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When were Glasses invented

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When were Glasses invented?

Have you ever wondered when were glasses invented and who had the genius idea of creating them? This article is about the history of glasses, who invented them, and how they slowly developed into what they are now.

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

Optical devices were in use back in 1000 A.D. In Ancient Rome, Seneca is believed to have read “all the books of Rome” using a glass globe of water as a magnifier, while monks in the Middle Ages were said to use glass spheres as magnifying glasses to read.

Sources are unclear on when glasses were developed and by whom; some credit the invention to Salvino D’Armate; his epitaph in the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Florence referred to him as the “inventor of spectacles.” Others, on the other hand, credit the invention to Friar Alessandro Della Spina of Pisa. While it seems evident that glasses were invented somewhere in Italy, it’s hard to name the exact inventor. 

The first-ever glass frames were created in Venice. The city is well-known for welcoming the most talented glass blowers. Frames were made of bone, leather, or metal, and these glasses were used to magnify words and help during reading.

The first evidence for eyeglasses is Tommaso da Modena’s 1352 portrait of cardinal Hugh de Provence reading in a scriptorium. While it would have been impossible for the cardinal to use eyeglasses (he lived way before glasses were invented), the painting proves that in the mid 13hudreds, glasses were already ordinary and used by cardinals. 

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

The invention of printing and the distribution of more and more books led to a higher demand for prescription glasses: people needed better vision and help to read. The most significant developments around glasses started happening during the 17th century. Most importantly, glasses slowly transitioned from just magnifying words to correcting vision. 

Here are the most significant steps in the development of glasses: 

  • In the 1600s: concave lenses are invented to improve distance vision. 
  • 1727: temples finally make their appearance thanks to optician Edward Scarlett, making glasses more structured and stable on the face 
  • 1784: Benjamin Franklin invents the bifocals dividing lenses into two zones: one for distance vision, one for near vision 
  • 1827: Thomas Young discovers astigmatism and later invents cylindrical lenses that are now used to correct it
  • 1959: Bernard Maitenaz invents progressive lenses, giving up on the line that used to divide bifocal lenses
  • 1950-60: hard plastic contact lenses are being used and become more common

During the 19th & 20th centuries, the development of eyewear continues, and glasses are constantly redesigned with thinner lenses and different frame designs. Glasses today are made with lightweight materials, such as plastic or metal, to ensure comfort and durability; this was not the case many years ago, as lenses were made with heavy glass, and frames were made of leather or bone. 

When did eyeglasses become common?

At the beginning of the 19th century, glasses were still handcrafted and not accessible to everyone. Not only were they scarcely produced, but because of their handmade nature, they were costly and only available to wealthy families.  

However, the industrial revolution was just around the corner, making it much simpler for working men and women to get the necessary eye correction. Thanks to the mass manufacture of both frames and lenses, these became more available, giving more people a chance to have better vision and good eye health.   

Today, with increasing screen exposure, taking care of your eyes and having good vision is crucial! When buying glasses, options are infinite, and choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. You can either visit stores in your area or head online to websites like SmartBuyGlasses, where you can filter through different price ranges, brands, colours, and materials. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good pair of eyewear to help you see better! 

At SmartBuyGlasses, we believe everyone should benefit from good vision; this is why you can choose between many affordable options and get prescription glasses delivered to your door within days.

What if glasses were never invented

Considering up to 75% of the adult population needs vision correction, most would not be seeing correctly if glasses were never invented. Glasses not being invented would mean most of the world’s population would be suffering from everything that comes with needing proper eye care. This could also result in dangerous situations as good vision is extremely important for daily activities like driving or crucial jobs like operating surgery. 

As much as we would love to believe that eyewear is now accessible to everyone worldwide and is not a privilege, that is still not the case. 

SmartBuyGlasses’ mission is to help people see and be healthy regardless of their budget; this is why we joined forces with other exclusive brands that share this vision. One of those is Arise Collective, a global eyewear brand featuring sustainably made frames and has a partnership with 1% for the Planet to support global environmental and social causes.

Considering all the progress made in the last 800 years since glasses were invented, we hope to make even more progress and make eyecare accessible to everyone worldwide.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
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Ask our opticians

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When were Glasses invented?

Have you ever wondered when were glasses invented and who had the genius idea of creating them? This article is about the history of glasses, who invented them, and how they slowly developed into what they are now.

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

Optical devices were in use back in 1000 A.D. In Ancient Rome, Seneca is believed to have read “all the books of Rome” using a glass globe of water as a magnifier, while monks in the Middle Ages were said to use glass spheres as magnifying glasses to read.

Sources are unclear on when glasses were developed and by whom; some credit the invention to Salvino D’Armate; his epitaph in the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Florence referred to him as the “inventor of spectacles.” Others, on the other hand, credit the invention to Friar Alessandro Della Spina of Pisa. While it seems evident that glasses were invented somewhere in Italy, it’s hard to name the exact inventor. 

The first-ever glass frames were created in Venice. The city is well-known for welcoming the most talented glass blowers. Frames were made of bone, leather, or metal, and these glasses were used to magnify words and help during reading.

The first evidence for eyeglasses is Tommaso da Modena’s 1352 portrait of cardinal Hugh de Provence reading in a scriptorium. While it would have been impossible for the cardinal to use eyeglasses (he lived way before glasses were invented), the painting proves that in the mid 13hudreds, glasses were already ordinary and used by cardinals.

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

The invention of printing and the distribution of more and more books led to a higher demand for prescription glasses: people needed better vision and help to read. The most significant developments around glasses started happening during the 17th century. Most importantly, glasses slowly transitioned from just magnifying words to correcting vision. 

Here are the most significant steps in the development of glasses: 

  • In the 1600s: concave lenses are invented to improve distance vision. 
  • 1727: temples finally make their appearance thanks to optician Edward Scarlett, making glasses more structured and stable on the face 
  • 1784: Benjamin Franklin invents the bifocals dividing lenses into two zones: one for distance vision, one for near vision 
  • 1827: Thomas Young discovers astigmatism and later invents cylindrical lenses that are now used to correct it
  • 1959: Bernard Maitenaz invents progressive lenses, giving up on the line that used to divide bifocal lenses
  • 1950-60: hard plastic contact lenses are being used and become more common

During the 19th & 20th centuries, the development of eyewear continues, and glasses are constantly redesigned with thinner lenses and different frame designs. Glasses today are made with lightweight materials, such as plastic or metal, to ensure comfort and durability; this was not the case many years ago, as lenses were made with heavy glass, and frames were made of leather or bone.

When did eyeglasses become common?

At the beginning of the 19th century, glasses were still handcrafted and not accessible to everyone. Not only were they scarcely produced, but because of their handmade nature, they were costly and only available to wealthy families.  

However, the industrial revolution was just around the corner, making it much simpler for working men and women to get the necessary eye correction. Thanks to the mass manufacture of both frames and lenses, these became more available, giving more people a chance to have better vision and good eye health. 

Today, with increasing screen exposure, taking care of your eyes and having good vision is crucial! When buying glasses, options are infinite, and choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. You can either visit stores in your area or head online to websites like SmartBuyGlasses, where you can filter through different price ranges, brands, colours, and materials. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good pair of eyewear to help you see better!

At SmartBuyGlasses, we believe everyone should benefit from good vision; this is why you can choose between many affordable options and get prescription glasses delivered to your door within days.

What if glasses were never invented

Considering up to 75% of the adult population needs vision correction, most would not be seeing correctly if glasses were never invented. Glasses not being invented would mean most of the world’s population would be suffering from everything that comes with needing proper eye care. This could also result in dangerous situations as good vision is extremely important for daily activities like driving or crucial jobs like operating surgery. 

As much as we would love to believe that eyewear is now accessible to everyone worldwide and is not a privilege, that is still not the case. 

SmartBuyGlasses’ mission is to help people see and be healthy regardless of their budget; this is why we joined forces with other exclusive brands that share this vision. One of those is Arise Collective, a global eyewear brand featuring sustainably made frames and has a partnership with 1% for the Planet to support global environmental and social causes.

Considering all the progress made in the last 800 years since glasses were invented, we hope to make even more progress and make eyecare accessible to everyone worldwide.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

Nighttime Driving Glasses

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Nighttime Driving Glasses

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous. Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work? 

Many people have reduced vision in low light, especially older people. You may need twice as much light at 50 to see as well as you did when you were 30. Glare from headlights and traffic is one of the biggest issues that affect night driving. This glare can affect colour recognition, depth perception and peripheral vision.

What are night driving glasses?

Nighttime driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses, usually non-prescription and can be purchased over the counter. They often have some kind of anti-reflective coating to help minimise reflections and filter out blue light from streetlights and oncoming headlights. Blue light is most likely to cause glare when it enters the eye. 

