What are Plano Lenses?

Ask our opticians

Ask now
By Caitlin Biwer
Reviewed by Sharlene Mckeeman
Sharlene Mckeeman

Reviewed by

Sharlene Mckeeman
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Discover why plano lenses are great for the workplace, sports, or to provide a realistic aesthetic to your look!
Plano lenses
SUMMARY

Plano lenses are eyeglasses lenses that don’t offer any vision correction.

They are generally used for aesthetic, safety and eye health reasons.

Glasses have many benefits, even if you have perfect vision. In this article, we will explain plano lenses, demo lenses, and the difference between plano lenses and prescription lenses. Discover why plano lenses are great for the workplace, sports, or to provide a realistic aesthetic to your look!

What are Plano lenses

Not all glasses require corrective lenses, and when this occurs, glasses can be fitted with two types of non-prescription lenses: demo or plano lenses. 

Furthermore, plano lenses are optical lenses that do not have any value power. Therefore, they do not help correct your vision. In the eyewear industry, plano-convex lenses are described as flat and do not refract or focus light through the lens. So if you have blurry vision, see double or can’t read the words right in front of you, then plano glasses are not going to help.

We recommend that you have an eye test to find out if you do not require any prescription to correct your vision. For example, you may need a prescription from your eye doctor to correct astigmatism to improve distance vision (progressive lenses) or you may even need a prescription suitable for reading glasses. If you notice any changes in vision or have not had an eye test with your doctor in two years, we recommend booking an appointment.

What does Plano mean on eye prescription?

The word plano is Latin for ‘flat’, and if this is found in the SPH section of your prescription, it means you do not require nearsighted or farsighted correction. You will know if you require plano lenses if your eye prescription refers to ‘plano’, ‘PL’ or ‘0.00’, found under the sphere box (SPH) measurement section.

DID YOU KNOW
If 0.00 is written on your eyeglass prescription, this is equivalent to plano. This indicates that there is no refractive power and no corrective power is needed. Therefore, you do not have any distance problems with your sight, astigmatism or anything to be corrected.

What are Demo lenses?

Another type of non-prescription is demo lenses, and they are mainly used for demonstration purposes, such as for glasses displays in retail stores. Demo lenses can help you understand what prescription glasses or sunglasses look like before you purchase them.

Plano vs Demo lenses

Plano and demo lenses are not the same and should not be confused. Plano lenses are often made from CR39 lens material and are thicker than demo lenses. In addition to this, extra protective lens coatings can be added to a plano lens that can’t be added to demo lenses, like the following:

  • Anti-scratch coating
  • Blue light filter
  • Tinted lens coatings

Demo lenses are thinner, do not have any additional lens coatings, and sometimes also have printed brand labels on the lens. They are like a simulation of what the glasses can look like.

What are Plano lenses used for?

The various reasons why you’d want or need to wear plano glasses are:

  1. Aesthetic reasons: If you’re looking to change up your look, make a fashion statement, or add the finishing touch to your outfit, you might opt for plano lenses. They can be helpful in boosting a look or helping to frame an outfit without any vision correction.
  2. Safety reasons: In many workplaces, companies have to follow protective eyewear regulations to help prevent eye-related injuries. Safety glasses can help protect from hazardous elements such as chemicals. During the working day, you can also protect your eyes from glare or blue light emitted from digital devices with blue light glasses. Once you have chosen a pair of glasses you like, you can add blue light to them.
  3. Eye health issues: If you are blind in one eye or suffer from eye health issues, you may benefit from protecting your eyes with plano lenses.
Worker wearing safety Plano glasses

Do you need Plano lenses?

If you are looking for eyewear for any of the reasons mentioned previously, then you may need plano glasses. 

You can wear any style of glasses or sunglasses with plano lenses and benefit from protective lens filters, such as UV protection. Plano lenses in glasses can also serve as protective eyewear, whether or not you need vision correction or prescription lenses.

You can even find plano contact lenses. So what does plano mean in contact lenses? Plano contact lenses are the same as plano in glasses; they do not help correct visual impairments. Usually, plano-coloured contact lenses fall into this category of non-prescription contacts that people wear mostly for cosmetic purposes.

Wear Plano glasses

Don’t need prescription glasses but still want to benefit from the trends, styles and protective lens coatings that eyeglasses and sunglasses provide? Plano lenses are what you are looking for.

Eyewear with plano lenses does not have any power values for vision correction and can also be used as PPE (personal protective eyewear). Whether you need to protect your eyes at work, on holiday or simply want to look fashionable, you can try to wear plano lenses. You can find a variety of eyewear with quality protective filters to help correct vision or improve your look with SmartBuyGlasses.

We recommend visiting your local optometrist for an up-to-date prescription to ensure you do not require single-vision lenses or progressive lenses with corrective power. If you need some quick advice, contact our online optician!

Related articles

Tinted Glasses
For those with a more specific use in mind for their eyewear, it is worth checking the options of tinted...
View more
Glasses Lens Materials: Your Ultimate Guide
There is much more to buying eyeglasses than what first meets the eye. It’s not just choosing the right frame,...
View more

Related articles

Tinted Glasses
For those with a more specific use in mind for their eyewear, it is worth checking the options of tinted...
View more
Glasses Lens Materials: Your Ultimate Guide
There is much more to buying eyeglasses than what first meets the eye. It’s not just choosing the right frame,...
View more

Glasses Lens Materials: Your Ultimate Guide

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Glasses Lens Materials: Your Ultimate Guide

By Amanda Albuquerque
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Maria holds a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing and has over 17 years of optical experience.
This guide explores the main lens materials, detailing their features, benefits and ideal uses to help you choose the perfect lenses for your needs.
Hand holding glass lens

There is much more to choosing a new pair of eyeglasses than looks–it’s not just about frame styles, cool shapes, or funky colors. 

