High Index Lenses

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Thick lenses are an aesthetic concern for many people, but high index lenses allow strong prescription lenses to be thinned. Learn all about them in this article.
High Index lenses

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

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

What are high-index lenses?

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

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

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

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

What are high-index lenses made of?

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

Lens thickness chart

types o lens index
DID YOU KNOW?

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

High-index lenses vs. regular

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

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

High-index lenses vs. polycarbonate

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

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

1.67 vs. 1.74 high-index lenses

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

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

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

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

Are high-index lenses worth it?

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

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

Disadvantages of high-index lenses

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

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

Glasses For Small Faces: Tips on Getting the Perfect Eyewear Fit

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Face shape is often cited as a consideration when buying glasses, but face size is also important. Here's our guide to glasses for small faces.

Wondering if you need glasses for small faces? Have you ever been shopping for glasses and found that no matter how many pairs you try on, you still look like you have massive bug eyes?

Glasses that drown your features, overpower your face, and slide off your nose? If you can relate, you most likely have a small face shape and would benefit from buying glasses for small faces.

There are plenty of brands that now manufacture petite glasses specifically for narrow face shapes. This means that you can find the perfect pair, pull off the most stylish of looks and be trendy with your eyewear, no matter your face shape and size.

How should glasses for small faces fit?

Comfort is the number one factor here. The aim of glasses for small faces is to provide a better, more secure fit without compromising comfort. So when you try on a pair of glasses for small faces, ensure they are the right size and feel secure without squeezing your head.

Glasses for small faces are designed to have a shorter lens width, shorter temple arms, and a narrower bridge frame. You can learn more about glasses frames here.

Many people with a narrower face shape resort to wearing children’s sunglasses. However, this often involves temples that are too short. Glasses for small faces are, therefore, the perfect solution, offering frame arms that are slightly longer than those on kids’ eyewear.

DID YOU KNOW?

People with small faces sometimes resort to wearing children’s glasses for a better appeaance on their face, but the temples are usually too short.

How to find out if you need glasses for small faces?

There are several ways to find out if you need a smaller size of glasses.

Option 1: Find out what size your current glasses are. Look at the inside of the glasses frames, and note the numbers that appear. Read on to find out what the measurements mean.

Add a few millimeters to the measurements if you feel they are too tight, or reduce the number if they are too large when you wear them. For more information on finding glasses measurements, read our article here.

Option 2: Take a ruler or flexible measuring tape. To find your face width, stretch the measuring tool from temple to temple. Next, repeat the action across your jawline. This starts roughly an inch below your ear. Pick the larger of the two measurements: this is your face width.

Now you need to find your face length. Go from your chin to the middle of your hairline. And here comes the maths: divide your face height by your face width. If you have a narrow face, your face height will be over 1.5 times the width.

Option 3: The process is considerably more straightforward if you already know your eye and bridge size. Simply follow this equation:

Eye size + bridge size = frame size

Eg. 47mm + 21mm = 68mm

Average frame sizes

In general, spectacles will look their best when the total width of the face matches that of the glasses frames. When considering glasses for small faces in particular, it is actually not a problem if the frame size is equal to, if not wider than, the face width.

This means you should not worry if your glasses frames extend beyond your temples by about 3mm on each side. This widens the appearance of the face, creating a sense of balance with the length of the face.

For average face sizes, the frame width is generally 138mm wide. In contrast, a narrower face will require a frame width of nearer 126mm, which is quite a significant difference. If you find your face measurements within these figure ranges, you might want to consider wearing glasses for narrow faces.

Here are some typical measurements for glasses for small faces.

Total frame width: 123-127mm (114-122mm for properly petite faces)

Lens width: 47-50mm (45-46mm for tiny faces)

Bridge width: 16-20mm (15-16mm for the narrowest of faces)

The lens width quoted here will offer a narrow fit in most frame shapes. However, round frames are an exception. Round frames tend to have slightly wider bridges and more petite lenses. On average, 43-48mm represents a typical lens width in round glasses for small faces.

Due to the smaller lens size, the bridge size will be 2 or 3mm wider than that of other frame shapes.

Tips for checking that your glasses for small faces fit you well

Simply put, small glasses that fit properly will have frames that closely match the width of your face. In addition, the bridge will sit comfortably on your nose. A plastic fix bridge should sit flush at each side of the nose; there should be no gap at the top of the bridge on the frame and the bridge of the nose.

Metal frames with nose pads can be adjusted by moving the pads out or in to loosen or tighten the fit at the bridge. In addition, your eyes will be perfectly centered in the middle of the lens.

Those are the basics. Next, you want to double-check that the glasses fit securely on your face. If you can fit a finger down between the side of the frame and your temple, then it’s too big and won’t be able to be adjusted. The issue will only worsen and get especially bad in warm weather.

If the frames pass this test, they can move on to the next round! In this next step, you want to be 100% sure that the glasses fit comfortably on your head and don’t feel too tight. If when putting the glasses on, the sides stretch out, it will be too tight and will leave red marks down the side of the face.

This would stop you from wearing the spectacles for long periods. When trying on the frames, one way to check this is to see if there are any red marks or a hint of indentation behind your ears when you remove them. If you do find such a mark, choose a different pair.

