Crazing is the process of anti-reflective coating, or AR, cracking in almost spiderweb pattern. Often times this can be caused by improper cleaning such as using rubbing alcohol, window cleaner, or other harsh household cleaners. Another cause can be extreme temperatures such as welding, working in a deep freezer, or leaving your glasses in a car on an extremely hot or cold day. While crazing can be incredibly frustrating and make it difficult to see through your lens it’s important to remember that through proper lens care it can be avoided. Most warranties will also cover a lens replacement in the event an AR coating crazed within the warranty period due to a manufacturer defect. Anti-reflective coatings are still very important to the quality of the lens and help to improve vision in corrective lenses tremendously by reducing reflections in your lens, reduce eye strain, and assist in making the lens look more cosmetically appealing in photos.  

How does heat damage lenses? High temperatures can cause lens to expand or shift at a different rate than the anti-reflective coating on the lens this is what leads to crazing caused by high heat. High heat can also cause damage to the lenses and frames by causing warping or softening in the lens and frame. This is why it’s important to avoid leaving lenses in a hot car or while you are performing activities that cause a high level of heat such as welding or tending to a fire.  

How can you prevent crazing? One of the most important ways to prevent crazing is through proper lens care and cleaning. Avoid cleaners high in alcohol or that contain harsh stripping chemicals. By using a cleaning specifically made for lens you can help to keep your lens in great condition for longer. You can also use a lotion-free dish soap such as the original dawn soap with lukewarm water and a lint free cloth to help remove stubborn dirt and debris without running the risk of scratching the lens or damaging the anti-reflective coating. 

If you notice a change in the quality of vision you are getting through your new glasses, it’s important to check your lenses to see if you notice a haze on the lens, foggy lenses, or cracks on the anti-reflective coating or lens itself. If you notice these, you can go into your eye doctor’s office to see if the lenses can be repaired or replaced.  

Source – https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/eyeglasses/lenses/what-is-crazing/

While the questions you are asked in an exam may not seem important in nature, they actually serve a vital purpose in ensuring you are receiving the proper care and care that is unique to you and your specific needs. Throughout your exam you will be asked multiple questions, some may be in regards to your family’s health history, medications you take, what your goal is for your vision, and “Which is clearer, one or two”. Questions like these provide a larger picture of who you are, what your risks are for developing certain eye conditions, and the best options for you based off what your vision goals are. For example, we may not recommend glasses to someone who does extreme sports and doesn’t like the feeling of something on their face while participating in the activity of their choice. In this situation your doctor may decide you would be a great candidate for a contact lens or you may have a low enough prescription your doctor may recommend only wearing your glasses during certain activities like reading or driving. 

One question you will almost always hear during your yearly exam is “Which is clearer, one or two?” This question in particular assists the doctors in taking the objective results we saw during your refraction, the test that helps you get your glasses prescription, and turn them into a subjective prescription based on what looks and feels best for you. Another question that frequently pops up during your exam is “Do you have a family history of any medical or vision conditions?” This question is incredibly important as it helps your vision care team assess what your risk may be for developing certain eye conditions and can better equip us to be able to screen you properly for eye conditions. Knowing your family medical history can also help us asses your risk for developing certain eye conditions as conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, and Crohn’s Disease can affect your vision health. 

Overall, all the questions you are asked during your exam contribute to allowing your care team to provide a well-rounded and thorough approach to your eye health. Your honesty and openness during your exam help tremendously in ensuring you receive exceptional care.

If you are looking for vision plan coverage, consider a VSP Individual Plan. These plans can be purchased out of pocket and then provide coverage towards your routine eye exam and glasses or contact lenses.