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All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

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All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

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Are you an eyeglasses wearer?

Are you tired of being blinded in the rain, constantly cleaning off smudges and losing sight due to scratched lenses?

If so, it may be time to enhance your visual experience with some high-quality lenses. Think Arise Collective HD, Essilor Crizal Forte UV lens technology, or our premium lens selection.

Lens Technologies

There has been a world of technological breakthroughs in the lenses market, and as a result there is a range of different options when it comes to choosing your lenses.

• Single vision lenses, for vision improvement over either short or long distances, but not both.

• Multifocal lenses, for vision improvement over multiple distances.

• Multicoated lenses, for protection against dust, water and scratches.

• Transition lenses, for adapting to high- and low-light situations.

• High-index lenses, for the thinnest, best-looking way of improving your eyesight.

What Are Anti-Reflective Lenses? 

Anti-reflective/anti-glare/AR coating improves vision, eye strain and makes your eyeglasses look better. These benefits are due to the ability of AR coating to eliminate nearly all reflections from both sides of your lenses. With reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses to optimize visual acuity. This increased amount of light can be really beneficial at night, when your eyes need all the help they can get.

What Lens Coatings Do My Glasses Need?

At SmartBuyGlasses, we can fit your glasses with a number of different coatings to suit your eyewear needs. These include:

• UV400, with optimized protection for UVA and UVB.

• Anti-reflective, to reduce glare and increase the amount of light entering your lenses.

• Scratch-resistant, with added protection against wear and tear.

• Impact-X, for optimal eye protection in tough conditions.

• Aspheric, which are thinner, flatter and lighter than conventional lenses.

• Superhydrophobic, with water-repellant technology.

What is Crizal Forte UV?

Crizal Forte UV is an exclusive anti-reflecting technology from Essilor. It’s specifically designed to protect your eyes from UV light. Essilor Crizal lens technology is applied to both sides of your glasses lenses so as to block both the direct UV light that passes through the front of your glasses, AND the UV rays reflected off the rear surface of your lenses. SmartBuyGlasses is not affiliated and does not currently sell Essilor lenses online but does recognise their excellent quality.

Do Essilor Crizal lenses protect my eyes from UV light?

Essilor broad spectrum technology lenses provide your eyes with superior protection against harmful UV radiation and have a 25 E-SPF (eye-sun protection factor) rating.

In fact, they claim that their lenses are the best in terms of UV light protection for long-term eye health. 

Crizal Forte UV features

In addition, Essilor Crizal Forte UV lenses offer some of the most advanced anti-reflective lens technology available today.

Additionally, these high-tech lenses protect you against the big five obstacles to clear vision:

1. Reflections & glares.

2. Water droplets.

3. Dust.

4. Scratches.

5. Smudges.

By upgrading your ordinary lenses, you can enjoy crystal clear vision with some of the best lens technology the eyewear world has to offer.

Arise Collective™ Clarity Prescription Lenses

While we don’t sell Crizal Forte lenses at SmartBuyGlasses, we do sell anti-reflective lenses with the Arise Collective™ Clarity range.

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure. These lenses are suitable for all vision impairments and can be customized for your every need.

Whether you need reading glasses, driving glasses or prescription glasses for astigmatism, myopia or presbyopia, Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses are fitted to your prescription and your needs.

Protective Coatings from Arise Collective™

The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation.

These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high-performing, durable lenses feature innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Stay protected at SmartBuyGlasses. We stock all thousands of glasses with a wide range of lens materials. If you have any questions, visit our Ask the Optician page to find out more!

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All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

Are you an eyeglasses wearer?

Are you tired of being blinded in the rain, constantly cleaning off smudges and losing sight due to scratched lenses?

If so, it may be time to enhance your visual experience with some high-quality lenses. Think Arise Collective HD, Essilor Crizal Forte UV lens technology, or our premium lens selection.

Lens Technologies

There has been a world of technological breakthroughs in the lenses market, and as a result there is a range of different options when it comes to choosing your lenses.

• Single vision lenses, for vision improvement over either short or long distances, but not both.

• Multifocal lenses, for vision improvement over multiple distances.

• Multicoated lenses, for protection against dust, water and scratches.

• Transition lenses, for adapting to high- and low-light situations.

• High-index lenses, for the thinnest, best-looking way of improving your eyesight.

What Are Anti-Reflective Lenses? 

Anti-reflective/anti-glare/AR coating improves vision, eye strain and makes your eyeglasses look better. These benefits are due to the ability of AR coating to eliminate nearly all reflections from both sides of your lenses. With reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses to optimize visual acuity. This increased amount of light can be really beneficial at night, when your eyes need all the help they can get.

What Lens Coatings Do My Glasses Need?

At SmartBuyGlasses, we can fit your glasses with a number of different coatings to suit your eyewear needs. These include:

• UV400, with optimized protection for UVA and UVB.

• Anti-reflective, to reduce glare and increase the amount of light entering your lenses.

• Scratch-resistant, with added protection against wear and tear.

• Impact-X, for optimal eye protection in tough conditions.

• Aspheric, which are thinner, flatter and lighter than conventional lenses.

• Superhydrophobic, with water-repellant technology.

What is Crizal Forte UV?

Crizal Forte UV is an exclusive anti-reflecting technology from Essilor. It’s specifically designed to protect your eyes from UV light. Essilor Crizal lens technology is applied to both sides of your glasses lenses so as to block both the direct UV light that passes through the front of your glasses, AND the UV rays reflected off the rear surface of your lenses. SmartBuyGlasses is not affiliated and does not currently sell Essilor lenses online but does recognise their excellent quality.

Do Essilor Crizal lenses protect my eyes from UV light?

Essilor broad spectrum technology lenses provide your eyes with superior protection against harmful UV radiation and have a 25 E-SPF (eye-sun protection factor) rating.

In fact, they claim that their lenses are the best in terms of UV light protection for long-term eye health. 

Crizal Forte UV features

In addition, Essilor Crizal Forte UV lenses offer some of the most advanced anti-reflective lens technology available today.

Additionally, these high-tech lenses protect you against the big five obstacles to clear vision:

1. Reflections & glares.

2. Water droplets.

3. Dust.

4. Scratches.

5. Smudges.

By upgrading your ordinary lenses, you can enjoy crystal clear vision with some of the best lens technology the eyewear world has to offer.

Arise Collective™ Clarity Prescription Lenses

While we don’t sell Crizal Forte lenses at SmartBuyGlasses, we do sell anti-reflective lenses with the Arise Collective™ Clarity range.

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure. These lenses are suitable for all vision impairments and can be customized for your every need.

Whether you need reading glasses, driving glasses or prescription glasses for astigmatism, myopia or presbyopia, Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses are fitted to your prescription and your needs.

Protective Coatings from Arise Collective™

The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation.

These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high-performing, durable lenses feature innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Stay protected at SmartBuyGlasses. We stock all thousands of glasses with a wide range of lens materials. If you have any questions, visit our Ask the Optician page to find out more!

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High Index Lenses

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High Index Lenses

What are high-index lenses? |
What are high-index lenses made
of? |
High-index lenses vs. regular |
High-index lenses vs.
polycarbonate |
1.67 vs. 1.74 high-index lenses |
Are high-index
lenses worth it? |
Disadvantages of high-index lenses
Thick lenses are an aesthetic concern for many people, but high index lenses allow strong prescription lenses to be thinned. Learn all about them in this article.
high index lenses

Lens index indicates how thick or thin a lens is. Also known as the index of refraction or refractive index, it is measured by numbers and describes how efficiently a material bends light. High-index lenses allow people with strong prescriptions to wear eyeglasses with thinner lenses.

Read on to learn what high-index lenses exactly are and how they compare to other types of lenses. 

What are high-index lenses?

High-index lenses are thin, light, and powerful lenses. Prescription glasses equipped with high-index lenses are noticeably slimmer, more lightweight, and more stylish. That’s why high-index lenses are recommended for people with strong eyeglasses prescriptions.

Typically, those with higher vision correction needs will be forced to wear thicker and bulky conventional glass or plastic lenses that are thicker towards the edges. But with the emergence of high-index materials, the optical industry has been transformed.