Nighttime driving glasses are similar to the glasses that some people wear for hunting and other sports. They have been found to increase the contrast of objects against an overcast sky, which may help detect objects in an unclear environment. 

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

Certain eye conditions may make it harder to see well at night and, therefore, may affect your driving. 

  1. Nyctalopia: also called night blindness, is a combination of vision problems that occur at night, including difficulty adjusting to dim and bright lights.
  2. Myopia: also known as nearsightedness, may make it harder to see in low-light conditions. 
  3. Glaucoma: when fluid builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, reducing peripheral vision.  
  4. Astigmatism: an irregularly shaped cornea that may cause blurry vision and worsen when driving in low light conditions.
  5. Diabetes: can damage nerves and blood vessels in the retina, which may lead to difficulty adjusting vision in different light settings. 
  6. Vitamin Deficiency: vitamin A helps to produce pigments that assist your retina in processing images correctly. A deficiency may cause night vision problems. 
  7. Cataracts: a condition that can result in blurry vision; cataracts may also cause light from traffic or headlights to dominate your field of vision and appear as a halo or glare.

These conditions do not always lead to difficulty driving at night. If you have a concern, start by scheduling an eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss options that are right for you. 

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Nighttime driving glasses are designed to reduce glare by scattering and filtering blue light. Blue light, a part of the light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength and the largest amount of energy. Blue light is more likely to cause glare when it enters the eye.

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them. Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see. 

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult. 

Do night driving glasses work? 

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving. According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians. In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving. It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes. 

The best glasses for driving at night  

There might not be a one-size-fits-all pair of nighttime driving glasses. The best pair for you will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. 

Apart from eyewear, anything that reduces blurriness or glare will help with night driving vision. Here are some other elements which may help improve eyesight while driving:

  1. Clean your eyeglasses and keep them free of smudges, as they can amplify glare
  2. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield; dirt and dust can make it harder to see
  3. Replace your windshield wipers regularly 
  4. Keep your dashboard lights dim to avoid eye strain 

Don’t let the wrong eyewear keep you off the road at night. Protect yourself and others by finding the best solution for you. Always keep your prescriptions up-to-date, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

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Ask our opticians

Ask now

Nighttime Driving Glasses

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous. Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work? 

Many people have reduced vision in low light, especially older people. You may need twice as much light at 50 to see as well as you did when you were 30. Glare from headlights and traffic is one of the biggest issues that affect night driving. This glare can affect colour recognition, depth perception and peripheral vision.

What are night driving glasses?

Nighttime driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses, usually non-prescription and can be purchased over the counter. They often have some kind of anti-reflective coating to help minimise reflections and filter out blue light from streetlights and oncoming headlights. Blue light is most likely to cause glare when it enters the eye. 

Nighttime driving glasses are similar to the glasses that some people wear for hunting and other sports. They have been found to increase the contrast of objects against an overcast sky, which may help detect objects in an unclear environment. 

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

Certain eye conditions may make it harder to see well at night and, therefore, may affect your driving. 

  1. Nyctalopia: also called night blindness, is a combination of vision problems that occur at night, including difficulty adjusting to dim and bright lights.
  2. Myopia: also known as nearsightedness, may make it harder to see in low-light conditions. 
  3. Glaucoma: when fluid builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, reducing peripheral vision.  
  4. Astigmatism: an irregularly shaped cornea that may cause blurry vision and worsen when driving in low light conditions.
  5. Diabetes: can damage nerves and blood vessels in the retina, which may lead to difficulty adjusting vision in different light settings. 
  6. Vitamin Deficiency: vitamin A helps to produce pigments that assist your retina in processing images correctly. A deficiency may cause night vision problems. 
  7. Cataracts: a condition that can result in blurry vision; cataracts may also cause light from traffic or headlights to dominate your field of vision and appear as a halo or glare.

These conditions do not always lead to difficulty driving at night. If you have a concern, start by scheduling an eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss options that are right for you. 

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Nighttime driving glasses are designed to reduce glare by scattering and filtering blue light. Blue light, a part of the light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength and the largest amount of energy. Blue light is more likely to cause glare when it enters the eye.

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them. Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see. 

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult. 

Do night driving glasses work? 

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving. According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians. In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving. It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes. 

The best glasses for driving at night  

There might not be a one-size-fits-all pair of nighttime driving glasses. The best pair for you will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. 

Apart from eyewear, anything that reduces blurriness or glare will help with night driving vision. Here are some other elements which may help improve eyesight while driving:

  1. Clean your eyeglasses and keep them free of smudges, as they can amplify glare
  2. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield; dirt and dust can make it harder to see
  3. Replace your windshield wipers regularly 
  4. Keep your dashboard lights dim to avoid eye strain 

Don’t let the wrong eyewear keep you off the road at night. Protect yourself and others by finding the best solution for you. Always keep your prescriptions up-to-date, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

What Are Asian Fit Glasses?

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What Are Asian Fit Glasses?

Asian fit glasses |
Solutions |
Facial features |
Can non-Asians
wear this fit? |
Asian fit vs standard fit |
Size |
Nose pads |
Frames |
Do I need Asian fit?
By Anna MacGabhann
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Mar 28, 2023
Depending on your facial features, Asian fit glasses may be the best for you. They have special features that give you the most comfortable fit and stops the frames from sliding down your nose.
asian fit

If you are having problems with your glasses fitting your face comfortably, then this article all about Asian fit has the answers you are looking for. 

Do you find that your glasses sit tightly, always slide down your nose or sit too close to your eyelashes? Then maybe your face is telling you to upgrade to a pair that fits your facial features the way they are supposed to.

What does Asian fit mean in glasses?

We all look different and we all have different facial features. Just think about how, nowadays, anyone can unlock their phone by simply placing it in front of their face.

When choosing a pair of glasses, remember that what fits your face won’t necessarily fit another – just like your face is the only one to unlock your phone. It could be your eye shape, bone structure and so on. 

Do you feel that your glasses do not correctly fit your face because they are too tight at the temples or always slip down your nose? For people with lower nose bridges and high cheekbones in particular this is a common issue. Due to the diversity among facial features, standard glasses aren’t always the right fit.

We have a solution!

Asian fit glasses are designed specifically to help avoid these issues. Also known as low bridge fit glasses or Omni fit, Asian fit eyewear can be more comfortable for people of Asian descent but is also not limited to them.

Asian fit sunglasses and glasses cater to specific facial features. If your answer is yes to any of these questions below, then you may want to consider getting yourself a pair of low bridge fit glasses:

  • Do you have flatter facial features?
  • A rounder and wider face?
  • A low nose bridge and/or higher cheekbones?

If you’ve said yes to 1 or more of the above questions, then sit back and let’s have a look at what your face is saying.

Humans have adapted to their environment and climate for centuries, and based on these factors, our bodies have mutated to fit our surroundings, even our facial features.

Our noses, for example, have adapted to diverse climates, and if you live in a more humid climate, you’ll tend to have a wider nose to allow for more air to flow.

woman wearing glasses

Facial features

In the Asian community, many tend to have a lower nasal bridge, the part that is between your eyes and close to your forehead. Therefore the bridge of your nose is lower than your pupils, making it harder for the glasses to sit correctly on your face and align with your vision. 

If you have higher cheekbones, your glasses will tend to touch your cheeks, so when you talk or smile, you’ll see your glasses move as well. If your eyewear is always leaning on your cheeks, it can be uncomfortable.

With a wider and rounder face, standard glasses can be a little tighter around the temples or quite often sit too high on your face.

Can non-Asians wear Asian fit glasses?

Whether you are from an Asian community or not, having these particular facial features may entail that Asian fit glasses are designed specifically for you. If you have a smaller face shape you may also opt for an Asian fit.

What is the difference between Asian fit and standard fit?

Now that we’ve established who and for which particular facial features Asian fit glasses are, we can see exactly how they work. 

3 main aspects make Asian fit glasses a little different from Standard fit glasses:

  • Asian-fit glasses are designed with larger nose pads that ensure the glasses sit correctly on your face and away from your eyelashes. Standard fit glasses, instead, have a shorter bridge meaning that they may not fit well if you have a low nose bridge. 
  • The lenses are shorter, wider, and slightly tilted. This helps prevent the glasses from constantly touching your cheek and helps to create a gap between your face and the lenses. With your glasses sitting further away from your face, you’ll also reduce the risk of your eyewear fogging up, a pain every glasses wearer endures.  
  • The frame is wider and slightly curved for rounder and prominent heart face shapes, to prevent the glasses from being too tight at the temples or sitting too high on your face. 

