Understanding Glasses Measurements

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Understanding Glasses Measurements

Knowing your glasses measurements is important when buying eyewear online. Learn the meaning of the numbers on your glasses and how to find them.

SUMMARY

Understanding eyeglass measurements can help you choose glasses that will suit your face shape the best.

The measurements are usually found on the temples of the glasses and include the lens width, bridge width and temple length.

In the past, shopping for eyeglass frames required long trips to eyewear stores, fitting frames and browsing through an overwhelming amount of glasses displays.

Thankfully, this isn’t the only option anymore.

Online retailers like SmartBuyGlasses have been established for years, and now, you can pick a new pair of glasses from a near-unlimited selection of colours, sizes and designs, and receive them right at your doorstep.

However, if you shop for eyewear online, knowing your frame measurements is crucial to ensure you receive the perfect pair of glasses that fit comfortably.

Read on to learn what glasses measurements you need, and how to find them yourself.

Eyeglass size explained

Have you ever noticed the three numbers engraved on glasses? They are usually located on the temple, bridge, or side of the nose.

These values–usually separated by dots, dashes or vertical bars–represent the glasses’ frame measurements: the lens width, bridge size, and temple arm length, respectively. Some frames may have a fourth number, which refers to the height of the frames.

In some cases, acetate frames will have the eye and bridge sizes on the nose pads of a plastic frame. All these glasses measurements are measured in millimeters (mm).

Eyeglass frame measurements

Width

The frame width is the horizontal measurement of the frames, including hinges or designs that stick out at the sides.

Try it yourself: To measure the width of the frames, take a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the entire horizontal front of the frame from the furthest point on one side to the other.

Bridge

The bridge size is the distance between the two rims or lenses of the eyeglasses where the nose pads are located. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm.

Try it yourself: Place the measuring tape right between the two lenses to measure the bridge and see how many millimetres are between the nearest points.

Temple length

The temple length–often referred to as arm length—is the length of the temple. It is usually between 120mm and 150mm.

Try it yourself: Measure your temples from the hinge to the tip to get your temple length.

Lens measurement

Lenses can be measured in height and width. Lens height is the vertical measurement of the eyeglass lenses, which is important for bifocal and progressive lenses. Lens width refers to the width of the lenses, which must be measured horizontally.

Try it yourself: To take these measurements, place the measuring tape on the lenses, first vertically and then horizontally. Measure only from one side of the lens to the other, ensuring no part of the frames is included.

How to find out PD for glasses

The pupillary distance is another crucial measurement when ordering glasses online. You can use our online tool to determine your pupillary distance.

All you need to measure your PD with our tool is a computer camera and a card with a magnetic strip.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pupillary distance is the distance between your pupils. To have the clearest vision, the distance between the centre of the left lens and the right lens should be the same as the distance between your pupils.

Tips for finding comfortable fitting frames online

Here is a brief overview of what to consider when shopping for eyewear online:

Know your measurements: Use this guide to ensure you know your glasses’ measurements—lens width, bridge size, temple length and frame width. Search for frames that match these values.
Understand your face shape: Choose frames that complement your face shape. Round faces often pair well with rectangular or square frames, while oval faces suit most styles.
Use Virtual Try-On Tools: Many online retailers offer virtual try-on features that let you see how different frames look on your face. Check out our Virtual Try-On Tool to see what frame styles look like on you.
Consider your lifestyle: Select frames suited to your daily activities. For example, lightweight materials like titanium are great for all-day wear, while impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate are better for active lifestyles.
Check return policies: Look for retailers with flexible return policies, so you can exchange frames if they don’t fit comfortably.

Shopping for glasses with my measurements

Now that you have all the information on your glasses’ measurements and know how to take them, shopping online will be much easier. Glasses’ measurements won’t be a mystery anymore and you can confidently choose the right pair of glasses.

If you need help determining what glasses frames will fit best, we have an easy guide to help with that. You will have to measure your temples from one side to the other and check out our size table to find the recommended size based on your measurements.

If you have more questions about your frame size or prescription, check out our Optical Centre. Our articles will help answer most questions, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can reach out to one of our opticians to clarify your doubts.

What Is Pupillary Distance?

Pupillary distance is the distance between your pupils. Learn how to measure PD in this article.

How to Buy Glasses Online

Buying glasses online is fast and easy. Follow these simple steps to find your perfect pair of glasses online.

What Is Pupillary Distance?

Pupillary distance is the distance between your pupils. Learn how to measure PD in this article.

How to Buy Glasses Online

Buying glasses online is fast and easy. Follow these simple steps to find your perfect pair of glasses online.

Sunglasses Lens Colour Guide

Home ⁄

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Sunglass Lens Colour Guide

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

By Corina Iatisin

Reviewed by

Updated On Mar 23, 2023

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

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

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

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter?

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

What about mirrored lenses?

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

Lens colour guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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

Lens colour recommendation by weather

Lens colour recommendation by activity

Benefits of lens colours and tint

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

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Home ⁄

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Extended periods of contact lens use can irritate the eyes. Silicone hydrogel lenses' properties make them an attractive choice for people with dry eyes.