Now, strong refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism can be corrected with thinner lenses with no compromise on efficacy.

Thanks to high-index lenses, strong prescription glasses can now be sported in stylish, semi-rimless, and even rimless styles. Most high-index lenses are also aspheric, making them slimmer and eliminating the “bug-eye” look to a great extent.

What are high-index lenses made of?

Most high-index lenses are made of a particular type of light plastic that bends light more efficiently than other lens materials. There are also high-index lenses made of glass, but they are recommended or prescribed less often.

Lens thickness chart

types of lens index
DID YOU KNOW?

The first high index lenses were produced in 1983, made from polycarbonate.

High-index lenses vs. regular

Both regular lenses and high-index ones bend light to correct refractive errors. The difference is that regular lenses have to be thicker to correct strong prescriptions, while high-index lenses are made of a material that makes them lighter and thinner.

In general, the stronger the prescription, the higher the index should be for the glasses to offer comfortable vision and fit. For example, a regular lens with a 1.50 index and a 1.67 high index lens can have the same prescription, but the high index lens would be around 30% thinner.

High-index lenses vs. polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses have a 1.59 index, making them thinner than standard lenses but not as much as high-index lenses.

They are also impact-resistant, offering increased durability. In general, polycarbonate lenses are only recommended for children’s glasses, sports eyewear, and safety goggles because they don’t provide the same visual clarity as other plastic lenses.

1.67 vs. 1.74 high-index lenses

Both 1.67 and 1.74 high-index lenses can accommodate strong prescriptions. The difference is in the thickness. 1.74 high-index lenses are up to 10% thinner than 1.67 high-index lenses. 

As a reference, 1.67 high-index lenses are recommended for strong prescription with an SPH correction between +/-7.00 and +/-9.00, and a CYL correction between +/-3.25 and +/-4.00.

1.74 high index lenses are known “as thin as possible” lenses and are recommended for even stronger prescriptions with SPH corrections around +/-9.25 and above, and CYL corrections around +/-4.25 and +/-6.00.

They are 35% thinner than the standard lenses. Although they appear thin, they are at the same time strong and will include the features to correct vision problems. 

Are high-index lenses worth it?

High-index lenses are the solution for accommodating high prescriptions in thinner lenses. That is not all, though; here are all the advantages of choosing high-index lenses:

  • Thinner and lighter than other lenses: the specific plastic blend makes it possible to create thinner and lighter lenses that provide better light refraction than regular ones.
  • Versatility: high index lenses can be customized according to your needs and preferences. They can be single vision, progressives, transitions, and can be treated with many coatings such as blue light, polarization, anti-reflective, and more.
  • Comfort: because they are lighter and thinner than other types, high-index lenses offer a higher level of comfort. With high-index lenses, your glasses will not be heavy on your ears and nose, making your life easier. 
  • Great fit for most frames:high index lenses fit thousand of different frames. Always remember that the bigger the frame, the thicker the lens, so opticians recommend smaller frames if you have a strong prescription.
advantages of high index lenses

Disadvantages of high-index lenses

  • More fragile than other lenses: high index lenses are not as impact resistant as other types of lenses. This means that they are not indicated for children or sports.  
  • More expensive than other lenses: These lenses offer many benefits but are also a bit more expensive than regular lenses. For many wearers, though, their benefits outweigh the price difference compared to lower index lenses. 
disadvantages of high inde x lenses

High-index lenses might be perfect if you want more comfort and a better appearance. Before deciding on your lens index, talk to your eye doctor or take advantage of our free online optician support service to see which lens is best for your eye prescription.

Thick Lens Glasses

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Thick Lens Glasses

Why are my glasses lenses so thick? |
Do prisms make glasses
thicker? |
What shape glasses are best for thick lenses?
By Corina Iatisin
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene McKeeman FBDO

Reviewed by

Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Updated On Mar 09, 2023
Discover the reason behind thick lens glasses and why prescription lenses can vary greatly.
Thick lens glasses

Prescription lenses can vary drastically for each individual, depending on their unique needs. The density of lenses may range from paper-thin to the ‘coke bottle’ effect. But why is this? 

If you have thick glasses, your prescription is likely stronger than most. But what is the purpose of thick lens glasses? Prescription lenses bend the light through curved lenses as it enters your eye. Short-sighted wearers will have lenses that are thicker on the edge and thinner in the middle, while those who are long-sighted will have the opposite.

Why are my glasses lenses so thick?

To understand why you have thick glasses lenses, you need to be aware of your refractive power. The refractive power is the amount that light needs to be bent when entering your eye for you to see clearly. The more light needs to be bent, the higher the refractive power (prescription) will be; therefore the thicker your lenses will be.

Another point to think about is your glasses’ frame size and pupillary distance. Lens thickness will increase as the frame size increases due to the edge of the lens being utilized to fit the frame.

Therefore, the larger the frame, the thicker the lens. A minus RX will be thicker at the edges, while a plus RX will be thicker in the middle.  Your pupillary distance may also change where the thickness occurs if the frame is too large for you. 

infographic illustrating lens thickness
infographic illustrating lens thickness

How thick can glasses get?

How thick the glasses lens will be is determined by a few factors. The material of your lenses contributes to the thickness, as well as your prescription and personal choice. Thanks to new technology, high-index lenses were introduced to help reduce the thickness and weight of the lenses.

High-index lenses are made from a plastic material that allows better light refraction in a thin lens. Many people opt for high-index lenses because they have a more sleek look. If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need high index lenses?” you can discover our thin lenses guide to get a better understanding of what they are and whether they are right for you or not.

DID YOU KNOW?
The article explores the reason behind thick lenses, explaining why prisms make lenses thicker and what are the best frame shapes based on your prescription. 

Do prisms make glasses thicker?

Some eyewear users may experience double vision (diplopia), which requires prism glasses to correct their eyesight. Prism glasses refract the light before entering your lenses rather than when it passes through. 

Prism will make the lenses thicker; the higher the prism, the thicker it will be. However, experimenting with various frame styles can help hide the thickness if you feel it is too obvious or bothers you.

Why is one lens thicker than the other?

If you’re noticing that one of your lenses is thicker than the other one, the reason behind that is very simple: different strengths in your prescription. 

In fact, prescriptions are usually not symetrical: you may be seeing better in one eye rather than the other. Sometimes the difference can be so slight that it is unnoticable; other times, if  the difference is more drastic it becomes more noticeable. 

What shape glasses are best for thick lenses?

Getting a pair of new glasses can be confusing, especially for people with strong prescriptions: certain frame types are not advised as they might affect the overall performance of the glasses. To make the process of shopping for new glasses easier, we have put together a brief guide for both myopic (minus) and nearsighted (plus) prescriptions.

Minus RX recommendations

infographic describing minus RX recommendations
infographic describing minus RX recommendations

Plus RX recommendations

infographic describing plus RX recommendations
infographic describing plus RX recommendations

Now that you have a better understanding of thick-lens glasses and know what frame is best for your prescription, shopping for glasses online won’t be so intimidating or confusing! 

If you want to learn more about trick lenses or lenses in general, visit our Optical Centre. You will find many informative articles on the subject, all thoroughly reviewed by our certified opticians.

What Are Polarised Sunglasses?

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What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses are high-functioning eyewear with many benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. Learn what polarised sunglasses are good for and what the difference is between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses. If you’ve found yourself asking these questions and wondering whether or not polarised sunglasses are good for you, read on to find out more.

What does polarised sunglasses mean?

Polarised sunglasses will block out the horizontal blinding glare that causes you to squint. As the sun hits the surface horizontally, it will bounce off the surface causing the glare. polarised lenses block that glare using an anti-glare filter to create vertical openings for light to pass through. Not only do they make colours more distinguishable, but they also add clarity to your vision by reducing glare from the sun. Glare can be annoying and dangerous as it alters colours and causes visual discomfort, so polarised sunglasses can help you to see more clearly.

How do polarised sunglasses work?

Polarised lenses have opposite layers aligned at the opposite polars. These molecules absorb horizontally polarised light before it reaches your eyes but allow vertically polarised light to pass through. As direct sunlight is unpolarised, the polarisation filter doesn’t completely block out the light – but don’t worry, polarised sunglasses contain other coatings that protect your eyes from direct sunlight.

