What is a common characteristic of scratch resistant lenses?

Scratch-resistant lenses are characterized by the application of a hard coat on their surface. This hard coating is specifically designed to improve the durability of the lenses and reduce the likelihood of scratches occurring during normal wear and handling. While these lenses can significantly decrease the risk of scratches compared to uncoated lenses, they are not entirely scratch-proof, meaning that deep scratches can still occur under certain conditions.

The lightweight aspect of lenses usually relates to the material used (like polycarbonate or high-index plastics), rather than their scratch-resistant properties. Similarly, while scratch-resistant lenses can provide adequate optical clarity, their primary feature is the enhancement of scratch resistance through the application of a hard coating. Understanding these attributes helps in selecting lenses that meet specific needs regarding both scratch resistance and overall optical performance.