 Round and heart-shaped faces tend to have a wider forehead which means that some regular or smaller size glasses would be too tight and squeeze your face. If you are not entirely sure what your face shape is, you can easily find out with our shape face guide.

glasses guide
glasses guide

Are Asian fit glasses smaller?

Just like any clothing item that we wear, even glasses have a particular size, whether they are standard fit or Asian fit. They are smaller in some aspects, but it will depend on the measurement.

Sunglasses, and glasses in general, have 3 different measurements:

  1. The first measurement indicates your lens width
  2. The second number is the width of the bridge
  3. The third is the temple width

Extra nose pad features

For Onmi fit glasses, you want to ensure that the bridge or nose pads have the right size to sit correctly on your nose. The size can also differ depending on the frame material used.

Generally, bridge measurements on standard-fit glasses vary from 14-24 mm, but if it is too wide on your nose bridge, the glasses may slip down.

DID YOU KNOW?
There are many differences between Asian and Standard fit glasses. Finding out if you need Asian fit can make your experience much more comfortable.

Frame type

Plastic frames with a solid nose bridge for Asian fit glasses can measure around 8mm and this helps provide support and less slipping. A great example is Ray-Ban Asian fit glasses, which sit just right on your face and avoid any touching between your cheeks and glasses. 

Many metal frames, for example, have adjustable nose pads that you can adjust to fit the glasses properly on each side of your nose. Certain metal frames can have a nose bridge of up to 11mm. Measurements for low bridge glasses can tend to be lower than the standard fit but do vary. But don’t let all these numbers stop you from getting a pair of trendy and cool Asian fit glasses.

Great-looking, better-fitting glasses

If you have a low nose bridge, wide and flat facial features or high cheekbones, then most probably Asian fit glasses are just the right eyewear for you. 

Look trendy with a pair of  Asian fit eyeglasses  or low bridge sunglasses that fit; avoid the pain of your eyewear moving inconveniently or them fogging up your vision because they are too close to your face.

How to Choose Glasses

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How to Choose Glasses

How to choose glasses: Some top tips | How to choose glasses based on face shape | How to choose reading glasses for computer | Try on glasses online

Deciding on a pair of glasses is harder than it seems, so we've put together some tips to help you make the best choice.

If you’re looking to buy some glasses, but just can’t seem to make your mind up, this guide is for you. We’ll be taking you through tips for how to choose glasses online, trying on glasses online and buying glasses online – all wrapped up in one little article!

How to choose glasses: Some top tips

  • Choose frames that contrast your face shape. The general rule of thumb for choosing what style of frames to go with is to choose the opposite of your face shape. For example, if you have a very angular or square face, then round frames are a good fit. If you have a round face, consider going with a pair of rectangular frames.
  • Choose frame size based on face shape. If you have an oval face, don’t use larger frames that will cover half of your face.
  • Choose frames that center your eyes. If your eyes appear too close to the inner corner of the frames, it will make you look cross-eyed. If your eyes appear too far towards the outside corners of the frames, then it will make the glasses look too small. If your eyes happen to be slightly narrow set, then you should avoid a pair of frames that are too wide.
  • Choose frames that fit your nose. Because you’ll be wearing your eyeglasses often, you’ll want to make sure that they are a comfortable fit. Avoid glasses that constantly slip down your nose, that leave red marks on your nose, or that cause your eyelashes to touch the lenses.
  • One way that you can tell if they will fit your face is by shaking your head. If the frames move as you shake your head, they are too big.

How to choose glasses based on face shape

We think that getting the right glasses for your face is the most important part of buying glasses online. If you’re still struggling with how to choose glasses, this face shape guide should really clear things up and get you started!

DID YOU KNOW?

There are four basic face shapes: square, round, oval and heart-shaped. You’l need to figure out which one you have in order to find some glasses that complement your features.

If you have a square face:

You have a well-defined face with a wide forehead, strong cheekbones, jawline and chin. Your most prominent feature is mostly likely your prominent jawline. Round glasses or thinner frames would be a great contrast to your strong features and be better suited to you.

All the curves can help soften your features and compliment your natural looks. We recommend round and oval frames, but aviators or pilot frames are worth a look too!

The best frames for square faces are:

Oval. Oval frames are the perfect accessory for pretty much any occasion. These frames give off a naturally stylish look with minimal effort required. Take it easy, and let these glasses do all the work for you. 

Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centred. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realise that being cool, calm and collected suits you.

Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.

If you have a round face:

The typical features of a round face are wide foreheads, full cheeks and rounded chins. Your face is normally nearly equal in length and width. We recommend glasses with strong details and angles to contrast your soft features.

By adding some contrast, your face can look thinner and longer. We recommend rectangular, butterfly and wayfarer frames.

The best frames for round faces are:

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

Butterfly. These are glasses for the experimental individual. With a cool fusion of round and geometric shapes, designs and silhouettes, our butterfly glasses range has unique frames for everyone.

Rectangle. These are the perfect frames for the quintessential gentleman or the professional woman. If you’re looking to revamp your look or simply make a bold statement, then shop our best looks and get your rectangle on!

If you have a oval face:

You have balanced features and high cheekbones, with a slightly narrower chin compared to your forehead. A lot of people consider this to be the most ideal face shape, with the most balanced proportions.

People with oval-shaped faces are really lucky as pretty much any pair of glasses will suit them! However, you should be careful with oversized glasses as they can detract from your naturally balanced features.

The best frames for oval faces are:

Cat Eye. If you appreciate old-school glamour, then cat-eye glasses are the shades for you. You love wearing your vintage coats in winter but would probably prefer the summer months to go on forever! You have a flair for drama and these glasses only enhance your classy vibe.

Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centred. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realise that being cool, calm and collected suits you.

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

If you have a heart face:

The typical complexion of a heart shaped face is a wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrow jaw and a well-defined chin. Your face resembles a heart shape since it is widest at the top and narrowest at the bottom.

The aim when choosing glasses for heart shaped faces is to help create the illusion of a smaller forehead and a broader chin. This can be achieved by choosing glasses that are wider than your forehead. We recommend Pilot/Aviator, wraparound and wayfarer frames.

The best frames for heart-shaped faces are:

Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.

Wraparound. Generally known for their sporty and practical look, wraparounds are the perfect glasses to wear whenever your adventurous side emerges. Head off to distant shores or hike up a mountain in these sporty, protective glasses.

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

How to choose reading glasses for computer

Computer reading glasses are reading glasses with a blue light filter, or prescription computer glasses. Blue light readers improve both your vision and eye health while using a digital screen. With blue light reading glasses, you don’t have to choose between one pair of glasses or the other.

You can now read small print on the computer while also protecting your eyes from harmful blue light rays. There are over the-the-counter options for both computer glasses and reading glasses online, making blue light blocking reading glasses an accessible option for almost anyone.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we’ve got a huge selection of computer reading glasses with blue light blocking technology – we’ve found that they’re one of the best ways out there to protect your eyes from short-wavelength light (and look great doing it).

With affordable blue light glasses from SmartBuy Collection, to high-style frames from luxury brands like Tom Ford, our range really does have something for everyone.

Try on glasses online

Our groundbreaking Virtual Try-On tool is a giant leap for buying glasses online. This forward-thinking technology lets you see how our glasses look without even having to leave your home – perfect for a socially distanced try-before-you-buy!

Just find a pair of glasses you love and click the VTO button to model designer frames and more from home!

If you’ve found this guide and informative, don’t forget to check out our interesting and educational pieces from our Optical Centre. Of course, if this has got you in the mood for buying glasses online, head on over to SmartBuyGlasses and check out thousands of pairs from the world’s leading online eyewear destination.

What Your Eye Color Says About Your Personality

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What Your Eye Colour Says About Your Personality

What causes eye colour |
Brown eyes |
Blue eyes |
Green eyes |
Hazel eyes |
Black eyes |
Grey eyes |
Takeaways
By Hannah Tinning
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Jun 14, 2023
Our eye colours can tell us a lot about our genetics, but can they indicate specific personality traits as well?
different eye colours

Do different eye colours mean anything?

Often referred to as the window to the soul, our eyes are one of the first things people notice about us. The most important organ regarding our senses, our eyes, can be a mesmerising point of beauty thanks to the pool of colours that swirl around. 

But do they mean something other than the obvious? 

While the colour of our eyes is determined by a combination of pigmentation and genes, some of the world’s population and cultures play with the idea that eye colour holds a deeper meaning about a person and may literally be a window to our personalities.

What determines your eye colour?

Scientifically speaking, the colour of our eyes comes down to genetics and pigmentation. 

Melanin is the pigment responsible for our eye colour that sits in the front layer of the iris (MedlinePlus 2022). Melanin comes in two main forms that contribute to dark and light-coloured eyes: eumelanin and pheomelanin.

