Hazel Eyes

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Hazel Eyes

By Claire Capuano

Reviewed by

Updated On May 05, 2023

Hazel eyes are rare and beautiful, with only 5% of the population having these unique eyes. Read on to find out what causes hazel eyes.

One of the first things you may notice about someone is their eyes. Their colour and expression can be quite prominent, revealing a lot about an individual.

The human eye can reflect someone’s personality and ancestry, show the amount of melanin in the iris and even give a glimpse into one’s current health condition.

Hazel-coloured eyes, while considered rare, are also thought to be one of the most beautiful.

According to researchers at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2017), around 10,000 years ago, everyone had brown eyes.

Today, approximately 70-80% of the world’s population have brown eyes, making brown the most common eye colour. While not the rarest colour, only 5% of the population have hazel eyes.

How is eye colour determined?

The eye’s iris, the pigmented area surrounding the pupil, gives eyes their colour. Melanin is the pigment responsible for both eye and skin colour.

Hazel eyes are in the brown family, but they feature other colour hues like green and amber in addition to brown.

There is a complex network of genes that determine eye colour in humans. Most of these genes play a role in producing, transporting and storing melanin pigment.

The more melanin you have in your iris, the darker your eyes are. Therefore, people with brown eyes have the most melanin. People with the least melanin have blue, grey, or green eyes. Hazel eyes have more melanin than blue but less than brown.

Babies are not born with the total amount of melanin in their irises. More melanin may accumulate in the iris in the first few years of life, causing a child’s eyes to change or darken.

Blue eyes that change to brown develop significant amounts of melanin, while those that turn green or hazel produce slightly less.

How does light affect different eye colours?

Have you ever noticed that eyes change colour in different environments? This is because of how particular light and sunlight hit and scatter within the iris. Melanin in the iris absorbs different wavelengths of light.

Eyes with a higher concentration of melanin (darker eyes) absorb more light and reflect less from the iris.

The opposite occurs in eyes with lower concentrations of melanin (light-coloured eyes); less light is absorbed, and more is reflected off the iris.

What causes hazel eyes?

Hazel eyes have been called the chameleon of eye colours, changing colour based on their surrounding environment. Are they green, gold, brown or a mix of all?

Hazel eyes are complex, and while what exactly determines hazel eye colour is still up for debate, researchers have narrowed it down to the amount of melanin present, scattering of light and perception.

Hazel eyes have a lower concentration of melanin, causing more light reflection off the iris. This higher level of reflection is why we tend to see changes in hazel, blue, or green eyes.

The distribution of melanin can differ in parts of the iris, causing hazel eyes to appear light brown near the pupil and greener at the edge of the iris.

DID YOU KNOW?

Our eyes can change colour after birth as more melanin is produced, causing lighter eyes to darken.

What's the difference between hazel and green eyes?

The main difference between green eyes and hazel eyes is how melanin spreads in the iris. As mentioned, the melanin in hazel eyes may vary in different parts of the iris, causing different eye colours to appear.

As light is reflected off hazel eyes, it produces other eye colours like green, brown or gold. The melanin in green eyes is more evenly dispersed, causing light to scatter so they appear as one colour: green.

Are hazel eyes rare?

Only about 5% of the world’s population have hazel eyes, making them rare. While anyone can have hazel eyes, they are most commonly found among those of Middle Eastern, Brazilian, Spanish, or North African descent.

The rarest eye colour is green, with only 2% of the population having them. Even rarer than green eyes is heterochromia, a condition where a person has two different coloured eyes. Less than 1% of the world’s population has this condition.

Are people with hazel eyes more at risk for eye problems?

There are some links between eye colour and health factors. People with light-coloured eyes are more prone to ocular melanoma, also known as eye cancer.

This is because those with very light eyes have less melanin, a natural eye protectant.

Wearing sunglasses is a great way to shield your eyes from UV rays. Not only do they help you see clearer when outdoors, they protect against eye cancer and macular degeneration.

Sunglasses are beneficial when spending time outside even on a cloudy day as UV rays are still present.

Changing your eye colour with contacts

For those who are unhappy with their natural eye colour or want to try a different eye colour, coloured contacts may be an option.

Contacts come in various styles, allowing you to experiment with anything from grey eyes to dark brown eyes.

Colour contact lenses require a prescription. If you don’t have one, you can see your eye doctor for an eye exam. An eye doctor can help you choose the best contact lenses for your lifestyle needs.

It is crucial to read the instructions to ensure you have the correct contact lenses and know how to use them.

If worn improperly, they can cause eye irritation, infection, or even sight loss. Always speak with an eye care professional before wearing contacts.

What makes hazel eyes unique?

Hazel-coloured eyes reflect light in a way that makes them change colour. Considered unique because they feature a combination of various colours like brown, green and amber, they are often divided into hazel brown or hazel green eyes.

To enhance your eye colour even further, try wearing different shades that bring out and complement your hazel eyes.

Eye colour is a distinctive and beautiful trait that reflects a lot about someone. It is essential to remember that no matter what your eye colour is, you must take care of your eyes.

Seeing an eye doctor, wearing prescription eyewear if necessary and protecting them from UV rays are a few ways to get started.

Head to our Optical Centre to read more about eye health or to speak with one of our in-house opticians.

Reference list

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2017, April 7). Why Are Brown Eyes Most Common? Retrieved May 3rd, 2023, from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-brown-eyes-most-common

How a Pair of Glasses Could Help Migraine Headaches

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How a Pair of Glasses Could Help Migraine Headaches

By Hannah Tinning

Reviewed by

Updated On Apr 10, 2023

Migraine and tension headaches are known to cause vision and eye discomfort. Luckily different lenses can help reduce these symptoms.

Migraine headaches cause sensory discomfort, which often affects our vision and eye comfort. It is estimated that almost half of the world’s population suffers from headaches, with 42% suffering from tension headaches and 11% from migraines.

Thanks to improving lens technology, you can relieve migraine symptoms with migraine glasses like transitional lenses, reflective sunglasses, tinted lenses and blue light-blocking glasses.

How do glasses for migraine relief work?

If you’re prone to light sensitivity, migraine glasses can relieve headaches by filtering out certain types of bright lights, like fluorescent lighting, that can trigger migraines or worsen symptoms. These glasses typically have special light sensitivity lenses that can block blue light and other certain wavelengths known to trigger migraines in some people.

By reducing the amount of triggering light levels that reach the eyes, these glasses can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes, improving your quality of life.

If you are experiencing headaches, it is essential to research your symptoms to determine what type you have to know which glasses you need to wear for relief. Migraine glasses may not be effective for other types of headaches, such as tension or sinus headaches, which require different treatments.

What is a migraine headache, and how are they caused?

It is believed by researchers that migraine episodes result from abnormal communication between nerves, chemicals and blood vessels in the body and brain. Migraine attacks usually start with an intense throbbing on the side of your head. They can spread all over the head and to the back of the neck as they worsen.

Eye strain is one factor that can bring on migraine attacks. When our eyes are fatigued from prolonged use, such as staring at a computer screen for long periods, the brain can become overstimulated and trigger a migraine.

Eye strain can also cause tension in the muscles around the eyes and neck, contributing to migraines. If you’re experiencing migraines, be sure to speak to your eye doctor to rule out vision problems.

DID YOU KNOW?

