Abstract: An optical element or component having excellent anti-fog effects as well as excellent scratch resistance and/or reflection reducing effects and optionally also hydrophobic and/or oleophobic properties, and a method for producing such an optical element or component. The element or component includes, in the following order, a glass substrate, a water-absorbing first layer, and a second layer selected from (i) an anti-reflecting coating; a mirror coating and a hard layer; (ii) a compound and/or combination of a hard layers and anti-reflecting coatings; and (iii) a compound and/or combination of hard layers and mirror coating. Blind holes or bores are introduced into the second layer and the water-absorbing first layer with the holes opening out from the second layer and extending completely through the second layer, and at least partially through the water-absorbing first layer.