The more eumelanin melanin you have in your iris, the darker your eyes are. Therefore, people with brown eyes have the most melanin. People with pheomelanin melanin have lighter hues like blue, grey or green eyes.

What are the 4 main eye colours?

The four most common eye colours are brown, blue, hazel and green. Brown eyes are one of the most common eye colours there is. 

Nearly half the population has this eye colour. On the other end, green eyes are considered one of the most rare colours, with less than 10% of the population having this unique colour hue.

6 different eye colours
6 different eye colours

Of course, there are other eye colours that people can have, but these are less common, like grey eyes, or can stem from conditions such as albinism. 

Black eyes are also another interesting colour. Technically these don’t really exist, but you may have such dark brown eyes that they seem black in some lights.

What type of person are you if you have brown eyes?

brown eyes
brown eyes

Studies have shown that brown-eyed people tend to be sociable, have a high level of self-confidence and are extremely ambitious (Chandola, R 2016, p. 124). Brown-eyed individuals are determined to achieve their goals and possess strong mental strength.

Whether you have dark or light brown eyes, people feel calm and secure in your presence. This could be due to the fact that your eye colour feels familiar and safe, considering it is the most common. 

What kind of trait are blue eyes?

blue eyes
blue eyes

Known to be a child’s eye colour when they are first born, blue-eyed individuals give a sense of youthfulness to others. 

Common traits for people with blue eyes are that they are cheerful, have a pleasant demeanour and are kind to everyone. This could be thanks to their younger looks.

Psychologists have also said that blue-eyed people are meant to have a high pain tolerance. Whether this is due to others underestimating them for their looks, blue-eyed people aren’t ones to be messed with just because they seem innocent.

DID YOU KNOW?

Contrary to popular belief, black eyes do not exist. This pigmentation and hue can not naturally occur in our eyes unless the appearance is altered with coloured contact lenses.

What personality type are green eyes?

green eyes
green eyes

Green-eyed people tend to be mysterious, all thanks to the amount of melanin that makes up their eye colour. Individuals with this eye colour have a creative outlook and are curious enough to ask tough questions. 

Much like blue eyes, these light eyes are also associated with a vibrant and youthful personality.

People with green eyes have also been known to be more jealous than others, but this may also be due to the fact that they are extremely passionate, whether in their work or personal life.

What hazel eyes say about you?

hazel eyes
hazel eyes

Hazel eyes are like looking into a pool of warm honey and amber hues, so it’s only a given that people with hazel eyes tend to be warm and inviting. These people also enjoy taking chances and are bursting with powerful, vivacious energy. 

People with hazel eyes are also courageous and determined to tackle the challenges that they face. 

They possess a variety of original perspectives and methods and will almost certainly think of original answers related to any issues, making them great to have on your team.

What do black eyes say about someone?

black eyes
black eyes

Even if this is not a real eye colour, people with deep dark eyes are seen to be very optimistic and responsible. They are constantly alert and eager to establish their value with others but tend to keep to themselves and are frequently secretive. 

People with more melanin resulting in dark brown, almost black-looking eyes, are also known to have stronger eye contact skills, which some people may find intimidating.

What do grey eyes signify about your personality traits?

grey eyes
grey eyes

Those with grey eyes are hard to come by, but they’ll leave an impact when you do. People with grey eyes are calm and organised and often make great leaders by remaining strong when faced with stressful situations. 

These individuals may keep to themselves, but when given the right environment and encouragement, they will shine and show you their sharp minds and true personality of strength and determination.

Eye colour personality - does it really mean anything?

Whether or not you believe eye colour is a significant factor in personality traits or if our eye colour reveals anything about us other than our genetics, there’s no harm in seeing if it rings true. 

Study participants may or may not be biased in their beliefs, but one thing is for sure, our eyes are important and can tell us a lot about someone. 

Our eyes can indicate whether we are tired, stressed, sad, happy or healthy. So whatever eye colour you have, taking care of them is important. Remember to check up on your eye health and wear the correct prescription glasses you need. 

If you have any other questions, speak to one of our certified online Opticians who are there to help.

Reference list

MedlinePlus. (2022). Is Eye Color Determined by Genetics?. MedlinePlus. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/eyecolor

Chandola, Rupali. (2016). Eye Colour: A Physical Trait Correlates with Personality & Mental Health. The International Journal of Indian Psychology. 3. 119-125. 10.1155/2014/291882. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305221695_Eye_Colour_A_Physical_Trait_Correlates_with_Personality_Mental_Health

Amblyopia

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What Is Amblyopia?

This article is amblyopia, colloquially known as ‘lazy eye’. We’ll take you through what a lazy eye is, what causes amblyopia, how to fix a lazy eye with an eye patch, eye exercises and amblyopia surgery.

What Is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia is a vision development disorder in which an eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses. It’s estimated that about 2-3% of the US population has some degree of amblyopia.

Amblyopia typically begins during infancy and early childhood. In most cases, only one eye is affected. However, it’s also known to occur in both eyes.

If amblyopia is detected and treated early in life, reduced vision can be avoided, but an untreated case can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye. 

Amblyopia Signs and Symptoms

Because amblyopia is typically a problem in infants’ vision development, symptoms of lazy eye sometimes can be hard to spot.

A common cause of amblyopia is misalignment of the eyes – a condition called strabismus. 

If you notice your baby or young child has crossed eyes or some other eye misalignment, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you immediately – preferably with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in children’s vision.

You can try a simple amblyopia screening test at home by covering and uncovering your child’s eyes (one at a time) when they are performing a visual task like watching television.

If your child is not bothered when one eye is covered, but objects when the other eye is, this may suggest that the eye you have covered is the ‘good’ eye, and that the uncovered eye is amblyopic, causing blurred vision.

Obviously, a simple screening test is no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first eye exam at around 6 months of age to make sure their vision is developing normally and their eyes are working properly together.

How to Tell if Your Child Has a Lazy Eye

A lazy eye does not usually cause symptoms. Younger children are often unaware that there’s anything wrong with their vision and, if they are, they’re usually unable to explain what’s wrong.

Older children may complain that they cannot see as well through one eye and have problems with reading, writing and drawing.

In some cases, you may notice that one eye looks different from the other. However, this is usually a sign of another condition that could lead to a lazy eye, such as:

• A squint – where the weaker eye looks inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards, while the other eye looks forwards 

• short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism

• Childhood cataracts – cloudy patches that develop in the lens, which sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and pupil

If your child is too young to tell you how good their vision is, you can check their eyes by covering each eye with your hand, one at a time. They might object to covering the good eye, but they might not mind if you cover the lazy eye.

If they try to push your hand away from one eye but not the other, it may be a sign they can see better out of one eye.

What Causes a Lazy Eye?

There are three types of lazy eye, based on these underlying causes:

• Strabismic amblyopia. Strabismus is the most common cause of lazy eye. To avoid double vision caused by poorly-aligned eyes, the brain will ignore the visual input from the misaligned eye, leading to amblyopia in that ‘lazy’ eye. This type of amblyopia is called strabismic amblyopia.

• Refractive amblyopia. Sometimes, a lazy eye is caused by unequal refractive errors in the two eyes, despite perfect eye alignment. For example, one eye may have significant nearsightedness or farsightedness, while the other eye does not. Or, one eye may have significant astigmatism while the other does not. In such cases, the brain relies on the eye that has less severe refractive error and ‘ignores’ the blurred vision from the other eye. This causes amblyopia in the affected eye simply via neglect. This type of lazy eye is called refractive amblyopia or anisometropic amblyopia.

• Deprivation amblyopia. This is lazy eye caused by something that obstructs light from entering and being focused in a baby’s eye, such as a congenital cataract. Prompt treatment of congenital cataracts is necessary to allow normal visual development to occur and prevent visual disabilities.

Lazy Eye Treatments

In some cases of refractive amblyopia, normal vision can be restored by fully correcting the refractive errors in both eyes with glasses or contact lenses. Usually, however, at least some patching of the ‘good’ eye is required to force the brain to pay attention to the visual input from the ‘lazy’ eye.

Treatment of strabismic amblyopia (lazy eye caused by misaligned eyes) often involves strabismus surgery to align the eyes, followed by use of an eye patch on the dominant eye and some form of visual therapy to help both eyes work together equally as a team.

It may be necessary to wear an eye patch for several hours each day (or even all day long) for several days or weeks to force the brain to start using the lazy eye normally.

Children may be uncomfortable wearing an eye patch and are prone to taking them off – you may want to consider a specially designed prosthetic contact lens that prevents light from entering the good eye but does not affect your child’s appearance.

