Originally Posted by
lensmanmd
Like all good/better/best, there will be differences. Overall complaints depend on the patient more than the quality of the coatings.
AR coatings will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, from lab to lab. Spin coat, dip coat, primer coat are the basic variants. The number of layers, hydro, oleo, anti-static also play a role.
Just because it is spun coat does not meant that the AR is crap. Just because it is thermal cured does not mean that the AR is great. I see plenty of issue with Premium coatings and basic coatings. These issues can normally be directed to the dispensing optician and the habits of the wearer. Most coatings fail due to over-heating by being left in the vehicle, or by the optician heating the lenses during adjustments. Thermal expansion and contraction cannot be overcome, even with the best primer coats.
Stock FSV ARs are not index matched, but they are thermal cured. Most are multilayered and come with basic hydro. HMC+, the new standard in SFSV AR is a multilayered product with decent hydro. These are better than many labs' basic coatings.
Opticians need to stop with Crizal is best, Hoya is best, Duravision is best, if you want to increase your revenue.
AR should be one of the first things that you think about when providing the best overall vision. Educating your patients is the second thing. Ok, you hear "I hate this coating, it smudges too easily" all of the time, yes? Well, do you know why? All lenses smudge. Uncoated lenses reflect so much light that the smudges are hidden. Plain and simple. AR reduces reflections, ergo, you see the smudges more. Educate your patients. Don't hold back on GBB based on your personal biases. Talk to your lab about their warranties.
And yes, top tier coatings last longer overall due to the thermal curing and primer layers. They have better hydro and oleo properties. And they come with a premium price to your and your patients. But, a big but, all this still lies in the hands of the wearer. If the wearer knows how to take care of their lenses, even a basic AR will last. If they are careless, then even the best AR will scratch and craze. And, if the optician is too lazy to take the lenses out during adjustments, well, shame, shame, shame. Don't blame the coating.
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