When it comes to choosing the right lenses for your child’s glasses, parents often wonder if add-ons like anti-reflective (AR) coating are really necessary. AR coating is designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity, but does it make a noticeable difference for kids? At Special Eyes Optical, we focus exclusively on children’s eyewear, so we understand what matters most for growing eyes. In this article, we’ll break down what anti-reflective coating does and whether it’s worth the extra cost. Come by Special Eyes Optical, the only eyewear shop in Texas exclusively for children, featuring over 500 styles of frames for kids and tweens.
What is anti-reflective coating?
Anti-reflective coating is a thin layer added to the surface of a lens to reduce glare and improve clarity. At Special Eyes Optical, we often get questions from parents about whether this upgrade is truly necessary for their child’s glasses. The answer depends on your child’s lifestyle, age, and how they use their eyewear day to day. Our goal is to help parents make informed decisions based on both function and value.
Benefits of Anti-Reflective Coating for Kids
Many families at Special Eyes Optical choose anti-reflective coating because it can improve how well their child sees and how comfortable they feel wearing their glasses. These benefits can make a noticeable difference for kids who are in school, on screens, or out and about in different lighting conditions.
Here are the top benefits of AR coating for children’s glasses:
Sharper vision: AR coatings allow more light to pass through the lens and into the eye, which can improve visual acuity and reduce distractions.
Less eye strain: Reducing glare from classroom lights, computer monitors, and tablets helps prevent tired eyes and headaches.
Better night vision: By minimizing starbursts and halos from lights, AR coating can improve visual perception during evening activities or car rides.
More confidence: The lenses appear almost invisible, making it easier for your child to make eye contact and feel good in photos.
Optional blue light protection: Many AR coatings now include a blue light filter, which can be helpful for kids who spend time on digital screens.
How does anti-reflective coating affect the appearance of the glasses?
Anti-reflective coating reduces the mirror-like reflections on the front and back of a lens, making it easier to see your child’s eyes clearly. This makes their glasses look cleaner, brighter, and more polished overall. For many kids, it boosts confidence because they don’t feel hidden behind reflections—whether in class, with friends, or taking photos.
What about UV protection?
Standard anti-reflective coatings don’t block UV rays on their own, but they can be combined with ultraviolet protection for full coverage. At Special Eyes Optical, we recommend using a polycarbonate lens material for children, which already includes UV protection and is more impact-resistant. We also encourage using sunglasses during outdoor activities for additional defense against UV exposure and long-term damage to the human eye.
Are there any downsides to AR coating?
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether to add AR coating to your child’s lenses. Although it can improve vision and comfort, it may not be the right choice for every child.
AR coating can scratch or peel over time, especially if the glasses aren’t handled gently. Kids who tend to drop or toss their eyewear may wear out the coating faster. Also, smudges and dirt are more visible on clear lenses, which means they’ll need to be cleaned more often. And like any upgrade, AR coating increases the total price of the glasses—something to weigh if your child frequently loses or breaks their frames.
When is AR coating a good idea?
For older kids—usually around age 7 or 8—who are responsible with their glasses and spend time on screens, anti-reflective coating is often worth the investment. It can support better learning and greater comfort in school and home settings. Children with a stronger eyeglass prescription or those who use high-index or polycarbonate lenses may also benefit, since these lens types are naturally more reflective.
Younger children or those with a history of breaking glasses might be better off sticking with basic lenses and focusing on durability first. In those cases, adding scratch-resistant features and choosing flexible frames may be more practical.
What do the experts say?
At Special Eyes Optical, our team works exclusively with children, so we understand how different each child’s needs can be. We often recommend AR coating for kids who:
Use tablets, phones, or computers regularly
Are sensitive to glare from lighting
Wear corrective lens types that naturally reflect more light
Have higher prescriptions that require extra visual support
For kids with special visual needs or sensory challenges, we may also coordinate with vision therapy providers to make sure the eyewear setup supports long-term success.
Our Recommendation for Parents
If your child is old enough to care for their glasses and spends a lot of time reading, learning, or using digital screens, anti-reflective coating can offer meaningful benefits. Look for coatings that include a scratch-resistant and hydrophobic layer to make cleaning easier and extend durability. And don’t forget to ask about warranties—some lens coatings are covered in case they wear out sooner than expected.
Stop by Special Eyes Optical and See the Difference
When it comes to your child’s vision, every detail matters—from the fit of the frame to the clarity of the lens. Whether you’re shopping for their first pair or upgrading their current glasses, our team at Special Eyes Optical is here to guide you. Come by the only eyewear shop in Texas made just for kids, with over 500 styles of frames for children and tweens, and let us help you find the best lens options for your child’s vision and lifestyle.
Dr. Eric A. Packwood is a Partner at Pediatric Eye Specialists, President of the Child Vision Center, and the Administrative Director of Ophthalmology at Cook Children’s Medical Center. He graduated from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, and completed his ophthalmology residency at St. Louis University as chief resident, followed by a fellowship at Washington University.
Since moving to Fort Worth in 2000, Dr. Packwood has been recognized as a “Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly, a “Best Doctor for Your Child” by D Magazine, and a “Top Doc” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. He volunteers at the Alexander Eye Clinic and is involved in medical mission work for underprivileged children. Dr. Packwood has also published several peer-reviewed articles and participated in multiple clinical trials.