Yet another checkpoint before buying petite glasses is how flush they are to your face. Consider whether your eyelashes are touching the lenses. This can be adjusted in most metal frames but not so easily in plastic frames. 9 out of 10 frames will have a slight tilt in them to accommodate this.

You need to ensure that your eyes can move freely without your lashes coming into contact with the glasses. At this point, it is important to remember that your prescription lenses will be thicker than the test pair.

One final pointer to consider before settling on a pair of eyeglasses for small faces is where they sit on your face. Make sure the frames rest on the bridge of your nose rather than your cheekbones. The glasses don’t fit you correctly if the frames move as you switch between facial expressions.

Tips for choosing glasses for small faces

Once you’ve found a few pairs that meet the measurement criteria and pass all the good-fit and style tests, you can consider the frame design that will be most flattering for your narrow face.

People with smaller faces often find that more delicate frames, such as metal frames or thin acetate ones, are more flattering. Such petite frames complement their petite features and narrow face shapes.

Another thing with glasses for narrow faces is that narrow frames draw more attention to your eyes. Therefore, it is recommended to find an acetate frame, the color of which matches your eyes. It will make your eyes stand out and make the glasses look perfectly natural on your face.

Best glasses shape for small faces

Here are some quick tips for finding the frames that complement your face shape. Find your face shape with the helpful guide here.

Oval face shape: 

  • Narrow frames will make your face appear overly long
  • Find frames with more height, such as round or square glasses
  • Thicker frames with wider lenses or aesthetic embellishments will help widen your face

Short face shape: 

  • Tall frames will cause your face to look swamped in the glasses
  • Go for shorter frame shapes like rectangular or oval
  • Avoid oversized or pilot frames. These would accentuate the short face shape
  • Be cautious with extra thick frames or black frames, as these could make your face look even smaller

Pear-shaped face: 

  • Go for frames that are heavier on the top, such as browline glasses

Round face shape: 

  • For round faces, we recommend more angular glasses frames with plenty of character, such as cat eye frames
  • Square frames with bold colors will project a look of total confidence

Square face shape: 

  • As the exact opposite of round face shapes, balance a square face with round or oval frames for a softer look

Diamond or Heart-Shaped face: 

  • Take the focus off the pointed chin with a pair of browline glasses or classic cat eye frames

The two most important things to consider when choosing a  pair of glasses for small faces are your face shape and the lens index. The lens index depends on your prescription details; the higher the prescription, the higher the index. Ask your eye doctor or one of our opticians for advice on the best lens index for your prescription.

Glasses that fit you properly are essential to ensure your prescription lenses do their job. Your eyes must be centered in the lenses to guarantee clarity of vision.

As a general rule, positive prescriptions result in larger-looking eyes. Therefore, those with higher prescriptions should be careful of looking “bug-eyed” due to thicker lenses. On the other hand, high negative prescriptions can cause the lenses to peek out at the side of the frames.

To help remedy this combination, avoid rimless glasses for small faces. A solution for higher prescriptions could be choosing thinner lenses that will reduce the magnification of the eye. For high negative prescriptions, plastic frames will help hide the thickness.

What glasses look good on a small face?

In this article, we have gathered all the tips to find the perfect eyewear fit. The most important things to know when shopping for glasses for a smaller face are your face shape and size. With this information and by following our tips and guidelines, it will be easy to find the perfect glasses.

Remember that the same tips also apply to sunglassesblue light glasses, and any other type of glasses. If you have any further doubts or questions, you can always reach out to our team of certified online opticians for support.

Check that your stylish glasses for small faces fit you well

To put it simply, glasses for small faces that fit properly will have frames that closely match the width of your face. In addition, the bridge will sit comfortably on your nose, and your eyes will be perfectly centred in the middle of the lens.

Those are the basics. Next you want to double check that the glasses fit securely on your face. Test this by shaking your head to and fro, and tilting it up and down. If the glasses slide down even a fraction, these are sadly not the glasses for you. The issue will only worsen over time, and get especially bad in warm weather.

If the frames pass this test, they can move on to the next round! In this next step, you want to be 100% sure that the glasses fit comfortably on your head, and don’t feel too tight. If the frames put any pressure on the point behind your ears, you will inevitably suffer from headaches.

This would stop you wearing the spectacles for long periods of time. One way to check this when trying the frames on, is to see if there are any red marks or a hint of indentation behind your ears when you remove them. If you do find such a mark, choose a different pair.

Yet another checkpoint before buying glasses for small faces, is how flush they are to your face. Consider whether your eyelashes are touching the lenses. You need to ensure that your eyes can move freely, without your lashes coming into contact with the glasses.

At this point, it is important to bear in mind that your prescription lenses will be thicker than the test pair.

One final pointer to take into account before settling on a pair of glasses for small faces, is where they sit on your face. Make sure that the frames rest on the bridge of your nose, rather than on your cheek bones. If the frames move as you switch between facial expressions, the glasses don’t fit you correctly.

Eye Twitching- Meaning, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

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Eye twitching is usually just a harmless muscular spasm, but there are other potential causes. Read up on them in this article.

Eye twitching occurs involuntarily when your eyelid blinks irregularly. This unusual blinking may occur several times per day.