On the other hand, the benefits of blocking the horizontally reflected light are what make polarised lenses worth the money. You’ll notice this if you’ve ever looked at the water’s surface on a sunny day before and after putting on polarised lenses. 

How to tell if sunglasses are polarised

With the aspects of polarised lenses in mind, you can determine whether your sunglasses are polarised by looking through the lenses towards a reflective surface, such as water or pavement.  If you don’t experience blurry vision, you are probably wearing sunglasses with polarised lenses.

Another way to test your sunglasses is to put them on and look at your phone or tablet when switched on. If your screen is black, that means your sunglasses are polarised with a filter that blocks horizontally polarised light. All you have to do to see your screen is rotate your device 90 degrees.

What is the difference between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses?

The anti-glare coating on polarised lenses is the main difference between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses. polarised sunglasses are not necessarily better for eye health, as both polarised and non-polarised sunglasses come with UV protection. Another difference between the two types of lenses is the visual quality that each offers. Since polarised sunglasses are blocking out glare, they can end up seeming like a darker, clearer lens. 

So, are polarised anti-glare sunglasses better? While it is a matter of preference, there are some situations where non-polarised sunglasses might be more beneficial than polarised sunglasses. For example, polarised sunglasses are not recommended for use in the aviation environment. polarised lenses can also make it more difficult to see electronic screens, so pilots are advised to wear non-polarised sunglasses while flying.

What are the benefits of polarised sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses can benefit anyone who participates in activities under direct sunlight or near the water. As polarised lenses also reduce glare, they improve visual clarity and enhance the world around us with vibrant colours. 

Polarised lenses can also enhance the colour contrast we see when exposed to the sun. This attribute benefits athletes, fishing enthusiasts, and outdoorsmen who want greater depth perception to enhance their performance.

Polarised sunglasses are perfect for time spent by the water, as they help eliminate the light that reflects from the surface. Similarly, polarised lenses are commonly found in ski goggles to improve performance and block the glare reflected off the snow.

Other benefits include:

– Many polarised sunglasses can offer 100% UV protection, but always check the product description to ensure this.

– You can add your prescription to polarised sunglasses so that you can see clearly and protect your eyes simultaneously. 

Should you get polarised sunglasses?

Regardless of whether you spend time on the water or near the snow, polarised sunglasses offer many practical applications for everyday life. Having a pair of go-to polarised sunglasses is a no-brainer if you are serious about protecting your eyes from UV light. However, if you need to view strictly digital screens for your job, such as if you are a pilot, you should not wear polarised sunglasses. Contact our opticians for advice if you are unsure whether polarised sunglasses are right for your lifestyle.

If your lifestyle involves spending a lot of time in the sun, you may be exposed to many objects where light is reflected horizontally, such as roads, puddles, cars, and buildings. There’s a high risk of experiencing sudden blinding moments as a result of the glare, which is very dangerous for driving. polarised sunglasses are also a good match if you’re an avid golfer, skier, or fisherman. 

The technology of polarised lenses reduces the light that affects your eyesight on a sunny day. Whether you enjoy a day on the lake or skiing down slopes, there are a variety of sunglasses with polarised lenses that will be perfect for you. 

If you’re interested in learning about other lenses, read about reflective lenses, Transitions® lenses, and much more. Once you decide which lenses are the best fit for you, have a look at the variety of sunglasses and prescription styles available at SmartBuyGlasses.

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 414065, 275157, 543603. Please check and use correct values.
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Ask our opticians

Ask now

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses are high-functioning eyewear with many benefits for outdoor enthusiasts. Learn what polarised sunglasses are good for and what the difference is between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses. If you’ve found yourself asking these questions and wondering whether or not polarised sunglasses are good for you, read on to find out more.

What does polarised sunglasses mean?

Polarised sunglasses will block out the horizontal blinding glare that causes you to squint. As the sun hits the surface horizontally, it will bounce off the surface causing the glare. polarised lenses block that glare using an anti-glare filter to create vertical openings for light to pass through. Not only do they make colours more distinguishable, but they also add clarity to your vision by reducing glare from the sun. Glare can be annoying and dangerous as it alters colours and causes visual discomfort, so polarised sunglasses can help you to see more clearly.

How do polarised sunglasses work?

Polarised lenses have opposite layers aligned at the opposite polars. These molecules absorb horizontally polarised light before it reaches your eyes but allow vertically polarised light to pass through. As direct sunlight is unpolarised, the polarisation filter doesn’t completely block out the light – but don’t worry, polarised sunglasses contain other coatings that protect your eyes from direct sunlight.

On the other hand, the benefits of blocking the horizontally reflected light are what make polarised lenses worth the money. You’ll notice this if you’ve ever looked at the water’s surface on a sunny day before and after putting on polarised lenses. 

How to tell if sunglasses are polarised

With the aspects of polarised lenses in mind, you can determine whether your sunglasses are polarised by looking through the lenses towards a reflective surface, such as water or pavement.  If you don’t experience blurry vision, you are probably wearing sunglasses with polarised lenses.

Another way to test your sunglasses is to put them on and look at your phone or tablet when switched on. If your screen is black, that means your sunglasses are polarised with a filter that blocks horizontally polarised light. All you have to do to see your screen is rotate your device 90 degrees.

What is the difference between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses?

The anti-glare coating on polarised lenses is the main difference between polarised and non-polarised sunglasses. polarised sunglasses are not necessarily better for eye health, as both polarised and non-polarised sunglasses come with UV protection. Another difference between the two types of lenses is the visual quality that each offers. Since polarised sunglasses are blocking out glare, they can end up seeming like a darker, clearer lens. 

So, are polarised anti-glare sunglasses better? While it is a matter of preference, there are some situations where non-polarised sunglasses might be more beneficial than polarised sunglasses. For example, polarised sunglasses are not recommended for use in the aviation environment. polarised lenses can also make it more difficult to see electronic screens, so pilots are advised to wear non-polarised sunglasses while flying.

What are the benefits of polarised sunglasses?

Polarised sunglasses can benefit anyone who participates in activities under direct sunlight or near the water. As polarised lenses also reduce glare, they improve visual clarity and enhance the world around us with vibrant colours. 

Polarised lenses can also enhance the colour contrast we see when exposed to the sun. This attribute benefits athletes, fishing enthusiasts, and outdoorsmen who want greater depth perception to enhance their performance.

Polarised sunglasses are perfect for time spent by the water, as they help eliminate the light that reflects from the surface. Similarly, polarised lenses are commonly found in ski goggles to improve performance and block the glare reflected off the snow.

Other benefits include:

– Many polarised sunglasses can offer 100% UV protection, but always check the product description to ensure this.

– You can add your prescription to polarised sunglasses so that you can see clearly and protect your eyes simultaneously. 

Should you get polarised sunglasses?

Regardless of whether you spend time on the water or near the snow, polarised sunglasses offer many practical applications for everyday life. Having a pair of go-to polarised sunglasses is a no-brainer if you are serious about protecting your eyes from UV light. However, if you need to view strictly digital screens for your job, such as if you are a pilot, you should not wear polarised sunglasses. Contact our opticians for advice if you are unsure whether polarised sunglasses are right for your lifestyle.

If your lifestyle involves spending a lot of time in the sun, you may be exposed to many objects where light is reflected horizontally, such as roads, puddles, cars, and buildings. There’s a high risk of experiencing sudden blinding moments as a result of the glare, which is very dangerous for driving. polarised sunglasses are also a good match if you’re an avid golfer, skier, or fisherman. 

The technology of polarised lenses reduces the light that affects your eyesight on a sunny day. Whether you enjoy a day on the lake or skiing down slopes, there are a variety of sunglasses with polarised lenses that will be perfect for you. 

If you’re interested in learning about other lenses, read about reflective lenses, Transitions® lenses, and much more. Once you decide which lenses are the best fit for you, have a look at the variety of sunglasses and prescription styles available at SmartBuyGlasses.

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Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 414065, 275157, 543603. Please check and use correct values.