The development of contact lenses

Arguably the main preoccupation of contact lens developers over the years has been increasing oxygen permeability. If worn for an extended period of time, traditional contact lenses deprive the cornea of much-needed oxygen. Without adequate oxygen, the cornea dries out and can become inflamed, which is a condition known as keratitis.

This can cause itchiness and pain, and in more severe cases, can impair vision and lead to long-term damage such as scarring. In the quest to find a longer lasting, comfortable contact lens, the ability to improve oxygen permeability is crucial. Thus, silicone hydrogel contact lenses have been a game-changer for all contact lens wearers.

Silicone hydrogel

Soft contact lenses were first created in the 1960s, after the development of ‘hydrophilic gels’ or hydrogels.

Problems of keratitis became more widespread with the introduction of extended wear contact lenses in the 90s because more people were wearing contact lenses for longer periods of time. This resulted in many people getting infections.

The first silicone hydrogel contact lenses were introduced to the public in 1999. This amazing new technology allowed up to seven times more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional hydrogel lenses, meaning that for the first time extended wear contact lenses did not lead to an increased health risk.

Oxygen permeability

The higher permeability of silicone means that the oxygen permeability of silicone hydrogel lenses is not tied to the amount of water in the lens.

For the wearer, this means increased comfort, and the ability to wear the lenses continuously for an extended period of time. Studies have also shown that any infections that do occur tend to be less severe than with traditional Hydrogel lenses.

Contact lenses for dry eyes

Whilst they are not perfect, there is no denying that Silicon Hydrogel represents a major step forward in contact lens technology, and it is no coincidence that the market has been heading in this direction for some years now.

Whilst they may not be for everyone, almost any contact lens wearer is in a position to try them out, though we will always recommend that you consult your optician before switching your contact lenses.

People who stand to benefit the most from Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses are those who tend to wear their lenses for more than twelve hours a day, particularly if they spend a lot of time in low humidity environments (offices with air-conditioning is one example of this).

Patients with high prescriptions, or younger people who haven’t yet got the hang of their contact lens wear and maintenance routine, will also benefit, as will anyone who regularly experiences dryness, redness, or any other discomfort towards the end of a day wearing traditional contact lenses.

Silicone Hydrogel Contact lenses come in a variety of brands and different duration of wear. Many Silicone Hydrogel lenses have been approved for overnight wear for up to seven nights, and there are even pairs that can be worn for up to 30 nights continuously.

DID YOU KNOW?

Silicone hydrogel lenses cause less irritation than other types of contact lenses when worn for long periods.

How to choose the right contact lenses

What are the differences between daily and monthly contact lenses? Choosing the right contact lenses for your needs comes down to two main things, your prescription and lifestyle.

Daily contact lenses are typically thinner than monthly contact lenses and have high water content. 1 day silicone hydrogel contact lenses should for example be word for around 12 hours a day and then removed overnight to let the eyes rehydrate. Residue from the eye easily build up and affects the quality of the lens.

Therefore, daily contacts should be disposed of and not reused after wearing them. If you play sports or engage in outdoor activities, daily contact lenses may be the better option for you as the lenses are likely to be exposed to dirt and can be replaced daily.

Monthly lenses are thicker and durable, making them more long-lasting. They do not dry out as easily if properly taken care of and stored and can therefore be reused multiple times. Your vision correction needs is important when choosing contact prescription lenses.

Since monthly contact lenses are made with a harder composition, they are more suitable for prescriptions that require higher magnification.

If you have a complex prescription, monthly lenses are typically more suitable for you. If you have sensitive or dry eyes, silicone hydrogel contact lenses are a good option and together with your eye doctor you can discuss the perfect fit for your needs.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we stock a wide range of the leading brands of silicone hydrogel lenses, including Acuvue Oasys, PureVision 2 and Air Optix. Check out all the silicone hydrogel lenses available on our website here.

What To Know Before Ordering Contact Lenses

Home ⁄

What To Know Before Ordering Contact Lenses

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Contact lenses can be a supplement or an alternative to glasses, but you shouldn't order them based on your glasses prescription. This article walks you through the whole process.

Do you need a prescription for contact lenses?

The purchase of all types of contact lenses requires a valid contact lens prescription – which can’t be the same of your glasses prescription – written by a qualified eye care practitioner. This is true even for plano lenses with no vision correction purposes, colored contact lenses or special-effect lenses that are worn for cosmetic purposes only.

Your eye care practitioner can only write your contact lens prescription after a thorough contact lens eye exam and fitting.

Contact lenses vs glasses

There are a number of differences between glasses and contact lens prescriptions due to the differing nature of their vision correction. These differences range from the distance which they sit from your eye and the way in which they are regulated by official medical bodies, to the way they are designed for your optical needs.

You may notice that the values of your glasses prescription differ from those of your contact lens prescription. Don’t worry, your optician didn’t make a mistake. This difference is completely normal, and is due to that fact that glasses are worn about 12mm away from the surface of the eye, whereas contacts sit directly on the eye’s surface.

