How to Adjust Glasses

How to Adjust Glasses

Adjust your glasses at home | Lenses are at different distances | Keep glasses from sliding down your nose | Adjust glasses behind your ears | Adjust crooked glasses | Tighten glasses with screwdriver | Optimal glasses adjustment

If you wear prescription glasses, you’ll know that not only is it uncomfortable when your glasses don’t fit, but it also affects your quality of vision.

When your optician or eye doctor gives you measurements, such as your pupillary distance, it’s based on your glasses fitting correctly. Keep reading to learn how to adjust glasses to improve fit for comfort and the best vision.

Can I adjust my glasses at home?

Sometimes new glasses, or glasses you wear often, can be misaligned for different reasons. Before bringing them to an optician, you can learn easy ways to make small adjustments and fix the most common issues.

The first thing to consider when learning to adjust glasses is the frame material you are working with. Metal frames and plastic frames will need to be handled differently. For instance, most plastic frame glasses do not have adjustable nose pads. However, many plastic frames nowadays have pads on arms for a more comfortable fit.

To tell whether or not it’s necessary to adjust glasses, set the glasses upside down on a flat surface with the sides open, the sides should both be sitting flat on the table and not rock. If they do, they might need some small adjustments.

How to adjust glasses if the lenses are different distances from your eyes?

To adjust glasses when your left lens is closer to your eye, you can gently bend in on the left temple of the arm and out on the right temple simultaneously. Bend the opposite way if your right lens is the one closest to your eye. Be careful not to apply excessive force.

How do I keep my glasses from sliding down my nose?

If your glasses slide off your nose, the first thing to do is tighten them behind your ears.

On metal frames, you can also adjust the nose pads to raise or lower the lenses to adjust the fit. If you have adjustable nose pads, simply push the nose pads closer together with your fingers until they sit comfortably on your nose without leaving marks. If your nose pads leave marks, make the opposite motion with the nose pads or temples.

How do you adjust glasses around your ears?

If your glasses are too tight around your ears, bend the tips out and up. For wire frames, this might be easier to do. If your glasses don’t bend easily (usually if they are made of acetate or plastic), you can always heat them where you intend to bend them.

Make sure the heat source does not touch the lenses, as it might ruin the coatings and cause damage.

How to adjust crooked glasses

Again, for lenses of different heights, you’ll need to adjust the glasses’ arms. If the left lens is higher than the right, you’ll want to bend up the temple at the arm’s hinge on the right side. Do the opposite if the right lens is higher than the left one.

How to tighten glasses with a screwdriver

All types of eyeglasses have hinges held together by tiny screws. These screws are usually the first things that might need adjustments in your glasses. It’s important to check regularly if the screws are loose to avoid losing them. If they are, you might need to use a screwdriver to adjust them.

Most glasses repair kits include screws and a small screwdriver specifically made for glasses. With the help of the screwdriver, carefully tighten the screws at the corners of the temples. Tighten them as much as possible, then loosen them by a half turn to ensure no strain is put on the sides.

Avoid fixing your glasses yourself if a screw comes out or an arm separates. Instead, get your spectacles properly adjusted by an optician.

DID YOU KNOW?

If the screws of your glasses are a bit loose, you can use a small screwdriver to adjust them. Tighten them as much as you can, but be sure not to apply too much force.

Ask an optician for optimal glasses adjustments

If you’re unsure about adjusting glasses yourself, the best thing to do is to go to an optician for help. Some types of eyeglasses, such as rimless and semi-rimless ones, usually need more care and experience as they are more fragile than fully-rimmed eyeglass frames. Opticians are also the best option for adjusting metal frames better, especially if you need to adjust one nose pad arm or both of them.

If you need help with what to do with your current or new pair of glasses, you can contact one of our certified online opticians. They can advise you on what is best to do in your situation.

You can also check out our Optical Center, an extensive information platform where you can find answers and explanations of all things related to eye care and glasses.

How to Adjust Glasses

Adjust your glasses at home | Lenses are at different distances | Keep glasses from sliding down your nose | Adjust glasses behind your ears | Adjust crooked glasses | Tighten glasses with screwdriver | Optimal glasses adjustment

If you wear prescription glasses, you’ll know that not only is it uncomfortable when your glasses don’t fit, but it also affects your quality of vision.

When your optician or eye doctor gives you measurements, such as your pupillary distance, it’s based on your glasses fitting correctly.

Keep reading to learn how to adjust glasses to improve fit for comfort and the best vision.

Can I adjust my glasses at home?

However, many plastic frames nowadays have pads on arms for a more comfortable fit.

How to adjust glasses if the lenses are different distances from your eyes?

To adjust glasses when your left lens is closer to your eye, you can gently bend in on the left temple of the arm and out on the right temple simultaneously.

Bend the opposite way if your right lens is the one closest to your eye. Be careful not to apply excessive force.

How do I keep my glasses from sliding down my nose?

If your glasses slide off your nose, the first thing to do is tighten them behind your ears.

On metal frames, you can also adjust the nose pads to raise or lower the lenses to adjust the fit.

If you have adjustable nose pads, simply push the nose pads closer together with your fingers until they sit comfortably on your nose without leaving marks.

If your nose pads leave marks, make the opposite motion with the nose pads or temples.

How do you adjust glasses around your ears?

Make sure the heat source does not touch the lenses, as it might ruin the coatings and cause damage.

How to adjust crooked glasses

How to tighten glasses with a screwdriver

Avoid fixing your glasses yourself if a screw comes out or an arm separates. Instead, get your spectacles properly adjusted by an optician.

DID YOU KNOW?

If the screws of your glasses are a bit loose, you can use a small screwdriver to adjust them. Tighten them as much as you can, but be sure not to apply too much force.

Ask an optician for optimal glasses adjustments

Opticians are also the best option for adjusting metal frames better, especially if you need to adjust one nose pad arm or both of them.

If you need help with what to do with your current or new pair of glasses, you can contact one of our certified online opticians. They can advise you on what is best to do in your situation.

You can also check out our Optical Center, an extensive information platform where you can find answers and explanations of all things related to eye care and glasses.