UV Protection Sunglasses – How Different Protection Categories Work

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UV Protection Sunglasses - How Different Protection Categories Work

UV protection categories | Category 3 vs 4 | 100% UV protection vs polarised

By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene McKeeman FBDO

Reviewed by

Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
All you need to know about different sunglasses UV protection categories. Choose yours based on your needs and lifestyle!
UV-Protection-Sunglasses-How-Different-Protection-Categories-Work

Many people use sunglasses as a fashion accessory to add a touch of sophistication to their style during the spring and summer months. However, not everyone is aware that UV sunglasses have a very practical purpose in addition to being fashionable.

The lenses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which are problematic on both clear and cloudy days. When exposed to the sun, our eye pupils constrict to filter the light before it hits our retina.

When the UV rays are very strong, this natural filter isn’t enough and could lead to eye health issues. To help prevent various issues, you should wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

People’s eyewear needs vary, so it’s only natural that sunglasses come with various lenses to accommodate various conditions and environments. The lenses usually fall into one of five levels that offer different UV filters in sunglasses.

UV-Protection-Sunglasses-How-Different-Protection-Categories-Work
UV-Protection-Sunglasses-How-Different-Protection-Categories-Work

What is category 0 UV protection?

Category 0 blocks out only 3-20% of UV rays, so not a viable option for eye protection. Category 0 sunglasses are indicated for fashion purposes only; an example is softly coloured tinted lenses.

What is category 1 UV protection?

Category 1 blocks 20-57% of UV. Category 1 sunglasses are best suited for fashion purposes or cloudy days with little sun exposure. These types of sunnies usually have light tints, like grey or purple.

What is category 2 UV protection?

Category 2 lenses block 57-82% of UV rays and are appropriate for partly overcast days. Category 2 sunglasses are typically lighter in colour than others. Perfect for spring!

What is category 3 UV protection?

Category 3 sunglasses block 82-92% of UV light, which makes these UV sunglasses an excellent choice for sun protection. These shades can be used in bright sunlight in the mountains or at the seaside.

What is category 4 UV protection?

Category 4 (UV400) lenses are the highest category available, blocking 92-97% of UV rays to provide maximum protection. Sunglasses with lens category 4 are ideal for exceptionally bright settings, such as at high elevations or sea.

However, it is important to note that they are unsuitable for driving due to the dark lens tint (even illegal in some countries like the UK).

DID YOU KNOW?

UV protection is the most important characteristic to look for when choosing your next pair of sunglasses. Categories 0, 1 and 2 are for fashion purposes. Category 3 is ideal for standard bright sunlight conditions and Category 4 is for exceptionally bright settings.

Should I get category 3 or 4 sunglasses?

To determine which UV protection category you should go for, you need to determine in which conditions you’ll use your sunglasses. Usually, most people buying sunglasses will get a standard category 3 pair. 

Category 3 is the most common, ideal for bright sunny days in cities and holidays in the mountains or seaside. Category 4 sunglasses have extremely dark lenses and are recommended for extra bright conditions when the sun is very intense. For example, hiking at high altitudes, in the desert, or sailing in the open sea.

Is 100% UV protection better than polarised?

100% UV protection and polarisation are two different things. While UV protection sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes, polarised sunglasses are designed to reduce glare so you can see more clearly without squinting. People who play video games, water sports, or are bothered by glare daily choose these lenses. 

Although polarisation has nothing to do with UV light absorption, many polarised lenses now have a UV-blocking material added to them. Older sunglasses with scratches on the coatings will not provide as much protection as newer UV protection sunglasses, so it is important to take care of them to ensure they protect your eyes. 

Remember that UV protection is the most critical characteristic to look for and should be your top priority when buying sunglasses.

Seeing Double? Here Is Why

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Seeing Double? Here Is Why

Seeing double

Diplopia, or having double vision, is a common but serious medical condition that has multiple possible causes. Binocular diplopia means that your eyes are unable to create a single picture in your brain, while monocular double vision means that only one eye is affected. If you are confused which type you are suffering from, simply close one eye. If you are still seeing double, you have monocular diplopia. 

Monocular double vision

Monocular double vision is actually much less common than binocular. One possible cause of is astigmatism, which means that your cornea is not perfectly spherical but rather slightly misshapen. This means it refracts light slightly abnormally, and may cause double vision. If you don’t have astigmatism, you may also be having double vision because of cataracts or dry eyes. 

Binocular double vision

Binocular double vision is such an enigma that professors of ophthalmology at Harvard called it “intimidating.” This is partly because there are so many potential causes, some malignant and some benign, and the problem can stem from issues with your eyes, optic nerves, or even the brain. 

However, one common cause of binocular diplopia is strabismus, also known as squint or lazy eye. People with this condition cannot direct both eyes at the same point simultaneously, due to weak or paralyzed extraocular muscles around one eye. If caught in childhood, there are several treatments that can be performed to lessen the effects, however, it may recur later in life and lead to diplopia. 

Causes of diplopia

Temporary diplopia is relatively common, and there are several instances where someone with healthy eyes and brain may experience double vision. The most common is alcohol intoxication, but head injuries, like concussions, fatigue, or a side effect from medication could also lead to double vision. 

No matter what the circumstance, if you begin to have double vision, you should immediately seek medical attention. Though it could be stemming from a harmless cause, it’s better safe than sorry. 

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Seeing Double? Here Is Why

Seeing double

Diplopia, or having double vision, is a common but serious medical condition that has multiple possible causes. Binocular diplopia means that your eyes are unable to create a single picture in your brain, while monocular double vision means that only one eye is affected. If you are confused which type you are suffering from, simply close one eye. If you are still seeing double, you have monocular diplopia. 

Monocular double vision

Monocular double vision is actually much less common than binocular. One possible cause of is astigmatism, which means that your cornea is not perfectly spherical but rather slightly misshapen. This means it refracts light slightly abnormally, and may cause double vision. If you don’t have astigmatism, you may also be having double vision because of cataracts or dry eyes. 

Binocular double vision

Binocular double vision is such an enigma that professors of ophthalmology at Harvard called it “intimidating.” This is partly because there are so many potential causes, some malignant and some benign, and the problem can stem from issues with your eyes, optic nerves, or even the brain. 

However, one common cause of binocular diplopia is strabismus, also known as squint or lazy eye. People with this condition cannot direct both eyes at the same point simultaneously, due to weak or paralyzed extraocular muscles around one eye. If caught in childhood, there are several treatments that can be performed to lessen the effects, however, it may recur later in life and lead to diplopia. 

Causes of diplopia

Temporary diplopia is relatively common, and there are several instances where someone with healthy eyes and brain may experience double vision. The most common is alcohol intoxication, but head injuries, like concussions, fatigue, or a side effect from medication could also lead to double vision. 

No matter what the circumstance, if you begin to have double vision, you should immediately seek medical attention. Though it could be stemming from a harmless cause, it’s better safe than sorry. 

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How to Read Your Eye Prescription

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How to Read Your Eye Prescription

How to read your prescription |
Prescription chart
abbreviations |
Examples |
Eye prescription changes |
Expiration date |
Contact
lens prescription |
Takeaways
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By Emma Moletto
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 19, 2023
Understand your eye prescription to know the severity of your visual impairment and shop online for prescription glasses.

If you’re wondering how to read your prescription, we’re here to help. You may be entirely new to wearing prescription glasses, or you’ve just received an up-to-date prescription from your eye doctor and want to understand what it means.

Read on to discover the ins and outs of your vision.

Understanding your glasses prescription

Your eyeglass prescription can be either digital or on paper, and it will look something like the example below. As you can see, these many abbreviations and optical terms can be intimidating.

If you’re wondering what OD and OS mean and all the other words on the chart, see the list of abbreviations below.

Eye prescription chart abbreviations

You might need a different prescription for each eye, so the prescription chart has a section for both. Note that some prescription charts might only have two different sections with no titles.

LE, L or OS: This indicates your left eye.

RE, R or OD: This indicates your right eye.

PD (pupillary distance): Knowing your pupillary distance (PD) is essential when ordering prescription glasses online. The PD is the distance between the centre of your pupils, measured in millimetres.

