A comparison of pre-coated stock antireflection coating lenses in terms of transmission, durability and quality

Background: Antireflection coatings (ARCs) applied to ophthalmic plastic lenses must have a good quality base hard coat for the ARC to adhere to. The hard coating must be durable so as not to crack, craze or peel under different atmospheric conditions. The purpose of ARC is also to increase the transmission of light through the lenses and eliminate reflections.Aim: The aim of this research was to compare the quality of eight different pre-coated ARC stock lenses in terms of light transmission and durability.Setting: The measurements were taken in the physics laboratory at the University of Johannesburg.Methods: Eight different stock ARC lenses were obtained from different lens suppliers. The performances were assessed by measuring the light transmission through each lens, exposure to chemicals such as salt–water solution and adhesion and abrasion tests to assess the quality of the coatings.Results: The performance and quality of the different lenses differed slightly in terms of hardness, durability and quality. The lenses also differed slightly in average transmission percentage. The difference between the control lens and the highest average percentage transmission was 4.8%, and the lowest average transmission was 2.2%. The lens that performed the best overall was Crizal Forte and the worst was Precision.Conclusion: Not all lenses have the same quality of ARC applied and durable qualities. Quality control should be carried out regularly in batches so as to maintain high standards set out by the different suppliers.