The Sunny Side of AR
Why anti-reflective sunwear is the most practical premium product you'll recommend
By Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

ECPs can now confidently sell quality sunwear, and consumers can enjoy the perks of having the best sunlens technology available today.

Anti-reflective (AR) technology is perhaps the most overlooked talking point of today's premium sunlenses. Its ability to block distracting and potentially dangerous front-side and backside reflections should be as much a part of the sunwear discussion as polarization, tint colors, or the appropriate frame.

Talking about AR on sunlenses can set you apart from sunwear vendors by creating a point of interest to grab patients' attention. By featuring AR as a unique sunwear benefit, you create a point of interest that grabs patients' attention. It's a surefire way to add value to any sunwear purchase. Here's how you can talk it up.

A REAL NECESSITY

People of all ages need sunwear. And the best performing Rx and plano sunwear features AR.

Today's average consumer--young, old, and in between--spends an hour or more a day outside performing everyday tasks: At recess, walking to and from school or along city streets, driving, and running errands.

	PHOTO COURTESY OF MAUI JIM

An active consumer spends more time outside. Outdoor activities such as snow skiing or waterskiing, hunting, fishing, bicycling, skateboarding, or even just working in the yard can expose them to UV rays and glare, as well as reflections.

Visual acuity can be reduced by lens reflections that affect the wearer on a regular basis in everyday circumstances. At the least, reflections can be annoying and tiring to eyes. Reflections can reduce job and leisure activity performance. At their worst, reflections can cause serious visual problems, and in addition to glare may be attributable to some traffic accidents.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Premium front-side and backside AR lenses are created using layers of AR for effectiveness and durability. If lenses don't come with AR, most can be easily customized.

On the front-side, AR allows virtually all available light to pass through the lens for the sharpest, clearest, most comfortable vision.

AR on the backside of the lens stops rearview, mirror-like reflections of eyes, lashes, and other objects from being uncomfortable distractions. Backside reflections are common, making backside AR essential on sunwear for the following reasons:

• To reduce backside reflections.
• To increase wearing comfort.
• To increase visual performance.

Outdoor activities call for AR. Photo courtesy of Vision-Ease

Utilizing backside AR is especially important for polarized lenses. While polarized lenses provide the best anti-glare, backside AR provides relief from reflections.

Because photochromic lenses can also act as sunwear, AR is recommended to reduce distracting reflections. Typically, AR is applied to the front-side of the photochromic lens surface. AR on the backside would be ineffective, because photochromic lenses change tint density depending on exposure to UV light and are not dark at all times.

PERFORMANCE POINTS

Attaining the best visual acuity, wearing comfort, and safety are key points to make with patients when discussing AR sunwear.

Behind the wheel. Customers want to be comfortable on the road while driving. Anti-reflective coatings help them see the best that they can see in order to avoid accidents.

In the field. Patients want to have a better chance at bagging a big buck or five-pound bass when they're hunting or fishing. They want reflection-free visibility during all outdoor sporting events.

On the job. Customers want to make their workday easier with whatever technology they can utilize.

	Working or playing outdoors calls for AR. Photo by Bollé

AR sunlenses help take ordinary sunwear up to an extraordinary level. Patients want to hear about the latest technology, or they'll feel like they're missing out on something. What could be easier than presenting a pair of AR sunwear designed to their specific visual requirements?

Demonstrate sunwear with AR as a regular part of your dispensary protocol. Show patients that your practice is staffed with technology experts who can help them make informed sunwear decisions.