While there are no glasses specifically made to combat migraine headaches, different lenses with red tints, blue light blocking filter or photochromatic add-ons can help reduce the frequency and intensity.

What is the difference between tension and migraine headaches?

A tightening feeling around the head is often a sign that you’re suffering from a tension headache; intense throbbing indicates a migraine. Though not always the case, moderate to severe headaches can clearly show signs that you suffer from a migraine rather than a tension headache.

According to the Health Line (Health Line 2023), Scientists believe there is a spectrum of headaches, with tension headaches at one end and migraine at the other. It’s possible to have a mixed tension migraine with characteristics of both a tension headache and a migraine headache.

What are ocular migraines?

Ocular migraines, or retinal migraines, are a rare form of migraine that is characterised by blurry vision or even temporary vision loss in one eye. It is believed that spasms of blood vessels cause this type of chronic migraine in the retina.

While rare, ocular migraines can cause permanent vision damage, so you must see a doctor if you believe you’re experiencing these symptoms. Ocular migraines cannot be treated with glasses alone.

Ocular migraines vs. migraine auras?

While ocular migraines are a type of visual migraine, auras are a symptom of regular, recurring migraines. A migraine “aura” is a sensory disturbance, such as flashes of light, blurry vision or other vision problems before a migraine strikes, and can last anywhere from 5-60 minutes.

While no glasses are developed to treat migraine auras specifically, you can significantly reduce the effects of migraine auras as you would with migraine photophobia, opting for eyewear to protect the eye from certain harmful light rays.

What is photophobia?

While there are many symptoms of migraines, one of the most painful and commonly reported migraine pains is photophobia or extreme light sensitivity. Photophobia is not a condition but a symptom of another underlying complication, such as migraine attacks. It results from the connection between the cells in your eyes that detect light and the nerves that go to your head, making it a common complaint among migraine patients.

What glasses are best for migraines?

When choosing glasses for migraines, looking for lenses that can effectively block harmful light and reduce eye strain is essential. Some of the best migraine glasses include those with FL 41 lenses, which can filter out certain wavelengths of light that are known to trigger migraines. It’s important to note that at Smartbuyglasses, these lenses are not stocked.

Other glasses you can buy at SmartBuyGlasses that may be beneficial for migraines are those with photochromatic, polarised or blue light lenses, which can reduce glare, block certain colours and improve visual clarity. Anti-reflective coatings and red-tinted glasses can also be useful for reducing glare and minimising eye strain.

How can photochromic lenses help with migraine headaches?

Photochromic sunglasses can help with migraine episodes by reducing the amount of light that enters the eyes. Photochromic lenses, also known as transitional lenses, are eyeglass lenses that darken in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. They contain special molecules that react to UV light, causing the lenses to darken when exposed to sunlight or other UV light sources.

A migraine attack can often be triggered by bright light or glare, which can cause discomfort and pain in the eyes. By wearing glasses with photochromic lenses, you can help reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes, which can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity. You can easily turn your prescription glasses into photochromatic glasses to reduce eyestrain as well.

What other migraine sunglasses are there?

Reflective sunglasses are one type of migraine sunglasses that can help prevent migraine triggers by blocking bright light and glare. They are designed with a reflective coating, helping to reflect harmful UV rays and reduce glare. Wearing sunglasses with reflective lenses is also helpful for people with light sensitivity, as they help to reduce the brightness of light that enters the eyes.

Another type of migraine sunglasses that can be beneficial is those with polarised lenses. Polarised lenses have a unique filter that blocks reflected light, reducing glare and improving visual clarity. They are particularly useful for people who suffer from migraines triggered by bright sunlight or glare. They can be combined with other lens features, such as prescription glasses, anti-reflective coatings and UV protection, to enhance their effectiveness and provide maximum eye protection.

Can blue light glasses help with migraines?

Blue light exposure from digital screens has been linked to triggering migraines, so blocking blue light with specialised glasses can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Additionally, blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality, which can be beneficial for migraine sufferers who experience these symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that blue light glasses may not work for everyone and should not be used as the sole management strategy for migraines. Identifying and avoiding other migraine triggers like light sensitivity, fluorescent lighting and harsh light is still crucial. We suggest speaking with your eye doctor or seeking medical treatment if necessary.

Do migraine glasses really work?

While there is no cure for migraines, glasses with specialised lenses can help with light sensitivity and reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes and ease photophobia symptoms. Transitional lenses, reflective sunglasses, tinted lenses, blue light-blocking glasses and polarised lenses are just a few types of prescription lenses and glasses that can benefit migraine sufferers. Speak to one of our online opticians to see which lens type will be best for you.

Reference list

Health Line. (2018, September 3). Mixed Tension Migraine. Health Line. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/mixed-tension-migraine

What are Mirrored Sunglasses?

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What are Mirrored Sunglasses?

What do mirrored sunglasses do? | Is mirrored better than polarised? | How to clean mirrored sunglasses | Where to buy mirrored sunglasses | Conclusion

Mirrored glasses shield your eyes, guarantee privacy, give you clear vision and, to top it all off, they look great!

If you are an adventure-seeker looking for a pair of sunglasses to make an effortless fashion statement without sacrificing functionality, mirrored sunglasses are the perfect choice for you! So, what are mirrored sunglasses?

Mirrored sunglasses, also known as reflective sunglasses, are one of the most popular styles of sunglasses on the market. They come in diverse colours and styles and are made with durable lenses with a reflective coating on the outside, giving them a mirrored look with major functional benefits.

What do mirrored sunglasses do?

When wearing mirrored sunglasses, you will not only look fashion-forward, but you will also experience the many benefits that the style offers, including:

1. Protection against UV Light – Too much direct UV light on your eyes can cause damage, so it is important to protect your eyes as much as possible. Mirrored sunglasses offer great protection because the reflective surface on mirrored lenses has 10-60% higher sunlight reflection compared to normal tinted variations and can often be found with 100% UV protection.

2. Reduced Glare – The glare from the sun can cause headaches for those with sensitive eyes, and for those doing water and snow sports, the glare can make performance much more difficult. Luckily, reflective sunglasses can reduce glares for a more comfortable outdoor experience, making the style a go-to for many athletes. They are also often used for snow goggles!

3. Brighter field of vision – Since mirrored sunglasses reflect light rather than absorb it, they offer brighter vision when wearing them. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, this benefit is great because it will ensure less strain on your eyes throughout the day.

4. Durability – The mirrored coating on the lenses is one of the most durable coatings available. Many brands also include a scratch-resistant layer, which protects against the wear and tear of everyday life. If you are looking for extra protection, be sure to check that this option is available before purchasing.

5. Anonymity – Say goodbye to awkward eye contact! While mirrored lenses can certainly make you stand out in the crowd, they can also significantly increase your privacy. The reflective lenses will hide your eyes, so you can go about your day feeling a bit more under the radar.

6. Style – Mirrored sunglasses are also extremely stylish! With colours ranging from silver, pink, blue, green, gold, and more, there are limitless options to fit any personality. Brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley and Carrera offer an endless number of colour and frame combinations for an instant boost in confidence and style.

DID YOU KNOW

Mirrored sunglasses are sometimes called “cop shades”. This stems from their popularity among US police officers.

Is mirrored better than polarised?

Mirrored and polarised sunglasses have many similar benefits as well as some differences, and the preference of one over the other totally depends on what you are looking for. Both offer great UV protection, reduce glare, and are suitable for spending excessive amounts of time in bright conditions.