How a Pair of Glasses Could Help Migraine Headaches

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How a Pair of Glasses Could Help Migraine Headaches

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

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

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

How do glasses for migraine relief work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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

What is the difference between tension and migraine headaches?

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

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

What are ocular migraines?

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

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

Ocular migraines vs. migraine auras?

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

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

What is photophobia?

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

What glasses are best for migraines?

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

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

How can photochromic lenses help with migraine headaches?

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

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

What other migraine sunglasses are there?

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

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

Can blue light glasses help with migraines?

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

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

Do migraine glasses really work?

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

Reference list

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

What Are Pinhole Glasses?

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What Are Pinhole Glasses?

Pinhole glasses are designed to reduce the amount of light that enters the eye.

As the name suggests, pinhole glasses, or stenopeic glasses, have tiny holes poked through an opaque sheet of plastic in place of lenses.

They are designed to limit the amount of light that enters the eye. The function of pinhole glasses is quite different to standard glasses or contact lenses.

Whereas contacts or prescription glasses redirect and focus light correctly, pinhole glasses reduce the light that comes in.

While some believe pinhole glasses can help certain vision issues like myopia or astigmatism, it is important to note that pinhole glasses are not designed to correct vision.

They are generally used only in a clinical setting by eye doctors to identify specific vision issues.

How do pinhole glasses work?

Pinhole glasses help shield the eye from indirect rays of light. The tiny pinhole-sized perforations restrict the amount of light that enters your pupils.

Less light eliminates diverging rays and reduces what doctors call the ‘blur circle’ on the back of your retina (the layer in the back of the eye that senses light), giving you extra clarity when wearing the glasses.

When a person wears pinhole glasses, the effect on the wearer is similar to that of squinting.

Since only a narrow beam of light enters the eye, it prevents vision distortion, resulting in a clearer image.

Can pinhole glasses improve eyesight?

The short answer is no. Wearing pinhole glasses is not a solution for improving vision.

Some people claim that pinhole glasses work for treating certain conditions, but there is little scientific evidence to support it.

Pinhole glasses may improve vision while they are being worn, but they are not practical for everyday use, and can even lead to other vision impairments.

As discussed, since pinhole glasses work to block part of your direct vision, they may shrink your visual field, reduce depth perception and limit peripheral vision.

They may also cause images to appear dim or darker than usual. As a result, you cannot wear pinhole glasses while doing certain activities like driving or operating machinery.

If you are experiencing refractive errors, consulting an eye doctor who can monitor and manage your eye health is essential.

Eye doctors may use pinhole glasses as a diagnostic tool, but they will be able to prescribe you a much more suitable and effective method of vision correction.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pinhole glasses have been around for decades and were invented by Franz Heilborn in 1896.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pinhole glasses have been around for decades and were invented by Franz Heilborn in 1896.

Do pinhole glasses reduce eye strain?

There is no evidence that pinhole glasses can decrease eye strain.

Some clinical trials and studies have shown that instead of leading to clearer vision, wearing pinhole glasses while doing certain activities like reading can actually worsen eye strain.

Other ocular problems were reported in the same study, including:

Discomfort
Difficulty focusing
Blurred and double vision
Trouble concentrating

If you are experiencing eye strain from too much time behind a digital screen, try wearing computer glasses or doing eye exercises like the 20/20/20 rule.

Benefits of pinhole glasses

Pinhole glasses are helpful for eye doctors who use them as a diagnostic tool to find the source of certain eye conditions.

They may use pinhole glasses with an instrument called an occluder, which doctors use to cover one eye at a time as you read an eye chart.

If pinhole glasses temporarily reduce any discomfort or allow you to see a more precise or sharper image, that could provide an eye doctor with information about what is causing any vision issues.

If a person is seeing the same with or without pinhole glasses, this could be a sign of amblyopia (lazy eye).

Pinhole glasses can also help determine whether a person may have myopia (nearsightedness). When someone sees more clearly using the glasses, myopia may be the cause.

If their vision gets worse while using the glasses, however, that could mean they have a macular disease or cataracts.

If you suspect you have nearsightedness or other refractive errors, do not test your vision with pinhole glasses yourself.

There are many factors that determine eye health, so it is always best to speak with an eye care professional.

How effective are pinhole glasses?

While some believe pinhole glasses may aid in treating certain vision issues, there is no evidence to support this.

According to the American Optometric Association, almost 30% of Americans live with some form of myopia, so it is no wonder people are eager to try pinhole glasses for vision correction.

Pinhole glasses should be used under the supervision of an eye doctor in clinical settings.

Should your doctor recommend them for temporary use at home, following guidelines issued by them is crucial.

Should I try pinhole glasses?

If you are experiencing vision problems and are looking to improve your sight, it is recommended to speak with an optometrist.

Pinhole glasses have not been proven to improve eyesight permanently.

Prescription eyewear like glasses or contact lenses is still the most effective way to correct vision.

If you have any questions about pinhole glasses or eye health in general, head to our Optical Center to speak with one of our certified opticians today.

Reference list

Kim, W. S., Park, I. K., Park, Y. K., & Chun, Y. S. (2017), Comparison of Objective and Subjective Changes Induced by Multiple-Pinhole Glasses and Single-Pinhole Glasses, Journal of Korean medical science,
https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2017.32.5.850

Facing the myopia epidemic (2021), American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/facing-the-myopia-epidemic

Do Sunglasses Lenses Deteriorate With Time?

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Do Sunglasses Lenses Deteriorate With Time?

Sunglasses lenses may or may not deterioate naturally over time, as their are expert opinions behind each side of the argument. Here is some useful info on making sure you get the protection you need from your shades.

If you’re wondering whether sunglasses lenses deteriorate over time, the answer is (somewhat unhelpfully) yes and no. Expert opinions about this issue are rather mixed in the field of eyewear, so finding a conclusive (and unbiased) answer is difficult to say the least.

Sunglasses lens deterioration: the science

While some researchers have found that the sun’s rays damage sunglasses lenses and that lens replacement is a must, some medical professionals have voiced an opposing view: sunglasses only have to be replaced if the surface is damaged or scratched.