Choosing the right glasses lens material also plays an important role in selecting the right eyewear for you and your vision. 

Glass, plastic, polycarbonate, and trivex are the lens materials available for eyeglass lenses. Learn all you need to know about each to find the most suitable choice for your needs.

What does the refractive index mean?

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

As this is how they are often categorised, to understand lens materials, it’s important to first understand what a refractive index is.

The index of refraction indicates how fast light travels through a given material. Essentially, the higher the refractive index of a material, the slower light moves through it, which results in a more significant bending (refracting) of light rays.

Three designs representing lens curvatures. From left to right: large curvature, medium curvature, small curvature
Three designs representing lens curvatures. From left to right: large curvature, medium curvature, small curvature

With a higher refractive index, less lens material is required to bend light to the same degree as a lens with a lower refractive index.

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

Main glasses lens materials

Glass

Glass lenses provide visual clarity and are highly scratch-resistant due to their hard surface. However, glass lenses are heavy, thick and have lower impact resistance.

Glass is the most complicated to handle of all the lens materials, and to comply with impact-resistant regulations, it can’t be used with all frame designs. In addition, glass lenses are also more expensive.

SmartBuyGlasses currently does not offer this type of lens.

Plastic

Plastic (CR-39) is the standard glasses lens material. Plastic lenses offer great optics and vision correction for refractive errors. They also block out 80% of UV light. 

These lenses are lighter and less likely to shatter than glass lenses. They are available in different lens indexes, meaning the customer can have plastic lens from 1.5 index to 1.6, 1.67 and 1.74.

High-index

High-index is not a lens material but a feature of certain plastic lenses. These lenses are great for individuals with strong prescriptions, as they are thinner, which many find to look more aesthetically pleasing. 

High-index lenses bend light more efficiently as they have a higher index of refraction. They also generally have superior optics and are very impact-resistant, though these factors will ultimately depend on the type of high-index material used – glass or plastic. 

Like many other lens types, high-index lenses provide quality UV protection.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses are a popular material for eyewear, especially among active individuals and those who seek additional durability. They are thin, lightweight and impact-resistant, so they’re great lenses for all-day wear.

Their high-impact resistance makes them ideal for children, athletes, or anyone who needs safety glasses. They also offer built-in UV protection that blocks 100% of harmful UV rays without additional coatings. 

That said, they can be more prone to scratches than other materials, so pairing them with an anti-scratch coating is best.

Trivex

Trivex lenses are lightweight and durable, offering exceptional comfort and performance. Known for their sharp visual clarity, trivex lenses reduce distortions better than many alternatives, making them a top choice. 

Like polycarbonate lenses, Trivex is highly impact-resistant, making it ideal for children, athletes, and anyone with an active lifestyle. Additionally, these lenses provide built-in UV protection and are more scratch-resistant than many other materials, ensuring long-lasting wear.

Compared to polycarbonate, Trivex lenses are lighter and offer better optical clarity, though they are slightly more expensive.

Four types of glass lens materials. Plastic lenses, represented by an icon of a hand holding a leaf, are lightweight and provide some UV protection. Polycarbonate lenses, represented by an icon of a shield, are impact-resistant and offer UV protection. Glass lenses, represented by an icon of reflective lens, are known for their visual clarity and scratch resistance. Lastly, Trivex lenses, represented by a scales icon, combine lightweight properties with excellent visual clarity.

Lens coatings and add-ons

Lens materials are important, but they’re not the only factor to remember when choosing lens materials for your glasses: lens coatings also matter and can complement the chosen material.

Lens in front of car light showing the difference between anti-glare effect and no anti-glare.

Anti-reflective

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

zFORT® Blue light blocking

zFort® is an add-on that acts as a ‘fort-like’ protection for the eyes by limiting the reach of the harmful blue light wavelengths from digital screens. With this additional protection, you experience less glare, eye strain, headaches and improved sleep.

Blue light-blocking coating is a useful addition for everyone who spends time looking at screens, regardless of the material of your glasses lens.

Photochromic filters

Photochromic filters allow the lens tint to adapt to the lighting of your environment. When you move from indoors to outdoors, your glasses will transition to sunglasses– and vice versa. 

This filter can be applied to all glasses lens materials.

Polarisations

Polarised lenses protect against UV light and boost visibility by filtering out the horizontal glare that reflects off reflective surfaces, protecting the eyes from the discomfort caused by it. 

As a result, they significantly reduce squinting, making activities such as driving and performing sports in bright outdoor environments more comfortable.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

To summarise your options

  • Plastic lenses (CR-39) are the most affordable lens material and work best with a lower Rx.
  • Glass lenses are higher priced and difficult to pair with certain frame designs and sizes.
  • High index lenses work best for those who want thinner lenses but come at a higher cost.
  • Polycarbonate lenses and Trivex lenses are similar but do present some differences.

Which lens material is the best for me?

To determine what lens material is best for you, you should have an eye test to determine your vision correction requirements. You should also always first consult your eye doctor on what they think is the best lens material for your needs.