Though prosthetic contact lenses are more costly than an eye patch and require a contact lens exam and fitting, they can work wonders in difficult cases of amblyopia treatment when compliance with eye patching is poor.

Amblyopia Surgery

In many cases of strabismic amblyopia, surgery must be performed to properly align the eyes before eye patching.

It must be noted that ‘lazy eye surgery’ is a misleading and incorrect term. The correct term to describe surgically straightening the eyes is strabismus surgery.

Sometimes, more than one strabismus surgery is needed to attain adequate eye alignment. Additionally, special eyeglasses with prism lenses might still be required after strabismus surgery to let the eyes work together as a team and for lazy eye treatment to be effective.

Remember: Early detection of amblyopia is essential for the best treatment outcomes. It’s always a good idea to schedule routine eye exams with an eye doctor for you and your children.

If you’ve found this guide to ‘what is amblyopia’ interesting or informative, you can browse the rest of our eye health articles here. Alternatively, you can visit our store here, where we stock a range of prescription glasses and contact lenses.

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What Is Amblyopia?

This article is amblyopia, colloquially known as ‘lazy eye’. We’ll take you through what a lazy eye is, what causes amblyopia, how to fix a lazy eye with an eye patch, eye exercises and amblyopia surgery.

What Is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia is a vision development disorder in which an eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses. It’s estimated that about 2-3% of the US population has some degree of amblyopia.

Amblyopia typically begins during infancy and early childhood. In most cases, only one eye is affected. However, it’s also known to occur in both eyes.

If amblyopia is detected and treated early in life, reduced vision can be avoided, but an untreated case can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye. 

Amblyopia Signs and Symptoms

Because amblyopia is typically a problem in infants’ vision development, symptoms of lazy eye sometimes can be hard to spot.

A common cause of amblyopia is misalignment of the eyes – a condition called strabismus. 

If you notice your baby or young child has crossed eyes or some other eye misalignment, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you immediately – preferably with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in children’s vision.

You can try a simple amblyopia screening test at home by covering and uncovering your child’s eyes (one at a time) when they are performing a visual task like watching television.

If your child is not bothered when one eye is covered, but objects when the other eye is, this may suggest that the eye you have covered is the ‘good’ eye, and that the uncovered eye is amblyopic, causing blurred vision.

Obviously, a simple screening test is no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first eye exam at around 6 months of age to make sure their vision is developing normally and their eyes are working properly together.

How to Tell if Your Child Has a Lazy Eye

A lazy eye does not usually cause symptoms. Younger children are often unaware that there’s anything wrong with their vision and, if they are, they’re usually unable to explain what’s wrong.

Older children may complain that they cannot see as well through one eye and have problems with reading, writing and drawing.

In some cases, you may notice that one eye looks different from the other. However, this is usually a sign of another condition that could lead to a lazy eye, such as:

• A squint – where the weaker eye looks inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards, while the other eye looks forwards 

• short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism

• Childhood cataracts – cloudy patches that develop in the lens, which sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and pupil

If your child is too young to tell you how good their vision is, you can check their eyes by covering each eye with your hand, one at a time. They might object to covering the good eye, but they might not mind if you cover the lazy eye.

If they try to push your hand away from one eye but not the other, it may be a sign they can see better out of one eye.

What Causes a Lazy Eye?

There are three types of lazy eye, based on these underlying causes:

• Strabismic amblyopia. Strabismus is the most common cause of lazy eye. To avoid double vision caused by poorly-aligned eyes, the brain will ignore the visual input from the misaligned eye, leading to amblyopia in that ‘lazy’ eye. This type of amblyopia is called strabismic amblyopia.

• Refractive amblyopia. Sometimes, a lazy eye is caused by unequal refractive errors in the two eyes, despite perfect eye alignment. For example, one eye may have significant nearsightedness or farsightedness, while the other eye does not. Or, one eye may have significant astigmatism while the other does not. In such cases, the brain relies on the eye that has less severe refractive error and ‘ignores’ the blurred vision from the other eye. This causes amblyopia in the affected eye simply via neglect. This type of lazy eye is called refractive amblyopia or anisometropic amblyopia.

• Deprivation amblyopia. This is lazy eye caused by something that obstructs light from entering and being focused in a baby’s eye, such as a congenital cataract. Prompt treatment of congenital cataracts is necessary to allow normal visual development to occur and prevent visual disabilities.

Lazy Eye Treatments

In some cases of refractive amblyopia, normal vision can be restored by fully correcting the refractive errors in both eyes with glasses or contact lenses. Usually, however, at least some patching of the ‘good’ eye is required to force the brain to pay attention to the visual input from the ‘lazy’ eye.

Treatment of strabismic amblyopia (lazy eye caused by misaligned eyes) often involves strabismus surgery to align the eyes, followed by use of an eye patch on the dominant eye and some form of visual therapy to help both eyes work together equally as a team.

It may be necessary to wear an eye patch for several hours each day (or even all day long) for several days or weeks to force the brain to start using the lazy eye normally.

Children may be uncomfortable wearing an eye patch and are prone to taking them off – you may want to consider a specially designed prosthetic contact lens that prevents light from entering the good eye but does not affect your child’s appearance.

Though prosthetic contact lenses are more costly than an eye patch and require a contact lens exam and fitting, they can work wonders in difficult cases of amblyopia treatment when compliance with eye patching is poor.

Amblyopia Surgery

In many cases of strabismic amblyopia, surgery must be performed to properly align the eyes before eye patching.

It must be noted that ‘lazy eye surgery’ is a misleading and incorrect term. The correct term to describe surgically straightening the eyes is strabismus surgery.

Sometimes, more than one strabismus surgery is needed to attain adequate eye alignment. Additionally, special eyeglasses with prism lenses might still be required after strabismus surgery to let the eyes work together as a team and for lazy eye treatment to be effective.

Remember: Early detection of amblyopia is essential for the best treatment outcomes. It’s always a good idea to schedule routine eye exams with an eye doctor for you and your children.

If you’ve found this guide to ‘what is amblyopia’ interesting or informative, you can browse the rest of our eye health articles here. Alternatively, you can visit our store here, where we stock a range of prescription glasses and contact lenses.

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Are Coloured Contacts Right For You?

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Are Colored Contact Lenses Right For You?

Colored Contact Lenses

People choose to wear contacts for many reasons.

Besides their normal corrective function, many people wear contacts for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons as well.

Colored contacts in particular have become very popular in recent years because of their immediate ability to drastically chance appearances.

Whether it is for Halloween costumes, comic cosplay conventions, theatrical performances, for personal beauty reasons or just for fun, people are becoming more interested in these fascinating medical devices. 

Colored contacts are available in both prescription and plano forms:  

1) Colored contact lenses with prescription: Changes your eye color as well as correcting your nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

2) Plano color contacts: Changes your eye color with no alternation for vision correction

Types of Colored Contacts

Worn for cosmetic purposes most of colored contact lenses you will find are designed to mimic the natural look of the coloured part of the eye, called the iris.

It is very easy to find contacts that can enhance any blue, brown or green eye colour. 

There are of course some contact colours that are a bit crazier – like white, black or red – that are not usually worn on a daily basis, but are still available for special occasions. 

In general, colored contacts come in three kinds of tints:

1) Visibility tint: These lenses come with a light blue or light green tint that does not affect your natural eye color. Their primary purpose is vision correction.

2) Enhancement tint: These lenses come with a solid but translucent tint that is a little bit darker than a visibility tint. These lenses are worn to enhance your natural eye color. These are best suited for wearers who have light-coloured eyes and want to make their natural eye colour more intense.

3) Opaque tint: These lenses are non-transparent and can change your eye color completely. If you have dark-coloured eyes, you will need this tint to change your eye colour. 

Color contacts for Light Eyes

Colored contacts with enhancement tints are great for people with light-coloured eyes because they define the edges of your iris and deepen your natural eye colour without changing your eye colour completely. 

However, if you want to experiment with a different eye color and still want to keep a natural look, you could try grey or green contact lenses, if your natural eye colour is blue.

Color contacts for Dark Eyes

If you have dark-colored eyes and want to change your eye colour, you will have to use opaque tinted lenses to cover up your natural eye colour completely. 

For a natural look, you could try a light honey brown or hazel color for a gentle change.

However, if you want to really experiment, you could always try blue, green or violet lenses to shake things up a bit. 

Colored Contacts: Common Concerns

Although colored contacts are easy and fun to use, there are a few things that people should be aware of before purchasing them. 

1) “Do I need a prescription to buy colored contacts?”

Colored contact lenses are medical devices, so before you can buy your first pair of coloured lenses, you will need to have a valid eye prescription from a licensed optician. Even if you want plano lenses, you will need to visit a vision specialist beforehand and have them write you a prescription specifically for wearing coloured contacts.