When you buy glasses online, you should enter your PD to ensure your prescription sits precisely where your eyes need it. The pupillary distance on your prescription is often located at the bottom of the prescription card.

If there is no PD on your prescription, you can use our pupillary distance tool to get it in minutes.

SPH (sphere): The value under SPH determines the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, which is spherical because it’s the same across the eye’s surface.

Being farsighted is also known as hyperopia, which occurs when you struggle to see things up close while you see far away objects more clearly (even if still not crystal clear). If you are farsighted, the strength of the lenses will be marked with a plus sign in the sphere section.

On the other hand, nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is when you struggle to see far away. If you are nearsighted, your sphere eye prescription will be marked with a minus sign.

The more difficulty you have seeing objects up close, the higher your measurement will be. On the contrary, the more you struggle to see far-away things, the lower the measure on your SPH section will be.

CYL (cylinder): CYL in your eye prescription indicates the amount of lens power you need for astigmatism correction. Astigmatism is when an irregular curve in your eye’s lens or cornea can blur near and far objects. If your CYL section is blank, you have no astigmatism. 

Axis: If your glasses prescription includes cylinder power, it must also have an axis on your eye prescription. The axis indicates the angle between an astigmatic eye’s two sections, ranging from 1 to 180.

If you have an axis on your prescription card, you need lenses to correct astigmatism.

Other eye prescription abbreviations

Prism: This section indicates the need to add a prismatic power to the lenses to bend light differently than regular ones. Prism glasses are prescribed to correct double vision, which happens when the eyes don’t work together. 

Most prescriptions do not contain prism details. When they do, the optician will include the direction for the position of the prism “base.”

Abbreviations are used for prism direction: BU = base up; BD = base down; BI = base in (toward the wearer’s nose); BO = base out (toward the wearer’s ear). It is possible to have horizontal (BI or BO) and vertical (BU or BD) prism. 

ADD (addition): Usually located on the far right side of your eye prescription, ADD stands for addition. It indicates the additional lens power needed for reading, which is used in multifocal lenses, reading glasses or progressive lenses.

Notes: The type of Rx glasses you need for vision correction may be noted on a glasses prescription, such as DV (Distance Vision/nearsightedness) and NV (Near Vision/reading).

Nearsighted prescription

Nearsighted prescriptions have values with a minus sign in the SPH (sphere) box for the right or left eye or both. This indicates that the eyeglass lenses will correct your myopia (distance vision)

Farsighted prescription

Farsighted prescriptions feature a number with a plus sign in the SPH box for the right or left eye or both, indicating that your eyeglass lenses should correct hyperopia (near vision).

Astigmatism prescription

If you suffer from astigmatism, your eye prescription will have a value in the CYL column indicating the lens power needed to correct astigmatism. There will also be a value in the Axis.

How bad is my eye prescription?

If you think your eye prescription is bad, it might be that you just saw too many numbers and terms on your eye prescription chart, and you’re now worried about it. You need to know that there is no bad or good eye prescription.

It may just be that your prescription is stronger than usual. For example, a refractive correction for nearsightedness of -5 diopters or more is often considered “high myopia,” whereas a prescription of +5.25 or more might be classified as “high hyperopia.”

How often does eye prescription change?

Your eyeglass prescription will probably change over time. This depends on your vision’s conditions and needs. Some people’s glasses prescription changes every two years. For others, it might take longer, like three or five years or even more.

The eyes grow older just like every other part of our body, so it’s only normal that, in time, our vision may need a little help. For instance, you can expect to develop presbyopia as you get older (it typically happens to most people in their thirties or forties).

To help correct this, you can get a pair of reading glasses or incorporate new progressive lenses into your regular frames.

DID YOU KNOW?

Both eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions will change over time depending on your vision condition. As we grow older, we will likely develop presbyopia and need a pair of reading glasses or progressive lenses.

How long is your eyeglass prescription good for?

You might also be wondering how long an eyeglass prescription is good for. Eye prescriptions often expire in two years. Your optometrist should include the date of issue and the expiration date on your prescription.

We recommend always checking your country’s laws regarding eye prescriptions and contacting your optician for regular check-ups.

What about contact lens prescription?

Glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions are different. This is because glasses lenses correct vision at about 12 millimetres away from the eyes, while contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface.

Contact lens prescriptions also include values for base curve and diameter. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will fill in these values and determine the best type of contact lenses for your vision needs and eye health. Read more about how to read your contact lens prescription.

How to read an eye prescription

It should now be easier for you to understand all the abbreviations and numbers on your eyeglass prescription. Those are essential pieces of information for the lens manufacturers, as they indicate exactly what your vision needs.

For contact lenses, the eye prescription chart looks a bit different, but the concept is the same. Your prescription will likely change over time, so make sure you plan regular vision checkups every couple of years!

What are Computer Glasses

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What are Computer Glasses

What type of glasses are best for computer use? | What is the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses? | How do they work?

By Corina Iatisin
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 Mar 21, 2023
Find out how computer glasses work and the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses.

Contents

Computer glasses, also called computer reading glasses, are prescription glasses specifically designed for computer use. These glasses are created to relieve digital eyestrain and shield from the blue light emitted by screens. If your job or lifestyle requires you to spend several hours of the day in front of the computer, it is important to understand what are computer glasses, how they work and where to get a pair if needed.

What type of glasses are best for computer use?

Extended exposure to computer screen can cause digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome. When suffering from digital eyestrain, you might find yourself experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision
  • Tired eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye twitching
  • Red eyes
  • Sleep problems
  • Neck pain

Because our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for a very long period of time and are very sensitive to the potentially harmful blue light emitted by screens, wearing computer glasses can be beneficial and help relieve the discomforts listed above.

What is the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses?

Computer glasses are different from regular glasses or generic reading glasses because their specific purpose is to reduce the digital eyestrain associated with computer work. If you’re tempted to buy a generic pair of reading glasses off-the-rack, keep in mind these most likely won’t solve any of your problems as they do not have an anti-reflective coating or blue light-blocking coating. Additionally, computer glasses have a customized prescription, which means not everyone will be able to wear the same pair of glasses to work in front of a screen. To find which glasses are the best fit for you, taking an eye exam is the right option.

Computer glasses vs reading glasses

When working in front of a computer, you are typically positioned 20-26 inches from it which is considered the intermediate zone of vision. This is the reason computer glasses have a different power to your reading glasses: when reading, the distance from your book is usually closer to you than a computer screen, this is why they vary. We do not advise selecting the power without consulting an eye care specialist, as that might result in choosing the wrong glasses and damaging your vision.

How do computer glasses work?

As previously mentioned, the main focus of computer glasses is to reduce eye strain. If your daily routine requires working in front of the computer for extended periods of time, or you’re a gamer and spend hours in front of other digital devices, you may have noticed changes in your eye health, posture, and sleeping schedule. Not only does computer blue light cause discomfort in the eyes, but it also affects energy levels that then result in trouble falling asleep and sleep disruption. Prolonged exposure to blue light can also damage cells in the retina and cause vision problems. Another important factor to note is that our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for an extended period of time. This can result in you squinting your eyes very often and having tension in your neck.

DID YOU KNOW

Computer glasses can help digital eye strain and all the discomforts associated with computer work. 

Computer glasses not only feature lens coatings designed to block blue light but are also custom to your prescription and feature decentered pupillary distance. The prescription varies from person to person, which means buying one generic pair off the rack won’t be helpful. Instead, consult an eye care specialist.

When wearing computer glasses, all the harmful blue light is blocked by the lens coatings on your glasses, and only the beneficial blue light is able to pass through and reach your retina. It is important to remember that computer glasses or blue light glasses only block about 50% of blue light because blue light in small quantities is actually necessary for certain bodily functions and keeps your system healthy.

Who needs computer glasses?

Computer glasses are very useful for those who use technological devices daily and are prone to blue light exposure for many hours of the day. Almost all heavy users of computers and smartphones experience eye fatigue within minutes after being used. Studies show that the average person spends seven to eight hours in front of multiple electronic devices: from computers to mobile phones, gaming screens, TVs and so on. With technology being more and more present in our lives and our digital eye developing, our glasses should too. This is why computer glasses are more important than ever.