As two facial muscles cause your eyelid to close and open, eye twitching may occur if there are problems with these muscles. Eye twitching can also be caused by other muscles in the eyes. Even if you have the correct prescription glasses, other factors can play a part.

Many people experience eye twitching from time to time, especially when they are tired or have had a lot of caffeine. It’s incredibly common and affects almost everyone. The majority of eye spasms or twitches are totally harmless and do not cause any significant issues. For most people, eye twitching on a continuous basis is infrequent.

Why does my eye twitch?

Your eye twitches from involuntary spasms in your eyelid muscles. In other words, it feels like your eyes are fluttering. You may not notice anything or may feel a small tug on your eyelid.

Although it might seem like everyone can see your eye twitching, it is usually quite subtle and difficult to notice, especially behind a pair of glasses or sunglasses.

A common cause of eye twitching is called ocular myokymia, also known as myokymia. Myokymia causes eye twitching that only affects the eyelid. This form of twitch or spasm is fairly prevalent and affects almost all people at some stage of their life. While it affects either the upper or lower eyelid, only one eye is normally affected at a time.

The eye fluttering might be unobtrusive or become more noticeable and annoying. Although twitching normally stops after a few minutes, it can happen again after a few hours, days, or weeks.

Eye twitching from myokymia could be caused by any of the following:

  • Consuming too much caffeine
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol use
  • Blepharitis (inflammation)
  • Eye strain or irritation
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
  • Allergies
  • A reaction to certain medications
  • Stress

There are other possible causes for eye spasms that are much less common. One is benign essential blepharospasm, which begins when both eyes blink excessively and eventually causes the eyelids to clench shut. Although this sort of eye twitching is uncommon, it can be very severe and cause difficulties.

While researchers believe it could occur from issues with certain areas of the brain, there is uncertainty about the exact cause. However, we do know that it can create problems with the muscles that surround your eyes.

Hemifacial spasm is a nervous system condition that causes the muscles on one side of the face to twitch uncontrollably, including your eyelid. The most common cause is when a blood artery contacts or pulses against a facial nerve.

Very rarely, other conditions that impact the brain or nervous system can cause eye twitching:

  • Parkinsons disease
  • Brain damage
  • Meige syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Bells palsy

These conditions usually have other serious, identifiable symptoms that accompany the eye fluttering.

DID YOU KNOW?

Although it’s defintely perceptible by you when your eye twitches, it’s often compltely unnoticeable to others.

How to stop eye twitching

You know how annoying an eyelid twitch can be if you’ve ever had one. The severity of an eye twitch determines how it is treated. If your twitch is minor, there are certain things you can try at home before seeking medical care.

First, you can keep a journal and write down when your eye spasms happen. You should also make a note of your intake of some known triggers such as caffeine or tobacco. In addition, record your stress level and amount of sleep. When you start to notice a correlation, adjust your habits and see if the problem resolves itself. 

If you are less patient and want to try to remedy the situation as fast as possible, you can try to reduce your eye twitching by doing the following:

Get the proper amount of sleep. A twitchy eye could be resolved with something as simple as a nap. Having a regular sleep pattern will also help you feel more well-rested.

Reduce your stress level. Eliminating stress from your life can relieve eye twitching.

Eliminate caffeine. It is common for adults to consume caffeine. We find it in coffee, but also in tea and certain soft drinks. Try to reduce your intake as much as possible.

Apply a warm compress. Addressing the affected area with a warm compress can help to relax the muscles and stop the eye fluttering.

Take a break from screens. Reduce your eye strain by minimising your screen time. Alternatively, use blue light glasses to protect your eyes during screen use.

Use eye drops. Those who suffer from irritated or dry eyes may find that it contributes to eye twitching. You can address this with eye drops.

Eye spasms that are more severe or recurrent, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, likely require medical attention.

When to worry about eye twitching

If you have a twitchy eye, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. If the spasms are persistent, you may have a more serious condition that warrants treatment. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist:

  • The eye twitching has persisted for more than 3 weeks
  • Your eyelid completely clamps down with each twitch or you find it difficult to open the eye
  • Other parts of your face or body are twitching as well
  • Your eye is red, swollen, or has a discharge
  • Your eyelids are drooping 
  • You feel that there is “shaking” in your vision
  • You feel like there’s something in your eye and also feel light-sensitive

Now that you know all you need to know about eye twitching, you can take the measures to get some relief. While eye twitching has many causes, they are rarely a cause for concern and usually goes away without the help of a medical professional.

However, be cautious of a persistent eye twitch and consult a professional if symptoms remain or worsen.

Why High Curvature And 3D Edging Lenses Are Important

Why High Curvature And 3D Edging Lenses Are Important

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Learn about how advancements in technology have solved long-standing problems in the lens shaping process.

Blended lenses

For some glasses wearers, such as those with presbyopia, there may be a need for two or more lens powers to be applied onto the same lens. For this reason, bifocal and trifocal lenses were invented.

Bifocal lenses have two lens powers applied (one for distance and one for near vision).

Trifocal lenses have the lens powers for near and distance vision, with the addition of a lens power for intermediate vision.

Most bifocal and trifocal lens have visible lines where the lens powers change from near to distance or intermediate and this can be bothersome to some wearers.

The advancement of blending technology means that the lens segments can now be blended so the division of the segments is less visible, flowing smoothly between distances rather than having rigid division.