The most notable difference is that mirrored lenses are usually less costly and offer a more extensive array of lens colours. While polarised sunglasses often have grey, green, and amber tints, mirrored choices come in bright and bold colours.

However, before you choose, you can discover the many benefits of polarised lenses to compare them and determine the best choice for you! If you are still undecided, you can combine both options for a polarised, mirrored pair of sunglasses.

How to clean mirrored sunglasses

As with all sunglasses, it is important to clean them thoroughly to ensure they last as long as possible. Mirrored lenses can appear smudged more easily than normal tinted lenses, so you should clean them often.

While there are many methods online that explain how to remove scratches from sunglasses, we do not recommend trying this because it can ruin your lenses. Instead, it is best to get replacement lenses so your sunglasses last.

Where to buy mirrored sunglasses

Ready to try out a pair of mirrored sunglasses? At SmartBuyGlasses, we offer a vast selection of sunglasses with mirrored lenses. You are sure to find a pair that best suits you among our options from over 180 designer brands that feature bold colours, diverse frames, and unbeatable customer service.

Use our Virtual Try-On technology to make your purchase with 100% confidence. Try on an endless number of styles from the comfort of your own home. Once you choose, you can make the purchase and relax knowing we have a 100-day return policy, free shipping, and the best price guarantee.

Conclusion

Whether you are walking through the city streets, making waves during water sports, or feeling adventurous to try a new outdoor activity, mirrored sunglasses are the perfect choice to ensure style and success for any occasion.

Sunglasses Lens Colour Guide

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Sunglass Lens Colour Guide

Does the colour of sunglass lenses matter? | Lens colour recommendation by weather | Lens colour recommendation by activity

By Corina Iatisin

Reviewed by

Updated On Mar 23, 2023

When buying a new pair of sunglasses and choosing the colour of your lenses, remember that different lens colours have different purposes.

Depending on weather conditions or the activities that are part of your daily routine, the colour of your lenses can enhance the overall performance of your glasses. Most people choose lens colours based on aesthetics, but did you know that different lens colours serve different purposes?

In this article, we will guide you through the different colour options, explain the difference between each lens colour and help you understand how to choose the best one to suit your needs.

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter?

Yes, colour has a noticeable effect on the sunglasses. Depending on your lifestyle, lens colour also affects your eye health during certain activities. This makes it essential for you to find a suitable lens compatible with your daily activities and needs.

What about mirrored lenses?

Mirrored sunglasses are the perfect stylish option to protect your eyes against UV rays. The fully reflective coating used for the lenses gives the mirrored look everyone loves these days. Combined with polarised lenses, they offer maximum protection against UV rays and increase clarity. Both polarised and mirrored lenses, either separate or combined, come in different colours. Below, we will be listing the most popular colours and what is the advantage of choosing each lens colour.

Lens colour guide

Grey and black lenses are the best option if you’re looking for a neutral lens tint. These lenses are perfect for all weather conditions and are the top choice if you want to perceive colours in their purest form, even when wearing sunglasses.

Grey lenses are great at reducing the brightest glare and are perfect for outdoor activities and sports such as surfing, cycling, golfing and driving. If you’re looking for the everyday use type of tint, this is the one.

Amber and brown tints are extremely popular as they provide excellent depth perception. These lenses have a warm, reddish tone and are perfect for reducing glare, enhancing contrast, and helping maintain visual acuity. Amber and brown lens sunglasses are perfect for sunny days and outdoor activities such as fishing, shooting, tennis, or baseball.

Green Lenses are one of the trendiest when it comes to polarized or mirrored sunglasses. They are perfect for sunny days but also in low light conditions. Whether sunny, cloudy, or anything in between, green lenses will work amazingly well, giving you excellent vision and reducing glare.

Green lens sunglasses are one of the most popular ones for outdoor activities: no matter what sport you have on your agenda, these lenses will increase contrast and visual sharpness and enhance shadow.

Yellow lenses are more efficient in low-light environments like cloudy or rainy days. One of the benefits of using yellow lenses is that when playing sports, these lenses are great for focusing on moving objects. Another advantage is that when navigating, they are perfect in hazy or low-light conditions. Yellow lenses are also very popular amongst gamers as they filter blue light from computer screens and other screen devices.

Blue lenses are not only very trendy but also well-known for enhancing clarity and defining contours. These lenses improve colour perception and do wonders in low-light conditions. They’re suited well for all water sports, snow sports, and golf.

Red and pink tints increase contrast by blocking blue light and enhancing depth perception. They are also soothing for the eyes and more comfortable than others for longer wear times. Pink and red lenses perform their best on extremely sunny days and snowy conditions.

DID YOU KNOW?

Black lenses are perfect if you’re looking for a neutral lens tint while brown lenses provide excellent depth perception. Blue lenses are suited for all water sports. For rainy days, yellow lenses are a must!

Lens colour recommendation by weather

Lens colour recommendation by activity

Benefits of lens colours and tint

Now that you’ve read the guide to coloured lenses for sunglasses, choosing the next pair won’t be so daunting. Whether you need the perfect pair for your winter sports or the bright sunlight of summer, you’ll have the right tinted sunglasses to suit all your vision needs.

What Is Anisometropia?

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What is Anisometropia?

What are the types of Anisometropia? | Is Antimetropia rare? | Symptoms of Anisometropia | What causes Anisometropia? |Treatment | Can Anisometropia be corrected with glasses?| Does Anisometropia get worse?

Anisometropia is a condition where the refractive error differs between two eyes. Read on to learn more about what anisometropia is.

If you are wondering, ‘what is Anisometropia?’ then you have come to the right place. The definition of anisometropia, more commonly known as vision imbalance, is a condition where your eyes have varying refractive power – i.e. your ability to focus is different in each eye. Anisometropia means you have a different prescription for each eye.

Typically caused by unevenly sized or shaped eyes, anisometropia symptoms include asymmetric longsightedness or asymmetric shortsightedness. Anisometropia can result in an induced differential prism between the eyes as they move away from the centre of the correcting lens. Several studies show that only around 6% of young people have this refractive error, which generally occurs more frequently as they age.

What are the types of anisometropia?

1) Simple anisometropia

Simple anisometropia occurs when one eye has regular vision, but the other affected eye is short-sighted (myopia) or long-sighted (hyperopia). If you have one normal eye and one nearsighted eye, you have simple myopic anisometropia i.e. blurrier image in one eye.

2) Hyperopic anisometropia

Hyperopic anisometropia, also known as compound anisometropia, occurs when both eyes have the same refraction problem, but one eye is worse. If your pair of eyes are nearsighted, but one has a higher prescription than the other, you have compound myopic anisometropia.

This can cause the eyes to be unable to work together and fuse the image into one, causing double vision. Double vision, also known as diplopia, causes people to see two of the same image.

3) Simple astigmatic anisometropia

Astigmatism is when the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens is shaped like a football, which means your vision is blurred at all distances. The shape of your eye causes light to refract unevenly, which means the light changes direction when it enters your eye at an angle.

4) Compound astigmatic anisometropia

This refractive error means you have astigmatism in both eyes, but one eye requires much more correction. For compound astigmatic anisometropia, both eyes are either farsighted or nearsighted and require refraction correction.

