Lens care · Explained by an optical technician
How to clean anti-reflective (AR) coated glasses
What anti-reflective coating is
Anti-reflective coating is a stack of ultra-thin layers that cuts glare and lets more light through the lens. It is what makes premium glasses look almost invisible and reduces reflections on screens and while driving at night.
Anti-reflective coating is the most fragile layer on modern glasses and the first thing harsh cleaners destroy. Because it is only a few microns thick, solvents and heat attack it before they affect the lens material underneath.
What damages anti-reflective coating
- Isopropyl alcohol breaks down anti-reflective coating with repeated use.
- Ammonia in household glass cleaners strips anti-reflective coating.
- Heat, such as hot water, dashboards, and hairdryers, causes the coating to craze.
- Wiping dry grit, and rough materials like tissue, which scratch through the coating.
The safe way to clean AR-coated lenses
- Rinse both lenses under lukewarm water to remove grit before wiping.
- Apply an alcohol-free, ammonia-free lens spray to each side.
- Wipe gently with a clean microfibre cloth until clear.
- Never use hot water, tissue, or household cleaners on anti-reflective lenses.
Frequently asked questions
What should I use to clean anti-reflective glasses?
Use an alcohol-free, ammonia-free lens spray with a microfibre cloth. Rinse the lenses first under lukewarm water to remove grit. Avoid alcohol, ammonia and heat, which permanently damage the anti-reflective coating.
Why are my anti-reflective glasses cloudy?
Cloudy anti-reflective glasses usually mean the coating has been damaged by alcohol, ammonia, heat, or abrasive wiping. A damaged anti-reflective coating cannot be repaired, so it must be prevented with gentle, alcohol-free cleaning.
Can I use alcohol to clean anti-reflective coating?
No. Isopropyl alcohol degrades anti-reflective coating over repeated use, causing it to cloud, streak or peel. Use an alcohol-free lens spray designed for coated lenses instead.
Can damaged anti-reflective coating be repaired?
No. Once anti-reflective coating is scratched, clouded or peeling, it cannot be restored, and the lenses usually need replacing. Cleaning with an alcohol-free spray and a microfibre cloth prevents the damage in the first place.
What is the best cleaner for anti-reflective glasses?
The best cleaner for anti-reflective glasses is an alcohol-free, ammonia-free lens spray with a microfibre cloth. Lensora is alcohol-free and ammonia-free, made by an optical technician to clean anti-reflective lenses without stripping the coating.
Lensora is safe for anti-reflective, blue-light and every modern lens coating.
Made by an optical technician. See the Everyday Lens Cleaning Kit →