The only drawback with blended lenses (not to be confused with progressive lenses) is that some wearers experience reduced optical clarity, specifically at the points when the lens segments transition.

High curvature lenses

The differences in the thickness of the lenses is the result from the differences in the curvature.

A higher power lens results from a high curvature. A lower power lens results from a low curvature.

When a prescription is applied to a lens, the lens front remains unaffected. All of the lens power is applied to the back of the lens i.e. the surface which faces your eyes directly.

The prescription of wraparound lenses that we often see being used for sports and safety glasses usually has a base curve of 8 or so. It is worth noting that there are limits to the lens power with such a high base curve.

Where the sum of the lens power of one or both of your eyes falls outside the range of -4.00 to +3.00, there is a chance that wraparound lenses will not correct your eye condition effectively.

Beveling lenses has never been an easy task but the evolution of high base curve eyewear presents even bigger challenges.

The primary reason for this stems from having to cut (or bevel) the lenses in such a way that it comfortably sits in the groove of a frame.

This is not always an easy task with minus (i.e. thinner) lenses and there are even more complications with high curvature lenses.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anti-reflective coatings are a great help for glasses wearers, but a hindrance for lens manufacturers. The slippery texture makes the task of beveling more difficult.

3D edging

The introduction of 3D edging technology has resolved many problems caused by traditional lens technologies, the most common being the lens slipping during the edging process.

One of the main benefits of 3D edging technology is that it comes with an advanced tracer, which measures the base curve of the eyewire, also known as the lens frame.

With a 3D tracer, this can be measured with extremely accurate precision and the system can also measure the curve of the lens to the exact dioptric value.

Other benefits include cutting-edge features which allow the shape of the lens to be modified with greater precision, with the result of an improved lens fit.

The development of anti-reflective coatings has been a blessing for glasses wearers, however for lens manufacturers, this poses a problem in that they make the lenses too slippery to handle during the beveling process.

The ‘advanced torque feedback’ feature of 3D edging systems means that the roughing and finishing cycles of the grinding process are monitored and adjusted more frequently than traditional lens technologies.

For more information, you can ask our optician.

Alternatively, you can check out our wide range of designers eyeglasses here or explore our Arise Collective exclusive collection.

What Is My Eye Colour?

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What is my Eye Colour?

Learn more about the fascinating subject of eye colour. Understand what determines them, how rare your own eye colour is, and fun facts.

Did you know blue eyes are not actually blue? A blue iris does not contain any blue pigment. They appear blue for the same reason the sky does. 

Light entering the eye is scattered through the iris and perceived as blue because blue is the shortest wavelength of visible light; therefore, more of it is reflected out. 

Blue eyes are more commonly found in individuals of European descent, and it’s estimated that only 8-10% of the world’s population has them, making them a relatively rare trait.

What determines the colour of the eyes?

When speaking about eye colour, we are referring to the colour of each eye’s iris, a double-layered ring of muscle tissue around the pupil that controls how much light enters the eye.

The colour of the iris is primarily determined by the amount and type of pigment called melanin.

The amount of melanin in the iris influences how light is absorbed and reflected, resulting in different eye colours. Melanin is stored in structures called melanosomes within the iris. 

Eyes with minimal pigment in fewer melanosomes, like blue eyes, appear lighter. In contrast, brown eyes have a higher density of melanin distributed across many melanosomes, giving them their rich, dark colour. 

Green and hazel eyes fall in between, with moderate melanin levels and melanosome numbers.

Genetics is the second factor that determines eye colour. The eye colour genes inherited from your parents impact how much melanin is present in your eyes and how it’s distributed. 

That said, genetic inheritance is hard to parse, and a trait can skip generations. For example, having two blue eyed parents isn’t enough to guarantee blue eyes. 

Although extensive research has been done on the matter, the genetics of eye colour are highly complex. As is often the case with genetics, it is an object of continuous study in our attempt to understand human DNA.

Eye colours

Blue

Did you know blue eyes are not actually blue? A blue iris does not contain any blue pigment. They appear blue for the same reason the sky does. 

Light entering the eye is scattered through the iris and perceived as blue because blue is the shortest wavelength of visible light; therefore, more of it is reflected out. 

Blue eyes are more commonly found in individuals of European descent, and it’s estimated that only 8-10% of the world’s population has them, making them a relatively rare trait.

DID YOU KNOW?

People with blue eyes share a common ancestor who lived around 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, making blue eyes a relatively “new” human trait.

Grey

At first glance, grey-coloured eyes may appear blue, with gold and brown flecks. Similar to blue eyes, they have little melanin in the iris, but since the lack of pigmentation is more uniform, the colour is more transparent and lighter.

Gray eyes can be particularly striking because they can shift in tone depending on the lighting, clothing and surrounding colours. However, they are even less common than blue eyes, being found in only about 3% of the world’s population.

Hazel

Hazel eyes are characterised as a mixture of green, brown and gold. They can appear to change colours with lighting, ranging from a light brown to a greenish hue.

Hazel eyes occur due to the presence of a moderate amount of melanin and multiple pigment layers in the iris.

They make up about 5% of the global population, though they are relatively more common in individuals of European, Middle Eastern and North African descent.