When a glasses prescription is decided after the eye exam, a mathematical calculation is then used to calculate the alterations that need to be made in order to create the correct equivalent contact lens prescription – also known as CL Rx.

DID YOU KNOW?

The main reason for the difference in prescriptions between contact lenses and glasses is the distance at which they sit away from your eyes.

Contact lens prescription

By the time contact lenses are ready to be fitted to your eyes they have gone through a number of additional criteria than those that are required for glasses. This is due to the fact that the Federal Drugs Agency (FDA) lists contact lenses as a medical device and so they are regulated differently to glasses.

Namely, contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface, and so there is a greater risk of developing infections/ulcers or other complications that are not present with eyeglasses.

Finally, when fitting contact lenses the curvature of the cornea, the transparent outer covering of the eye, upon which they sit must be taken into account. No two pairs of eyes are exactly the same.

The measurement of this curvature must be taken in conjunction with its diameter in order to ascertain the best match between the size and shape of your eyes and the size of contact lenses they will require.

How to read a contact lens prescription

Eye: OS (oculus sinister) refers to the left eye and OD (oculus dextrus) refers to the right eye. If you see OU, which is less common, this is referring to both eyes.

BC: Stands for Base Curve and relates to the curvature of the contact lens. The measurement usually stands between 8 and 10.

DIA: Stands for Diameter, and refers to the diameter of the contact lenses. This usually ranges from between 13 and 15 mm.

SPH: aka Power/PWR is the corrective element of the contact lenses. A negative number (e.g. -1.75) indicates myopia (nearsightedness), while a positive one (e.g. +2.25) indicates hyperopia (farsightedness). If you see PL it stands for plano, meaning that no correction is required.

CYL: Cylinder, is the level of astigmatism present, if you have any, and is measured in diopters.

AX: Axis, measured in degrees, refers to the placement of the lens in order to relieve the problem of astigmatism.

ADD: For bifocal contact lenses, this number indicates the degree of magnification to certain parts of each lens.

Color: Whether the lenses are tinted or not.

Brand: The optometrist or ophthalmologist will select a specific brand, or model within a brand, of lenses that will best match your optical requirements.

How long do contact lens prescriptions last?

Always be aware that contact lens prescription lasts only one or two years, and after this time has passed, it is no longer accepted as valid. As a result, when your contact lens prescription expires, you won’t be able to buy more lenses until your eye care practitioner update your contact lens prescription.

That’s why a new eye exam must be made at the point of expiration in order to maintain optimum eye health and comfort.

Do Computer Glasses Work?

Home ⁄

Do Computer Glasses Work?

Ask our opticians

Ask now

With more time being spent behind digital screens, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to computer glasses.

We are spending more time than ever in front of digital screens, and this amount will likely continue to increase. We have all been there, staring, or possibly squinting, at a phone or computer screen for long hours. Our necks are aching and our eyes burning, but the work must be done!

Don’t freight! Thanks to evolving lens technology, opticians are working hard to ensure our eyes can keep up with the digital changes we are facing. You’ve likely heard of computer glasses and their benefits, but do they work?

What are computer glasses?

Computer glasses are designed to ease digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome (CVS) caused by prolonged screen use. There are several varieties of computer glasses, including anti-glare lenses, blue light filters and computer progressive lenses.

Designed to help you work on devices without worrying about eye strain or headaches, computer glasses can be an excellent solution for those who suffer from common symptoms.

How do computer glasses work?

Computer glasses are designed to reduce eye strain caused by spending too much time in front of our digital devices. There are several types of computer glasses and they all work differently.

Anti-glare coatings help to reduce the glare given off by our devices. Fewer reflections and glare allow more light to enter the eye, giving you clearer vision.
Blue light filters minimize blue light exposure and the amount of it entering the eye.
Computer progressive lenses optimize your vision to see clearly from computer distance. They differ from standard progressive lenses as they are only made to provide intermediate and near vision correction.

DID YOU KNOW?

Computer glasses may be an effective way to protect our eyes and reduce digital eye strain.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain, is a temporary vision condition caused by staring at a screen for long periods. The most common symptoms include eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck or shoulder pain. If your symptoms do not improve and your eye strain worsens, or you notice changes in your vision, it is crucial to visit your optometrist.

In addition to wearing computer glasses, additional tips to reduce symptoms and protect your eyes include:

Taking breaks from viewing devices
Blinking more
Increasing the font size on your device
Positioning your screens correctly
Doing eye exercises, like the 20/20/20 rule

The 20/20/20 rule includes taking a break every 20 minutes and looking 20 meters away for 20 seconds to help the eye muscles relax.

What is blue light?

Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a colour in the visible light spectrum that human eyes can see. Although the eyes can see blue light, they cannot effectively filter it, allowing more to pass through the front (cornea and lens) to the back of the eye (retina).

The wavelength of visible light is between 380-780 nanometers (nm). Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is within the 380-500 nm range, giving it the shortest wavelength and the highest energy.

What is the difference between computer glasses and blue light glasses?

Blue light-blocking glasses are considered a type of computer glasses. Blue light glasses are only designed to block out and reduce the possible harm of extended blue light exposure. They have lenses with a special lens add-on or tinted glass designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes.