The medical opinion is based on the pretence that scratched lenses offer less UV protection.

We do not endorse either viewpoint (although perhaps we could if we invested in a large-scale science and research department), but we do suggest that you change your sunglasses every two years – just to be on the safe side.

Nowadays, sunglasses are not just a tool to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. They’re also an important statement piece for us to showcase our unique sense of style.

Most of us have that one pair of fashionable sunglasses or cool shades that just suit our style so well that we have kept them around for years – or even decades! If the researchers are to be believed, it might be time to part with your beloved sunnies, up your fashion game and get yourselves a pair from our selection of tens of thousands.

How to ensure your glasses have UV protection

You might be wondering if your lenses are still up to the task of staving off harmful UV rays, but (more importantly) you should probably check whether your lenses even have this function to begin with.

So, how do you go about finding this out? The answer is pretty easy. Simply check if your sunglasses have a CE mark to find out.

The CE label indicates that these glasses are conforming with the appropriate international standard – i.e. compliance with European regulations – of UV protection and ensures that your eyes will be properly shielded against harmful ultraviolet rays.

So, now that you know how to identify legitimate UV protection in sunglasses, it is up to you to figure out whether you think it’s a good time for a replacement pair of sunglasses.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sunglasses are most likely to lose some of their protective qualities when the lens coatings become scratched.

I’m a UV protection whiz and I’m looking for some new sunglasses. What now?

Congratulations. You’ve got the hardest steps out of the way. Now, it’s time to select a pair of sunglasses – or even glasses – that’s right for you. At SmartBuyGlasses we’re proud to host a whole range of luxury brands, value models, cutting-edge technologies and more.

We stock loads of brands that offer progressive lenses – just select your new prescription on checkout. If you’ve seen a pair you like the look of, but aren’t sure how they’ll look ‘on-face’, why don’t you have a look at…

Virtual Try-On

SmartBuyGlasses’ revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool is an advanced online solution to the problem of not being able to check out a pair of glasses in-hand. It’s simple and free! See what you look like wearing different designer sunglasses or eyeglasses from home in just 2 easy steps.

Step 1: record your selfie video. We’ll walk you through a simple process and show you how to use your desktop or mobile camera to record a quick, five-second selfie video.

Step 2: try on glasses online! Go to the brand page of any glasses you’d like to virtually try on. Then, filter by ‘Virtual Try-On’ in the special features option. You can see yourself wearing any of the glasses that appear! We have over 5,000 pairs of eyeglasses and 6,000 pairs of sunglasses just a few clicks away from appearing on your face!

Given the current pandemic, going to your local opticians’ or eyewear store isn’t so easy at the moment. Virtual Try-On eliminates the stress of making your mind up in person, the time wasted going to and from the store, and the typically high costs of visiting a brick-and-mortar shop. It really is the perfect socially distanced try-before-you-buy!

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses

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

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.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective™ Clarity 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®.

How to Clean Glasses

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How to Clean Glasses

Dirty and smudged glasses make it harder to see. Learn how to clean them properly for crystal clear vision and less chance of scratches.

The easiest way to keep your glasses looking fantastic and prevent scratched lenses is to clean them daily. When it comes to how to clean glasses, it’s essential to know how to do it properly, so you don’t cause unwanted damage. Keep reading to learn the best way to clean glasses, lenses and frames.

The best way to clean glasses lenses

Many people must realize that cleaning their lenses, if not done correctly, can actually be harmful. If you use everyday materials that are not safe for your glasses’ lenses, they may scratch or ruin the surface. Here are four easy steps to clean glasses lenses the right way and avoid causing any damage

Step 1 – Wash and dry your hands

The first step to having spotless glasses is ensuring your hands are clean, as you don’t want to pass grease or dirt to the cloth or lenses. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel.

Step 2 – Spray with optical cleaner

Use a dedicated lens cleaning spray on each lens of your glasses. Any optical glasses spray is suitable. You can find these at most opticians, pharmacy stores, and supermarkets.

Step 3 – Clean with a microfiber cloth

After you apply the optical cleaner, you can then use a microfiber, lint-free cloth to wipe away any smudges or debris gently. If you’re wondering where to get a proper microfiber cloth, you’re in luck. SmartBuyGlasses includes a free lens cleaning cloth with each pair of glasses.

Step 4 – Store them in a protective case

Once your glasses are all clean, the next important step is to store them properly to ensure they stay that way. Store them in a hard, protective case with their lenses facing up. This will keep your glasses from being squished.

DID YOU KNOW?

It might be convenient, but cleaning your glasses with your t-shirt or other items of clothing can actually damage th elenses. This is due to the small fibers and uneven surfaces that can create tiny scratches over time,

The best way to clean your glasses frame

You can also use the optical lens spray on your glasses’ frames since it will be gentle enough to clean general dirt. If you wear prescription glasses while performing strenuous activities, it’s important to clean them frequently to get rid of any dirt build-up.

The worst way to clean your glasses

Now that you know all the steps to best clean your glasses’ lenses and frame take a look at what is important to avoid when cleaning your eyeglasses.

Don’t use tissue paper and clothing

Never use shirts, cotton tissues, napkins, paper towels, or dishwashing soap. Using any of these can damage the lens coating over time and void any applicable warranty on the eyeglasses.

Though these everyday items might seem harmless, they are made of tiny materials and have uneven surfaces that may scratch your lenses. These scratches will distort the way light passes through your glasses and lead to vision issues or eye irritation in the future.

Don’t use saltwater

Saltwater significantly damages any lenses, especially when they have lens coatings. Many things rust or degrade when regularly exposed to the salty air near the beach or salt water.

It’s important to remember that lenses should not be exposed to salt water, as they can get damaged, and it will not count as a manufacturer’s defect. Remember to keep them in a safe place and away from the ocean on your next beach day.

Don’t use dish soap, window cleaner, or saliva

Avoid using saliva to wipe off smudges from your glasses. Saliva is unhygienic and may spread more dirt and germs around. Another thing to avoid on your glasses is any cleaning solution made for general surfaces or glass.

Beware: chemicals found in many cleaning substances are dangerous to have so close to your eyes and can ruin your lenses. You should only use an optical lens spray or cloth specifically made for eyeglasses.