2) “Are colored contacts safe?”
Colored contacts are absolutely safe – as long as they are properly prescribed, worn and cared for. 
You should never buy or wear contacts unless they are purchased “over the counter” with a proper prescription and approved by a licensed optician. Colored contact lenses sold in flea markets, gas stations or beauty salons are NOT approved medical devices and you should never buy or wear them.
Also, although it sounds fun and harmless, you should never share your colored contact lenses with friends, family, etc. Doing so greatly increases your chance of contracting harmful eye infections. 

3) “Are colored contacts expensive?”
Colored contact lenses are priced a little bit higher than normal contact lenses, but most wearers believe this is a worthy investment for the results that they receive. 

Check out all the colored contacts on offer at Smart Buy Glasses!

We offer products from the world’s two leading brands: Maxi Eyes and Freshlook.

Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Are Colored Contact Lenses Right For You?

Colored Contact Lenses

People choose to wear contacts for many reasons.

Besides their normal corrective function, many people wear contacts for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons as well.

Colored contacts in particular have become very popular in recent years because of their immediate ability to drastically chance appearances.

Whether it is for Halloween costumes, comic cosplay conventions, theatrical performances, for personal beauty reasons or just for fun, people are becoming more interested in these fascinating medical devices. 

Colored contacts are available in both prescription and plano forms:  

1) Colored contact lenses with prescription: Changes your eye color as well as correcting your nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

2) Plano color contacts: Changes your eye color with no alternation for vision correction

Types of Colored Contacts

Worn for cosmetic purposes most of colored contact lenses you will find are designed to mimic the natural look of the coloured part of the eye, called the iris.

It is very easy to find contacts that can enhance any blue, brown or green eye colour. 

There are of course some contact colours that are a bit crazier – like white, black or red – that are not usually worn on a daily basis, but are still available for special occasions. 

In general, colored contacts come in three kinds of tints:

1) Visibility tint: These lenses come with a light blue or light green tint that does not affect your natural eye color. Their primary purpose is vision correction.

2) Enhancement tint: These lenses come with a solid but translucent tint that is a little bit darker than a visibility tint. These lenses are worn to enhance your natural eye color. These are best suited for wearers who have light-coloured eyes and want to make their natural eye colour more intense.

3) Opaque tint: These lenses are non-transparent and can change your eye color completely. If you have dark-coloured eyes, you will need this tint to change your eye colour. 

Color contacts for Light Eyes

Colored contacts with enhancement tints are great for people with light-coloured eyes because they define the edges of your iris and deepen your natural eye colour without changing your eye colour completely. 

However, if you want to experiment with a different eye color and still want to keep a natural look, you could try grey or green contact lenses, if your natural eye colour is blue.

Color contacts for Dark Eyes

If you have dark-colored eyes and want to change your eye colour, you will have to use opaque tinted lenses to cover up your natural eye colour completely. 

For a natural look, you could try a light honey brown or hazel color for a gentle change.

However, if you want to really experiment, you could always try blue, green or violet lenses to shake things up a bit. 

Colored Contacts: Common Concerns

Although colored contacts are easy and fun to use, there are a few things that people should be aware of before purchasing them. 

1) “Do I need a prescription to buy colored contacts?”

Colored contact lenses are medical devices, so before you can buy your first pair of coloured lenses, you will need to have a valid eye prescription from a licensed optician. Even if you want plano lenses, you will need to visit a vision specialist beforehand and have them write you a prescription specifically for wearing coloured contacts.

2) “Are colored contacts safe?”
Colored contacts are absolutely safe – as long as they are properly prescribed, worn and cared for. 
You should never buy or wear contacts unless they are purchased “over the counter” with a proper prescription and approved by a licensed optician. Colored contact lenses sold in flea markets, gas stations or beauty salons are NOT approved medical devices and you should never buy or wear them.
Also, although it sounds fun and harmless, you should never share your colored contact lenses with friends, family, etc. Doing so greatly increases your chance of contracting harmful eye infections. 

3) “Are colored contacts expensive?”
Colored contact lenses are priced a little bit higher than normal contact lenses, but most wearers believe this is a worthy investment for the results that they receive. 

Check out all the colored contacts on offer at Smart Buy Glasses!

We offer products from the world’s two leading brands: Maxi Eyes and Freshlook.

What is Pupillary Distance?

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What is Pupillary Distance?

What it is |
Why it's important |
Single PD and dual PD |
Measuring PD at home |
Average PD
By Patrick Conroy
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Aug 15, 2023
Pupillary distance is the distance between your pupils. Learn how to measure PD in this article.

When placing your first order of prescription glasses online, you’ll likely come across some pretty specific language relating to the various measurements required.

If you’ve never actually had to read your prescription  before, some of the terminology used on it will probably be new to you.

One of those terms is pupillary distance, which simply refers to the distance from the center of your left pupil to the center of your right pupil.

Pupillary distance is measured in millimetres and is crucial knowledge when fitting corrective lenses. We’ll take you through the ins and outs of it in this article.

Why is pupillary distance important?

When creating prescription lenses, having the wearer’s correct pupillary distance (PD) is vital, as it allows the lens maker to determine the center of the lenses.

For the clearest and most comfortable vision possible, the distance between the center of the left lens and the center of the right lens should equal the distance between the wearer’s pupils.

Incorrect PD measurements, even if they’re only off by a millimetre or two, could be the difference between perfectly functioning prescription glasses and distorted lenses.

Each pupil needs to align as closely as possible with the center of the lens directly in front of it in order to achieve optimal vision correction.

If the lenses are created with an incorrect PD, the wearer will experience distorted, uncomfortable vision, and possibly headaches as a result. In this case, the correct PD measurement would need to be taken so the lenses can be realigned.

DID YOU KNOW?

The ruler that eye care professionals use to measure pupillary distance is commonly known as a “PD stick.”

Single PD and dual PD

There are two different types of pupillary distance measurement; single PD and dual PD. The definition given earlier – the distance between the center of your pupils – applies to single PD (also called binocular PD).

There is only one value in this measurement, hence the name. For example, a binocular PD could be written as 61mm.

Dual PD refers to the distance from the center of each pupil to the middle of the nose, so there are two numerical values.

A dual PD of 31/30mm indicates that the center of the right pupil is 31mm from the middle of the nose, and the center of the left pupil is 30mm from the nose.

Monocular PD is another name for dual PD. The value of the right eye always comes first in monocular PD.

Either type of pupillary distance measurement will suffice when ordering glasses, but, it’s more common to use binocular PD. Dual PD is useful when ordering progressive lenses.

Reading glasses are an exceptional case, necessitating some simple subtraction. Take 3mm off your single PD or 1.5mm from each value of your dual PD to ensure your reading glasses meet your vision needs.

How to measure pupillary distance at home

Your pupillary distance can usually be found at the bottom of your prescription card, as your eye doctor or specialist measures it during a lens fitting.

However, eye doctors sometimes omit this detail from the prescription card they give to you and just keep it in their own records.

To avoid this, be sure to ask them to include it whenever you go for an eye test and a new prescription.  

Even if it’s not on your current card, it’s not a problem. It’s easy to measure pupillary distance yourself at home, and you can even take your pick from old-school and modern methods.

Use the app

Our free pupillary distance app is the fastest and easiest way to measure PD. All you need is a smartphone, a computer with a webcam, and a magnetic strip card. The app has voice instructions that will guide you through each step of PD measurement.

Use a ruler

If you don’t have access to the tools required to use our app, you can easily measure your pupillary distance using this approach. All you need is a millimetre ruler and a mirror.

Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler flat against the line of your eyebrows or up to the bridge of your nose.

Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking straight ahead into the mirror, align the ruler’s zero mark with the center of your left pupil.

Step 3: Keeping the millimetre ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.

Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s centre. This number is your first pupillary distance measurement.

Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate measurement result for your left eye too.​​​​

If you are struggling to follow these steps, enlisting the help of a friend could make things easier. All you need to do is stand facing your friend and ask them to measure your PD using either a ruler or a millimetre tape measure. 

Both of you can repeat the steps outlined above, with your friend holding the ruler to the bridge of your nose and taking the measurement. During this, your friend must make sure they keep their head still and look straight ahead while they read the measurement.

Is there an average pupillary distance?

Pupillary distance is different for each individual. The average PD for adults is between 54 and 74mm. If your own PD measurement falls outside of the average adult’s PD range, there is no need to worry.

High or low, the number itself does not have any effect on your vision. What’s important is that it accurately reflects the distance between your pupils.

The average pupillary distance for children is between 41 and 55mm. Since a person’s pupillary distance changes with physical development, it’s important to consider that children may have different pupillary distances each year. Don’t take for granted that their PD measurement from a previous year will still be correct. 