Green

Green is the rarest colour on this list because it only occurs when a specific set of genes is combined with a specific amount of melanin.

They are most commonly found in people of European descent and account for only around 2% of the world’s population.

Brown

Brown eyes are the most common eye colour, with approximately 79% of eyes falling in this category. This colour is a result of higher levels of melanin in the iris, which absorbs more light and gives the eye a rich and dark appearance. 

The abundance of melanin in brown eyes can help protect the retina from harmful UV light, making it slightly more resistant to sun damage.

Fun facts about eye colour

Babies are often born with blue eyes

Even without blue-eyed genes, babies can be born with blue eyes. This can happen due to a lack of pigment at birth, having been in a dark environment until then, or both. As the baby grows and is exposed to more light, their eye colour can change.

Although the final color generally appears within 6 to 12 months of age, they can still change until they’re about three years old.

Some conditions can lead to even rarer eye colours

Although we know that green and grey eye colours are particularly rare, certain genetic variations and medical conditions can produce even rarer. For instance, amber eyes can result from a high concentration of the pigment lipochrome.

Similarly, pink eyes can result from minimal pigmentation and visible blood vessels, and conditions like heterochromia can even lead to multi-toned eyes.

Sensitivity to light can depend on your eye colour

Due to lower levels of pigmentation, people with light-coloured eyes, such as blue or green eyes, may be more sensitive to light than those with darker ones, such as dark brown eyes.

When light reaches a darker-coloured iris, the higher pigment density can help block the light rays. When it reaches a lighter iris, more light passes through the back of the eye, which can cause discomfort and damage.

Eye colour can change

We know why this happens with babies, but what about adults?

There are many interesting things about the human eye. Colour variation is just one of them.

Although rare, there is a slight chance that eye colour will change in adults. Some reasons may be medical, such as eye injury and medication side effects. Other reasons can also cause this, such as long-term sun exposure, aging and more.

All eyes are unique

Did you know that your eye colour is as unique as your fingerprint?

Beyond its practical role in vision, eye colour carries a history shaped by genetics, ancestry and individuality.

Whether it is the darkest shades of brown, a vivid green, or a sparkling light blue, it is an essential part of you and a window to the traits that make you one of a kind.

That said, if you want to have a different eye colour, you can always wear coloured contacts. These are available in a variety of colours with and without prescription. 

Just remember that coloured contacts with vision correction are medical devices, so you will first need a valid prescription from a licensed optician.

How Do You Know What Strength Reading Glasses to Get?

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How Do You Know What Strength Reading Glasses to Get?

woman wearing glasses

As the name suggests, reading glasses are glasses that help read, see objects in close range or complete daunting tasks like threading a needle. 

When buying a pair of readers, there are several types to choose from, which can be good but also confusing. What lenses work best? 

How do you know what strength to get? Will the reading glasses help your astigmatism? We are here to answer all these questions and more.

Do I need reading glasses?

Have you noticed your vision is blurry lately while reading a book or using your mobile? This is one of the key signs that it’s time to buy reading glasses

Other symptoms include squinting when looking at something within close range, difficulties reading small print text, headaches and eye strain after reading, holding your reading material at arm’s length to see better, and increased eye fatigue. 

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely need a pair of reading glasses. 

Eye test for readers glasses: how to find out if you need readers

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. The symptoms of presbyopia are typically an age-related condition that occurs and deteriorates over a period of time. 

The best way to find out what strength reading glasses to get is by consulting an eye doctor and getting medical advice. 

Because it is an age-related condition, we advise seeing an eye doctor regularly as the age progresses, especially if you are already experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above. 

Even though presbyopia tends to be an age-related condition, people younger than 40 also tend to get it because of the modern-day nature of working on near-distance objects, especially on digital devices. 

A comfortable pair of prescription reading glasses can help with vision correction; they magnify vision, making smaller print larger and easier to read. 

At-home reading glasses test

When looking for reading glasses and not knowing what power to select, it can be very tempting to search for at-home tests to give you that information. 

Unfortunately, determining the strength of the glasses on your own can lead to selecting the wrong power and damaging your eyes. 

By deciding what power to get on your own, you could end up using more power than you truly need; this could lead to your eyes getting used to it and making your vision worse.  

If you need a pair of reading glasses, the best way to find out which power works for you is by consulting an eye specialist. This will prevent you from getting the wrong glasses and damaging your vision. 

man having a headache

What if my reading glasses don’t work?

If you’re already wearing reading glasses and find yourself experiencing headaches or still having difficulties reading, you might start to wonder if your reading glasses are effective or not. 

Chances are you got your prescription a very long time ago and now need more power in your lenses, which means you should probably get your eyes checked.

Another reason why your reading glasses might not be working for you is that you chose the power without consulting a specialist. 

If you still struggle reading, you probably chose the wrong power and need to consult a specialist. Once you have that sorted, you will be able to choose between different types of lenses.

What are reading glasses and the many different types you can choose from

The most common type of lenses for reading glasses are single-vision lenses; in this case, both lenses have the same power. 

Multifocal/progressive lenses, on the other hand, have multiple prescriptions in one lens, which makes it easier to switch between seeing close-up, in-between, and far away. 

Multifocal lenses are the best choice for those looking to correct more than one problem, while single-vision lenses can be a good option if you need the same power for both eyes and only have one prescription. 