When searching on the internet, most sources show how to use dish soap when cleaning eyewear lenses. However, if you’re glasses have special lens coatings like anti-reflective, UV protection, or blue light blocker, this is a big no!

Having any of these coatings and then using dish soap will, over time, strip and break down the lens coating. By striping coatings off, the lenses are more subjectable to other forms of damage.

More tips to clean your glasses

Knowing how to clean your glasses properly will keep them in great condition for a longer time, ensuring clear vision and fewer germs and dirt on your face and eyes. Here are some more tips about what you might be wondering.

How to clean blue light glasses

You can easily clean blue light glasses the same way you just learned how to clean your eyeglasses. Refer to the infographic and video previously shown for a quick refresher on what to do.

How to clean eyeglasses cloth

If your eyeglasses microfiber cloth has only been used a couple of times, you can clean it without water by simply shaking out the dirt and dust.

However, if it’s getting too dirty, you can wash it either by hand or in the washing machine. In both cases, make sure you use cold water and bleach-free mild soap and avoid any fabric softener, as it can make your glasses streaky. Let the cloth air dry when done.

How to clean sunglasses

Sunglasses can be cleaned with the same procedure you use to clean your glasses. Wash and dry your hands, spray the sunglasses lenses with optical cleaner, clean them with a microfiber cloth, and then store them in a protective case.

For more information on everything eyewear, check out our Optical Centre and speak to one of our professional opticians online today.

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

Although you can't remove scratches from glasses, learning how to prevent them is the nexrt best thing.

How Can I Make My Glasses Anti-Glare?

Strictly speaking, anti-glare glasses don't exist, but there are other options.

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

Although you can't remove scratches from glasses, learning how to prevent them is the nexrt best thing.

How Can I Make My Glasses Anti-Glare?

Strictly speaking, anti-glare glasses don't exist, but there are other options.

How to Buy Glasses Online

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How to Buy Glasses Online

Buying glasses online shouldn’t be daunting, in just a few easy steps you can find the perfect pair that suit you and your vision needs.

We buy many things online, from groceries to clothes, and while these things seem “normal,” some products are considered a bit more complex. Purchasing eyewear online may seem exciting, but with questions like frame fit and prescription accuracy, it can be daunting to some.

At SmartBuyGlasses we guarantee that with a few easy steps and access to our online opticians, buying prescription glasses online is simple and easy. Our customer service team is also available to help you along the way.

What do I need to buy glasses online?

When purchasing prescription eyeglasses from online glasses retailers, you will usually need three things:

Your up-to-date eye prescription
Your pupillary distance
Your vision insurance information (if you have coverage)

An updated eye prescription is necessary for purchasing prescription glasses. It’s important to always schedule your yearly eye exam with your eye doctor to identify vision problems, write your prescription, and address your eye care needs.

You don’t need a prescription if you’re purchasing blue light glasses, sunglasses, or other non-prescription eyewear. However, even if you don’t require prescription eyewear, having an eye exam at least every two years is still important to maintain eye health.

Can I order glasses online without a prescription?

If you require prescription lenses, you will need an up-to-date eye prescription during the ordering process. Your glasses prescription is essential to ensure you get the proper vision correction. If you’ve misplaced your prescription, you can use our Lens Scanner app to retrieve your prescription information from your current pair of single vision lenses.

Advantages of buying glasses online

There are many advantages to buying glasses online, convenience being one of the biggest. From the comfort of your home, you can shop for new eyewear on your own time. Shopping at your leisure removes the pressure many people face in-store.

Shopping online for glasses also gives you access to a more extensive selection of frames, making it easier to find a new pair. Online you can browse various brands, styles, and colours. Prices online tend to be more affordable, and with the opportunity to compare prices, you are guaranteed to find the perfect pair at the best price.

Ordering prescription glasses online

Buying a pair of glasses shouldn’t cause any stress or for you to pay too much money. If it’s your first time purchasing eyeglasses online, follow these simple steps.

1. See an eye doctor to get an updated prescription

As mentioned, seeing an Optometrist for an eye exam and receiving an updated prescription is the first step in buying glasses online and ensuring clear vision. At SmartBuyGlasses, you have the option to upload, manually enter, or send in your prescription after the check-out process.

2. Choose your frame width

Purchasing glasses that fit properly is essential. Glasses should fit your face correctly in order to provide the best correction. Our ‘medium’ frame width works well for most people, but we carry glasses with frame measurements from 38mm-69mm. We also offer a low bridge fit, ideal for those with higher cheekbones and a flatter nose bridge.

Your pupillary distance (PD) and frame measurement from your current glasses can help determine the best size for you. PD reveals how far your pupils are from one another and is helpful in centring your frames on your face.

Check the inside arm of your current glasses frame for the lens width, nose bridge size, and temple arm length. Whether you’re happy with the fit of your existing frames or want to change something, these numbers can aid you in the selection process.

DID YOU KNOW

Buying glasses online is not only easy and convenient but can also be fun. With virtual try-on technology, you can now see how glasses will look on you before purchasing.

How can I get my pupillary distance?

Your PD will usually be measured as part of an eye exam and then written on your prescription. If you misplace your prescription, there are two simple ways to get your PD; use our Pupillary Distance app to retrieve the details or measure it yourself.

The Pupillary Distance app enables you to get your PD quickly and easily with only your phone or computer, and a card with a magnetic strip. If you don’t have access to the tools required to use our app, you can easily measure your PD yourself. All you need is a ruler and a mirror. To measure your PD at home:

Stand in front of a mirror and hold a ruler to the bridge of your nose or against the line of your eyebrows.
Close your right eye and align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.
Keep the ruler still, then close your left eye and open your right eye.
The number aligned with your right pupil’s center is your PD measurement.

3. Find frames that suit your face shape

While you can wear any glasses frames you want, certain frame styles suit particular face shapes. If you’re unsure of your face shape, follow these easy steps.

Look in the mirror and outline your reflection on the mirror with a bar of soap or lipstick.
Consider the shape you’ve just drawn; compare and match it to a standard face shape below.

