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Pros and Cons of Using Crizal Lenses

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Crizal lenses, with their anti-reflective coating, offer enhanced eye protection by reducing glare, resisting scratches, and filtering blue light. Ideal for computer users and those frequently under bright lights, Crizal lenses are available at select retailers and online, providing a balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Pros of Crizal lenses include:

  • Reducing glare.
  • Durability
  • Blue light filtering.
  • Potentially protecting your eyes more than regular lenses.

Cons include:

  • Higher cost.
  • Fewer retailers carry these lenses.

Your optometrist or other eye care professional may recommend Crizal lenses if you work in front of a computer all day.

These lenses aren’t available everywhere, but you can find them in independent stores and online.

glasses held by boy

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Crizal Lenses?

Crizal lenses have a special coating on them that makes them anti-reflective and resistant to scratches.

They also feature technology that filters blue light, helping to protect the eyes.

Why Do People Use Crizal Lenses?

Glasses with anti-reflective coating have grown in popularity as more jobs demand that employees spend time behind a computer. Everyday use of smartphones, TV viewing, and other gadgets with screens can strain eyes even further.

In the past, AR coating was a nuisance because it would easily peel off, scratch, and get dirty easily. Today’s AR-coated lenses have improved. Their anti-reflective capabilities are “seared” into the lens.

Anti-reflective coating, also called AR coating, is created to:

  • Block UV rays to enhance eye protection.
  • Block blue light, which can help with eye strain, blurry vision, and dry eyes.
  • Resist smudges and scratches.
  • Stop water damage.

Brands such as Crizal are major purveyors of these lenses. They specialize in lenses for children and have a variety of lenses with these features. Some of their offerings are expensive.

In addition to helping you see better, AR-coated glasses are more aesthetically pleasing if you are a person who is often photographed. They let light enter more easily, allowing people to see your eyes better beneath your lenses.

Protecting your eyesight can prevent health issues, such as dry eyes, headaches, and strained eyes.

man smiling at computer

How to Choose the Right Lenses

Lenses are the most important part of your glasses. Factors you should consider when choosing what type of lenses you want to buy are:

  • Your activities. Anti-glare glasses are best suited for people who drive at night, people who sit in front of computers all day, people who have had laser surgery for their eyes, and public speakers who are often under bright lights.
  • How much protection from light you truly need. If you fish or spend a lot of time outside, your optician may have recommend anti-glare lenses. But you may actually need polarized lenses instead, as they offer full anti-glare protection for people who spend a lot of time outside or surrounded by bright lights. One disadvantage is that polarized lenses are only available as darker lenses.
  • Costs. Sites that sell Crizal lenses, such as Essilor, do not list the cost of these lenses online, but some sites report that AR-lenses can cost approximately $80 to $150. Then, you have to add in the cost of the frames and possibly a warranty.

Do You Really Need Crizal Lenses?

Young businesswoman using computer in dark office

For some people, Crizal lenses are a worthwhile investment. Reducing glare can make nighttime driving more comfortable and be a big help if you find yourself under bright lights frequently.

However, blue light from computers and smartphones has not been proven to cause permanent eye damage. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says that it may be premature to take excessive precautions against blue light.

Lenses that protect against blue light may be a good investment if you have sleep issues. This is because blue light emitted from computers, smartphones, tablets, and other device is known to cause problems with your circadian rhythm. More research is necessary in this area.

Where to Buy

Essilor has a directory you can use to find locations near you that sell Crizal lenses.

Independent shops and chains should carry or be able to order Crizal lenses for you.

References

  1. Do You Need Computer Glasses? (August 2019). Lifehacker.
  2. Do I Need Anti-Reflective Coating on My Glasses? (August 2019). Wisegeek.
  3. 4 Things to Know About Shopping for Eyeglasses. (November 2013). AARP.
  4. Are Anti-Reflective Coatings Worth the Cost? (July 2019). Verywell Health.
  5. What Are the Advantages of Anti-Reflective Coatings on Glasses, if Any? (February 2015). American Academy of Ophthalmologists.
  6. How to Get the Best Eyeglass Lenses. (December 2016). Consumer Reports.
  7. Crizal: Glare, Scratch, and Smudge Resistant. (2019). Essilor USA.
  8. Tips for Choosing the Right Eyeglasses. (July 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology.
  9. Where Can You Find Prices for Crizal Lenses? Reference.
  10. Should You Be Worried About Blue Light? (July 2017). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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