Hydrophilic
Moisture-loving coatings are known as hydrophilic. Unlike hydrophobic coatings that repel water, hydrophilic coatings act like a microscopic sponge by absorbing moisture into the coating - eliminating fogging almost instantly. The coating is able to hold a high amount of moisture and naturally releases that moisture at the edge of lenses, making hydrophilic lenses difficult to fog up. Hydrophilic coatings are not soap-based, meaning they won’t wash off like hydrophobic coatings. That's because hydrophilic coatings create a polymer bond, permanently adhering the coating to the polycarbonate lens.
Hydrophobic
Most lens coatings in the UK market are hydrophobic. These hydrophobic anti-fog lens coatings are soap-based and work by repelling and spreading the moisture as it hits the lens. As the moisture spreads, it eliminates the fogging on the lens. While this is effective for a short period of time, environments with heavy fogging will end up causing severe visibility issues as the moisture builds up on the lens, compromising compliance. It's also worth mentioning, this kind of coating will wash off over time due to its soap-based qualities.
What makes uvex coatings different?
Unlike most conventional lens coatings, the anti-fog properties of uvex products remain permanent, even after repeated washing. They continue to exceed the 8-second European norm, ensuring lasting wearer compliance. The fundamental difference between the uvex lens coating and most conventional coatings can be simply demonstrated in the following video:
The resistance to fogging within the EN168 standard is optional and states that a product must remain fog-free for a minimum of 8 seconds when placed over a water bath at 50°C
How do you know what coating do you need?
Before purchasing safety eyewear, make sure you ask what kind of anti-fog coating will be on your lenses. While both hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings can be effective, one coating remains permanently bonded to the lens while the other washes off over time. Lens coatings that last the lifetime of the eyewear help keep your safety glasses working effectively so you don’t have to take them off.
uvex anti-fog lens coatings:
- Absorbs moisture
- Integral part of the lens
- Does not wash off
- Retains performance for the life of the product
- Cost effective
All uvex anti-fog lens coatings are hydrophilic, so when fog hits the lens it absorbs into the coating. uvex lens coatings are also four-times thicker than the competition and chemically engineered to not wash off. Learn more about uvex's unique coatings that outperform all other coatings in the industry.
uvex anti-fog coatings for safety glasses are permanent and stay effective even after repeated washing. The resistance to fogging is tested within the EN168 standard, which is optional for safety glasses. uvex anti-fog coatings exceed the 8 second EN norm to 14 seconds.
uvex anti-fog safety eyewear
FAQ's
Hydrophilic coatings absorb moisture like a microscopic sponge, spreading it evenly across the lens to prevent fog, while hydrophobic coatings repel water, causing droplets to bead and roll off the surface.
Hydrophilic coatings provide superior anti‑fog performance in humid or high‑temperature environments because they absorb moisture rather than letting droplets accumulate. Hydrophobic coatings offer some fog resistance but can struggle in heavy-fog conditions as moisture builds up.
Yes. Hydrophobic coatings are typically soap‑based and may wash off over time, while hydrophilic coatings form a permanent polymer bond to the lens, making them more resistant to wear and providing long‑lasting anti‑fog protection.
Choose hydrophilic coatings for high‑humidity, temperature‑changing, or physically demanding environments where fogging is common. Hydrophobic coatings may be suitable for drier conditions where water needs to roll off the lens rather than be absorbed.