After you’ve understood your face shape, it’s time to choose a complimenting frame.

How do I know what style of glasses to get?

If you have an oval face, you can wear almost any style, including oversized glasses, rectangular, square, round, or cat-eyed frames. For those with a square face, you should opt for oval or round glasses to soften your features. You can use rectangular, square, or cat-eye glasses to add sharp angles and definition if you have a round face shape.

People with heart-shaped faces tend to have wider foreheads and a narrow chin. This shape works well with various styles, including rectangle, oval, and cat-eye. The least common face shape is diamond; a geometric, rectangular, or oval frame would work well for this shape.

4. Find a frame that suits your style

Of course, it’s important to understand what frames may look best on you, but it’s also important to consider your style and what may make you feel the best. Everyone has a certain sense of style, whether subtle or bold, neutral or bright, or anything in between; finding eyewear to match your aesthetic is essential.

Consider the type of glasses frames you want. Do you prefer rimless or full-rim frames? Be sure to consider the frame material as well. Metal or titanium frames are minimalistic and sleek. Plastic frames are generally lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear.

Don’t forget about colour. These days, frames are available in all colour blocks, gradients, and patterns. Think about how and where you’ll wear your glasses or sunglasses, then select the frames that best fit your lifestyle and complete your wardrobe.

5. Choose your lenses and coatings

Now that you’ve chosen frames, it’s time to select your lenses. With a wide range of lenses available, it may be hard to know which to select. Most frames can be fitted with prescription lenses, including single vision and progressive, and coatings like blue light block. Every lens has its benefits, so it’s essential to understand what you need from your new eyeglasses.

Your prescription for eyeglasses will guide you in choosing your lenses for vision correction. If you want to reduce eye strain caused by too much screen time, an anti-glare coating can be added to your lenses.

SmartBuyGlasses has many different lens options and will recommend lenses based on the frames you choose to ensure they’re not too thick or thin. Lenses are available at different widths, with anti-reflective coatings, UV protection, and other features. To learn more about different lenses, head to our Lens Hub to read more.

6. Place your order

Now that you’ve found your perfect frames and added lenses, it’s time to place your order. Before purchasing, check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover all or some of your frame or lens costs.

At check out, enter your payment details, and if you have vision insurance, be sure to download an invoice and claim a reimbursement directly with your provider. It’s important to note that SmartBuyGlasses offers 100-day returns and a 2-year warranty so you can feel confident when you shop online.

Can I try on glasses when ordering online?

With advances in virtual AI technology, you can now try on over 10,000 glasses before purchasing your new pair using our Virtual Try-On tool. With so many frame styles, a virtual try-on is helpful as you begin your search.

To get started, all you need is your phone or computer. You’ll take a short video of yourself and then are free to try on frame after frame for as long as you want, eliminating any pressure or embarrassment you may experience in a retail store.

Is it a good idea to buy glasses online?

Buying glasses online has many benefits. Finding quality glasses online doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Besides taking advantage of online savings, you can avoid shopping in-store, where you may only be able to try on up to five frames.

Shopping online for eyewear opens the door to an endless amount of frames and lenses. It allows you to experiment and find a frame style that may not be available in-store.

Buying glasses online

Hopefully, how to buy glasses online is a bit clearer, and you’re ready to try it. SmartBuyGlasses carries one of the largest eyewear selections for men, women, and kids. We know buying eyeglasses can be stressful, but with high-quality frames and lenses, we make the search and purchase process as seamless as possible.

After your purchase, your new eyeglasses will arrive right to your doorsteps in just a few business days. After you’ve received your glasses, try them on to ensure the frames fit properly. It’s important to note that getting used to new glasses, especially those with new lenses, may take a few days to get used to.

Be sure to take proper care of your eyeglasses, clean the lenses properly and keep them in their case when they’re not being worn. If you still have questions or need help, head to our Optical Centre and speak with one of our in-house Opticians. They’re here to answer any of your eyeglasses, lenses, and lens materials questions.

Prescription Safety Glasses Buying Guide

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Prescription Safety Glasses Buying Guide

If you've got imperfect vision and you also need to wear protective safety glasses for work or sport, you can combine your safety glasses with prescription lenses.

With lockdowns being lifted around the world, millions of prescription glasses wearers will be eager to spend more time outside in the coming weeks. As well as wearing masks, prescription safety glasses are a brilliant way of protecting yourself and your virus-vulnerable eyes on the go.

We’ve compiled a guide to the ins and outs of prescription safety glasses, as well as given a couple of pointers for where to buy them.

How do safety glasses work?

Safety glasses are built on a fairly simple concept: protecting the eyes as much as possible. This is generally done by covering or sealing the areas surrounding your eyes (like with wraparound prescription safety glasses or prescription safety glasses with side shields).

Usually made from polycarbonate or other durable plastics, safety glasses are a brilliant way to defend your eyes from irritants like chemicals or sawdust.

While they’re usually seen in laboratories or factories, the recent pandemic has created a new level of demand, allowing for a more diverse, competitive range of safety glasses on the market, e.g. prescription bifocal safety glasses.

Prescription safety glasses for work

Different jobs have different requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE). Some activities may require side shields, goggles or even full face protection. In every country, there will be regulations in place to help determine which type of safety eyewear is most appropriate.

As a rule of thumb, jobs like carpentry, plumbing or machine work will require face protection; if you need a prescription anyway, purchasing prescription safety glasses is really important for your own (and your colleagues’) health and safety.

DID YOU KNOW?

Safety glasses are commonly used in sports like racquetball and fishing.

Prescription safety glasses for sport

If you’re a prescription glasses wearer and you regularly take to the field, you should really consider prescription safety glasses like these from Progear. Having your full vision available could be key to winning a match or event – plus, there’s no risk of them falling off and breaking; the vast majority have elasticated head straps.

If they were good enough for professional sportsmen like Edgar Davids, you can bet they’ll help you out in games.

Prescription safety glasses: COVID-19

Since the start of 2020, people have rightfully been paying more attention to protective gear in casual or public settings. To slow the spread of COVID-19, the prevailing advice is to cover your ‘mucus membranes’ – i.e. your mouth and nose – with a face mask.

