Reflections on antireflection films.
BACKGROUND: The development of antireflection films 50 years ago was based on interference of light waves. Antireflection films have broad ophthalmic applications by increasing transmittance and decreasing reflection as a function of wavelength and polarization. Design considerations of thin films are enormous, as are the rigors of successful film production. METHODS: A computer search of optometric and ophthalmologic databases produced very few pertinent references. Discussions with optical engineers led to extensive publications in optical engineering journals and texts. RESULTS: Literature search and interviews with optical engineers provided the historical development, design, and production considerations of optical antireflection coatings. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic thin-film antireflection coatings have a long but unknown development. Many design and production parameters must be considered in producing effective, long-lived ophthalmic coatings, which do offer significant improvement in optical performance.