, an oleophobic coating can be added that resists smudges from fingerprints, oily skin, sunscreen, moisturizes, etc.
The lens then goes through a series of regular simulation tests for aging, scratch resistance and normal wear and tear. “Once the lens has passed the rigorous validation process, our Quality Assurance team regularly confirms adherence to quality requirements on all TechShield products,” notes Tinkess.
Anti-reflective coatings will benefit every wearer in any visual situation. While manufacturers of AR coatings will have their own proprietary formulary, TechShield Elite and TechShield Blue are the premium choice and the leading anti-reflective coating brands in the VSP® network.
“All the properties that TechShield is designed to have make it a superior AR coating,” concludes Tinkess. “A lot of people are hard on their lenses; they drop them, don’t put them back in the case, and clean them with whatever is handy. Because TechShield is a tightly controlled product, it’s going to last the life of the prescription.”
Want to know more about TechShield technology, quality and performance? Reach out for a free, personalized demo and see for yourself just how advanced and patient pleasing these AR coatings are. A comprehensive digital dispensing toolkit is also available to all practices, as well as free e-Books, white papers, and a link to educational videos that can be found under on the TechShield website under resources.
TechShield AR Coatings also count toward participating practices’ VSP Premier Edge™ lens spend targets and the Unity Savings1 available to practices at the Platinum level.2 For the ultimate visual solution for patients, TechShield Elite Anti-Reflective Coatings and SunSync® Elite Light Reactive Lenses can be bundled with the Unity® Via II Progressive Lenses. Check out the Unity® Elite Suite to learn more.
1. Premier Edge Extra Lens Savings is available to practices participating at the Platinum level. 2. VSP Optics, HOYA, and ZEISS purchases made in the last 12 months count towards Premier Edge lens target.