5) Mixed astigmatic anisometropia

If you have this type of anisometropia, you have astigmatism in both eyes. However, one eye is farsighted, and the other is nearsighted.

6) Antimetropia

Another kind of anisometropia is a rare refractive condition called antimetropia, also known as mixed anisometropia. This condition is when one eye is myopic and the other is hyperopic, which means there is a significant difference in vision between the two eyes.

Is antimetropia rare?

Antimetropia is rare, but in most cases that it occurs is in post-cataract refractive surgery patients.

Symptoms of anisometropia

‘How do I know if I have anisometropia?’ You may be asking at this point. Anisometropia has a number of noticeable symptoms. These can include:

Amblyopia (also called lazy eye)
Frequent blurred vision
Diplopia (double vision) and dizziness
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Headaches
Difficulty with 3D vision, poor depth perception and loss of balance
Lack of coordination

If you suffer from any of these or other mild vision problems, you should ask your doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and diagnosis. An eye exam will generally include various tests to check the health of your eye and distinguish any diseases or conditions. Even if you do not have any symptoms, an eye screening is recommended for adults at the age of 40 to identify vision change and any signs of various sight impairments.

What causes anisometropia?

Most people with ‘normal vision’ can experience up to a 5% difference in the refractive power of each eye. However, those with a larger difference in refractive power (5-20%) will experience uneven vision, which can cause a lack of coordination.

There is no definitive answer as to what causes refractive errors that lead to developing anisometropia. There are likely genetic and environmental risk factors for this, such as defects in the eye at birth or an uneven size of the two eyes. Other potential causes can include injury to the eye, eye trauma and refractive surgery.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anisometromia means having a large difference in refractive power of each eye, between 5 and 20%. This causes uneven vision, which leads to lack of coordination.

Anisometropia after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is when the natural lens of an eye is replaced with an artificial one to help improve visual stimulation without wearing glasses or stopping cataract development. The majority of people will copy very well following cataract surgery. However, some people will experience symptoms of anisometropia in more severe cases.

Anisometropia in children

Anisometropia can result in anisometropic amblyopia (lazy eye) in young children. Amblyopia can occur in children because the brain tells the eyes to focus the same amount in each eye. However, if the eyes don’t have the same refractive power, one eye will produce a blurry image compared to the other eye.

Furthermore, if your child does not have a wandering or crossing eye (strabismus), it can be difficult to determine the condition. Young children often do not present outward signs of issues, as they function well using one eye, so it is more difficult to notice.

However, older children are likely to complain. We recommend booking your child an eye test to diagnose the condition and to be treated.

Treatment

There are different methods of treatment for anisometropia, which vary from person to person. It is important to consult your eye doctor to understand and seek treatment. Treatments you may be offered include:

Corrective lenses (wear glasses or contact lenses) can be worn to improve overall vision and produce a clear image.
Special filters in glasses help train the brain to use the weaker eye.
Covering the dominant eye with an eye patch (the same treatment for a lazy eye), also known as patching, helps the brain use the neglected eye.
Eye drops can blur the vision in the dominant eye, which helps force the brain to use the neglected eye.
LASIK is a common corrective surgery for treating anisometropia, depending on your prescription.

Can anisometropia be corrected with glasses?

If you’re asking, ‘can anisometropia be corrected?’, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are treatment options. One kind of treatment for anisometropia is corrective lenses. While you are correcting short-sightedness in both eyes using prescription glasses that are the same over each eye, anisometropia requires a different kind of lens to correct it.

When deciding which route to take when it comes to eyewear, consider the wide range of options available:

Prescription glasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses (PALs) are a common option for treating anisometropia symptoms and are often the first step. You can get an up-to-date spectacle prescription from your optician or use our Lens Scanner to reveal your current prescription.
Bifocal lenses are glasses constructed with two points of focus, which simultaneously correct refractive errors for both distance and near vision.
Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal lenses but offer a gradual transition between the two prescription lenses, so there is no visible line on your prescription spectacles.
Reading glasses are another option for anisometropia symptoms. You can have these glasses fitted with your unique prescription so you can wear these glasses while you read or work. There are also non-prescription reading glasses that you can typically try out and purchase in high-street shops.

Severe Anisometropia

A patient with severe anisometropia is not generally not recommended to wear glasses. Glasses have a magnification effect that can cause a large difference in the image size seen by each eye. Therefore, wearing glasses with severe anisometropia can prevent exceptional binocular vision. Therefore, those with severe anisometropia are generally advised to wear contact lenses instead, as they ensure optimal vision in both eyes.

Anisometropia treatment: contact lenses

Additionally, there is a range of contact lenses available to treat anisometropia symptoms. Multifocal are available in both gas-permeable and soft lens material, depending on your preference. Another possibility is monovision contact lenses, where you use a distance vision lens for one eye and a different contact lens for close-up usage in the other. The type a patient chooses depends on the type of anisometropia and the spectacle prescription.

How serious is anisometropia?

The severity of anisometropia varies in adults and children. It is essential to treat anisometropia as soon as it is diagnosed and not ignore it. If anisometropia is left untreated, the brain can select the better eye that presents a clearer image, thus ignoring the other eye. This can then lead to dependence on the stronger eye over exam time.

Eventually, the weaker eye will progressively worsen, so it’s important to get an appointment with your ophthalmologist before the refractive error becomes acute. At your appointment, your eye doctor will recommend the best eye treatment going forward.

Does anisometropia get worse?

In some cases, anisometropia can worsen. Anisometropia shows an exponential increase in prevalence with increasing age in life. Furthermore, if you do not treat your anisometropia, this can worsen the condition. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you seek the correct treatment from your eye doctor before the condition can develop or lead to complications.

What Is Anisometropia?

What are the types of Anisometropia? | Is Antimetropia rare? | Symptoms of Anisometropia | What causes Anisometropia? |Treatment | Can Anisometropia be corrected with glasses?| Does Anisometropia get worse?

Anisometropia is a condition where the refractive error differs between two eyes. Read on to learn more about what Anisometropia is.

Anisometropia means you have a different prescription for each eye.

Typically caused by unevenly sized or shaped eyes, anisometropia symptoms include asymmetric longsightedness or asymmetric shortsightedness.

Anisometropia can result in an induced differential prism between the eyes as they move away from the centre of the correcting lens. Several studies show that only around 6% of young people have this refractive error, which generally occurs more frequently as they age.

What are the types of anisometropia?

There are different types of anisometropia, with patients being affected differently by each of them. However, most types of anisometropia share the same symptoms.

1) Simple anisometropia

Simple anisometropia occurs when one eye has regular vision, but the other affected eye is short-sighted (myopia) or long-sighted (hyperopia).

If you have one normal eye and one nearsighted eye, you have simple myopic anisometropia i.e. blurrier image in one eye.

2) Hyperopic anisometropia

Hyperopic anisometropia, also known as compound anisometropia, occurs when both eyes have the same refraction problem, but one eye is worse.

If your pair of eyes are nearsighted, but one has a higher prescription than the other, you have compound myopic anisometropia.

This can cause the eyes to be unable to work together and fuse the image into one, causing double vision. Double vision, also known as diplopia, causes people to see two of the same image.

4) Simple astigmatic anisometropia

Astigmatism is when the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens is shaped like a football, which means your vision is blurred at all distances.

