subject: Super Duper Hydrophobic Coating [print this page] Super Duper Hydrophobic Coating Super Duper Hydrophobic Coating
So why is hydrophobic anti-reflective coating different?
Simply, it is applied to the front and rear surface of the lens to eliminate residual reflections on the lens surface that can prevent clarity of vision.
The coatings on microscopes and camera lenses are very similar to the AR coatings on glasses, consisting of layers of metal oxides applied to both the front and rear of the lens surfaces. The result is a reduction in glare, irritating reflections and halos around lights. AR coated lenses improves night driving vision a great safety benefit, and increases comfort during prolonged computer use.
Hydrophobic coating combines all the benefits of normal anti-reflective coating, such as enhanced visual acuity and cosmetic appearance - because the anti-reflective coating reduces internal and external reflections on the lenses, this creates a more pleasant cosmetic appearance.
Before the days of AR coating, the internal reflections appeared as rings which made lenses appear thicker, and the external reflections masked your eyes from a clear and complete view when someone was looking at you. However, with AR coating these reflections are eliminated and glass lenses look thinner or even non-existent, lending your eyes more visibility - so you can make better eye contact with others. Anti-reflective coating is also valuable when applied to the back surface of lenses in sunglasses, as it eliminates reflections of sunlight into your eyes from the lenses when the sun is behind you.
The hydrophobic coating also provides enhanced scratch resistance - lengthening the life of your lenses. Additionally, it gives UV400 protection, stops dirt, dust and greasy smudges from sticking to your lens surface so no more marks you can't get off - and prevents water spots from rain, snow and fog from forming and, therefore, making the lenses easier to clean.
Tip: Do not attempt to clean AR coated lenses without wetting them first. Using a dry cloth on a dry lens can cause fine scratches which will be more visible on AR coated lenses than on uncoated lenses. Lens cleaners with harsh chemicals can also damage the anti-reflective coating.