However, your eyes are still a very accessible point of entry for coronavirus. By switching from regular prescription glasses to prescription safety glasses (or even just using safety glasses that fit over prescription glasses like these), you can further take measures to protect yourself in high-risk settings.

Safety glasses and face coverings from SmartBuyGlasses: best prescription safety glasses

Now that you’ve read about the necessity of safety glasses for different purposes, it’s important to know where to get prescription safety glasses online.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we sell a range of cheap prescription safety glasses and face masks – you can see if there’s anything you like by clicking here – we recommend these Salice safety glasses.

If you’re interested in knowing more about protective eyewear, read our guide to face shields here. Or, browse our selection of eye health content here

Anti-glare Glasses

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Anti-Glare Glasses

Glare is a nuisance. That's why anti-glare glasses were developed. Find out about the different kinds and their benefits here.

Did you know that standard lenses transmit around 91% of light to the eye? The rest is lost due to surface reflections. Anti-glare glasses help solve that problem. If you didn’t know the role played by reflection when wearing prescription glasses and are not sure whether or not to get anti-glare glasses, this article will help you understand better.

What are anti-glare glasses?

Lens coatings are significant because they are vital in providing durable and long-lasting lenses for your eyeglasses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the different types of lens coatings you can choose from; or worse, some don’t even know such protective layers exist.

Lens coatings enhance the lens performance of your glasses whether you wear single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.

One of the lens coatings you can choose from is anti-glare coatings, also called anti-reflective coating. These lenses are provided with a microscopic multilayered coating that eliminates glare and reflections from the back and front of your eyeglass lenses. As a result, it helps with clearer vision.

What does anti-glare do on glasses?

Thanks to the coating, anti-glare glasses reduce the light reflecting off the lenses, resulting in more light passing through and having more clarity. Not only will you be able to see better, but the glasses will also help with surface reflections and give you greater visual performance.

Anti-glare glasses benefits

There are more benefits to anti-reflective glasses than you might think; here are some of the advantages of choosing anti-glare coatings:

Improved vision while driving at night, which results in being more aware and in control while driving.
Better clarity when working in front of a screen.
Less visual fatigue caused by reflections.
Your eyes are more visible, which helps with eye contact and looking better in photos.
If you wear glasses all day every day, anti-reflective coating gives the most natural visual experience and places less strain on your eyes.

Disadvantages of anti-glare glasses

There are also a few disadvantages when getting anti-glare glasses, including the increased need for cleaning. After getting your pair of anti-glare glasses, you might want to clean them more often because anti-glare glasses highlight dirt or dust.

This also happens with scratches, which means glasses must be handled with extra care. To learn more on how to properly take care of your glasses, check out our tutorial below.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anti-glare coatings cannot be added to glasses after purchase, they must be applied beforehand.

Do I need anti-glare on my glasses?

Anti-glare coating is not mandatory, but it is advised as it enhances the overall performance of your glasses. Not only will you have clearer vision, but you will also look better and struggle less while doing your everyday activities.

Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

No, anti-glare cannot be added to your lenses after the purchase. If you need to decide whether or not to add anti-glare coatings to your glasses because of the price, remember there are many affordable online options that let you add an anti-glare coating to your lenses without breaking the bank.

Are anti-glare and blue light glasses the same?

No, anti-glare and blue light glasses are not the same, as they are two types of coatings and are designed for different purposes. Anti-glare coatings are designed to increase the amount of light passing through the lenses, while blue light glasses are designed to block the blue light coming off screens.

Blue light block can be added as an additional coating to your lenses when purchasing your glasses.

How to care for glasses with anti-glare coating

As mentioned above, anti-glare glasses might need to be handled with more care than regular glasses. To make sure your glasses are always cared for properly, remember to:

Store the glasses in their protective case when you’re not wearing them.
Always use a microfiber cloth during the cleaning process.
You also might want to use an optical spray.

Remember to avoid cleaning your glasses with shirts or chemical cleaners, as this might be damaging to your glasses. If you want to read more about lens coatings, we have an informative article right here.

Digital Eye Strain

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How to Recognise and Prevent Digital Eye Strain

If you’re using digital screens for long periods of time, you could be suffering from digital eye strain. Learn what the symptoms are and how you can avoid them.

There’s no denying that our world is shifting to even more screen time with our access to TV, computers and phones. As we now spend an average of 8 hours a day looking at digital screens, it’s time to focus on taking care of our eye health. Unfortunately, there is no avoiding this issue, but there are things we can do to prevent eye strain.

We must take our eye health seriously, just like we do for our physical and mental health. If you’re worried about your vision or someone close to you, keep reading to learn more about digital eye strain, its symptoms and ways to avoid it.

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, is an unfortunate eye and vision-related problem caused by prolonged computer use (American Optometric Association 2022). Over the last few decades, these issues have become more common, with 2 out of 3 people reporting symptoms (Chu, A 2023).

If you use a computer or digital screen for extended periods, you most likely suffer from symptoms whether you realise it or not. Computer Vision Syndrome is common in children and adults and can lead to severe effects if left untreated.

What does a strained eye feel like?

When you suffer from strained eyes, they may feel sore, achy or tired. You may experience light sensitivity and discomfort when moving your eyes or focusing on everyday objects. In severe cases, you might even experience headaches or blurred vision.

What causes digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain can be caused by concentrating on reading text on a computer screen or digital device, which causes more strain than reading a book. Other causes of digital eye strain include:

Screen glare
Inadequate lighting
Poor posture while using a digital device
Using a digital device too close or far from your eyes
Uncorrected/detected eye-vision problems
Less frequent blinking than usual when using a digital device
Extended exposure to blue light emitted from digital screens
Infrequent breaks from your digital devices

Unfortunately, what causes digital eye strain is not just one factor but a combination of them all. It’s important to be aware of all the factors to ensure you adjust each one that applies to you.

What causes eye strain in one eye?

It’s not uncommon to feel the symptoms of eye strain in just one eye rather than both. This can be caused by a variety of factors, like a change in your glasses prescription or an eye injury. Of course, looking at digital screens, reading in low light or performing tasks that require intense focus can all contribute to eye strain in one eye.