The shape of your eye causes light to refract unevenly, which means the light changes direction when it enters your eye at an angle.

5) Compound astigmatic anisometropia

6) Mixed astigmatic anisometropia

If you have this type of anisometropia, you have astigmatism in both eyes. However, one eye is farsighted, and the other is nearsighted.

7) Antimetropia

Another kind of anisometropia is a rare refractive condition called antimetropia, also known as mixed anisometropia.

This condition is when one eye is myopic and the other is hyperopic, which means there is a significant difference in vision between the two eyes.

Is antimetropia rare?

Antimetropia is rare, but in most cases that it occurs is in post-cataract refractive surgery patients.

Symptoms of anisometropia

‘How do I know if I have anisometropia?’ You may be asking at this point. Anisometropia has a number of noticeable symptoms. These can include:

Amblyopia (also called lazy eye)
Frequent blurred vision
Diplopia (double vision) and dizziness
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Headaches
Difficulty with 3D vision, poor depth perception and loss of balance
Lack of coordination

What causes anisometropia?

Most people with ‘normal vision’ can experience up to a 5% difference in the refractive power of each eye.

However, those with a larger difference in refractive power (5-20%) will experience uneven vision, which can cause a lack of coordination.

Other potential causes can include injury to the eye, eye trauma and refractive surgery.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anisometromia means having a large difference in refractive power of each eye, between 5 and 20%. This causes uneven vision, which leads to lack of coordination.

Anisometropia after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is when the natural lens of an eye is replaced with an artificial one to help improve visual stimulation without wearing glasses or stopping cataract development.

The majority of people will copy very well following cataract surgery. However, some people will experience symptoms of anisometropia in more severe cases.

Anisometropia in children

However, older children are likely to complain. We recommend booking your child an eye test to diagnose the condition and to be treated.

Treatment

Corrective lenses (wear glasses or contact lenses) can be worn to improve overall vision and produce a clear image.
Special filters in glasses help train the brain to use the weaker eye.
Covering the dominant eye with an eye patch (the same treatment for a lazy eye), also known as patching, helps the brain use the neglected eye.
Eye drops can blur the vision in the dominant eye, which helps force the brain to use the neglected eye.
LASIK is a common corrective surgery for treating anisometropia, depending on your prescription.

Can anisometropia be corrected with glasses?

When deciding which route to take when it comes to eyewear, consider the wide range of options available:

Prescription glasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses (PALs) are a common option for treating anisometropia symptoms and are often the first step. You can get an up-to-date spectacle prescription from your optician or use our Lens Scanner to reveal your current prescription.
Bifocal lenses are glasses constructed with two points of focus, which simultaneously correct refractive errors for both distance and near vision.
Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal lenses but offer a gradual transition between the two prescription lenses, so there is no visible line on your prescription spectacles.
Reading glasses are another option for anisometropia symptoms. You can have these glasses fitted with your unique prescription so you can wear these glasses while you read or work. There are also non-prescription reading glasses that you can typically try out and purchase in high-street shops.

Severe anisometropia

A patient with severe anisometropia is not generally not recommended to wear glasses. Glasses have a magnification effect that can cause a large difference in the image size seen by each eye.

Therefore, wearing glasses with severe anisometropia can prevent exceptional binocular vision. Therefore, those with severe anisometropia are generally advised to wear contact lenses instead, as they ensure optimal vision in both eyes.

Anisometropia treatment: contact lenses

Additionally, there is a range of contact lenses available to treat anisometropia symptoms. Multifocal are available in both gas-permeable and soft lens material, depending on your preference.

Another possibility is monovision contact lenses, where you use a distance vision lens for one eye and a different contact lens for close-up usage in the other. The type a patient chooses depends on the type of anisometropia and the spectacle prescription.

How serious is anisometropia?

The severity of anisometropia varies in adults and children. It is essential to treat anisometropia as soon as it is diagnosed and not ignore it.

If anisometropia is left untreated, the brain can select the better eye that presents a clearer image, thus ignoring the other eye. This can then lead to dependence on the stronger eye over exam time.

Eventually, the weaker eye will progressively worsen, so it’s important to get an appointment with your ophthalmologist before the refractive error becomes acute.

At your appointment, your eye doctor will recommend the best eye treatment going forward.

Does anisometropia get worse?

In some cases, anisometropia can worsen. Anisometropia shows an exponential increase in prevalence with increasing age in life.

Furthermore, if you do not treat your anisometropia, this can worsen the condition.

Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you seek the correct treatment from your eye doctor before the condition can develop or lead to complications.

Crazed Lenses

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Crazed Lenses

What are crazed lenses? | What causes it? | Can Transitions craze? Heat damage and crazing | How to spot it | How to prevent it | How to fix it

Find out what crazed lenses are and how to prevent them from getting in the way of clear vision.

If you notice tiny cracks on your glasses’ lenses, the anti-reflective coating (AR coating) has probably begun to craze. Crazing is a web of tiny cracks that can appear on the lenses of eyeglasses which have an anti-reflective coating. When crazing or lens cloudiness occurs, your glasses become less effective as your field of vision may appear blurry.

What is crazing on my eyeglasses lenses?

Lens crazing is the spider web of fine cracks that can occur when your glasses’ special lens coatings are damaged by improper care or exposure to extreme temperatures. Anti-reflective lenses and polarised lenses have a lot of benefits. These coated lenses block glare and reflections, ease eye strain and improve vision. It is important to note that while these lenses are an excellent option for many, the coatings are susceptible to crazing, requiring proper care to prevent it.

What causes crazing on lenses?

There are multiple factors that can cause lenses to craze. An unavoidable cause is the improper application of an anti-reflective coating in the lab. In addition, cleaning your eyeglasses with rubbing alcohol, window cleaner, or another harsh cleaner may lead to crazing. As with any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is essential to clean your glasses properly.

Extreme or quick temperature changes may cause the coated lenses to expand and contract leading to crazed lenses. Wearing your glasses while doing activities near high temperatures, such as grilling, tending a fire, or welding may have the same effect. Crazing or lens cloudiness may also appear with no apparent cause. In this situation, the crazing may be the result of a manufacturing defect.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lens crazing are fine cracks that can occur when your glasses' special lens coatings are damaged. It's easy to prevent if you take proper care of them and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

Is it possible for Transitions® lenses to craze?

Transitions® glasses and other brands of photochromic lenses can become crazed if they are coated with an anti-reflective coating. Crazing on Transitions® lenses is often caused by exposure to high heat. This doesn’t mean you should avoid wearing your glasses, but be mindful of how and where you wear them. Avoid leaving glasses sitting outside on a sunny day or wearing them around extreme heat.

How can heat damage eyeglass lenses?

High heat exposure can damage glasses and lenses in several ways. First, heat can cause the anti-glare coating and lenses to expand at different rates. These contractions create eyeglass crazing. Heat can also damage glasses by softening and warping plastic frames and lenses and damaging the film on polarised sunglasses.

Heat is not something we can always avoid. But to protect your glasses from heat damage, do not leave your glasses in a hot car and avoid wearing glasses near extreme heat. If your optician plans to use a frame warmer to adjust your glasses to better fit your face, speak to them about the possibility of crazing.

How to spot crazing

If you suddenly notice your vision is not as great in your relatively new glasses, crazing may be the cause. Check the lenses for hairline cracks, and contact the eye doctor or optical store where you purchased the glasses to find a solution and restore your vision.