Another option to consider is adding a blue light block to your lenses. This will help with eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches whenever being in front of a screen for many hours. 

Check out our guide for more information on buying glasses online and the types of lenses we offer.

Will reading glasses help astigmatism?

Although the symptoms of astigmatism and presbyopia may seem similar, reading glasses cannot help all individuals with astigmatism. It is important to remember that generic reading glasses only magnify whatever you look up close. 

Because people with astigmatism may also be nearsighted or farsighted, reading glasses are not advised if you suffer from astigmatism. To determine whether you have astigmatism, we advise seeing an eye professional.

Where to buy reading glasses: 5 easy steps to buy the perfect pair

With so many options, both over-the-counter and online, it can be confusing to choose the best pair. So here are five easy steps to select the best readers from the comfort of your home and immediately start seeing better!

  • Step 1: Head to our website 

  • Step 2: Head to our glasses section 

  • Step 3: Filter to reading glasses 

  • Step 4: Choose your favorite frames and select the power (It is possible to choose from +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00, and +3.50)

  • Step 5: Securely check out online!

With SmartBuy Readers, you can invest in several pairs to always have one nearby. Keep a pair in the office, one in your handbag, one in your car, and one at home so you always have easy access to clearer vision. 

If you have any more questions about reading glasses, ask our opticians!

Costa Lens Technology

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Costa sunglasses are tailored to water-based activities. Their lenses contain technologies designed to optimize the experience.

Costa Del Mar, Spanish for “Coast of the Sea”, is an American brand which was founded in 1983 by Ray Ferguson. As the name implies, Costa sunglasses, Costa prescription sunglasses and the Costa Lens Technology are specifically designed for the increased enjoyment of water-based activities, sports and adventures such as fishing or boating.

Costa is world-renowned for its superior lens technologies which provide comfort and UV protection, allowing wearers to get the most out of their day on the water without being disturbed by reflective glare.

Mirror lenses

Costa mirror lenses are among the most scratch-resistant on the market as they are made with multilayered thin-film coating through a high-tech beam ion deposition process.

Costa mirror lenses are available in different colours including Blue, Green, Sunrise Silver, Copper Silver and Gray Silver.

Costa lens colours

The Costa collection offers a range of 7 lens colours and each one is best suited to different light conditions from low-light to extremely bright light conditions.

DID YOU KNOW?

With Costa C-Wall technology, liquid droplets are repelled much more effectively than on standard lenses, making C-Wall lenses very well suited to watersports.

  • Blue Mirror

Blue Mirror is most suitable for extremely bright light conditions when the glare is blinding such as in open water and offshore. Blue mirror lenses have a Gray Base and just 10% light transmission which helps to reduce glare from the water when you are boating or fishing in deep water, especially when the sun is very bright. 

  • Green Mirror

When fishing inshore or on flats waters, Costa Green Mirror lenses are an ideal choice as they improve vision and contrast with their Copper Base and 10% light transmission.

  • Gray Silver Mirror

Those who need lenses for everyday activities on both water and land, the Gray Silver Mirror lenses with Gray Base and 10% light transmission are ideal. The Cost Gray silver mirror can reduce water glare and provide complete comfort.

  • Copper Silver Mirror

This lens colour is well-suited for sight fishing, everyday activities, cloudy days and all other environments or situations with varying light.  Costa Copper Silver Mirror has neutral contrast, copper base and 12% light transmission.

  • Gray 

The colour is a perfect choice for everyday activities on both water and land with 12% light transmission.

  • Copper

Copper is made for sight fishing, driving and everyday activities. Copper lenses increase the warm tone and contrast to make things pop. It helps to reduce glare, to increase comfort and to reduce strain on the eye.

  • Sunrise Silver Mirror

This lens colour is a perfect choice for low-light conditions such as sunrise and sunset. Costa Sunrise Silver Mirror heightens contrast and increases performance with 25% light transmission. However, these lenses are not suitable for driving.

Costa polarised 580® lenses

For any activities on the water and outdoors, eliminating reflective glare is key to reduce eye strain and ensure eye comfort. As a result, Costa sunglasses are 100% polarised.

By applying the signature Costa lens technology, Costa polarised sunglasses goes beyond polarisation with its collection of 580® Lenses which:

  • Block harmful blue light (HEV): 580® Lenses used in Costa polarised sunglasses allow greater clarity while protecting the eyes from UV light and HEV light. These lights are known to cause eye problems such as macular degeneration, pterygium, cataracts, etc.
  • Kill yellow light:  Costa 580® Lenses help wearers to enjoy more vivid colours, sharper contrast and higher definition as they filter out all harsh yellow light.
  • Increase reds, greens and blues: For enhanced colour and sharper contrast, reds, greens and blues are increased by blocking yellow light. It makes Costa 580® Lenses the perfect option for conditions where wearers need more vision accuracy.

Costa offers two types of 580® lenses:

  • 580G lenses: Costa 580G sunglasses provide unsurpassed clarity as they are made with a glass layer and encapsulated with a mirrored-layer.
  • 580P lenses: these are made of Polycarbonate and Trivex which make the Costa Sunglasses 580P durable and lightweight.

Both of the lenses are scratch-resistant thanks to the Costa lens technology (C-Wall coating technology.)