Other factors such as allergies, dry eyes or eye infections can also cause a feeling of eye strain in just one eye. It’s important to identify the underlying cause of eye strain to prevent further discomfort and protect your vision.

Digital eye strain symptoms

Computer Vision Syndrome and digital eye strain can be highly uncomfortable, resulting in painful physical symptoms like eye fatigue, blurred or double vision, neck and shoulder pain, and more.

Much like the causes of digital eye strain, the symptoms you feel may be a combination of a few or all of them in worst-case scenarios. If symptoms aren’t treated, you may also suffer from extreme digital eye strain that can cause vertigo, nausea and twitching of facial muscles like the area around your eyes.

Digital eye strain treatments

Small changes in your everyday behaviors and environment are generally enough to treat digital eye strain. But if you are frequently suffering, you may need to combine a mix of different treatments and implement them in your daily activities.

1. Update your prescription glasses

As our eyes and vision needs can continuously change over time, it’s essential to make sure you are updating your glasses or contact lenses and having yearly eye checks. Up-to-date contact lens prescription and lenses may be required to match your vision needs for computer viewing. You can also customise your corrective lenses to include coatings that improve your eyesight and comfort.

DID YOU KNOW

2 out of 3 people suffer from painful symptoms of digital eye strain, which can be prevented with small, easy changes to your everyday routine and computer setup.

2. Rest your eyes with the 20-20-20 rule

Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a well-deserved rest. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy exercise that you can implement everywhere. Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a 20-second rest by focusing on something 20 feet away. Repeating this throughout the day will help with eye fatigue and soreness.

3. Make sure your posture and computer position is correct

If your job is computer-based or you study online, ensure you have the ideal posture and computer position to reduce your Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms. Your screen should be 4-5 inches below your eyesight and 20-28 inches away from your eyes. Sitting upright with a well-supported back is vital. Add a footrest to support your feet and back to increase comfort.

4. Ensure your lighting works for you

Poor lighting, brightness and harsh glare from direct sunlight can affect what you see on your screen. Try to relocate your monitor, close your curtains or shades to fix these issues and experiment with your screen settings. Increasing your font size and adjusting your screen to the warmer end of the colour spectrum can help alleviate the effects of eye strain.

5. Try some blue light blocking lenses

Add blue light blocking lenses to your prescription glasses to stay protected from the harmful blue light rays emitted from your screen. These lenses can be added to any glasses easily and will help reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by digital devices.

How long does eye strain take to heal?

Depending on the severity of your eye strain and the cause, you can recover within a few minutes to a few days. It’s important to remember that your digital eye strain won’t heal unless you are taking active steps to relieve your symptoms.

Who is at risk of getting digital eye strain?

No matter your age, you’re at risk if you have access to screens. Anyone looking at their computer, phone, or TV for two or more hours in a row can be at risk of developing painful symptoms. Of course, anyone who works, studies or spends prolonged time on digital screens can be at a higher risk than others.

How to prevent digital eye strain?

Now that you know what causes digital eye strain and how to treat your screen fatigue at home, you should be able to adjust your regular habits to reduce strain and avoid severe symptoms. If you feel your computer screen is the biggest trigger, consider looking into computer glasses that could also prevent painful cases of eye strain.

Ensure you get a regular eye exam from your eye doctor so you can stay on top of any underlining eye issues and keep your overall eye health in check. For more information and eye health tips, ask our certified online Opticians any questions you may have.

How to Improve Vision

Let's go over practical tips on improving eyesight. Knowing proper eye care can save you from future issues.

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Discover how blue light affects our eyes and dive into how blue light glasses work.

How to Improve Vision

Let's go over practical tips on improving eyesight. Knowing proper eye care can save you from future issues.

What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Discover how blue light affects our eyes and dive into how blue light glasses work.

How Can I Make My Glasses Anti-Glare?

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How Can I Make My Glasses Anti-Glare?

Strictly speaking, anti-glare glasses don't exist, but there are other options.

Disclaimer: Anti-reflective coatings on glasses lenses can provide a more comfortable viewing experience, but do not eliminate 100% of glare.

As you’re undoubtedly well aware, the main function of glasses is to allow you to enjoy a clear, sharp field of vision, and therefore live your life in greater comfort.

This is what they were designed for, but innovation and technological advancements mean that glasses can also improve your visual experience in other ways, such as blocking out blue light or reducing glare.

What is glare and how does it affect your eyesight?

Light is essential for vision, but too much light causes problems for our eyesight. We don’t tend to look directly at sources of light, as it can hurt our eyes and cause discomfort.

It’s easy to avoid looking directly at a bright light source, but glare is harder to escape. Glare is defined as a strong, dazzling light.

It can come directly from a light source, but it also occurs when light is reflected off an object.

Surfaces like glass, water, snow, and certain metals are highly reflective, so we often experience glare from them, making it more difficult to view other objects close to where the glare is coming from.

Anti-reflective vs anti-glare

Lens coatings are one of the aforementioned innovations that broaden the scope of what your glasses can do.

Different coatings can add impact resistance, hydrophobic qualities, UV protection to your glasses, shield your eyes from blue light, and help with glare.

The main purpose of an anti-reflective (AR) coating is to prevent reflections on the outer surface of glasses lenses by allowing more light to pass through them.

These pesky reflections are an aesthetic concern for some, as reflections on the front of their glasses hide their eyes from view, ruin photographs, and are also often noticeable during video calls.

As more light passes through the lens instead of bouncing off it, the result is clearer vision for the wearer.

The halos that form around bright lights are also removed from your view with an anti-reflective coating, making driving at night more comfortable. With a greater amount of light reaching your eyes, an AR coating also improves visual acuity.

Frustratingly for optical experts and linguistic pedants alike, the discussion about “anti-glare glasses” and “anti-glare lenses” is very often littered with misused language.

While there are different methods of introducing anti-glare properties, it’s important to use the right names for them in order to avoid confusion.

Some retailers talk about anti-glare coating for glasses, but in reality, this does not exist. It might sound like they’re the same thing, but anti-reflective coating is the correct term for this treatment.

