Comparison between anti-reflection-coated and uncoated spectacle lenses for presbyopic highway patrol troopers.

Background: The use of anti-reflection coatings (AR) for spectacle lenses is steadily increasing. These ultra-thin coatings reduce reflections in lenses, increasing light transmittance about 8% (from 91% to 99%). Patient reports of crisper detail and brighter environment indicate that this perceived increase in visual function would probably be of benefit to many, including highway patrolmen who must make daily judgments on the basis of fine visual detail.

Methods: Nineteen presbyopic Missouri State Highway Patrolmen (MSHP) participated in this crossover study. Subjects randomly wore Varilux Comfort progressive addition lenses in CR-39 that were uncoated or AR-coated. The AR coating was Crizal. Subjects wore each lens for 1 month, then compared the lenses directly for 1 week. Data were collected for lens scoring (both general and job specific) and lens preferences.

Results: The AR-coated lens was found to be significantly better in most categories. Reduction in glare and reflections during the day, night, indoors, and in the patrol vehicle--as well as improvement in overall night vision--were highly significant. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects chose the Crizal-coated lenses as their overall preferred lens.

Conclusions: The results of this study appear to demonstrate a noticeable subjective preference for AR-coated lenses when used by a group engaged in a visually demanding occupation.