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

Woman trying on glasses at a store

If you wear glasses every day, you’ll want them to fit comfortably, look good and not weigh heavily on your face. Thinner lenses can tick all those boxes. 

On the other hand, though they are more noticeable in the frame and tend to be heavier, thicker lenses are more affordable and work fine with lower prescriptions. 

Still in doubt? Don’t fret, you can check out our Optical Centre for more information or speak to one of our opticians to clear any doubts about lenses and materials.

Related articles

A Guide to Our Lens Add-Ons
Lens add-ons tailor your glasses to your specific needs. Learn which ones we offer and why to choose them.
View more
The Different Lens Packages We Offer
Learn how lens index and material affects glasses, and which of our lens packages is the right fit for you!
View more

Related articles

A Guide to Our Lens Add-Ons
Lens add-ons tailor your glasses to your specific needs. Learn which ones we offer and why to choose them.
View more
The Different Lens Packages We Offer
Learn how lens index and material affects glasses, and which of our lens packages is the right fit for you!
View more

Arise Collective™ Clarity – Prescription Lenses You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Arise Collective™ Clarity - Prescription Lenses You Won't Find Elsewhere

By Patrick Conroy
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses offer crystal clear vision, UV protection and extreme durability.
lenses on a black background

If you’ve been wearing prescription glasses for a while, then you’ve probably run into your fair share of issues with your lenses.

Who hasn’t? Scratches making them seem constantly dirty, smudges and fingerprints making them actually  dirty, water droplets obscuring your view, the list goes on. 

Contact lenses are one solution, but they’re not for everyone. If you want your new eyeglass lenses to do something about these irritations, then Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses are what you’ve been looking for. They offer incredible durability, pristine clarity, and optimal visual acuity. 

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are made to deal with the challenges of everyday life and activities, but also offer high-level eye protection, making them suitable for any adventure or occasion.

What are Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses?

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are some of the most complete prescription lenses on the market.

On top of their primary function of vision correction, they are designed to shield and protect the eyes, and provide greater comfort and durability than standard lenses.

They are premium quality lenses, and they’re the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their prescription glasses.

They are available as single vision lenses or progressive lenses, so handling your prescription requirements won’t be an issue.

Benefits of Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses

Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses are suited to all kinds of prescription requirements. They’re great for all vision impairments and can be tailored to your own eyesight needs.

If you’re looking for prescription glasses for reading, night driving, or for the most common eye conditions, they are more than up to the task.

Their lens material is coated with a number of special layers, equipping them to handle even the most adventurous lifestyles.

Standard prescription lenses, in general, can be easily broken and damaged, but Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses come with Impact X, a super-tough, impact-resistant coating that helps lenses handle the rough and tumble of life.

If scratches or glare are the bane of your life, then you’ll really appreciate the scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings, which can really improve your viewing experience.

list of features of Arise Clarity lenses
list of features of Arise Clarity lenses

UV 400 protection keeps your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful rays, while the superhydrophobic coating minimises the accumulation of those pesky water droplets that can obscure your vision. It also inhibits smudges and helps prevent dirt from clinging to the lenses, keeping them cleaner overall.  

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses have an aspheric shape, making them thinner and also more lightweight than many standard lenses. Our Arise Collective™ Clarity lens options offer a choice of different lens indexes, meaning three different levels of thinness, so you can choose a suitably thin version for your prescription.

All three Arise Collective™ Clarity lens options share the same superior lens quality, and have all of the features mentioned above. They are crafted using the latest technologies with lens materials that don’t compromise on either comfort or precision, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arise Collective™Clarity lenses come in 1.5, 1.61 and 1.67 index varieties.

Arise Collective™ Clarity HD lenses

The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens options differ in terms of the thickness of the lenses, which is measured by their lens index. HD lenses have a lens index of 1.5, which is the thickest of the three options.

This lens index caters for people who don’t have severe vision problems, but is not suited to strong prescriptions.

Arise Collective™ Clarity 4K lenses

The Arise Collective™ Clarity 4k lenses are one of the most in-demand options due to their thinner appearance and lightweight feel.

As well as feeling lighter, these lenses tend to look more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and are favoured more by those who dislike the look of ‘chunky’ lenses.

Arise Collective™ Clarity 4K lenses are a strong choice for those with strong prescriptions, thanks to their higher lens index of 1.61. This also opens up a world of slender-rimmed frame possibilities.

three shots of tortoiseshell glasses, one on a model
three shots of tortoiseshell glasses, one on a model

Arise Collective™ Clarity 8K lenses

The thinner the better? If that sounds right to you, then the Arise Collective™ Clarity 8k lenses will be right up your street. 

As well as maintaining the same performance qualities as the other Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses, you’ll have an ultra-lightweight feel and even more of a subtle lens look. 

With a high index of 1.67, these lenses are the best option if your prescription has an SPH correction between +7.00 and  -8.00, and CYL correction up to +/- 4.00. Likewise, if you want to look your best in thin frames, the 8K lenses are for you.

Arise Collective™ Clarity progressive lenses

Progressive lenses accommodate three different prescriptions in a single lens, giving clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances when you look through the appropriate section of the lens.

The progressive lens is a wonder of optical engineering in itself, but Arise Collective™ Clarity progressives take things even further.

Compared to a standard progressive lens, they have a 30% wider viewing area, and a gradual transition from one viewing zone to the next, meaning no visible lines between prescriptions. 

These two features make for quicker adaptation and greater overall comfort. And of course, none of the original qualities of the Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses are sacrificed, so you still get the best protection available.