Despite this, usage of the term “anti-glare coating” persists. The lens technology that most accurately fits the description of “anti-glare glasses” would be polarization, although it is only available for sunglasses lenses.

How does an anti-reflective coating work?

AR coatings are made of layers of metal oxides. Simply put, an anti-reflective coating cancels out the light reflection on the surface of the lenses and allows more light to pass through them and reach your eyes.

The more light that reaches your eyes, the more clearly you see. This is all achieved by a fairly complex scientific process called the optical interference model.

Basically, the layers of the anti-reflective coating work together to introduce “destructive” light waves, that, as their name suggests, destroy reflections on the lenses.

Uncoated lenses allow about 92% of light to pass through them. An anti-reflective coating increases that to 99%, giving the wearer greater visual acuity.

Benefits of anti-reflective coatings

The most noticeable benefit of anti-reflective coatings is the improved appearance of the lenses. Without reflections, the wearer’s eyes are more visible, making conversation and eye contact in general easier.

For the wearer, the absence of reflections on their lenses is less distracting, especially in situations such as driving at night, working in a brightly lit environment, or in front of digital screens. Your eyes are put under less strain as a result.

Anti-reflective lens coatings also improve visual acuity, meaning your vision will be sharper, thanks to the extra light getting through to your eyes.

An anti-reflective coating is particularly useful on high-index lenses, as these can reflect up to 50% more light than other lenses. This makes an anti-reflective coating indispensable.

A secondary advantage of AR coatings is that they generally have a hydrophobic finish to seal all of their layers, making them water-repellent and easier to clean.

When it comes to sunglasses, the dark lens tint generally negates the need for an AR coating on the outside of the lenses. It can still be applied on the inside of the lenses, however, for greater comfort when the sun is behind you.

DID YOU KNOW?

Every anti-reflective coating gives the lenses it’s applied to a very subtle tint. This tint is most often either green, brown or yellow.

Polarised lenses

The most effective anti-glare glasses are those fitted with polarised lenses. Polarised lenses work by filtering out horizontal light waves, while allowing vertical light waves through.

This greatly reduces glare for the wearer, and provides much sharper vision contrast. The chemical used in the polarisation process results in heavily tinted lenses, which makes it unsuitable for eyeglasses.

However, a pair of prescription polarised sunglasses is a very effective solution, although naturally not the most useful for night-time activities.

The difference between polarised lenses and anti-reflective coating is that polarisation prevents you from seeing glare at the source, while an anti-reflective coating prevents you from seeing glare reflected on your lens surface.

Caring for glasses with anti-reflective lenses

Contrary to what you may think, an anti-reflective coating can actually make your glasses easier to clean and care for. Most AR coatings have a hydrophobic finish, which repels water and dirt, so the lenses don’t smudge so easily.

Like with any glasses, always use a microfibre cloth to clean anti-reflective lenses instead of a t-shirt, tissue, or other type of material that could cause tiny abrasions.

It’s also useful to wet the lenses beforehand to further protect them from the risk of friction-induced scratches.

Ask your optician to recommend which cleaning products can be safely used to clean your anti-reflective glasses. The harsh chemicals in some products can damage the coating.

Which is the best option?

As is usually the case when it comes to eyewear choices, your own vision requirements and lifestyle will dictate what the best option for you is.

Is an anti-reflective coating worth the investment? If improving the appearance of your glasses is a priority for you, then absolutely.

If you struggle with the headlights of oncoming traffic when driving at night, an AR coating would also help in that regard. If your goal is to have anti-glare glasses, then polarised sunglasses will do a great job of achieving that.

Keep in mind, though, that their lens tint makes them unsuitable for night-time use.

Both polarised lenses and anti-reflective coating have their benefits, with one potentially more suited than the other to the types of settings you’ll most often find yourself in.

Speak to your optician for personalised recommendations on which solution is right for your specific needs, or you can ask our opticians for further advice.

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How to Adjust Glasses

Adjust your glasses at home | Lenses are at different distances | Keep glasses from sliding down your nose | Adjust glasses behind your ears | Adjust crooked glasses | Tighten glasses with screwdriver | Optimal glasses adjustment

Can I adjust my glasses at home?

How to adjust glasses if the lenses are different distances from your eyes?

How do I keep my glasses from sliding down my nose?

How do you adjust glasses around your ears?

How to adjust crooked glasses

How to tighten glasses with a screwdriver

DID YOU KNOW?

Ask an optician for optimal glasses adjustments

How to Adjust Glasses

Adjust your glasses at home | Lenses are at different distances | Keep glasses from sliding down your nose | Adjust glasses behind your ears | Adjust crooked glasses | Tighten glasses with screwdriver | Optimal glasses adjustment

Can I adjust my glasses at home?

How to adjust glasses if the lenses are different distances from your eyes?

How do I keep my glasses from sliding down my nose?

How do you adjust glasses around your ears?

How to adjust crooked glasses

How to tighten glasses with a screwdriver

DID YOU KNOW?

Ask an optician for optimal glasses adjustments

Ask the Optician

How a Pair of Glasses Could Help Migraine Headaches

How do glasses for migraine relief work?

How do glasses for migraine relief work?

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

What is the difference between tension and migraine headaches?

What is the difference between tension and migraine headaches?

What are ocular migraines?

What are ocular migraines?

Ocular migraines vs. migraine auras?

Ocular migraines vs. migraine auras?

What is photophobia?

What is photophobia?

What glasses are best for migraines?

What glasses are best for migraines?

How can photochromic lenses help with migraine headaches?

How can photochromic lenses help with migraine headaches?

What other migraine sunglasses are there?

What other migraine sunglasses are there?

Can blue light glasses help with migraines?

Can blue light glasses help with migraines?

Do migraine glasses really work?

Do migraine glasses really work?

Reference list

Reference list

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Ask the Optician

Ask the Optician

What Are Pinhole Glasses?

How do pinhole glasses work?

Can pinhole glasses improve eyesight?

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

Do pinhole glasses reduce eye strain?

Benefits of pinhole glasses

How effective are pinhole glasses?

Should I try pinhole glasses?

Reference list

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