If anyone knows how to measure pupillary distance, it’s your eye doctor. For the most precise reading possible, ask them to write it on your prescription card each time you or your child has an eye exam.

If you’re still unsure about any prescription-related issues, take a look at our helpful Optical Centre articles, or reach out to one of our certified opticians for help.

Photochromic vs. Polarised Lenses

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Photochromic vs. Polarised Lenses

What's the difference? |
Photochromic lenses |
Polarised lenses |
Which one is better?
By Elise Snedden
Reviewed by Bridget Anderson
Bridget Anderson

Reviewed by

Bridget Anderson
Bridget is a dedicated optometrist who practices in Oklahoma with over 8 years of experience in private practice. She has a passion for providing accessible and fun patient education.
Updated On Jul 22, 2024
Photochromic and polarised lenses each have their respective qualities. Find out which type is the best choice for you.
woman wearing transitions glasses

Sunglasses are a versatile accessory; they protect your eyes and make you look cool. You may put a lot of thought into the frame of your glasses or sunglasses, but choosing the right lenses is just as important.

With so many lenses available, it may be difficult to understand which are right for you. The best lenses for an individual will depend on your unique visual needs and what you hope to get from your shades.

Polarised and photochromic lenses are two of the many lens choices which offer excellent UV protection, but many wonder, what exactly is the difference?

What is the difference between photochromic and polarised lenses?

Photochromic and polarised lenses both effectively protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They’re both available in a diverse range of frame styles and are highly beneficial to wearers. The difference?

Simply put, photochromic lenses automatically adjust from clear to dark with UV exposure. Photochromic lenses start clear and darken upon coming into contact with UV light. 

Unlike photochromic lenses, polarised lenses are always tinted and have a special coating that filters out horizontal light rays, which essentially means they cut out glare.

DID YOU KNOW?

Polarised lenses were invented in 1936, exactly thirty years before photochromic lenses.

What are photochromic lenses?

You may have also heard photochromic lenses being referred to as Transitions® lenses, but are they the same?

Transitions® lenses and photochromic lenses work the same way and are essentially the same thing. Transitions® is a brand name and type of photochromic lens manufactured by Transitions Optical Limited.

Photochromic lenses are an excellent choice for people who are sick of switching between their prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses.

As light conditions change, so do the lenses, depending on the intensity of ultraviolet light. And the best part, you never have to change your frames.

Inside, away from UV light, photochromic lenses are clear, but as soon as you step outside and UV rays are present, they gradually darken.

Plastic photochromic lenses and glass photochromic lenses use the same technology but are a bit different in their composition. 

Plastic photochromic lenses include molecules of silver halide that are usually layered or embedded evenly onto the surface of the lens, providing an even tint when exposed to UV light conditions, whereas glass photochromic lenses contain the molecules within the glass.

The convenient all-in-one nature of these lenses provides extra comfort in changing environments for those who need prescription eyewear.

How do photochromic lenses work?

It’s all about a chemical reaction. Photochromic lenses have light-sensitive molecules that shift their structure when combined with UV light, allowing them to easily adapt to changing light conditions. 

When this light is absorbed, the lenses darken. Away from the sunlight, the process reverses, and the lenses become clear again.

gif showing photochromic glasses

On average, photochromic lenses darken in 30–60 seconds and clear a bit slower in 2–3 minutes.

The molecules in photochromic lenses are not only sensitive to the presence of UV light but also the amount of it. When exposed to bright light, they will change more quickly; less light and they’ll change more slowly.

If you find yourself in the shade, you might notice your lenses darkening less than in direct sunlight. UV light is still present in low light settings like overcast skies, causing photochromic lenses to darken even in these conditions. 

Pros and cons of photochromic lenses

The biggest advantages are how cost-effective, convenient and versatile photochromic lenses can be. With no need for a separate pair, one pair of glasses acts as both your eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Photochromic glasses mean no need to worry about changing your glasses upon entering or exiting a building or the sunshine. 

The versatility of photochromic lenses is especially beneficial when the weather changes throughout the day, making them great for those with an active lifestyle. 

If you’re on the slopes, or hiking in the woods, and the sun keeps disappearing behind the clouds and coming out again, your vision and comfort remain unaffected.  

While photochromic glasses benefit many wearers, there are some disadvantages to consider. Temperature impacts the rate at which photochromic lenses darken or clear up. 

The lenses usually darken more fully in cold weather but take longer to clear. In warmer weather, they may not darken as much but will become clear quicker.

Most photochromic lenses perform well for three-plus years, but eventually, they will become less reactive to light conditions and take longer to shift between clear and tinted. 

Some models, including the Transitions XTRActive® lenses, have more photochromic molecules allowing them to transition even while in the car. These lenses always have a very light base tint and will not go as dark in the car as they do outdoors.

What are polarised lenses?

Polarised lenses are tinted lenses with a special coating that blocks glare, boosts visibility, increases clarity and enhances contrast to make your surroundings more vibrant.

difference between polarized vs non polarized glasses

Polarised sunglasses provide optimal vision for outdoor activities, as they block out reflections that come from smooth surfaces, like, snow or water.

When the sun reflects off these surfaces, it causes a powerful, horizontal glare that may cause eye damage and strain.

Polarised lenses improve visual clarity by reducing glare from reflective surfaces, making it easy for your eyes to focus, while also increasing colour contrast and giving you greater depth perception.

How do polarised lenses work?

Whether hiking, cycling or boating, polarised sunglasses are a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. The lenses are designed to reduce glare and enhance outdoor vision, helping improve performance while making colours look more vibrant.

Polarised lenses are well suited for driving during the day, as glare from other cars, or the road, is a common scenario. 

With reduced glare comes a lower risk of eye strain. Polarised lenses are an excellent solution for people with light sensitivity, and they may even be recommended to patients who have had cataract surgery.

infographic showing how polarized lenses work

Pros and cons of polarised lenses

Whether hiking, cycling or boating, polarised sunglasses are a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. The lenses are designed to reduce glare and enhance outdoor vision, helping improve performance while making colours look more vibrant.

Polarised lenses are well suited for driving during the day, as glare from other cars, or the road, is a common scenario. 

With reduced glare comes a lower risk of eye strain. Polarised lenses are an excellent solution for people with light sensitivity, and they may even be recommended to patients who have had cataract surgery.

With many advantages, there are some things to consider before buying polarised lenses. Polarised lenses may reduce vision clarity when looking at LCD screens or certain displays. 

For anyone working in a job where looking at display screens is expected, you should test polarised lenses on them before purchasing. 

While polarised lenses are beneficial in snowy conditions, they may make it harder to see patches of ice.

If you’re skiing, snowboarding, driving or walking where there might be lots of ice, it may be best to avoid your polarised sunglasses and reach for another pair.

Another disadvantage is that polarised lenses are always tinted, so if you wear prescription glasses, you will need to carry around both your glasses and sunglasses. 

Which is better - photochromic or polarised lenses?

Polarised and photochromic lenses have distinct qualities and advantages, making them great options for your collection. Generally, neither is considered better than the other.

Photochromic lenses are a great option for those who are always on the run, with one pair of glasses serving as eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Polarised lenses block out glare and reflections, not only improving vision but providing a level of safety, and are a great choice for outdoor activities.

Both types of lenses will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The best choice is always individual, so it’s best to review the functionalities of each, consider your environment and budget and compare this to your lifestyle.

Depending on what you use your sunglasses for, one may be a better choice than the other. 

If a reduction in glare will benefit your performance in fishing or cycling, for example, you may choose polarised lenses. Photochromic lenses may be best for you if you need a pair of sunglasses for everyday wear.

Lenses don’t have to be complicated; consider the differences and your vision needs, so you can buy and wear what works for you. With so many options, it’s always best to be informed about your choices. 

Head to our Optical Centre to learn more about these lenses, or speak with one of our opticians. And remember, whether you purchase photochromic or polarised lenses, make sure they fit into frames that make you feel confident.

Glasses Lens Material – Everything you need to know

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Glasses Lens Material: Your Ultimate Guide

By Anna MacGabhann
Reviewed by Beck Jinette
Beck Jinette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Apr 11, 2023

Types of Lens Materials | Three Main Materials | Lens coatings and add-ons | Polycarbonate vs Plastic | Best material

There are many types of lens material available on the market today, read on to discover which lens is best for your vision and lifestyle!

There is much more to buying eyeglasses than what first meets the eye. It’s not just choosing the right frame, cool shape or funky colours. Glasses lens materials also play an important part in picking the right eyewear for you and your vision.

It may seem like a lot to take in, but this article will guide you through the different qualities of the best glasses lens material!

