For optical lens factories coating is one of the key elements of a lens. Lenses with different coatings differ not only in appearance but also in function.
Generally, lens coatings can be divided into four main categories: UC, HC, HMC, and SHMC.
The diagram below clearly illustrates the relationship between them.
1. UC（Uncoated）
UC lens typically refers to a base lens without coating. It’s generally used in 1.49 index finished lenses or various semi-finished lenses.
Finished UC lenses are usually purchased in bulk by distributors and wholesalers who can coat or stain them themselves.
These lenses are cheaper and have the best staining effect, being easier and more evenly stained.
However, if you cannot coat or stain them yourself, it’s not recommended to purchase them because UC lenses haven’t Anti-reflective coating, easily scratched, and have low visual comfort. Direct use is generally not advised.
In semi-finished lenses, UC lenses are also purchased in bulk by distributors and wholesalers.
For these users, UC lenses are cheaper and more customized; they can be processed according to market demand, greatly reducing inventory pressure.
2. HC (Hard Coating )
These lenses typically have a coating applied only to the surface. Compared to UC (Uncoated) lenses, they are more scratch-resistant, have a longer lifespan, and the hard coating effectively prevents scratches.
However, they lack a reflective coating, resulting in lower comfort. HC coatings are relatively rare in finished lenses and are generally not used directly.
However, HC coatings are more common in semi-finished lenses because they are inexpensive and offer better performance than UC lenses.
3. HMC (Hard Multi Coating)
HMC is currently the most commonly used coating, also called AR or Anti-reflctive film. It’s an additional coating applied to HC lenses. This coating makes the lens more scratch-resistant, increases light transmittance, and reflects stray light, greatly improving comfort.
This coating is common in both finished and semi-finished lenses and is currently the most in-demand coating, like blue block lens, photochromic lens(transition lens),photochromic blue cut lens.
4. SHMC(Superhydrophobic Coating)
SHMC stands for Superhydrophobic Lens. It’s a higher-quality coating, smoother and more waterproof than ordinary coatings.
It also offers better light transmission, greater lens clarity, and greater wearing comfort.
It is commonly used in high-end lens series, such as photochromic blue cut lenses, high index lenses, and it is also a better choice for customers who prefer lenses with low surface reflection.
The following video will give you a clear visual comparison of HMC and SHMC.
So how should you choose among these coatings?
This usually depends on your customer base. If your customers are more price-sensitive and require basic low-refractive-index lenses, then HMC coatings are generally a good choice for finished lenses.
If you are a distributor who can perform grinding, polishing, coating, or tinting yourself, then UC or HC finished lens or semi-finished lenses can be chosen for better cost control.
For wholesalers whose customers have higher requirements for lens quality and function, SHMC is a better choice. High index lenses of 1.60, 1.67,1.74 typically use SHMC coatings.
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