What makes Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses different?

Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses offer the complete package, with a combination of features and qualities that is hard to find elsewhere.

As well as the numerous qualities that this gives them, Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses also come in lens indexes of 1.5, 1.61 and 1.67, so you can choose the thickness that suits your prescription and gives you maximum comfort, even with strong prescriptions.

A good pair of glasses can make a world of difference to your daily life, provided you’ve got some high quality lenses.

If you want to spend less time getting distracted by frustrations with your glasses, and more time concentrating on what’s important, consider the Arise Collective™ Clarity range next time you’re in need of some new prescription lenses.

Related articles

Ray-Ban Sunglasses Lenses
Discover all that Ray-Ban has to offer: iconic frames and a spectrum of innovative lenses are waiting for you.
View more
Transitions® Lenses
Transitions® lenses contain photochromic molecules, which cause the lenses to automatically darken and clear depending on the surrounding light conditions.
View more

Related articles

Ray-Ban Sunglasses Lenses
Discover all that Ray-Ban has to offer: iconic frames and a spectrum of innovative lenses are waiting for you.
View more
Transitions® Lenses
Transitions® lenses contain photochromic molecules, which cause the lenses to automatically darken and clear depending on the surrounding light conditions.
View more

Carbon Fibre Glasses- What our Experts Want You to Know

Ask our opticians

Ask now
By Hannah Tinning
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Carbon fibre glasses are the most durable frames that will last for years thanks to the innovative material.

Carbon fibre is synonymous with lightweight, strong, sturdy and luxurious. Gaining popularity in the eyewear industry, carbon fibre frames are becoming more prominent and a top choice among eyeglass wearers. 

In this article, we explore everything to know about carbon fibre glasses, their benefits and what to consider when buying a pair.

What are carbon fibre glasses?

What are carbon fibre glasses?

Also known as black gold, carbon fibre is a modern high-strength fibre that is aesthetically pleasing, exceptionally light, hypoallergenic and highly durable. Brands and manufacturers are beginning to harness its super strength to create high-quality carbon fibre eyeglass frames.

How did carbon fibre come to be?

How did carbon fibre come to be?

In 1879, Thomas Edison filed a patent for carbon filaments for electric lamps. Then, in the early 1960s, military aircrafts required better and lightweight materials. This paved the way for the start of commercial production. 

Carbon fibre was initially used in aeronautics, energy-related equipment, sports materials, buildings and industrial structures, automobiles and even musical instruments. Its rigidity, high strength, low weight and high chemical resistance make carbon fibre popular for eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Properties of carbon fibre

Properties of carbon fibre

Not only does carbon fibre look good, but it’s also packed with many benefits. With the higher price tag of anything made from this material, you’re not just paying for an aesthetic look but something that will last and withstand nearly all conditions you may face.

  • Carbon fibre is one of the lightest materials available in the market. A pair of carbon fibre glasses are about half the weight of titanium eyewear and have superior resistance to impact.
  • Carbon fibre is composed of carbon, which is also the core element of diamonds. Its strength is ten times that of iron, its weight is less than a quarter of steel’s, and its tensile strength, i.e., the maximum stress that can be applied to it before it breaks, is 7-9 times that of steel. 
  • Carbon fibre is more corrosion-resistant than titanium and other metal frames. It’s also resistant to high temperatures and radiation and has good elasticity. 
DID YOU KNOW?
Carbon fibre is among the strongest materials on earth, due to the chemical reactions and extreme temperate changes in the manufacturing process. Thus, making carbon fibre glasses the most durable choice there is.

Benefits of carbon fibre glasses

Benefits of carbon fibre glasses

Thanks to the materials’ properties, carbon fibre eyeglass frames offer many benefits.

Carbon Fiber Frame Benefits
Carbon fiber frame benefits
  • Since they’re so lightweight, carbon fibre glasses are the most comfortable choice of eyewear for daily wearers looking for the latest technology and the highest quality.
  • Their strength and durability offer eyewear that will last many years and resist usual wear and tear.
  • Metal materials, such as Nicol alloy, typically react badly to water, however, carbon fibre frames are water and rust-resistant and can withstand excessive moisture, sea spray, and submersion. 
  • This material is worth considering for wearers with sensitivity if you want the look of metal eyeglasses but need something hypoallergenic.
  • When paired with epoxy resin, carbon fibre glasses become resistant to chemicals, alcohol and even acids.
  • Thanks to the reinforced fibres, carbon fibre is made to bend while still being one of the strongest materials to tension.
Points to consider when buying carbon fibre glasses

Points to consider when buying carbon fibre glasses

Even with so many benefits, of course, before deciding on a pair of carbon fibre frames, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Carbon fibre is difficult to process as it is such a resilient material. Hence, a few manufacturers can process and produce high-quality and complexly designed carbon fibre eyewear.

As the material is so lightweight, some carbon fibre eyeglasses may be irreparable as the frame is too thin. Consider how other frames can be adjusted before selecting carbon fibre frames. As they can be extremely hard to adjust, it is essential you get the correct size frame you need.

Carbon fibre is expensive, so glasses featuring it as the primary frame material will cost more. However, a pair of hard-wearing glasses can save you from spending more money on replacements in the long run.

What are your choices for carbon fibre glasses?

What are your choices for carbon fibre glasses?

At SmartBuyGlasses, you can find carbon fibre prescription glasses and sunglasses from top brands in the eyewear industry. Since carbon fibre frames are so lightweight, tough and impact-resistant, they are perfect for outdoor sports and activities. 

