Antireflection coated ophthalmic lenses, both glass and plastics, are very popular in Europe and Asia, while in the U.S. the ophthalmic lens manufacturers are just beginning to discover this add-on value. The reasons for the wide acceptance of, particularly, highly efficient broad band antireflection coatings in Europe and Asia are investigated, together with the reasons for their slow acceptance in the United States. Other types of coatings for ophthalmic lenses, for sun protection and laser protection, are also introduced. The discussion leads to deposition processes useful for coatings on plastic lenses. A brief evaluation of coating of prescription lenses vs. stock lenses, and of quality criteria for both types concludes this review paper.
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