Generally, the best computer glasses will feature some kind of blue light filter. Depending on the wearer’s use and needs, they may include an anti-glare coating or progressive or prescription lens.

Do you need a prescription for computer glasses?

Most computer glasses do not require a prescription if they only feature anti-reflective coatings or blue light filters. If you require computer reading glasses or computer progressive lenses, you will need an eye exam and up-to-date prescription from your optometrist.

Regular eyeglasses and computer glasses are different. As mentioned, computer glasses are only designed to reduce and relieve digital eye strain. They may have an anti-reflective coating, filter blue light, or include progressive lenses designed for computer use.

For those who wear glasses, SmartBuyGlasses offers the option to add blue light-blocking tints or anti-glare coatings directly to your prescription lenses, giving you both clear vision and the benefits of computer glasses.

Are computer glasses worth it?

While computer glasses effectively reduce the amount of harmful blue light and reflections that enter the eyes, there is no research to suggest that they can improve or protect your eye health.

But, if you spend a lot of time on your computer or smartphone, they are a great aid in reducing glare and digital eye strain.

Should I be using computer glasses?

Computer glasses, including blue light glasses, anti-glare coatings, or computer progressive or reading glasses, may help to reduce digital eye strain. If you’re experiencing eye strain, it may benefit you to invest in a pair.

Eye health should always be a priority. If you want to learn more about computer glasses or have any questions, head to our Optical Centre to speak with one of our in-house opticians.

Does My Child Need Glasses?

Discover how to spot signs that your child may be experiencing vision problems. Find helpful tips to support their vision...

What are Gaming Glasses?

Gamers spend a lot of time in front of their screens, so gaming glasses were developed to help reduce the...

Does My Child Need Glasses?

Discover how to spot signs that your child may be experiencing vision problems. Find helpful tips to support their vision...

What are Gaming Glasses?

Gamers spend a lot of time in front of their screens, so gaming glasses were developed to help reduce the...

Everything You Need to Know About Presbyopia

woman reading on couch wearing reading glasses

Home ⁄

Everything You Need to Know About Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a common condition that causes blurred close-range vision. Learn what it is, what causes it and how to treat it.

If you’re thinking that your vision just isn’t what it used to be, you’re probably right. As you age, you may find that you’re struggling with things you’ve never had issues with like reading fine print.

This is normal, and completely expected due to something called presbyopia.

Presbyopia is a very common eye condition. In fact, everyone above the age of 45 is expected to experience it as it consists in an age-related loss of near vision that can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgical options.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a vision condition that causes blurred close-range vision. This is because as you grow older, your lens in your eyes lose their natural ability to focus on nearby objects.

As this worsens and the eye struggles more and more with near vision, the presbyopia will make it harder for you to see clearly when performing certain activities such as reading, writing or looking at a computer screen.

Presbyopia symptoms

As you age, you may notice both a loss in visual acuity (clarity) when looking at objects at close range, and blurred vision when trying to read fine print.

This can be a good indicator of presbyopia, though first symptoms are not always immediately noticeable.

Presbyopia symptoms include:

Squinting, especially when looking at close-range objects.
Blurred vision.
Difficulties reading small print.
Headache and eye strain after reading.
Reduced focusing ability, leading to the need to hold reading material by holding at arm’s length.
Needing brighter conditions to read or work in.
Eye fatigue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should ask your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. That said, it’s best to get an eye screening around age 40, regardless of if you have symptoms.

This is because presbyopia tends to manifest around that age, with anyone above age 40 being at risk. Given the age-related nature of the condition, regular eye examinations can help stay on top of it by identifying vision change and any signs of sight impairment early on.

Symptoms similar to those of presbyopia can also occur in young people, though they are more often caused by eye fatigue from digital screens. That said, there’s no way of excluding vision impairments without a screening.

That’s why it’s best to keep an eye out for these symptoms and consult your optician if you notice any changes in your eye health whatsoever, regardless of age.

Ask our opticians

Ask now

DID YOU KNOW?

Presbyopia has been around for ages! The name comes from Modern Latin and finds its roots in the ancient Greek terms presbus (old man) and ōps (eye).

What causes presbyopia?

Your eye uses a natural crystalline lens to focus light on your cornea, enabling you to see. This is similar to how cameras use a lens to focus light on the film and capture an image.

Just as the camera lens changes size when you zoom in and out of the picture, your eye’s lens is also somewhat flexible. The muscles surrounding it contract and relax as you focus, allowing it to change shape and serve as your eye’s autofocus system.

Though this mechanism tends to work very well when you’re young, your lens gets thicker as you age. This makes it much less flexible, which in turn causes the autofocus system to stop working when looking at close range items.

Presbyopia is the medical term for an age-related decrease in near vision as a result of lens rigidity.

Unlike other vision conditions like myopia and astigmatism, it isn’t born of a defect in the eye’s anatomy but is instead an unavoidable consequence of getting older.

Presbyopia treatment

Researchers aren’t sure why the eye loses flexibility as we age, but it happens to everyone. Though it may be frustrating, it’s nothing more than an unfortunate side effect of aging that can be easily corrected through treatment options.