Oakley developed its own line of high-performance carbon fibre glasses that feature ultra-lightweight frames. To further enhance the performance frames, some carbon fibre glasses feature hinges with no screws; instead, they move smoothly as the hinge is riveted to the temples and the hinge itself.

In addition, Oakley developed Unobtainium earsocks that function as grips (initially meant to serve as bike grips) that get better with wet conditions. 

As Ray-Ban has always done, the innovation takes a step up with their Tech line of glasses and sunglasses featuring carbon fibre and titanium. The Tech line frames have seven carbon fibre layers mixed with resin and water cut to create the different parts of the frame.
Polar also saw the benefits of carbon fibre frames and took it a step further to include polarised lenses. Some pairs feature a stainless steel front frame and carbon fibre arms. Combining both materials offers a more affordable price point while still benefiting from the properties of carbon fibre.
Is carbon fibre good for glasses?

Is carbon fibre good for glasses?

Carbon fibre sunglasses and glasses will exceed your expectations if you’re looking for a pair of frames that will withstand the toughest conditions and make it through your everyday wear and tear. 

With the higher price point, it’s always worth considering if they match your lifestyle and needs. If you’re unsure, you can always speak to one of our certified online Opticians, who can answer all of your queries.

How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses? 

Ask our opticians

Ask now
It's normal to take some time to get used to a new pair of glasses. Here's how to get through that adjustment period.
adjust new glasses

So you’ve seen an optician, got your new glasses prescription, chosen a new pair of glasses, started wearing them, and now they feel weird. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It takes time to adjust to new glasses. For some people, it could take a few hours; for others, it could take afew weeks.

But why? It’s very individual and comes down to a few things like your eye health, the strength of the prescription, how much the prescription has changed, or the types of lenses and frames. Just like with anything new, glasses need to be worn in.

You may experience discomfort while adjusting, but know that this period is necessary. If you remain calm, continue to wear the new glasses, and follow our advice in this article, you should be able to adjust quickly and easily.

Why does it take so long to get used to new glasses?

Experiencing discomfort while adjusting to new glasses is normal. Whether you’ve renewed your prescription, are correcting astigmatism, or changed your lenses or frames, it takes time for your eyes and brain to adapt.

Your eyes are complex, and during this period, they’re learning to work with your brain to adjust to your new prescription to give you improved vision. 

DID YOU KNOW?

You should consult your optometrist if you experience visual discomofort, dizziness or headaches for more than five or six days after getting new glasses.

Problems getting used to new glasses

If your eyes hurt with new glasses, know that this is probably completely normal, but if anything is continuously disrupting you, see your optometrist. Though generally mild, there are a few common problems that people may experience.

Eye strain with new glasses is one of the most frequently reported, followed by blurry vision and dizziness. You may also experience difficulty focusing, depth perception, the fishbowl effect, headaches, or nausea. 

What are the symptoms of adjusting to new glasses?

Most of the symptoms listed above shouldn’t cause long-term issues and will improve as you begin to adjust. Distortion, like the fishbowl effect, may cause images to appear bent at the edges. Depth perception could make it difficult to detect how near or far an object is. 

Eye strain occurs when you are overexerting your eyes during the adjustment period and can cause other symptoms like tired, irritated, or burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or headaches. Minor instances of these symptoms are all common problems that people experience at the beginning of wearing new glasses. 

Why would new glasses feel weird if the prescription is the same?

Generally, you should not face discomfort for too long when you retain your old prescription, but it is possible. Different lenses and frames can vary from what you’re used to. Did the size or structure change? Is the alignment different? Changing between frame styles can affect your vision and cause an adjustment period.

Even how new frames feel on your face can require a period of adjustment. Understanding prescription glasses measurements and what you need to consider when buying and adjusting to new ones is essential.

If the new lenses are physically bigger or smaller than your last pair, your field of vision will be different. A change in structure (full-framehalf-framerimless) could also cause visual differences. For example, if you always wore rimless glasses and switched to full-frame, you may feel your field of view is limited.

A change in shape may also take time to adjust; for example, switching from a round to a rectangular-shaped frame causes the lens shape to change as well, affecting your field of vision.

Increased or decreased peripheral vision may take time to get used to. Peripheral vision is the part of your visual field that is not right in the center of your gaze, usually for detecting motion, colors, or lights at the edge of your vision.

How to get used to wearing new glasses fast

While it might seem tempting to ditch your new prescription glasses and reach for your old ones, switching between new and old glasses will confuse your eyes and brain, slowing the adjustment to your new glasses. Put your new glasses on first thing in the morning when your eyes are ‘fresh,’ and continue wearing them as much as possible throughout the day. 

Wear your glasses consistently

Wearing your new glasses regularly will shorten the adjustment period and make it easier for your eyes to adjust to the change. 

  • Give your eyes a rest 

Since it takes time for your eyes to adjust, give them a break when they feel strained, or you feel a headache coming on. You can increase the amount of time you wear them each day, starting with simple tasks and working up from there. 

  • Exercise your eyes

If you experience eye strain, a simple eye exercise might help it. Take a moment to focus on an object far in the distance, then look down and focus on something close. Continue switching from the near and far thing for a few moments.

This exercise is especially helpful if you’re adjusting to bifocals or progressive lenses. Another exercise is 20/20/20, when using a computer screen, every 20 minutes look 20 meters away for 20 seconds to rest the eyes. 