How many types of lens materials for glasses are there?

There are five main types of lens materials for eyeglasses and sunglasses. Each type of lens material can help correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. 

Before going into the different materials, it can be good to understand the index of refraction. Some materials are categorized by the index of refraction, which indicates how fast light travels through a given material.

Essentially, the higher the refractive index of a material, the slower light moves through it, which results in a more significant bending (refracting) of light rays. With a higher refractive index, less lens material is required to bend light to the same degree as a lens with a lower refractive index. 

In other words, for any eyeglass prescription, a lens made of a material with a high-refractive index will be thinner than a lens made of a material with a lower refractive index.

What are glasses lenses made of? The three main materials

Glass

Glass lenses are among the best glasses lens material. They provide visual clarity and are highly scratch resistant due to their hard surface. 

However, glass lenses are heavy, thick and have a lower impact resistance. Of all the lens materials for glasses, glass must be specifically treated to comply with impact-resistant regulations and can not always fit in every frame design.

Plastic

Plastic (CR-39) is the standard glasses lens material. Plastic lenses offer great optics and vision correction for refractive errors and block out 80% of UV light. Compared to glass lenses, plastic lenses are lighter and less likely to shatter as easily.

However, CR-39 plastic lenses tend to be thicker than other plastic materials as they have a lower index of refraction.

High-Index

High-index lens materials are the thinnest and lightest of all glasses lenses material. They can be used for stronger prescriptions as they look more aesthetically pleasing with thinner lenses. High-index lenses bend light more efficiently as they have a higher index of refraction.

High-index lenses have superior optics and impact resistance, but these factors can depend on the type of high-index material used – glass or plastic. Like many other lens materials, high-index lenses provide quality UV protection.

Lens coatings and add-ons

Lens coatings can also be an important factor to keep in mind when choosing lens materials for your glasses. 

With high-index lenses or polycarbonate, you’ll want to make sure you add an anti-reflective coating to avoid the lenses reflecting too much light – especially when driving. 

With many lens materials, you can also get a  zFORT® Blue light blocking add-on to help protect your eyes from harmful rays emitted by digital devices. In addition, Photochromic filters can be added to nearly all lens materials. With this, you have a pair of glasses that also function as sunglasses – 2-in-1!

Feel free to read our guide on lens coatings to learn more!

DID YOU KNOW?

Lens materials should be chosen based on your prescription, frames and lifestyle. If you think your lens is missing something, add a coating such as  zFORT® Blue light blocking.

How do I know if my lenses are polycarbonate or plastic?

When shopping for glasses, it can take time to determine the type of lens material you are getting. You will probably ask yourself, what are glasses lenses made of? Hopefully, this article will provide some answers to that question. If you are happy with your current glasses lenses material and are wondering whether they are polycarbonate or plastic, there are a few ways to tell. 

Polycarbonate glasses lenses are thinner than plastic glasses. In addition, they are usually lighter and more impact-resistant than plastic glasses lenses. 

You can shop for premium plastic lenses on SmartBuyGlasses and if you’re looking for the same thinness as polycarbonate, high-index lenses are also available on the site.

What is the best eyeglass lens material?

To determine what lens material is best for you, you should have an eye test to determine the requirements of your vision correction. You should also always consult your eye doctor first to find the best suitable lens material for your specific vision correction.

Once you have consulted your optician and have your prescription, you should consider the following factors before making your purchase: Comfort, aesthetics, optics, safety and cost. 

To summarise your options:

  •  Plastic lenses (CR-39) are the most affordable lens material and work better for weaker Rx.
  • Glass lenses are also low-cost but are difficult to pair with certain frame designs and sizes.
  • High index can work best if you want thinner lenses, but they do come at a higher cost.
  • Polycarbonate lenses and Trivex lenses are similar but do present some differences. 

If you wear glasses every day, you’ll want them to fit comfortably, look good and not weigh heavily on your face. Thinner lenses can tick all boxes. Thicker lenses are more noticeable in the frame and tend to be heavier. Thicker lenses are, however, more affordable and suitable for lower vision corrections. 

You can browse through trendy eyewear on our site and find something to accommodate all of your eye needs. If you need more informative advice about how to choose the right glasses, speak to one of our certified online opticians today or visit our Optical Centre.

Glasses Lens Material: Your Ultimate Guide

Types of Lens Materials | Three Main Materials | Lens coatings and add-ons | Polycarbonate vs Plastic | Best Material

By Anna MacGabhann
Reviewed by Beck Jinette
Beck Jinette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Apr 03, 2023

There are many types of lens material available on the market today, read on to discover which lens is best for your vision and lifestyle!

There is much more to buying eyeglasses than what first meets the eye. It’s not just choosing the right frame, cool shape or funky colours. Glasses lens materials also play an important part in picking the right eyewear for you and your vision. 

It may seem like a lot to take in, but this article will guide you through the different qualities of the best glasses lens material!

How many types of lens materials for glasses are there?

There are five main types of lens materials for eyeglasses and sunglasses. Each type of lens material can help correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. 

Before going into the different materials, it can be good to understand the index of refraction. Some materials are categorized by the index of refraction, which indicates how fast light travels through a given material.

What are glasses lenses made of? The three main materials

Glass

Glass lenses are among the best glasses lens material. They provide visual clarity and are highly scratch resistant due to their hard surface. 

However, glass lenses are heavy, thick and have a lower impact resistance. Of all the lens materials for glasses, glass must be specifically treated to comply with impact-resistant regulations and can not always fit in every frame design.

Plastic

Plastic (CR-39) is the standard glasses lens material. Plastic lenses offer great optics and vision correction for refractive errors and block out 80% of UV light. Compared to glass lenses, plastic lenses are lighter and less likely to shatter as easily.

However, CR-39 plastic lenses tend to be thicker than other plastic materials as they have a lower index of refraction.

High-Index

High-index lens materials are the thinnest and lightest of all glasses lenses material. They can be used for stronger prescriptions as they look more aesthetically pleasing with thinner lenses. High-index lenses bend light more efficiently as they have a higher index of refraction.

High-index lenses have superior optics and impact resistance, but these factors can depend on the type of high-index material used – glass or plastic. Like many other lens materials, high-index lenses provide quality UV protection.

Lens coatings and add-ons

Lens coatings can also be an important factor to keep in mind when choosing lens materials for your glasses. 

With high-index lenses or polycarbonate, you’ll want to make sure you add an anti-reflective coating to avoid the lenses reflecting too much light – especially when driving. 

With many lens materials, you can also get a  zFORT® Blue light blocking add-on to help protect your eyes from harmful rays emitted by digital devices. In addition, Photochromic filters can be added to nearly all lens materials. With this, you have a pair of glasses that also function as sunglasses – 2-in-1!

Feel free to read our guide on lens coatings to learn more!

DID YOU KNOW?
Lens materials should be chosen based on your prescription, frames and lifestyle. If you think your lens is missing something, add a coating such as zFORT® Blue light blocking.

How do I know if my lenses are polycarbonate or plastic?

When shopping for glasses, it can take time to determine the type of lens material you are getting. You will probably ask yourself, what are glasses lenses made of? Hopefully, this article will provide some answers to that question. If you are happy with your current glasses lenses material and are wondering whether they are polycarbonate or plastic, there are a few ways to tell. 

Polycarbonate glasses lenses are thinner than plastic glasses. In addition, they are usually lighter and more impact-resistant than plastic glasses lenses. 

You can shop for premium plastic lenses on SmartBuyGlasses  and if you’re looking for the same thinness as polycarbonate, high-index lenses are also available on the site.

What is the best eyeglass lens material?

To determine what lens material is best for you, you should have an eye test to determine the requirements of your vision correction. You should also always consult your eye doctor first to find the best suitable lens material for your specific vision correction.

Once you have consulted your optician and have your prescription, you should consider the following factors before making your purchase: Comfort, aesthetics, optics, safety and cost. 

To summarise your options:

  •  Plastic lenses (CR-39) are the most affordable lens material and work better for weaker Rx.
  • Glass lenses are also low-cost but are difficult to pair with certain frame designs and sizes.
  • High index can work best if you want thinner lenses, but they do come at a higher cost.
  • Polycarbonate lenses and Trivex lenses are similar but do present some differences. 

If you wear glasses every day, you’ll want them to fit comfortably, look good and not weigh heavily on your face. Thinner lenses can tick all boxes. Thicker lenses are more noticeable in the frame and tend to be heavier. Thicker lenses are, however, more affordable and suitable for lower vision corrections. 

You can browse through trendy eyewear on our site and find something to accommodate all of your eye needs. If you need more informative advice about how to choose the right glasses, speak to one of our certified online opticians today or visit our Optical Centre.

Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now