Common treatments include glasses, contact lenses, medication and refractive surgery, giving you plenty of options to manage your presbyopia.

Glasses for presbyopia

Eyeglasses are the most common treatment options for presbyopia. As your eye’s natural lens loses flexibility, glasses can correct this by providing external support that allows your eyes to focus on near distances.

Reading glasses are often the best option if presbyopia is the only vision condition present. These help eyes focus when performing close range tasks, like reading a book or computer screen.

Instead, progressive addition lenses (PALs) are used when treating presbyopia in people with multiple vision conditions.

Thanks to the different vision areas on the lenses, they can be fit with more than one prescription. This allows you to correct both near vision, intermediate vision and distance vision with a single pair of glasses.

Contact lenses for presbyopia

Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses for treating presbyopia symptoms. These can be either monovision, bifocal or multifocal contact lenses.

Just as was the case with glasses, bifocal and multifocal contact lenses are fit with multiple prescriptions and cater to both near and distance vision correction.

Monovision contact lenses are instead lenses fit for distance vision in one lens, and near vision in the other. You can also get modified monovision contact lenses where one eye uses a multifocal contact lens and the other one uses a distance vision lens.

They are an effective solution, though they can take some time to get used to as they require switching between one eye and the other to see different distances.

Whether it’s best to wear glasses or contact lenses depends on your individual lifestyle and needs. An optician can help you understand what’s best for you.

Medication for presbyopia

Though traditionally there was no medication available for presbyopia, the FDA has recently approved the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution as a viable treatment option.

This consists of prescription eye drops that reduce the size of your pupils, helping your eyes focus on closer objects. They are effective for up to six hours and need to be used on a daily basis.

Surgery for presbyopia

Corrective surgery is also an option for presbyopia symptoms.

Monovision LASIK surgery is a form of surgical correction used to create an effect similar to monovision contact lenses. This is achieved by correcting one eye for near vision and the other eye for distance vision.

Then there’s PresbyLASIK, a new form of corrective laser surgery developed specifically for presbyopia that is now undergoing clinical trials in the U.S.

This procedure uses a special laser (called an excimer laser) to help regain vision at multiple distances. It does this by creating a multifocal ablation pattern directly on the eye’s clear front surface.

Alongside this, other experimental treatments such as corneal inlays are being developed and tested. One promising study focuses on injecting an elastic gel into the structure in the eye that contains the natural lens (called the capsular bag). This is a more permanent treatment that could potentially offer a significant improvement in visual function.

In theory, the gel could replace the natural lens and serve as a new, more elastic one. In addition, some people undergoing cataract surgery may be able to achieve clear vision across all ranges by choosing presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens.

Your vision is expected to worsen as you get older, and that’s okay. Presbyopia is a frustrating part of the aging process, but it can easily be corrected by staying on top of it. Remember, it’s important to get the recommended vision screenings as an optician will be able to check for early signs of vision conditions and adjust your prescription as needed.

And if you still have doubts about glasses and contacts for presbyopia? Don’t worry about it, feel free to ask our opticians anything. They’re here to help you see more clearly!

Reference list

Peng MY, Hannan S, Teenan D, Schallhorn SJ, Schallhorn JM. (2018), Monovision LASIK in emmetropic presbyopic patients, Clin Ophthalmol. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S170759. PMID: 30233129; PMCID: PMC6130303.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130303/

Fernández J, Molina-Martín A, Rocha-de-Lossada C, Rodríguez-Vallejo M, Piñero DP (2023), Clinical outcomes of presbyopia correction with the latest techniques of presbyLASIK: a systematic review, Eye (Lond). doi: 10.1038/s41433-022-02175-3. Epub 2022 Jul 21. PMID: 35864161; PMCID: PMC9998429.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35864161/

Paley GL, Chuck RS, Tsai LM. (2016), Corneal-Based Surgical Presbyopic Therapies and Their Application in Pseudophakic Patients, J Ophthalmol. doi: 10.1155/2016/5263870. Epub 2016 Mar 9. PMID: 27051527; PMCID: PMC4804036.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4804036/

How To Get Used to Glasses

A new, or first, pair of glasses can take some getting used to. Find out if you're experiencing the normal...

What Causes Blurred Vision?

Blurred vision has a long list of potential causes, but these condition are responsible in the majority of cases.

How To Get Used to Glasses

A new, or first, pair of glasses can take some getting used to. Find out if you're experiencing the normal...

What Causes Blurred Vision?

Blurred vision has a long list of potential causes, but these condition are responsible in the majority of cases.

Prescription Sunglasses With Color Matching Lenses

Prescription Sunglasses With Colour Matching Lenses

Home ⁄

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Home ⁄

Prescription Sunglasses With Colour Matching Lenses

Colour matching lenses allow you to get prescription sunglasses without compromising on the original lens colour.

Interested in buying sunglasses with prescription lenses?

Worried that your sunglasses lenses may not offer the same UV protection or appear to be a different colour?

Well, we have some good news! A simple process called colour matching can ease all your worries.