C-Wall coating technology

With C-Wall coating technology, durable components are fused into the Costa lenses during their production and create a molecular bond.

Therefore, instead of applying a separate layer, the durable components are chemically bound into the lenses creating one single layer.  This process means that the surface of the lens is completely covered so that contaminants cannot make their way through any part of the lens.

  • Contact angle

Costa lenses offer a contact angle of 116 degrees, far greater than the industry standard of 105-112 degrees.  This high contact angle makes any water droplets that fall on the surface of the lens much rounder, making it easier for them to roll off the lens instead of flattening and spreading out which could obscure your vision.

As a result, Costa lenses are excellent at repelling water, sweat and other liquids as they can be easily wiped off from the surface of the lens. Furthermore, C-Wall also creates a smudge-free barrier for easier cleaning, preventing oil, dirt and other chemicals from sticking to the surface of the lens.

  • Bayer Abrasion test

Thanks to its C-Wall coating, Costa lenses have a superior scratch-resistance with a 7+ rating in the Bayer Abrasion test, greater than the industry average of 3-5. This ensures that all Costa lenses offer incredible durability.

Shop for Costa Del Mar sunglasses today at SmartBuyGlasses where there are several options to choose from in both our Costa women’s sunglasses and men’s Costa sunglasses collections.  As well as having the option to buy the latest collections, you can also find end of season styles at discounted prices in our Costa sunglasses sale selection.

Plus, you can buy Costa sunglasses online safe in the knowledge that we provide a 24-month warranty on all sunglasses which covers both the frames and lenses. In addition to this, if you want to change your mind about your new purchase, you can easily do so with our 100-day return policy.

What Are Eye Floaters?

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Eye floaters can cast a shadow over your vision but are usually nothing more than a temporary nuisance. Read on to find out about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of eye floaters.

Eye floaters are spots in your vision that drift during eye movement. These eye flashes can become more intense when you look at something bright, such as the blue sky, sun, or artificial light flashes. 

Some eye flashes might appear as black spots in vision, dots, or cobwebs that seem to dart away from you when attempting to look directly at them. In very rare cases, they are cause for concern, but it is important to contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.

What causes eye floaters?

One known cause of eye flashes and floaters is age. As the protein fibers that make up the vitreous, a gel-like substance of the eye, begin to shrink down to shreds, they can cause shadows. This is the most common issue causing black spots in vision and does not typically pose any serious threats to your eye health.  

Sometimes, if the vitreous pulls away from the back of the eye, it is called posterior vitreous detachment. Floaters more often happen as a symptom along with a posterior vitreous detachment, but you can also get them without one.

Other, less common causes include:

Typically, colored contacts, also known as decorative contact lenses, are available in both prescription and plano forms: 

  • Eye injuries:  Inflammation in the back of the eye due to retinal detachment is one example of an eye injury that can cause floaters in vision.
  • Bleeding in the eye: Conditions such as diabetes can cause bleeding in the vitreous humor and can cause you to see black spots.
  • Nearsightedness: People with myopia are more likely to experience floaters.

Symptoms of eye floaters

Eye floaters can be a common occurrence for many people, but how do you know if you have them? If you notice tiny specks or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your line of vision, it’s possible you have eye floaters. These small, shadowy spots are caused by small clusters of cells or proteins that form in the vitreous.

While eye floaters typically do not require medical attention, it’s important to stay vigilant of any sudden increase or significant changes in the number and shape of eye floaters. It could indicate a larger issue, such as a detached retina, that could be a medical emergency.

Am I at risk for floaters?

As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience vision problems such as eye floaters. While they don’t typically pose any serious harm, they can indicate underlying health issues such as high blood pressure. Additionally, individuals who suffer from migraines or have undergone eye surgeries may also be more prone to floaters.

If you’re concerned about your general or peripheral vision, it’s always best to consult with your eye specialist to see if you require treatment. They can offer advice on how to manage your symptoms and ensure that any potential health issues are addressed.

When should you see a doctor?

Other signs that suggest you should speak with a doctor include an increased number of black dots, flashes of light or squiggly lines in vision, particularly in the same eye as pre-existing floaters. Darkened vision on the sides of the eye could also be a telltale sign. These symptoms could be linked to more serious issues, such as a retinal tear. 

A retinal tear is a serious condition that should be treated immediately. If untreated, it could lead to permanent vision loss. If you have experienced any of these symptoms related to your eye floaters, you should speak to your doctor immediately to ensure you get any necessary treatments to maintain good eye health.

How will my eye doctor check for floaters?

During a dilated eye exam, your eye doctor will carefully inspect your eyes for any abnormalities, including floaters. To check for floaters, your eye doctor will use a special instrument to look at the inside of your eye.

They may also shine a bright light into your eye to better see any changes or irregularities. By carefully examining your eyes, your eye doctor can identify any issues, such as retinal tears early and help keep your vision clear and healthy.

DID YOU KNOW?
The process of checking for eye floaters is simple, painless, and nothing to be worried about. It is vital to visit an eye doctor if you are concerned about your vision to identify problems as early as possible.

Can a pair of glasses treat eye floaters?

Since you usually notice floaters and flashes under bright lights, wearing dark-lensed glasses can help minimise the effect they have on your eyesight. Glasses with a tint that reduces glare are the best option for those who experience eye floaters.