  • Ensure your frames fit your face shape and head size 

It is important to find a pair of glasses that fit correctly, and not only for aesthetics. Misfitting glasses can cause further eye strain, headaches, and disruptions to your vision. Understanding your facial and glasses measurements is essential. Before buying, use our size guide and Virtual Try-On tool to find your perfect pair. 

  • Adjust your prescription 

While most people will adjust to their new glasses on their own, if your symptoms last more than two to three weeks, you may have the wrong prescription. If your prescription is wrong, your eyes and brain will not adjust, and you will need to speak to your optometrist. 

Getting used to new glasses just takes a little time

While you may be looking forward to wearing your new glasses and seeing clearly, it might not happen right away. There is no need to worry, as an adjustment period is a normal response to new glasses. Be patient, and remember this should only last about a week.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, head to our Optical Centre and speak to one of our opticians online today

What Prescription Is Legally Blind?

Ask our opticians

Ask now
Being legally blind does not necessarily mean that you can't see anything at all. Learn how legal blindness differs from complete blindness and what the threshold is for it.
What Prescription Is Legally Blind
SUMMARY

Legal blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, even with prescription eyewear. It can also refer to those with severely restricted peripheral vision.

Some individuals who are legally blind may still have some limited vision or see light.

People are often confused about the definition of legal blindness, how to understand if an individual is legally blind, and how that differs from being completely blind.

Whether or not your prescription is considered to be legally blind can affect a vast range of things: from your ability to obtain a driver’s license to tax exemptions and insurance or disability benefits. Because of the enormous impact, this can have on your life, it is crucial to understand what it means.

What does legally blind mean?

Complete blindness differs from one individual to another: some can see light, while others can have visual acuity in some parts of their field of vision. Visual acuity refers to the clarity of vision and how clearly an individual can see. 

Contrary to what most people believe, blind people don’t see darkness or anything at all. Now, you may be asking yourself if completely blind people are considered legally blind. The answer is yes, but the definition of legal blindness is more complex than that.

It extends to individuals that can see but have extremely low visual acuity and, for that reason, have many limitations regarding their daily activities, mobility, and employment. 

DID YOU KNOW?

If a person is legally blind, they are eligible for certain benefits such as job training or disability allowance.

How to test if you’re legally blind

To test your vision, your optician will make you look at a Snellen chart (a chart of mixed letters to read from a distance of about 20 feet). When completing the test, a result of 20/20 visual acuity means having perfect vision and seeing any object (or letter) clearly from 20 feet away.

Having 20/200 or less visual acuity means being legally blind. Simply put, the largest letter on the Snellen chart corresponds to 20/200 vision. If someone cannot read that correctly, that means they have 20/200 or less visual acuity, and they are to be considered legally blind.

Your optician may also give you a visual field test. During this test, you may be considered legally blind if your peripheral vision is about 20° or less. Once you’ve taken these tests, you may need help reading your prescription. If your prescription is -2.5 or lower, you are legally blind, as visual acuity of -2.5 is equivalent to 20/200 vision.

Another thing to consider when having 20/200 or less visual acuity is whether or not it can be improved with contact lenses or glasses. If you have 20/200 visual acuity that improves by wearing prescription glasses or contacts, you are not considered legally blind.

Is 20/80 vision legally blind?

Most countries agree on the definition of legal blindness; however, laws may differ regarding the minimum visual acuity required to obtain a driver’s license. Some countries require 20/80 visual acuity to be able to drive.

Does having 20/80 or less visual acuity mean being legally blind? No, as that restriction only regards driver’s licenses.

If you have more questions regarding your visual acuity, head to our optical centre and find out more from our opticians, or if it has been a while since your last appointment and you’re struggling with your vision, speak to your eye doctor.

Related articles

Colour Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses
Colour Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses Types of colour blindness | EnChroma glasses | Who are they for? | How do...
View more
Do I Need Glasses?
There are many signs that you may need glasses. if you've noticed any of these, it's time to get your...
View more

Related articles

Colour Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses
Colour Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses Types of colour blindness | EnChroma glasses | Who are they for? | How do...
View more
Do I Need Glasses?
There are many signs that you may need glasses. if you've noticed any of these, it's time to get your...
View more

Crazed Lenses

Ask our opticians

Ask now
By Claire Capuano
Reviewed by Caitlyn Gibiault
Caitlyn Gibiault

Reviewed by

Caitlyn Gibiault
Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing.
Find out what crazed lenses are and how to prevent them from getting in the way of clear vision.

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

What is crazing on my eyeglasses lenses?

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

What causes crazing on lenses?

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

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

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

Is it possible for Transitions® lenses to craze?

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

How can heat damage eyeglass lenses?

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

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

How to spot crazing

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

How to prevent crazing on eyeglasses

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

How can I fix crazed lenses?

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

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

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

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

Check to see if your lenses are still under warranty; some warranties cover crazing caused by a manufacturing defect. Your warranty will not cover crazing caused by mistake; for example, leaving glasses in a hot car.

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

Lens crazing

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

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

All the Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

Ask our opticians

Ask now
Essilor Crizal Forte UV handle glare, water droplets, dust, scratches and smudges with ease, so you can enjoy clear vision without cleaning your glasses every 5 minutes.
All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

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

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

Lens technologies

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

  • Single vision lenses, for vision improvement over either short or long distances, but not both.
  • Multifocal lenses, for vision improvement over multiple distances.
  • Multicoated lenses, for protection against dust, water and scratches.
  • Transition lenses, for adapting to high- and low-light situations.
  • High-index lenses, for the thinnest, best-looking way of improving your eyesight.
DID YOU KNOW?