In addition to polarization and colour tint lenses, you can also choose to have colour matching applied to your sunglasses lenses. By choosing this option, our opticians will try to the best of their abilities to match your prescription lenses to the same colour as the original sunglasses lenses.

Do colour matching lenses come with 100% UV protection?

Colour matching lenses is a great option if you want your prescription lens sunglasses to provide 100% UV protection as well as excellent optics – while still looking just like your favorite pair of shades.

At SmartBuyGlasses we offer colour matching on all our prescription sunglasses – check them out here!

Any questions about colour matching lenses? Ask one of our opticians!

DID YOU KNOW?

With colour matching, you can combine your prescription lenses with the orginal colour of your favourite sunglasses lenses.

Everything You Need to Know About Multifocal Contact Lenses

Home ⁄

Everything You Need to Know About Multifocal Contact Lenses

Ask our opticians

Ask now

This article will provide you with the simplest possible overview of multifocal contact lenses.

The world of multifocal contact lenses can be rather overwhelming – and that’s an understatement!

But fear not; you are in the perfect place to find out everything you need to know. Get ready for the simplest possible breakdown of multifocals.

What are multifocal contact lenses?

Multifocal contact lenses are a type of lens that can correct vision for individuals who suffer from both presbyopia and other refractive errors.

These lenses work by combining prescriptions for distance and up-close vision into a single lens. They offer an alternative to wearing glasses, which may not always be practical or desirable.

With multifocal contact lenses, wearers can enjoy improved vision for both near and far distances, without having to switch between multiple lenses.

There are different ways to achieve multifocal lenses. some will provide the distance and near in the one lens. Others will have the ADD power in both, but one eye is for seeing near and the other for seeing further away.

Finally there are some that have one eye strictly for near and the other only for for distance.

How do multifocal contact lenses work?

For people who wear contact lenses, having to switch between multiple pairs for different settings can be inconvenient.

Fortunately, multifocal contact lenses solve this problem by allowing wearers to see clearly at different distances with just one pair of lenses.

This allows for a smoother transition between different environments, such as going from reading a book to driving a car.

Multifocal or varifocal contact lenses are a great option for those who want convenience and ease of use while still maintaining clear vision.

Its important to note that this transition may not always be perfect and may take some getting used to. This is an important factor to discuss with your optometrist when getting fitted.

Aspheric vs concentric - which multifocal lenses are right for me?

It is important to note that there are two types of multifocal lenses available, aspheric and concentric.

Concentric ring design

Concentric circles vary in diameter, but share the same center. Concentric ring design involves a central circular prescription lens and alternating concentric circles surrounding the central point.

The eye then alternates between the rings to see at different distances with a gradual transition.

There can be multiple layers of rings, two of which are usually within the pupil’s range. This range varies as the pupil contracts and dilutes according to the levels of light.

Concentric ring lenses are available in both soft and hard gas permeable materials. However, the location of the prescription will vary according to the material.

A hard or rigid gas-permeable lens features the long-distance prescription in the central point of the lens.This is referred to as the center-distance.

A soft contact lens will comparatively place the short-sighted prescription in the center of the lens. In this case, the prescription is known as the center-near.

It is also possible to have a central near-sighted prescription in the dominant eye and a long-sighted center for its non-dominant counterpart.

DID YOU KNOW?

Varifocal contact lenses work by combining multiple prescriptions in each lens, allowing the wearer to see clearly at both near and far distances without having to switch lenses.

Aspheric design

Aspheric design in multifocal contacts is similar to progressive lenses in glasses, where the various prescriptions merge across a single lens.

Aspheric lenses are designed to be flatter and smoother than traditional spherical lenses, which can result in sharper and clearer vision for wearers.

Additionally, they can provide a more comfortable and natural fit, reducing the chances of irritation or discomfort.

Aspheric lenses are particularly beneficial for those with higher prescriptions or astigmatism, as they can reduce visual distortions and improve visual acuity.

Are multifocal contact lenses right for me?

Before knowing if any contact lenses suit your needs, speak to your optician to determine if they’re a good option.

Its essential to note that not everyone can wear them, so an eyecare specialist is a good place to start before finding out the basics of how they will work when you wear them.

Multifocal or varifocal contact lenses as a standalone product are designed with a gradual transition between a prescription for close reading on one end and a prescription for normal distance viewing on the other.

They are very similar to progressive eyeglasses.The human vision system learns to select the appropriate prescription through the lens, depending on the desired distance at the time.

As mentioned, here are two ways that multifocal contact lenses are designed: concentric ring design and aspheric design.

Multifocal contact lenses come in both soft lens and rigid gas permeable (RGP or hard) lens materials.

How to use multifocal contact lenses

Wearing multifocal contact lenses can be a daunting task, but with proper insertion, there is nothing to worry about.

To use multifocal contacts, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor and the manufacturer.

These may include proper cleaning techniques and a specific wearing schedule.

With some practice and patience, wearing multifocal contacts can become second nature and provide clear vision for all of life’s activities.

Choosing multifocal contact lenses: advantages and disadvantages

Multifocal contact lenses are not suitable for everyone. Read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

Advantages

You will no doubt be pleased to hear that multifocal contact lenses are available for various usage periods e.g. reusable multifocal contact lenses or daily or monthly multifocal contact lenses.