At SmartBuyGlasses, there is a huge range of polarised sunglasses that are perfect for reducing eye flashes while outdoors. You can also reduce glare with a pair of photochromic lenses.

Other ways to treat eye floaters

When you have eye floaters diagnosed by a professional, they do not usually require any intervention. Eye floater treatments depend on the severity of the symptoms. If you have experienced a retinal tear or detachment, then treatment may include a laser or freezing treatment.

What may occur is that this symptom of spotty vision or burst blood vessels will indicate a greater problem that could involve a surgical procedure. For cases of age-related vision spots, no treatment is recommended, just diligent monitoring of new floaters that appear.

In this case, eye floaters shouldn’t threaten your overall vision. 

If your vision bothers you, try shifting your eyes up and down to shift the fluid around. This exercise can help eliminate the problem. For other recommended eye exercises, discover our guide to keeping your eyes fit and healthy. Finally, if you have any other concerns or are in need of more eye health-related information, visit our Optical Centre.

Thick Lens Glasses

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By Corina Iatisin
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.
Discover the reason behind thick lens glasses and why prescription lenses can vary greatly.
Thick lens glasses

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

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

Why are my glasses lenses so thick?

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

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

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

infographic illustrating lens thickness
infographic illustrating lens thickness

How thick can glasses get?

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

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

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

Do prisms make glasses thicker?

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

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

Why is one lens thicker than the other?

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

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

What shape glasses are best for thick lenses?

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

Minus RX recommendations

infographic describing minus RX recommendations
infographic describing minus RX recommendations

Plus RX recommendations

infographic describing plus RX recommendations
infographic describing plus RX recommendations

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

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

How to Adjust Plastic Glasses

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How to Adjust Plastic Glasses

Key points | How to tighten | How to loosen | Tilted glasses | Professional help

By Anna MacGabhann
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Read our helpful guide on how to adjust your plastic glasses frames to get your perfect fit!
tortoiseshell glasses

If you recently purchased a new pair of plastic frames, congratulations! Now comes the tricky part: adjusting them to feel perfectly secure on your face every time you put them on. It’s common knowledge that buying the right glasses is only half of the battle – it’s just as crucial to ensure your glasses or sunglasses fit correctly for maximum comfort and vision. Read on to learn essential tips and tricks to ensure you get all-day convenience from your new specs.

How to adjust plastic glasses frames: the key points

  • To make any slight adjustments to the frame, run any plastic parts under hot water or heat with a hair dryer for 30-60 seconds and then carefully bend.
  • If the frame slides down your face, bend the earpiece closer to a 90-degree angle to tighten the fit. If it hurts the back of your ear because it’s too tight, do the opposite and make it less of an angle.
  • Never try to bend or adjust any plastic frame parts without first heating up the frame. This will break them!

How to tighten plastic glasses

Frequently pushing up your glasses because they’ve slid down your nose can be irritating, but adjusting your glasses to fix this is easy.

Firstly, soak the arms of your glasses for 30-60 seconds in warm water. Then apply gentle downward and inward pressure on the end of the arms. This gives a tighter fit behind the ear, which should prevent your glasses from slipping.

HELPFUL TIP: In summer, glasses and sunglasses are more likely to slide down your nose due to factors like perspiration and sunblock. If tightening the frames isn’t doing the job, try using a gripping wax or nose pads on the nose pelts to stop the slippage.

Plastic frame glasses
Plastic frame glasses

How to loosen plastic glasses

Glasses that pinch your nose are not only uncomfortable, but that prolonged pressure can cause headaches or migraines. With a few simple steps, you can easily adjust your plastic glasses frames for a personalized fit and optimum comfort.

Firstly, ensure your hands are clean so you don’t risk damaging the frames. Then, after you’ve soaked the arms of your glasses in warm water for 30-60 seconds, gently apply upward and outward pressure on the end of the arms to achieve a wider fit.

Keep trying on the glasses, testing them out until you get just the right amount of space, as too much bending will damage your spectacle frames. Now enjoy your perfect fit!

Plastic frame glasses
Plastic frame glasses
DID YOU KNOW?

Loosening your plastic glasses seems like a complicated task, but in fact it is easily doable at home. Apply outward pressure to warmed glasses frames to gently loosen the fit.

How to adjust plastic frame glasses if they are tilted

Your eyewear plays an integral part in your eye health, so it’s essential that you adjust your glasses frames properly to ensure maximum comfort and protection. Although the process of adjustments is simple, it is essential to remember not to force the plastic of your glasses too much. Plastic is a brittle substance and can break easily if dealt with incorrectly. 

If you are struggling to adjust your frames, do not fret! Visit a professional optician; they are highly capable of modifying any type of plastic frame with precision. With their expert help, you’ll be able to adjust your glasses in no time!

When to visit a professional

If you notice that one side of your frames appears higher than the other, you need to adjust the arms of your glasses (the part of the frames that hooks behind your ear). After soaking the arms of your glasses for 30-60 seconds in warm water, follow the steps below:

If the right side is higher than the left, bend the left arm down at the hinge or where the arm bends behind your ear. 

If the left side is higher than the right, gently bend the right arm down at the hinge or where the arm bends behind your ear.