Welcome to a new season! Save on designer styles made for crisp days and clear views

What Is ‘Nearsighted’?

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

What Is 'Nearsighted'?

Nearsighted, or short-sighted, are informal terms for having myopia. It is a common vision condition where you can see nearby objects clearly, but objects further away are blurry. It occurs when the shape of your eye causes light rays to refract (or bend) incorrectly, focusing light not on your retina, but in front of your retina.

Nearsightedness may develop gradually or rapidly, often worsening during childhood and adolescence. It also tends to run in families. A basic eye exam can confirm nearsightedness, and the best ways to compensate for myopia-induced blur are with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Due to our ever-growing reliance on technology, myopia is growing more and more common. Some of the best kinds of glasses to protect your eyes against excessive tech usage are blue light blocking glasses from zFORT®. According to studies from universities like Houston and Harvard, blue block technology can give your eyes a better chance at resisting the damage that blue light can cause.

Symptoms:

Nearsightedness symptoms may include:

  • • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
  • • The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly.
  • • Headaches caused by eye strain.
  • • Difficulty seeing while driving a vehicle, especially at night.

Nearsightedness is often first detected during childhood and is commonly diagnosed between the early school years through the teens. A child with nearsightedness may:

  • • Persistently squint.
  • • Need to sit closer to the television, movie screen or the front of the classroom.
  • • Seem to be unaware of distant objects.
  • • Blink excessively.
  • • Rub their eyes frequently.
SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 414064. Please check and use correct values.
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

What Is 'Nearsighted'?

Nearsighted, or short-sighted, are informal terms for having myopia. It is a common vision condition where you can see nearby objects clearly, but objects further away are blurry. It occurs when the shape of your eye causes light rays to refract (or bend) incorrectly, focusing light not on your retina, but in front of your retina.

Nearsightedness may develop gradually or rapidly, often worsening during childhood and adolescence. It also tends to run in families. A basic eye exam can confirm nearsightedness, and the best ways to compensate for myopia-induced blur are with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Due to our ever-growing reliance on technology, myopia is growing more and more common. Some of the best kinds of glasses to protect your eyes against excessive tech usage are blue light blocking glasses from zFORT®. According to studies from universities like Houston and Harvard, blue block technology can give your eyes a better chance at resisting the damage that blue light can cause.

Symptoms:

Nearsightedness symptoms may include:

  • • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
  • • The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly.
  • • Headaches caused by eye strain.
  • • Difficulty seeing while driving a vehicle, especially at night.

Nearsightedness is often first detected during childhood and is commonly diagnosed between the early school years through the teens. A child with nearsightedness may:

  • • Persistently squint.
  • • Need to sit closer to the television, movie screen or the front of the classroom.
  • • Seem to be unaware of distant objects.
  • • Blink excessively.
  • • Rub their eyes frequently.
SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 414064. Please check and use correct values.

Nighttime Driving Glasses

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

Nighttime Driving Glasses

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous. Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work? 

Many people have reduced vision in low light, especially older people. You may need twice as much light at 50 to see as well as you did when you were 30. Glare from headlights and traffic is one of the biggest issues that affect night driving. This glare can affect colour recognition, depth perception and peripheral vision.

What are night driving glasses?

Nighttime driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses, usually non-prescription and can be purchased over the counter. They often have some kind of anti-reflective coating to help minimise reflections and filter out blue light from streetlights and oncoming headlights. Blue light is most likely to cause glare when it enters the eye. 

Nighttime driving glasses are similar to the glasses that some people wear for hunting and other sports. They have been found to increase the contrast of objects against an overcast sky, which may help detect objects in an unclear environment. 

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

Certain eye conditions may make it harder to see well at night and, therefore, may affect your driving. 

  1. Nyctalopia: also called night blindness, is a combination of vision problems that occur at night, including difficulty adjusting to dim and bright lights.
  2. Myopia: also known as nearsightedness, may make it harder to see in low-light conditions. 
  3. Glaucoma: when fluid builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, reducing peripheral vision.  
  4. Astigmatism: an irregularly shaped cornea that may cause blurry vision and worsen when driving in low light conditions.
  5. Diabetes: can damage nerves and blood vessels in the retina, which may lead to difficulty adjusting vision in different light settings. 
  6. Vitamin Deficiency: vitamin A helps to produce pigments that assist your retina in processing images correctly. A deficiency may cause night vision problems. 
  7. Cataracts: a condition that can result in blurry vision; cataracts may also cause light from traffic or headlights to dominate your field of vision and appear as a halo or glare.

These conditions do not always lead to difficulty driving at night. If you have a concern, start by scheduling an eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss options that are right for you. 

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Nighttime driving glasses are designed to reduce glare by scattering and filtering blue light. Blue light, a part of the light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength and the largest amount of energy. Blue light is more likely to cause glare when it enters the eye.

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them. Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see. 

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult. 

Do night driving glasses work? 

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving. According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians. In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving. It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes. 

The best glasses for driving at night  

There might not be a one-size-fits-all pair of nighttime driving glasses. The best pair for you will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. 

Apart from eyewear, anything that reduces blurriness or glare will help with night driving vision. Here are some other elements which may help improve eyesight while driving:

  1. Clean your eyeglasses and keep them free of smudges, as they can amplify glare
  2. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield; dirt and dust can make it harder to see
  3. Replace your windshield wipers regularly 
  4. Keep your dashboard lights dim to avoid eye strain 

Don’t let the wrong eyewear keep you off the road at night. Protect yourself and others by finding the best solution for you. Always keep your prescriptions up-to-date, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

SHOP MEN
SHOP WOMEN
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

Nighttime Driving Glasses

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous. Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work? 