There are also options between soft and rigid designs to suit your personal preference. A key benefit is that you can get multifocal contact lenses for astigmatism.

This is a type of refractive error, meaning that the eye does not focus light evenly on the retina, resulting in blurred near and distance vision.

Those with astigmatism would often also develop presbyopia around the age of 40.

This led to a tricky decision: opt for wearing reading glasses on top of contact lenses or wear bifocal glasses. Thanks to multifocal lenses, clear, seamless vision is now achievable with much less compromise.

Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages to multifocals that may mean they are not the right lens for you. Often there is hazy or shadowed vision early on in the adjustment process.

Multifocal contact lenses come at a higher cost compared to standard contacts. This is owing to the more complex prescriptions and precision required when fitting them.

The cost of varifocal lenses is an important factor in deciding your method of vision correction but ultimately it should be something that you speak with your doctor about.

If you want a complete brand guide that discusses price options so you feel more prepared to have this conversation, visit our Optical Center.

General tips for new contact lens wearers

If you’ve only ever worn glasses, getting to grips with contact lenses will be a new experience for you.

While the novelty of your newfound vision is thrilling, the process of adjusting to contact lens wear can be challenging at first. However, don’t worry – with a few simple tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.

If you have never worn contact lenses before, the first step is always to see your eye care professional who will assess if contact lenses are suitable for your needs.

They will confirm the correct fit for you. After this consult our simple tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Make sure to always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses. Also, follow your eye doctor’s instructions closely, especially regarding cleaning and replacing your lenses.

Remember to give your eyes a break by wearing your glasses occasionally and avoid sleeping in contact lenses.

For more detailed advice, you can speak to your eye care professional and consult our guide to inserting contact lenses as a reminder.

Putting them in might take you while in the beginning, but just remember that practice makes perfect.

With proper care, you’ll be able to comfortably and safely enjoy the increased freedom and many other benefits that come with contact lens wear.

Colour Blind Test – Online Self Test

Home ⁄

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Colour Blind Test - Online Self Test

Colour blindness makes it difficult todifferentiate certain colours. Take our simple test to chekck your eyes ability to perceive colour.

You may have heard of colour blindness but not really know exactly what it means. Find out everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, tests and treatment for colour blindness.

What is colour blindness?

Colour blindness is a term for when someone is unable to see colours in a normal way. More accurately, it is a colour deficiency rather than colour blindness. Often, someone may not be able to distinguish between certain colours, most commonly between reds and greens and occasionally blues.

What causes colour blindness?

In the retina of the eye, there are two types of cells, rods and cones, that detect light. Rods detect light and dark whereas cone cells detect colour. Cone cells are concentrated in the central area of the retina in the macula. There are blue, green and red cones and your brain uses input from these cone cells to determine your colour perception.

Colour blindness can occur when there is an abnormality in these colour cone cells. This could either be because there is an absence of cone cells, some of them may not be working correctly or some may detect a different colour than normal.

You usually suffer with colour blindness from birth and generally males are more affected than females. However, you can also acquire it later in life as a result of trauma, diseases including metabolic and vascular diseases, toxic effects from drugs and general aging.

If you experience a significant change in colour perception, you should visit an eye specialist.

Types of colour blindness

Severe colour blindness occurs when all three cone cells are absent, and this is known as achromatopsia. In this case, you will see everything in different shades of gray! Mild colour blindness is when one cone cell does not work properly, and you may see colours normally in good light but struggle in dim light.

Colour blind symptoms

Symptoms can be so mild that you may not even realize that you have a colour deficiency! However, they can also be severe and include:

Difficulty seeing colours and the brightness of colours
Difficulty or inability to tell the difference between shades of the same or similar colours

DID YOU KNOW?

Red-green colour blindness is the most common type of colour blindness. As the name suggests,it makes it hard to tell the difference between red and green.

Is there a colour blind test I can take?

You can very easily do a colour blind test online without having to go to an eye specialist. This test, also known as the Ishihara test, is a fast and simple way to determine whether you struggle to perceive colour in a normal way.

The test is made of a series of ‘plates’ of coloured dots. In the center, the coloured dots make up a number, and this number is surrounded by coloured dots of a different colour.

Have a go! See the answers at the end of the article.

Firstly, make sure you have the lights on. If you wear glasses of contact lenses, you can wear them to do the test.
Look at the patterns made up of multi-coloured dots.
If you can make out the numbers and shapes among the dots, you do not have a colour deficiency.
If you struggle to do this, you may have a colour deficiency and it is advised that you visit an eye specialist for a more comprehensive test.

If you are not sure about this test or if you would like more accurate results, visit an eye specialist to take a colour blind test administered by a trained professional using standardized testing materials under proper lighting.

For a colour blind test for kids, it is advised that you book an appointment with an eye specialist.

Is there a treatment for colour blindness?

There is no treatment for inherited colour blindness but there are special contact lenses and glasses that may help to enhance colour perception.

If you have acquired colour blindness, an eye specialist may be able to address the underlying condition that caused the problem.