Essilor Crizal Forte UV lenses offer the highest UV protection possible for clear lenses.

What are anti-reflective lenses?

Anti-reflective/anti-glare/AR coating improves vision, eye strain and makes your eyeglasses look better. These benefits are due to the ability of AR coating to eliminate nearly all reflections from both sides of your lenses.

With reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses to optimize visual acuity. This increased amount of light can be really beneficial at night when your eyes need all the help they can get.

What lens coatings do my glasses need?

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

  • UV400, with optimized protection for UVA and UVB.
  • Anti-reflective, to reduce glare and increase the amount of light entering your lenses.
  • Scratch-resistant, with added protection against wear and tear.
  • Impact-X, for optimal eye protection in tough conditions.
  • Aspheric, which are thinner, flatter and lighter than conventional lenses.
  • Superhydrophobic, with water-repellant technology.

What is Crizal Forte UV?

Crizal Forte UV is an exclusive anti-reflecting technology from Essilor. It’s specifically designed to protect your eyes from UV light.

Essilor Crizal lens technology is applied to both sides of your glasses lenses so as to block both the direct UV light that passes through the front of your glasses, AND the UV rays reflected off the rear surface of your lenses.

SmartBuyGlasses is not affiliated and does not currently sell Essilor lenses online but does recognise their excellent quality.

Do Essilor Crizal lenses protect my eyes from UV light?

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

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

Crizal Forte UV features

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

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

  1. Reflections & glare.
  2. Water droplets.
  3. Dust.
  4. Scratches.
  5. Smudges.

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

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses

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

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

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

Protective coatings from Arise Collective™

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

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

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

5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

Picture of Aurora Gould

Aurora Gould

Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing efforts across multiple channels. Her goal is to create riveting content that is also educational by bringing to you all the latest eyewear trends.

A few years ago, we could safely say that clip-on sunglasses were neither cool nor stylish. They were often criticized for lacking personality with limited lens and frame choices. Let’s face it, clip-on sunglasses were probably your parent’s go-to in the ‘90s.

But as they say, what comes around goes back around. Clip-on sunglasses have made a comeback and are ready to rock your look. Glasses with clip-on sunglasses now have a wide range of frame shapes, designs, and colors. From luxurious designer clip-on sunglasses to fun, affordable brands, there is an option to satisfy your every eye need!

With everyone from major celebrities to your next-door neighbour wearing clip-ons, they have certainly re-earned their place back at the fashion table. Ready to get inspired?

SmartBuyGlasses is ready to embrace the ‘90s trend and has 5 trendy and unique clip-on styles that are perfect for every personality. 

1. Armani is here to stay

Teens and adults alike will love the trendy, ready-to-wear magnetic clip-on sunglasses by the one and only Emporio Armani! The brand never fails to deliver high-end luxury items that everyone can’t wait to see year after year. 

With modern and cutting-edge designs, Emporio Armani eyewear will revamp your wardrobe and make you feel like a celebrity. This particular pair of Emporio Armani EA4115F Asian Fit Clip-ons are a great fit if you have a lower nose bridge or high cheekbones. If standard glasses tend to slip away, then Asian Fit glasses are here to stay (on your face)!

2. Feel divine in cat-eye

You won’t be disappointed with a pair of fashionable clip-on cat-eye sunglasses! Do you love your new Tom Ford FT5641-B blue light block eyeglasses and want to have the same stylish look on a sunny day? 

Well, clip-on your sunnies and wander the streets with one simple snap. Tom Ford eyewear is the essence of sublime and glamour, so you’ll never be out of style when wearing their fashion-forward designs. 

No matter your face shape, anyone can rock cat-eye sunglasses! You’ll believe it once you try on these Tom Ford clip-ons using our Virtual Try-On technology!

3. Luxury is my middle name

You’re in for a ride down memory lane with these classic round clip-on sunglasses! This pair of Giorgio Armani AR6107 clip-ons will give you a retro look that is enhanced with a modern touch. The glasses feature lightweight metal frames in a glamorous gold color. Luxury will be your middle name with these Armani clip-ons!

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 397461, 525086, 510341, 484209, 338140. Please check and use correct values.

4. Don’t be frigid – buy Polar

It’s a 2-for-1 offer from Polar! With this pair of Polar PL 410 polarized clip-on sunglasses, you can change your day-to-day look and rock a pair of round clip-on sunglasses when you step out of the office. 

The polarized lenses are a great fit to help protect your eyes from the annoying glare, especially if you’ve decided to enjoy your new specs by the water or snow. We can see you wearing these on a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

5. Clip-on with a SmartBuy

These 5-in-1 frames are perfect if you want to look classic, save money, and have a style that matches any outfit!

Your wallet will love you for choosing these SmartBuy Collection Desire Clip-on sunglasses that come with a variety of sunglasses lenses so you can seamlessly switch between polarizedmirrored, and dark-tinted looks! 

With just a few clicks, you can add your prescription and have the most functional glasses offered on the market!  Not sure about your prescription? Using our lens scanner tool, you’ll have your prescription locked and ready to hit that buy button with ease.

Clip-on, clip-off – it’s that easy!

Feeling inspired to save time, money, and space with a 2-in-1 pair of clip-on glasses? There’s no harm in trying, right?

With the diverse designs and lens types, you can mix and match clip-on sunglasses to suit your style and personality. 

