Anti-scratch coating is a scratch resistant coating that can be applied to many surfaces, including watch faces and laptop screens, but is most commonly applied to optical lenses. Anti-scratch coating is very effective for lenses in prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and safety glasses and is particularly practical for children’s glasses.

An anti-scratch coating is applied by dipping the lenses into a silicone-based solvent. As the anti-scratch coating cures, there is no tinting or coloring left behind to impair the optics of the lenses. The coating does not interfere with how the lens functions, but creates a permanent bond that greatly reduces the occurrence of happenstance hairline scratches. Though an anti-scratch coating is not 100% scratch proof, it helps to prevent minor scratches that can damage the surface of the lens.

Nearly all professional safety glasses come with an anti-scratch coating, and any prescription lens that does not come with an anti-scratch coating can be coated. Anti-scratch coating is usually an additional minimal expense when ordering prescription lenses, but it is well worth the investment, especially for children’s eyewear. An anti-scratch coating lasts up to two years and does not come off when cleaning the lenses.

Similarly, you can have an anti-scratch coating applied to virtually any surface that you would like to protect. There are even products that allow you to apply anti-scratch coating to an item yourself. Watch faces, iPod and handheld device screens, and other surfaces that can be damaged by accidental scratching can all be protected and prolonged with an anti-scratch coating. You might attempt to apply anti-scratch coating to novelty items, but it is highly recommended that you let an optometrist apply anti-scratch coating to your prescription eyeglass lenses. The job will be professional, with a guarantee not to damage the lenses, and it will last longer.