Do I need a different prescription for computer glasses?

The answer is yes, computer glasses will need a  prescription with an intermediate add, which should be discussed with your eye care specialist during your appointment. If you experience eye strain, blurry vision or any of the discomforts listed above, it is crucial to consult an eye care specialist before getting a new pair of glasses. Don’t underestimate the importance of getting your eyes checked.

Before going to your healthcare provider, make sure you make a list of all of the symptoms you’re experiencing. If you spend long hours in front of your computer, you’re going to want to measure the distance you usually have from your computer while working or studying. That may be an important detail for the optician to have when filling in your prescription.

Do computer glasses really work?

The real effectiveness of blue light glasses has always been up for debate. Even though their effectiveness has never been scientifically proven, research suggests that the benefits of blue light glasses can include less eye strain, fewer sleep disturbances, and a decrease in headaches. When it comes to computer glasses, these not only provide protection against blue light but have a custom prescription and decentered pupillary distance. This means that by using computer glasses during work, you will be able to see clearly and avoid leaning forward to your screens, keeping a better posture and not squinting your eyes.

Benefits of computer glasses

To sum up, using glasses for computer use comes with many benefits, such as:

  • Reduced computer vision syndrome
  • Good posture
  • Minimized glare
  • Protection from blue light

Where to Find the Perfect Pair of computer reading glasses

If you’re suffering from computer vision syndrome and find yourself exhausted after working or studying in front of a computer, head to your eye care specialist and make sure you get your eyes checked. With your prescription up to date, you will then be able to buy the right pair of computer glasses for you with blue light-blocking lenses. You can head to SmartBuyGlasses and find many quality glasses with affordable options, as well as hundreds of lens types, frame colors, and materials.

You don’t have to decide on single-vision computer glasses – if the glasses are to serve you not only at the computer but also during other activities related to distance vision, consider using progressive lenses in your blue light-blocking glasses.

Remember it is essential for your eyes to rest, so after getting a good pair of computer glasses, make sure you also take breaks from the screens during your working and studying hours, and limit screen use when possible. Your eye health is important.

If you want to read more about digital eye strain and blue light glasses, head to our Optical Center; you will find numerous informative articles thoroughly reviewed by our certified opticians. 

What are Computer Glasses

What type of glasses are best for computer use? | What is the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses? | How do they work?

By Corina Iatisin
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 Mar 09, 2023
Find out how computer glasses work and the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses.

 

Computer glasses, also called computer reading glasses, are prescription glasses specifically designed for computer use. These glasses are created to relieve digital eyestrain and shield from the blue light emitted by screens. If your job or lifestyle requires you to spend several hours of the day in front of the computer, it is important to understand what are computer glasses, how they work and where to get a pair if needed.

What type of glasses are best for computer use?

Extended exposure to computer screen can cause digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome. When suffering from digital eyestrain, you might find yourself experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision
  • Tired eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye twitching
  • Red eyes
  • Sleep problems
  • Neck pain

Because our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for a very long period of time and are very sensitive to the potentially harmful blue light emitted by screens, wearing computer glasses can be beneficial and help relieve the discomforts listed above.

What is the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses?

Computer glasses are different from regular glasses or generic reading glasses because their specific purpose is to reduce the digital eyestrain associated with computer work. If you’re tempted to buy a generic pair of reading glasses off-the-rack, keep in mind these most likely won’t solve any of your problems as they do not have an anti-reflective coating or blue light-blocking coating. Additionally, computer glasses have a customised prescription, which means not everyone will be able to wear the same pair of glasses to work in front of a screen. To find which glasses are the best fit for you, taking an eye exam is the right option.

Computer glasses vs reading glasses

When working in front of a computer, you are typically positioned 20-26 inches from it which is considered the intermediate zone of vision. This is the reason computer glasses have a different power to your reading glasses: when reading, the distance from your book is usually closer to you than a computer screen, this is why they vary. We do not advise selecting the power without consulting an eye care specialist, as that might result in choosing the wrong glasses and damaging your vision.

How do computer glasses work?

As previously mentioned, the main focus of computer glasses is to reduce eye strain. If your daily routine requires working in front of the computer for extended periods of time, or you’re a gamer and spend hours in front of other digital devices, you may have noticed changes in your eye health, posture, and sleeping schedule. Not only does computer blue light cause discomfort in the eyes, but it also affects energy levels that then result in trouble falling asleep and sleep disruption. Prolonged exposure to blue light can also damage cells in the retina and cause vision problems. Another important factor to note is that our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for an extended period of time. This can result in you squinting your eyes very often and having tension in your neck.


DID YOU KNOW
Computer glasses can help digital eye strain and all the discomforts associated with computer work. 

Computer glasses not only feature lens coatings designed to block blue light but are also custom to your prescription and feature decentered pupillary distance. The prescription varies from person to person, which means buying one generic pair off the rack won’t be helpful. Instead, consult an eye care specialist.

When wearing computer glasses, all the harmful blue light is blocked by the lens coatings on your glasses, and only the beneficial blue light is able to pass through and reach your retina. It is important to remember that computer glasses or blue light glasses only block about 50% of blue light because blue light in small quantities is actually necessary for certain bodily functions and keeps your system healthy.

Who needs computer glasses?

Computer glasses are very useful for those who use technological devices daily and are prone to blue light exposure for many hours of the day. Almost all heavy users of computers and smartphones experience eye fatigue within minutes after being used. Studies show that the average person spends seven to eight hours in front of multiple electronic devices: from computers to mobile phones, gaming screens, TVs and so on. With technology being more and more present in our lives and our digital eye developing, our glasses should too. This is why computer glasses are more important than ever.

Do I need a different prescription for computer glasses?

The answer is yes, computer glasses will need a  prescription with an intermediate add, which should be discussed with your eye care specialist during your appointment. If you experience eye strain, blurry vision or any of the discomforts listed above, it is crucial to consult an eye care specialist before getting a new pair of glasses. Don’t underestimate the importance of getting your eyes checked.

Before going to your healthcare provider, make sure you make a list of all of the symptoms you’re experiencing. If you spend long hours in front of your computer, you’re going to want to measure the distance you usually have from your computer while working or studying. That may be an important detail for the optician to have when filling in your prescription.

Do computer glasses really work?

The real effectiveness of blue light glasses has always been up for debate. Even though their effectiveness has never been scientifically proven, research suggests that the benefits of blue light glasses can include less eye strain, fewer sleep disturbances, and a decrease in headaches. When it comes to computer glasses, these not only provide protection against blue light but have a custom prescription and decentered pupillary distance. This means that by using computer glasses during work, you will be able to see clearly and avoid leaning forward to your screens, keeping a better posture and not squinting your eyes.

Benefits of computer glasses

To sum up, using glasses for computer use comes with many benefits, such as:

  • Reduced computer vision syndrome
  • Good posture
  • Minimized glare
  • Protection from blue light

Where to find the perfect pair of computer reading glasses

If you’re suffering from computer vision syndrome and find yourself exhausted after working or studying in front of a computer, head to your eye care specialist and make sure you get your eyes checked. With your prescription up to date, you will then be able to buy the right pair of computer glasses for you with blue light-blocking lenses. You can head to SmartBuyGlasses and find many quality glasses with affordable options, as well as hundreds of lens types, frame colours, and materials.

You don’t have to decide on single-vision computer glasses – if the glasses are to serve you not only at the computer but also during other activities related to distance vision, consider using progressive lenses in your blue light-blocking glasses.

Remember it is essential for your eyes to rest, so after getting a good pair of computer glasses, make sure you also take breaks from the screens during your working and studying hours, and limit screen use when possible. Your eye health is important.

If you want to read more about digital eye strain and blue light glasses, head to our Optical Centre; you will find numerous informative articles thoroughly reviewed by our certified opticians.

How to Buy Your Eyeglasses Online

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How to Buy Your Glasses Online

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are being urged to stay home to avoid the spread of this Novel Coronavirus. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can order prescription glasses online from the safety of your home. When it comes to your prescription eyeglasses, extra precaution matters. Follow these simple steps to buying your next pair of prescription glasses online.