How to prevent crazing on eyeglasses

It is important to take proper care of your glasses. By doing so, you can prevent crazing and surface scratching. When your glasses are dirty, do not use hot, heavily soapy water, but instead rinse them with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris. A microfiber or lint-free cotton towel and a lens spray designed specifically for cleaning eyeglasses are also good solutions. Remember to be careful and avoid high heat, as this creates crazing.

How can I fix crazed lenses?

Some eye care professionals and optical laboratories have access to stripping solutions that can be used to strip the anti-reflective coating from the lenses and remove crazing. SmartBuyGlasses does not offer this service and it is only sometimes an option, so speak to your optician to see if this is a solution for you. Results will vary based on the lens and coating used and it may not be possible for the AR coating to be stripped from polycarbonate lenses or high-index lenses.

Check to see if your lenses are still under warranty; some warranties cover crazing caused by a manufacturing defect. Your warranty will not cover crazing caused by mistake; for example, leaving glasses in a hot car. At SmartBuyGlasses, all eyewear comes with a 24-month warranty. If your crazing is caused by a manufacturer’s defect, it will likely appear within the first six months. Head to our FAQ to read more about what’s covered under warranty.

Some eye care professionals and optical laboratories have access to stripping solutions that can be used to strip the anti-reflective coating from the lenses and remove crazing.

SmartBuyGlasses does not offer this service and it is only sometimes an option, so speak to your optician to see if this is a solution for you. Results will vary based on the lens and coating used and it may not be possible for the AR coating to be stripped from polycarbonate lenses or high-index lenses.

At SmartBuyGlasses, all eyewear comes with a 24-month warranty. If your crazing is caused by a manufacturer’s defect, it will likely appear within the first six months. Head to our FAQ to read more about what’s covered under warranty.

Lens crazing

Don’t avoid an anti-reflective coating because of crazed lens potential. An anti-reflective coating has many benefits. To avoid crazing, keep your eyeglass lenses safe, avoid wearing your glasses near high heat, don’t leave glasses in a hot car and remove dirt and debris correctly.

While crazed lenses may result from a manufacturer error, more commonly, it is human error. Don’t let crazing happen; pay attention to your eyeglass lenses and always take special care of them.

Lowest Prescription for Contacts

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Lowest Prescription for Contacts

Contact lenses are becoming more advanced and available for those in need of vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Contact lenses have become much more comfortable, breathable and versatile since they were first designed in the 19th century.

The earliest versions were blown from glass, so it’s no wonder they were less popular than they are now. Today, contact lenses are thin, plastic lenses used for vision correction.

Contact lenses differ from glasses as they are worn directly on the cornea, the front surface of the eye. Contact lenses adhere to the shape of the eye, allowing a wider field of vision and fewer distortions or obstacles than prescription glasses.

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

The lens power in glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Just as contact lenses and glasses are not worn in the same way, their prescriptions also differ.

Glasses generally rest about 12 mm from the eyes, whereas contacts are worn directly on the eyes and have a much smaller surface area. The distance from the eye directly impacts the difference in lens power.

A prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses will require separate eye exams and measurements from your optometrist as the prescriptions will differ.

Additionally, with so many types of contact lenses available it is important a correct fit and brand is prescribed.

Ordering contact lenses with the wrong prescription can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, eye strain or fatigue and eye pain (AAO, 2012).

How to read a contact prescription

If you’ve received an eye exam, got your new prescription and are ready to buy contact lenses online but need clarification, you’re not alone!

Codes like “D, CYL and AXIS” are all over your prescription, but what do they mean?

Many people need different levels of vision correction in each eye, so a contact lens prescription may have two sets of numbers—one for your right eye and one for your left eye.

OD, oculus dexter, refers to your right eye, while OS, oculus sinister, refers to your left eye.

Base Curve (BC) determines the type of fit required for the lens to meet the curve of your eye. It is measured in millimeters (mm) and aligns with the curvature of your eye.
Power (PWR)/Sphere (SPH) refers to the strength of your prescription. You will see a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (-) followed by a number. If you are farsighted, your figure will begin with a plus sign. If you are nearsighted, it will start with a minus sign.
Diameter (DIA) is the entire width of your contact lenses. Also measured in millimeters, the higher the base curve, the flatter the cornea’s curvature.

If you need astigmatism correction, you will have two additional terms and numbers on the prescription. For those with astigmatism, you will need toric lenses.

Cylinder (CYL) represents the severity of your astigmatism and the additional visual requirements needed for vision correction.
Axis (AX) is measured in degrees and tells you where and how your astigmatism is located and oriented on your eye.

For those with presbyopia or who need multifocal lenses, you will notice one or both of the following on your prescription.

Addition (ADD) determines the amount of correction you need to be able to see clearly at a close distance.
Dominant (D/N) identifies your dominant (D) and non-dominant (N) eye. The dominant eye usually prioritises distance vision, while the non-dominant eye prioritises near vision.

Your prescription will also include a brand of contact lenses. Contact lens boxes will include most of the prescription details on them as well.

Different contact lens brands have distinct features and measurements, so it is important only to order the brand prescribed. If you want or need to switch brands, it is essential to let your eye doctor know.

DID YOU KNOW?

A glasses and contact lens prescription are not the same, it is important to get an updated eye exam before purchasing contacts.

DID YOU KNOW?

A glasses and contact lens prescription are not the same, it is important to get an updated eye exam before purchasing contacts.

What do the numbers mean in a contact prescription?

If you understand what the codes mean, you may still wonder what the numbers mean. BC and DIA will not be present on your glasses prescription, as they refer only to a contact lens prescription.

Measured in millimetres, the BC is always a number between 8 and 9 and will align with the curvature of your eye. DIA is typically between 14 and 14.5 millimetres and determines the entire width of your contact lens.

The PWR or SPH (prescription strength) is measured in increments of 0.25 diopters. The further from zero, the stronger the vision correction needed. A negative number, -1.00, indicates nearsightedness.

A positive number, for example, +2.00, indicates farsightedness.

CYL is always a negative number measured in increments of 0.25, showing the amount of astigmatism. AX is a number between 0 and 180 degrees, referring to the angle of correction needed.

For those with presbyopia, the ADD figure is a positive number between 0.50 and 3.00.

If you still need help reading and understanding your contact lens prescription, contact your optometrist or head to our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

How long is a contact prescription good for?

Most contact lens prescriptions expire within one to two years of your last eye exam. Once your prescription has expired, it is important to see your eye doctor for a new contact lens prescription.

Wearing the wrong prescription contacts may create discomfort and lead to further vision problems.

How low do contact prescriptions go?

Contact lenses are becoming more and more diverse and available for those in need of vision correction. Contact lenses are now offered at the lowest prescription of -0.25/+0.25.

Many people neglect to wear their low-prescription eyeglasses because of inconvenience, but wearing low-prescription contacts might be a good solution as they can be considered less obstructive.

Contact lenses don’t interfere with equipment such as helmets, hats, or goggles. During sports or exercise, contact lenses don’t get in the way.

They’re not at risk of falling off or breaking. Contact lenses are not usually affected by weather as they don’t fog up in the cold.

Correcting your vision and protecting your eyes at any prescription level is important. If you’re avoiding your glasses for ease and convenience, speak with your eye doctor about receiving an eye exam and switching to contact lenses.