Embrace the ‘90s trend with SmartBuyGlasses and find a pair of quality eyeglasses or sunglasses that meet all of your eyewear needs. 

5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

Picture of Aurora Gould

Aurora Gould

Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing efforts across multiple channels. Her goal is to create riveting content that is also educational by bringing to you all the latest eyewear trends.

A few years ago, we could safely say that clip-on sunglasses were neither cool nor stylish. They were often criticized for lacking personality with limited lens and frame choices. Let’s face it, clip-on sunglasses were probably your parent’s go-to in the ‘90s.

But as they say, what comes around goes back around. Clip-on sunglasses have made a comeback and are ready to rock your look. Glasses with clip-on sunglasses now have a wide range of frame shapes, designs, and colors. From luxurious designer clip-on sunglasses to fun, affordable brands, there is an option to satisfy your every eye need!

With everyone from major celebrities to your next-door neighbour wearing clip-ons, they have certainly re-earned their place back at the fashion table. Ready to get inspired?

SmartBuyGlasses is ready to embrace the ‘90s trend and has 5 trendy and unique clip-on styles that are perfect for every personality. 

1. Armani is here to stay

Teens and adults alike will love the trendy, ready-to-wear magnetic clip-on sunglasses by the one and only Emporio Armani! The brand never fails to deliver high-end luxury items that everyone can’t wait to see year after year. 

With modern and cutting-edge designs, Emporio Armani eyewear will revamp your wardrobe and make you feel like a celebrity. This particular pair of Emporio Armani EA4115F Asian Fit Clip-ons are a great fit if you have a lower nose bridge or high cheekbones. If standard glasses tend to slip away, then Asian Fit glasses are here to stay (on your face)!

2. Feel divine in cat-eye

You won’t be disappointed with a pair of fashionable clip-on cat-eye sunglasses! Do you love your new Tom Ford FT5641-B blue light block eyeglasses and want to have the same stylish look on a sunny day? 

Well, clip-on your sunnies and wander the streets with one simple snap. Tom Ford eyewear is the essence of sublime and glamour, so you’ll never be out of style when wearing their fashion-forward designs. 

No matter your face shape, anyone can rock cat-eye sunglasses! You’ll believe it once you try on these Tom Ford clip-ons using our Virtual Try-On technology!

3. Luxury is my middle name

You’re in for a ride down memory lane with these classic round clip-on sunglasses! This pair of Giorgio Armani AR6107 clip-ons will give you a retro look that is enhanced with a modern touch. The glasses feature lightweight metal frames in a glamorous gold color. Luxury will be your middle name with these Armani clip-ons!

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 397461, 525086, 510341, 484209, 338140. Please check and use correct values.

4. Don’t be frigid – buy Polar

It’s a 2-for-1 offer from Polar! With this pair of Polar PL 410 polarized clip-on sunglasses, you can change your day-to-day look and rock a pair of round clip-on sunglasses when you step out of the office. 

The polarized lenses are a great fit to help protect your eyes from the annoying glare, especially if you’ve decided to enjoy your new specs by the water or snow. We can see you wearing these on a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

5. Clip-on with a SmartBuy

These 5-in-1 frames are perfect if you want to look classic, save money, and have a style that matches any outfit!

Your wallet will love you for choosing these SmartBuy Collection Desire Clip-on sunglasses that come with a variety of sunglasses lenses so you can seamlessly switch between polarizedmirrored, and dark-tinted looks! 

With just a few clicks, you can add your prescription and have the most functional glasses offered on the market!  Not sure about your prescription? Using our lens scanner tool, you’ll have your prescription locked and ready to hit that buy button with ease.

Clip-on, clip-off – it’s that easy!

Feeling inspired to save time, money, and space with a 2-in-1 pair of clip-on glasses? There’s no harm in trying, right?

With the diverse designs and lens types, you can mix and match clip-on sunglasses to suit your style and personality. 

Embrace the ‘90s trend with SmartBuyGlasses and find a pair of quality eyeglasses or sunglasses that meet all of your eyewear needs. 

Thinnest Lenses for High Prescription – What Are My Options?

Ask our opticians

Ask now
By Hannah Tinning
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Lenses with a 1.74 index are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription wearers and include many benefits.
SUMMARY

The thinnest lenses for high prescription glasses are typically made from high index materials, which minimise the lenses’ thickness while maintaining optical clarity.

By providing a more lightweight and aesthetically pleasing option, they are ideal for those with stronger prescriptions.

The higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lenses.

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

What are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses?

What are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses?

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

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

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

Thinnest eyeglass lenses at SmartBuyGlasses

Thinnest eyeglass lenses at SmartBuyGlasses

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

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

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

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

Are 1.74 lenses worth it?

Are 1.74 lenses worth it?

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

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

Are the thinnest eyeglass lenses for me?

Are the thinnest eyeglass lenses for me?

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

Related articles

Best Glasses for an Active Lifestyle
Eyewear shouldn’t hold you back. Look for durable, lightweight frames with high impact lenses and coatings.
View more
What are Progressive Lenses?
Progressive lenses correct multiple vision problems by combining different prescriptions in one lens.
View more

Related articles

Best Glasses for an Active Lifestyle
Eyewear shouldn’t hold you back. Look for durable, lightweight frames with high impact lenses and coatings.
View more
What are Progressive Lenses?
Progressive lenses correct multiple vision problems by combining different prescriptions in one lens.
View more