 

Step 1: Get Your Prescription

The process of buying prescription eyeglasses online still involves a visit to the optometrist (unless you’re looking for plano glasses or reading glasses). Your doctor is responsible for clearly identifying your vision problems, writing a prescription, explaining technical terms, and addressing your eye care needs.

For custom-made eyeglasses, you can also seek the services of opticians. They’re able to measure your pupillary distance (PD) to determine the exact placement of the center of the lenses for accuracy. Knowing your PD (and getting it verified by a professional) is a key step in getting yourself some prescription lenses that really work.

 

Step 2: Get the Right Frame

If you already have frames in mind, you can easily search through our website and order online (in order to follow the suggested precautions for stopping the spread of COVID-19). You can choose from our top brands such as Tom Ford, Oakley, Ray-Ban and Persol. Get over 70% off designer frames today at SmartBuyGlasses!

Frame Shape

The eyeglasses of your choice should complement your face and highlight your favorite facial attributes. Before you buy eyeglasses online, you should get to know your face shape a little better. You’ll know if your face is oval, round, square, diamond, or heart shape by simply looking in the mirror. Then, you can check out this guide – it’s packed full of our recommendations for suitable eyewear!

Frame Size

While you consider eyeglasses frame sizes for fashion, it’s best to determine the correct measurements for your face. Big frames can make your face look smaller while small frames can make your face look bigger. Too loose, your eyeglasses might slip off, while too narrow might cause improper blood flow and discomfort!

If you have an old pair of eyeglasses that suit you well, you can check the measurements engraved at the temples. It’s worth taking into account that your glasses, over time, will also ‘break in’ and become more comfortable – so don’t be discouraged if that cool new pair that you’ve just bought feels a little small.

Frame Materials

Eyeglasses frames are made of plastic, acetate, metal, and titanium. Well-known brands such as Persol and Tom Ford are known for their premium materials – but that’s not the only route to consider when buying glasses online. We’re talking about SmartBuy Collection. They’re also made from high-quality materials but come at a much easier price point. Check them out!

Frame Colours

Once you’ve decided on your new frames’ shape, size, brand and materials, you can proceed to choose the best color for you. Most of the time, the designs that you know and love are available in a wide range of colors. Have a look at Ray-Ban Wayfarers, for example.

 

Step 3: Enter Your Prescription to Choose Lenses and Coatings

Once you’ve decided on the frames, you can submit your prescription at checkout. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can do it manually each time you purchase, OR upload it to our system so we can quickly ship you the glasses you need without you having to worry about tracking those evasive prescriptions down.

Your prescription may mean you might be required to have single-vision or multi-vision lenses. However, you can still decide the lens materials and thickness at checkout. Check out this lens index chart to find out which one is most suitable for your vision correction needs!

 

More Information

At SmartBuyGlasses, there’s a whole world of designer sunglasses, designer eyeglasses and more available from the comfort of your home. You’ve got a key part of your prescription to hand, meaning you’ll be far more informed when it comes to buying eyewear online. 

Speaking of being more informed, check out our Optical Center. We’ve got hundreds of articles, ranging from contact lens queries to eye health answers – all at your fingertips. We also follow up our customers’ burning questions with our Ask the Optician section. Here, you’ll find expert-led advice about a range of topics from our in-house optician team.

Read up on the facts? Good. It’s time to pick up some unreal deals from SmartBuyGlasses. We thought we’d introduce you to a couple of our favourite ranges below.

 

Arise HD Prescription Lenses

SmartBuyGlasses offers groundbreaking durability, pristine clarity and perfect vision – all in the same lenses. Arise HD Clarity Prescription Lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure.

The Arise Clarity Lens Collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation. 

 These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high performing, durable lenses feature an innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective for your lens type. Let’s get started!

 

zFORT® Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light is a potentially harmful form of light. While it is naturally emitted by the sun, electronic devices (upon which we’re spending more and more time every day) are also high-level producers. Blue light rays at a wavelength between 415nm – 455nm can damage your retinal cells, which may lead to premature eye ageing and vision problems in the future.

Our exposure to these harmful light rays may also cause a range of other health problems, including poor sleep (according to a 2012 Harvard Medical School study). Find out more about how to protect your eyes from blue light with anti blue light glasses from zFORT®.

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How to Buy Your Glasses Online

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are being urged to stay home to avoid the spread of this Novel Coronavirus. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can order prescription glasses online from the safety of your home. When it comes to your prescription eyeglasses, extra precaution matters. Follow these simple steps to buying your next pair of prescription glasses online.

Step 1: Get Your Prescription

The process of buying prescription eyeglasses online still involves a visit to the optometrist (unless you’re looking for plano glasses or reading glasses). Your doctor is responsible for clearly identifying your vision problems, writing a prescription, explaining technical terms, and addressing your eye care needs.

For custom-made eyeglasses, you can also seek the services of opticians. They’re able to measure your pupillary distance (PD) to determine the exact placement of the center of the lenses for accuracy. Knowing your PD (and getting it verified by a professional) is a key step in getting yourself some prescription lenses that really work.

Step 2: Get the Right Frame

If you already have frames in mind, you can easily search through our website and order online (in order to follow the suggested precautions for stopping the spread of COVID-19). You can choose from our top brands such as Tom Ford, Oakley, Ray-Ban and Persol. Get over 70% off designer frames today at SmartBuyGlasses!

Frame Shape

The eyeglasses of your choice should complement your face and highlight your favorite facial attributes. Before you buy eyeglasses online, you should get to know your face shape a little better. You’ll know if your face is oval, round, square, diamond, or heart shape by simply looking in the mirror. Then, you can check out this guide – it’s packed full of our recommendations for suitable eyewear!

Frame Size

While you consider eyeglasses frame sizes for fashion, it’s best to determine the correct measurements for your face. Big frames can make your face look smaller while small frames can make your face look bigger. Too loose, your eyeglasses might slip off, while too narrow might cause improper blood flow and discomfort!

If you have an old pair of eyeglasses that suit you well, you can check the measurements engraved at the temples. It’s worth taking into account that your glasses, over time, will also ‘break in’ and become more comfortable – so don’t be discouraged if that cool new pair that you’ve just bought feels a little small.

Frame Materials

Eyeglasses frames are made of plastic, acetate, metal, and titanium. Well-known brands such as Persol and Tom Ford are known for their premium materials – but that’s not the only route to consider when buying glasses online. We’re talking about SmartBuy Collection. They’re also made from high-quality materials but come at a much easier price point. Check them out!

Frame Colors

Once you’ve decided on your new frames’ shape, size, brand and materials, you can proceed to choose the best color for you. Most of the time, the designs that you know and love are available in a wide range of colors. Have a look at Ray-Ban Wayfarers, for example.

Step 3: Enter Your Prescription to Choose Lenses and Coatings

Once you’ve decided on the frames, you can submit your prescription at checkout. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can do it manually each time you purchase, OR upload it to our system so we can quickly ship you the glasses you need without you having to worry about tracking those evasive prescriptions down.

Your prescription may mean you might be required to have single-vision or multi-vision lenses. However, you can still decide the lens materials and thickness at checkout. Check out this lens index chart to find out which one is most suitable for your vision correction needs!

More Information

At SmartBuyGlasses, there’s a whole world of designer sunglasses, designer eyeglasses and more available from the comfort of your home. You’ve got a key part of your prescription to hand, meaning you’ll be far more informed when it comes to buying eyewear online. 

Speaking of being more informed, check out our Optical Center. We’ve got hundreds of articles, ranging from contact lens queries to eye health answers – all at your fingertips. We also follow up our customers’ burning questions with our Ask the Optician section. Here, you’ll find expert-led advice about a range of topics from our in-house optician team.

Read up on the facts? Good. It’s time to pick up some unreal deals from SmartBuyGlasses. We thought we’d introduce you to a couple of our favourite ranges below.

Arise HD Prescription Lenses

SmartBuyGlasses offers groundbreaking durability, pristine clarity and perfect vision – all in the same lenses. Arise HD Clarity Prescription Lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure.

The Arise Clarity Lens Collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation. 