What is the strongest contact lens prescription?

Advances in contact lens technology have made it so that contact lenses can be worn safely and comfortably by those with high-power prescriptions.

Standard contact lenses are readily available in prescriptions from -12.00 to +8.00, and cylinder powers up to -2.25 or -2.75 for astigmatism correction.

Extended-range lenses are also available with spherical powers of +15.00D to –20.00D and up to –5.75D in cylindrical powers (Contact Lens Spectrum, 2016).

Soft contact lenses with high powers have thicker edges compared to low-powered ones. These thicker edges may be less comfortable to wear and cause more dry eyes.

Many people with high-power prescriptions choose RGP lenses (rigid gas permeable or ‘hard’) as they are smaller and thinner than a soft lens.

RGP lenses don’t bend like soft lenses, but they let oxygen through so your eyes can breathe.

Advantages of contact lenses

While contact lenses might not be for everyone, many contact lens wearers won’t go back to standard eyeglasses. Contacts conform to your eye, reducing distortion and obstructions.

They won’t stop you from playing sports or competing in outdoor activities. Contact lenses are also available in coloured lenses, so you can experiment with your eye colour.

With varying contact lens power, affordable contact lenses and varying lens materials, there are contact lenses for everyone.

Based on your lifestyle, you can speak with your eye doctor about purchasing daily disposable lenses, weekly or monthly lenses.

Contact lenses prescription

Buying contact lenses doesn’t have to be confusing. They’re an excellent alternative for those looking to ditch their eyeglasses. It is important to remember that glasses and contact lens prescriptions are different.

Do not assume that any numbers on your glasses prescription will match your contact lens prescription.

If you want to try contact lenses, schedule an eye exam to determine what you need and what lens type will best suit you.

For people with vision problems, contacts are an effective, almost invisible tool. The thin lenses correct vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

You can even wear contacts if you have presbyopia and need bifocals. As technology and medicine continue to advance, contact lenses are only improving.

Speak with your eye doctor about getting a prescription for contact lenses and start seeing clearer and more comfortably.

REFERENCES

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2012). Can outdated contact lenses harm your eyes? [Online]. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/wearing-outdated-contacts
Contact Lens Spectrum. (2016). Specialty and Custom Soft Contact Lenses. [Online]. Available at: https://www.clspectrum.com/issues/2016/december-2016/specialty-and-custom-soft-contact-lenses

What Is Rimless Glasses – Everything You Need to Know

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What is Rimless Glasses - Everything You Need to Know

By Emma Moletto

Reviewed by

Updated On Mar 23, 2023

Are frameless eyeglasses right for you? Find out!

We know the endless choices of frames are overwhelming, so why not make it easier and try a pair of rimless glasses? This article will cover what rimless glasses are and what you need to know before buying your first pair. Discover the pros and cons of wearing rimless glasses and whether they are an affordable alternative to prescription glasses for you.

What are rimless glasses?

Rimless glasses, or frameless eyeglasses, are glasses with no frame. The nose bridge connects the lenses, and the temples are directly attached to the lenses. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the first widely available version of rimless glasses came as prince-nez. These glasses pinched the nose and didn’t have earpieces. Manufacturers went to a great extent to keep these glasses secure on the nose. Around World War 1, a version with two temple arms and a nose bridge emerged.

In the coming decades, various other structural improvements were implemented, including nose pads, changing the type of screws, and different style variations. Rimless glasses help bring more focus to your face and allow for a subtle look. In the 21st century, frameless glasses are usually made with quality, lightweight, and durable materials, such as titanium, as they are more delicate than standard glasses.

What are the pros and cons of rimless glasses?

Like any pair of glasses, rimless glasses have features that appeal to some people rather than others. Let’s look into why rimless glasses may or may not be for you.

What are the advantages of rimless eyeglasses?

Cost-effective
Subtle – nearly invisible on your face
Lightweight
You can look fashionable, professional, or casual, depending on the model

What are the disadvantages of rimless glasses?

Delicate and more prone to breakage since there’s no frame
Not for those who want their glasses to show off their vibrant personalities
Not available in all frames styles
Not available for all prescription lenses (see next paragraph)

Consider the pros and cons to decide whether rimless eyeglasses are for you. If you like them and need prescription lenses, then let’s find out if frameless eyeglasses are suitable for your vision.

Can I get rimless glasses with a high prescription?

Prescription rimless eyeglasses are not suitable for high prescriptions. Indeed, it is not recommended to wear your frameless glasses if your prescription is higher than -6.00. Strong prescriptions have thicker lenses and need extra support, like semi-rimeless and full-rim glasses in plastic or metal frames. However, depending on the lens material and your prescription details, you might get away with frameless glasses, even with a high index. Consult our certified online opticians for more advice.

Progressive lenses can be fitted to a rimless pair of glasses and work as effectively as other progressive prescription glasses (always depending on your prescription). The same goes for tinted lenses and transitions. You should have a regular eye test to have an updated version of your prescription. If you are unsure what your existing prescription is before buying a pair of rimless glasses, you can use our Lens Scanner tool and get the result straight to your phone.

Best lens material for rimless glasses

The lenses in frameless eyeglasses are more exposed than full or semi-rimmed glasses, so they’re more prone to breakage. Therefore, rimless glasses depend on certain types of lens materials.

Standard plastic or glass lenses work best with full-rimmed glasses as they are fully covered. The lenses are more exposed in rimless glasses, and with glass or standard plastic lenses, they’d lack impact resistance. So, frameless eyeglasses depend on the quality and robust lens materials, and with high prescriptions, thicker lenses require more stability.

High-quality plastic lenses, like Arise Collective™ Clarity Lenses are a good option for frameless glasses with low prescriptions. They are lighter and thinner than standard glasses lenses and also offer UV protection and impact resistance. Higher prescriptions may require thicker lenses, which mean a heavier pair of glasses. High-index lenses are a great way to avoid heavy rimless glasses since they offer superior impact resistance.

DID YOU KNOW?

The best lens material for rimless glasses is high-quality plastic, such as our Arise Collective™ Clarity Lenses . With higher prescriptions, it is recommended to opt for high-index lenses for superior impact resistance and comfort.

How much do rimless glasses cost?

One of the pros of rimless eyewear is that it is cost-effective, so you won’t need to exceed your budget.

You can find affordable rimless glasses and designer eyewear to suit your every eye need and personal style. If you love durable sporty glasses, try Oakley rimless glasses, or discover our Arise Collective for something more eco-chic.

How to adjust rimless glasses

Rimless glasses need extra delicacy when it comes to small repairings. To adjust loose screws, remove them from the frames, insert a new screw, and tighten them with a jeweller’s screwdriver. Tighten it up to the point where it becomes difficult to turn to avoid cracking the lens where the hinge and lens meet.

You can also slightly adjust the nose pads to make the glasses sit higher or lower on your face. Be careful when doing this with rimless progressive glasses, as they may alter your vision while wearing them. Undoubtedly, it’s always best to visit your local opticians for assistance.

Alternatives to rimless glasses

So, what are rimless glasses? Imagine a pair of prescription glasses without a frame, just the lenses, nose bridge, and temples.

After reading our article, you should have a better understanding of why some people prefer to wear rimless glasses and may want to try them yourself. Remember to take extra care of frameless glasses, as the lenses do not have the additional support full or semi-rimmed glasses may offer.