If your eye specialist recommends that you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, SmartBuyGlasses has you covered!

You can also check the current prescription of your eyeglasses using SmartBuyGlasses’s revolutionary Lens Scanner app. In just a few easy steps, you can extract your current prescription using just the app, your eyeglasses, a screen and a magnetic card. Do it from the comfort of your own home in a matter of minutes!

Answers from top left to bottom right: B, 26, 2, 14, 6, G

Blog Article

Home ⁄

Burberry Glasses Style Guide

Find the best fashion glasses online that will rock your wardrobe!. Once you go to Etnia Barcelona, you won’t go back.

Etnia Barcelona fashion glasses are a form of personality. The frames within Etnia Barcelona portray class, sophistication and a dash of who you are. You simply can’t have a more fun, sexy or prestigious collection.

The Etnia Barcelona glasses collection offers a wide range of rare, unique and personal patterns and styles that you won’t find anywhere else. The colorful glasses within the Etnia Barcelona range will provide you with the feels for every reason. You’ll find rich, indulging warm tones and patterns to the vibrant but ridiculously classy textures and shades. The rich frames express individuality, creativity, to be bold and stand out from the crowd with no hesitation.

Quality over quantity any day of the week

Find the best fashion glasses online that will rock your wardrobe!. Once you go to Etnia Barcelona, you won’t go back.

Etnia Barcelona glasses are inspired by luxurious Barcelona. They believe that Barcelona plays such a great role in the brand’s history, as Barcelona witnessed the birth of the brand. Etnia Barcelona couldn’t have said it any better, “Barcelona is a city that is open to the world. They’re innovative and rebellious. It’s a dynamic city that evolves at the speed of light, but that never forgets where it came from. Barcelona has forged our character and our way of doing things. A brand that always looks forward without forgetting its roots”.

You’ll be guaranteed 100% class and style with the Etnia Barcelona collection. You’ll also be guaranteed the finest material quality, ensuring that you will look, and feel good. The glasses are also crafted from high-quality materials to make them durable and long-lasting. With SmartButGlasses, rest assured that you can discover the best online glasses.

This ultimate style and fashion guide is going to take you through some of the best of the best frames at Etnia Barcelona. You’ll see the best trending and in demand pieces at SmartBuyGlasses. You’ll be able to shop until you drop!

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 544491, 426600, 414064. Please check and use correct values.

Find the best fashion glasses online that will rock your wardrobe!. Once you go to Etnia Barcelona, you won’t go back.

Burberry Glasses Style Guide

Find the best fashion glasses online that will rock your wardrobe!. Once you go to Etnia Barcelona, you won’t go back.

Quality over quantity any day of the week

Find the best fashion glasses online that will rock your wardrobe!. Once you go to Etnia Barcelona, you won’t go back.

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 544491, 426600, 414064. Please check and use correct values.

Find the best fashion glasses online that will rock your wardrobe!. Once you go to Etnia Barcelona, you won’t go back.

Relevant articles

Cras quis nulla commodo, aliquam lectus sed, blandit augue. Cras ullamcorper bibendum bibendum. Duis tincidunt urna non pretium porta. Nam condimentum vitae ligula vel ornare. Phasellus at semper turpis. Nunc eu tellus tortor. Etiam at condimentum nisl…

Get Started

Service

Track my order

Popular Shapes

Popular Frame Types

Virtual Try-On

Popular Shapes

Sports

Polarised

Virtual Try-On

Lens Hub

Progressive Lenses

Lens Scanner

Frequency

Lens Type

Find What You Love

Recommended

Need Some Help?

Ask our opticians

Understanding Glasses Measurements

SUMMARY

Eyeglass size explained

Eyeglass frame measurements

Width

Bridge

Temple length

Lens measurement

How to find out PD for glasses

DID YOU KNOW?

Tips for finding comfortable fitting frames online

Shopping for glasses with my measurements

Related articles

Related articles

Ask our opticians

Sunglass Lens Colour Guide

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

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter?

What about mirrored lenses?

Lens colour guide

DID YOU KNOW?

Lens colour recommendation by weather

Lens colour recommendation by activity

Benefits of lens colours and tint

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Ask our opticians

The development of contact lenses

Silicone hydrogel

Oxygen permeability

Contact lenses for dry eyes

DID YOU KNOW?

How to choose the right contact lenses

What To Know Before Ordering Contact Lenses

Ask our opticians

Do you need a prescription for contact lenses?

Contact lenses vs glasses

DID YOU KNOW?

Contact lens prescription

How to read a contact lens prescription

How long do contact lens prescriptions last?

Do Computer Glasses Work?

Ask our opticians

What are computer glasses?

How do computer glasses work?

DID YOU KNOW?

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

What is blue light?

What is the difference between computer glasses and blue light glasses?

Do you need a prescription for computer glasses?

Are computer glasses worth it?

Should I be using computer glasses?

Related articles

Related articles

Everything You Need to Know About Presbyopia

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia symptoms

Ask our opticians

DID YOU KNOW?

What causes presbyopia?

Presbyopia treatment

Glasses for presbyopia