 These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high performing, durable lenses feature an innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective for your lens type. Let’s get started!

zFORT® Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light is a potentially harmful form of light. While it is naturally emitted by the sun, electronic devices (upon which we’re spending more and more time every day) are also high-level producers. Blue light rays at a wavelength between 415nm – 455nm can damage your retinal cells, which may lead to premature eye ageing and vision problems in the future.

Our exposure to these harmful light rays may also cause a range of other health problems, including poor sleep (according to a 2012 Harvard Medical School study). Find out more about how to protect your eyes from blue light with anti blue light glasses from zFORT®.

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?| How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Caitlyn Gibiault
Caitlyn Gibiault

Reviewed by

Caitlyn Gibiault
Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
Prescription sunglasses combine prescription lenses with sun protection. Order them online in just 4 easy steps!

Are you constantly straining your eyes to see while wearing non-prescription sunglasses outside? If you wear prescription glasses every day, it’s time to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses to wear outdoors.

Prescription shades will give you the best of both worlds: clear vision and protected eyes. Indeed, in addition to protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, prescription sunglasses will help you see, reduce eye strain and help avoid squinting.

Continue reading to learn more about what rx sunglasses are, their benefits, how to add your prescription online and how to choose the best pair.

People who need prescription lenses sometimes still wear non-prescription sunglasses. Doing so can result in eye strain, headache and frustration from being unable to see clearly in the sun.

These irritating symptoms are far from ideal when combined with the sun, sea, sand and sunscreen. With prescription lens sunglasses, you can sunbathe, hike and easily play outdoor sports.

Sunglasses are available with prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. You can also get sunglasses with progressive lenses.

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

Your everyday lifestyle in the sun will transform once you invest in prescription sunglasses. Here is why:

  • They provide clear and protected vision on sunny days
  • They ensure you are not straining your eyes outside to avoid future eye issues
  • No need to carry around two pairs of glasses wherever you go
  • More comfortable than wearing contact lenses and sunglasses

How to order prescription sunglasses online

We recommend booking an appointment with your eye care provider for an up-to-date prescription before ordering your prescription lens sunglasses.

However, if you have a current prescription but it’s misplaced, try our Prescription Lens Scanner app to reveal it in minutes. Unlike contact lenses, your prescription will not differ for your eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Once you have your prescription, you must follow these steps at SmartBuyGlasses:

At the customisation stage, you can tailor the sunglasses lenses with options such as anti-reflective lenses that are UV400 protected.

You can also choose popular mirrored prescription sunglasses or polarization lenses for your sunglasses. For more information, see the section ‘how to choose your prescription sunglasses’ later in this article.

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

Sunglasses with a prescription cost a bit more than non-prescription sunglasses since your specific prescription needs to be built into the lenses. 

However, in-store prescription lens sunglasses are often more expensive than buying them online.

How to choose prescription sunglasses

Firstly, choose the frame model you like. Read our short guide for some tips to determine what frame shape will suit you. You can also use our revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool to wear your chosen frames digitally before you buy!

Sunglasses with prescription lenses can be made with various materials, including high-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, CR-39 plastic lenses, trivex lenses and even glass lenses. When selecting prescription lenses for your sunnies, there are several types of lenses to consider.

DID YOU KNOW?
Prescription sunglasses are the perfect solution to combine perfect vision and protected eyes. Shopping online for a pair it's easy and convenient, and you can customize them with different types of lenses.

Photochromic prescription lenses

A photochromic tint will give your lenses a transition effect – which means they will automatically adjust to changes in ambient light conditions.

This means they darken in the sun and become clearer indoors, which is ideal if you do not want to carry multiple pairs of glasses.

Polarised prescription sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses greatly eliminate glare to improve visual comfort and reduce eye fatigue. This lens is ideal if you spend time near water, snow, driving and playing outdoor sports.  

Colour-matching Lenses

By choosing this option, our manufacturers will match your prescription lenses to the same colour as the original sunglasses’ lenses. These lenses will still offer you UV protection and ensure you look trendy!

Mirrored prescription sunglasses

Opting for mirrored prescription sunglasses is ideal for fashion-conscious wearers. The lenses have a mirrored coating that helps to reflect light away from your eyes more than any regular tinted sunglasses.

We recommend contacting your optician to ensure you have the correct and updated prescription before you start shopping. Plus, if you still have some questions about prescription sunglasses, you can talk with one of the certified online opticians at SmartBuyGlasses.

What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it? | How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Caitlyn Gibiault
Caitlyn Gibiault

Reviewed by

Caitlyn Gibiault
Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
Find the best prescription sunglasses online that will ensure perfect vision and rock your wardrobe!

Are you constantly straining your eyes to see while wearing non-prescription sunglasses outside? If you wear prescription glasses every day, it’s time to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses to wear outdoors.

Prescription shades will give you the best of both worlds: clear vision and protected eyes. Indeed, in addition to protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, prescription sunglasses will help you see, reduce eye strain and help avoid squinting.

Continue reading to learn more about what rx sunglasses are, their benefits, how to add your prescription online and how to choose the best pair.

People who need prescription lenses sometimes still wear non-prescription sunglasses. Doing so can result in eye strain, headache and frustration from being unable to see clearly in the sun.

These irritating symptoms are far from ideal when combined with the sun, sea, sand and sunscreen. 

With prescription lens sunglasses, you can sunbathe, hike and easily play outdoor sports. Sunglasses are available with prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. You can also get sunglasses with progressive lenses.

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

Your everyday lifestyle in the sun will transform once you invest in prescription sunglasses. Here is why:

  • They provide clear and protected vision on sunny days
  • They ensure you are not straining your eyes outside to avoid future eye issues
  • No need to carry around two pairs of glasses wherever you go
  • More comfortable than wearing contact lenses and sunglasses

How to order prescription sunglasses online

We recommend booking an appointment with your eye care provider for an up-to-date prescription before ordering your prescription lens sunglasses. 

However, if you have a current prescription but it’s misplaced, try our Prescription Lens Scanner app to reveal it in minutes. Unlike contact lenses, your prescription will not differ for your eyeglasses and sunglasses. 

Once you have your prescription, you must follow these steps at SmartBuyGlasses:

At the customisation stage, you can tailor the sunglasses lenses with options such as anti-reflective lenses that are UV400 protected.

You can also choose popular mirrored prescription sunglasses or polarisation lenses for your sunglasses. For more information, see the section ‘how to choose your prescription sunglasses’ later in this article.

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

Sunglasses with a prescription cost a bit more than non-prescription sunglasses since your specific prescription needs to be built into the lenses. 

However, in-store prescription lens sunglasses are often more expensive than buying them online.

How to choose prescription sunglasses online

Firstly, choose the frame model you like. Read our short guide for some tips to determine what frame shape will suit you. You can also use our revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool to wear your chosen frames digitally before you buy! 

Sunglasses with prescription lenses can be made with various materials, including high-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, CR-39 plastic lenses, trivex lenses and even glass lenses. When selecting prescription lenses for your sunnies, there are several types of lenses to consider.

DID YOU KNOW?
Everything you need to know about what are prescription sunglasses. How to choose them and how to add your prescription to sunglasses online at SmartBuyGlasses.

Photochromic prescription lenses

A photochromic tint will give your lenses a transition effect – which means they will automatically adjust to changes in ambient light conditions. This means they darken in the sun and become clearer indoors, which is ideal if you do not want to carry multiple pairs of glasses.

Polarised prescription sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses greatly eliminate glare to improve visual comfort and reduce eye fatigue. This lens is ideal if you spend time near water, snow, driving and playing outdoor sports.  

Colour-matching lenses

By choosing this option, our manufacturers will match your prescription lenses to the same colour as the original sunglasses’ lenses. These lenses will still offer you UV protection and ensure you look trendy!

Mirrored prescription sunglasses

Opting for mirrored prescription sunglasses is ideal for fashion-conscious wearers. The lenses have a mirrored coating that helps to reflect light away from your eyes more than any regular tinted sunglasses.

We recommend contacting your optician to ensure you have the correct and updated prescription before you start shopping. Plus, if you still have some questions about prescription sunglasses, you can talk with one of the certified online opticians at SmartBuyGlasses.