If you’ve decided that rimless glasses are not the best option for your needs, you may want to explore different types of glasses to find what you love among trendy and practical everyday eyewear.

How to Adjust Glasses

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How to Adjust Plastic Glasses

Key points | How to tighten | How to loosen | Tilted glasses | Professional help

Read our helpful guide on how to adjust your plastic glasses frames to get your perfect fit!

If you recently purchased a new pair of plastic frames, congratulations! Now comes the tricky part: adjusting them to feel perfectly secure on your face every time you put them on. It’s common knowledge that buying the right glasses is only half of the battle – it’s just as crucial to ensure your glasses or sunglasses fit correctly for maximum comfort and vision. Read on to learn essential tips and tricks to ensure you get all-day convenience from your new specs.

How to adjust plastic glasses frames: the key points

To make any slight adjustments to the frame, run any plastic parts under hot water or heat with a hair dryer for 30-60 seconds and then carefully bend.

If the frame slides down your face, bend the earpiece closer to a 90-degree angle to tighten the fit. If it hurts the back of your ear because it’s too tight, do the opposite and make it less of an angle.
Never try to bend or adjust any plastic frame parts without first heating up the frame. This will break them!

How to tighten plastic glasses

Frequently pushing up your glasses because they’ve slid down your nose can be irritating, but adjusting your glasses to fix this is easy.

Firstly, soak the arms of your glasses for 30-60 seconds in warm water. Then apply gentle downward and inward pressure on the end of the arms. This gives a tighter fit behind the ear, which should prevent your glasses from slipping.

HELPFUL TIP: In summer, glasses and sunglasses are more likely to slide down your nose due to factors like perspiration and sunblock. If tightening the frames isn’t doing the job, try using a gripping wax or nose pads on the nose pelts to stop the slippage.

How to loosen plastic glasses

Glasses that pinch your nose are not only uncomfortable, but that prolonged pressure can cause headaches or migraines. With a few simple steps, you can easily adjust your plastic glasses frames for a personalized fit and optimum comfort.

Firstly, ensure your hands are clean so you don’t risk damaging the frames. Then, after you’ve soaked the arms of your glasses in warm water for 30-60 seconds, gently apply upward and outward pressure on the end of the arms to achieve a wider fit.

Keep trying on the glasses, testing them out until you get just the right amount of space, as too much bending will damage your spectacle frames. Now enjoy your perfect fit!

DID YOU KNOW?

Loosening your plastic glasses seems like a complicated task, but in fact it is easily doable at home. Apply outward pressure to warmed glasses frames to gently loosen the fit.

How to adjust plastic frame glasses if they are tilted

Your eyewear plays an integral part in your eye health, so it’s essential that you adjust your glasses frames properly to ensure maximum comfort and protection. Although the process of adjustments is simple, it is essential to remember not to force the plastic of your glasses too much. Plastic is a brittle substance and can break easily if dealt with incorrectly.

If you are struggling to adjust your frames, do not fret! Visit a professional optician; they are highly capable of modifying any type of plastic frame with precision. With their expert help, you’ll be able to adjust your glasses in no time!

When to visit a professional

If you notice that one side of your frames appears higher than the other, you need to adjust the arms of your glasses (the part of the frames that hooks behind your ear). After soaking the arms of your glasses for 30-60 seconds in warm water, follow the steps below:

If the right side is higher than the left, bend the left arm down at the hinge or where the arm bends behind your ear.

If the left side is higher than the right, gently bend the right arm down at the hinge or where the arm bends behind your ear.

Thinnest Lenses for High Prescription – What Are My Options?

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Thinnest Lenses for High Prescription Glasses- What Are My Options?

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By Hannah Tinning

Reviewed by

Updated On Apr 04, 2023

Lenses with a 1.74 index are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription wearers and include many benefits.

Finding glasses with thin and aesthetically pleasing lenses can be challenging for those with high prescriptions. Thick lenses can create the “coke bottle effect” protruding from the face and limiting your frame options. Not only do they look unappealing, but they also add extra weight, discomfort and risk of damage to the glasses. Luckily, advancements in manufacturing techniques have made it possible to create extra-thin lenses for glasses wearers with high prescriptions.

What are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses?

The thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses are lenses that have a 1.74 index. These lenses are made from high-index plastic, which allows for a thinner and lighter lens compared to traditional lenses made from regular plastic.

The thin profile of 1.74 index lenses is thanks to the flatter curve that is utilised compared to standard, lower index lenses. Using a flatter curve, however, can lead to peripheral distortion. This is counteracted by integrating aspheric lens technology, which eliminates spherical aberration.

Thanks to the development of high-index lenses, manufacturers can provide far slimmer eyewear lenses than in the past. If you are accustomed to a strong prescription in standard plastic, then making the change could significantly affect the thickness of your lenses. While even the thinnest lens cannot entirely hide the thickness of a high prescription lens 100%, it will drastically reduce how much it is seen.

Thinnest eyeglass lenses at SmartBuyGlasses

At SmartBuyGlasses, there’s a variety of lens indexes you can select from that cater to different prescription needs. From standard 1.50 index lenses to high-index lenses such as 1.67 and 1.74, a range of options ensures you can find the right lens you need. You can also select Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses that provide breakthrough lens technologies, optimised visual acuity and state-of-the-art protection for any prescription and frame.

The higher the index lens, the more beneficial it will be if you have a strong prescription. Thanks to the reduced thickness and weight, you’ll still achieve comfortable wear and an aesthetically pleasing look. However, when selecting your lens index, you want to make sure you’re consulting your eye doctor before making the decision yourself.

If you decide to go with the thinnest glasses lenses, you can choose from a range of different frame styles. With a 1.74 lens index, you can explore styles with delicate metal frames.

DID YOU KNOW?

At SmartBuyGlasses, lenses with a 1.74 lens index are ultra-thin and come with four lens coatings. With flatter Aspheric technology to improve your vision and enhance the aesthetics of your eyewear, they are the complete optical lens solution.

Are 1.74 lenses worth it?

1.74 index lenses are worth it for individuals with strong prescriptions who want thin, lightweight glasses. However, they do come at a higher cost than lenses that use older technology and present lesser qualities. Of course, the higher price point comes from the thinness and the incorporated benefits.

Weight. 1.74 index lenses can be more than 25% lighter than normal plastic lenses and more than 50% lighter than glass lenses.
Scratch resistance. High-index lenses have a higher resistance to scratches than standard plastic meaning you can dodge the hassle of distracting marks in your field of vision.
UV protection. 1.74 index lenses have UV400 protection which means they can filter out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
Aspheric technology. They have a flatter surface, which results in clearer, more natural vision.
Anti-reflective. These high-index lenses will also aid in reducing glare and reflections, resulting in better visual clarity and less eye strain.
Super-hydrophobic. At SmartBuyGlasses, these lenses come with a super-hydrophobic coating that repels water, dust and dirt, keeping the lenses cleaner and clearer.

Are the thinnest eyeglass lenses for me?

If you face the challenge of having a high prescription and finding glasses with thin lenses, then 1.74 index lenses might be for you. The benefits of thin lens glasses include being ultra-thin and lightweight, scratch-resistant, UV protected and super-hydrophobic. It’s important to note that you should always consult an eye doctor or one of our online optician before deciding on your next pair of prescription glasses.

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