Many people have reduced vision in low light, especially older people. You may need twice as much light at 50 to see as well as you did when you were 30. Glare from headlights and traffic is one of the biggest issues that affect night driving. This glare can affect colour recognition, depth perception and peripheral vision.

What are night driving glasses?

Nighttime driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses, usually non-prescription and can be purchased over the counter. They often have some kind of anti-reflective coating to help minimise reflections and filter out blue light from streetlights and oncoming headlights. Blue light is most likely to cause glare when it enters the eye. 

Nighttime driving glasses are similar to the glasses that some people wear for hunting and other sports. They have been found to increase the contrast of objects against an overcast sky, which may help detect objects in an unclear environment. 

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

Certain eye conditions may make it harder to see well at night and, therefore, may affect your driving. 

  1. Nyctalopia: also called night blindness, is a combination of vision problems that occur at night, including difficulty adjusting to dim and bright lights.
  2. Myopia: also known as nearsightedness, may make it harder to see in low-light conditions. 
  3. Glaucoma: when fluid builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, reducing peripheral vision.  
  4. Astigmatism: an irregularly shaped cornea that may cause blurry vision and worsen when driving in low light conditions.
  5. Diabetes: can damage nerves and blood vessels in the retina, which may lead to difficulty adjusting vision in different light settings. 
  6. Vitamin Deficiency: vitamin A helps to produce pigments that assist your retina in processing images correctly. A deficiency may cause night vision problems. 
  7. Cataracts: a condition that can result in blurry vision; cataracts may also cause light from traffic or headlights to dominate your field of vision and appear as a halo or glare.

These conditions do not always lead to difficulty driving at night. If you have a concern, start by scheduling an eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss options that are right for you. 

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Nighttime driving glasses are designed to reduce glare by scattering and filtering blue light. Blue light, a part of the light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength and the largest amount of energy. Blue light is more likely to cause glare when it enters the eye.

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them. Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see. 

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult. 

Do night driving glasses work? 

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving. According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians. In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving. It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes. 

The best glasses for driving at night  

There might not be a one-size-fits-all pair of nighttime driving glasses. The best pair for you will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. 

Apart from eyewear, anything that reduces blurriness or glare will help with night driving vision. Here are some other elements which may help improve eyesight while driving:

  1. Clean your eyeglasses and keep them free of smudges, as they can amplify glare
  2. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield; dirt and dust can make it harder to see
  3. Replace your windshield wipers regularly 
  4. Keep your dashboard lights dim to avoid eye strain 

Don’t let the wrong eyewear keep you off the road at night. Protect yourself and others by finding the best solution for you. Always keep your prescriptions up-to-date, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

SHOP MEN
SHOP WOMEN

How to Wear a Face Mask with Glasses

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How to Wear a Face Mask with Glasses

The COVID-19 pandemic has lead to some communities requiring that personal protective equipment (PPE) be worn when out in public. Some forms of PPE include face masks, face shields, and safety goggles. While these tools are typically used by the medical field, today much of the public is wearing these forms of PPE to protect against the contraction and spread of the coronavirus. Here is some information surrounding the benefits of face shields and safety glasses and how to get them online: 

Benefits of Face Shields

In many public areas, face shields are either required or highly recommended to protect against the spread of COVID-19. While masks are a great form of PPE, many times they are either misused or overused. Here are just a few benefits of wearing a face shield: 

  1. Offers Extra Protection:When doubled up with a mask, face shields offer an extra layer of protection for the entire face. 
  2. They’re Reusable:While most masks are intended for one-time-use only, face shields can continue to be used until the material cracks or wears out. 
  3. Easy to Disinfect:Face shields are easy to disinfect. A simple alcohol solution or soapy water mixture will decontaminate the mask to make it ready for reuse. 
  4. They’re Transparent:Face shields allow you to see facial expressions. This is a great alternative to use around someone with a hearing impairment who relies on lip-reading for proper communication.  

Face masks are not sealed to the face which leads some researchers to believe viral transmission could still occur between someone behind, next to, or below the person wearing the face mask. There is still much debate about whether or not a face shield should be an acceptable substitute for a face mask, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that when worn together, a face shield and a non-medical, approved fabric mask could be an alternative to solve the problem of low PPE supplies. 

Shop Face Shields Online

Now you can get high-quality face shields online with SmartBuyGlasses. SmartBuyGlasses now offers two different types of face shields, one that is quick and easy to apply and one that has a more intricate design to use for longer periods of time. The Face Shield WJ20198 can be applied directly to your face and has direct splash protection. This face shield offers tightly sealed protection for your nose, mouth, and eyes. 

The Polaroid Stay Safe 2 face shield has an adjustable strap that allows you to move the face shield up and down without taking it off your head. This shield is likely more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time as it does not come in direct contact with the face and offers more of a space buffer between the plastic and the face, while still offering full wrap-around protection. 

Benefits of Safety Goggles and Safety Glasses

Construction, carpentry, medical care, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and auto repair are just some fields that highly recommend the use of safety goggles. Safety goggles can also be used to protect you from harmful bacterias and viruses. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to protect all areas of your face where viruses can enter your body, including your eyes. 

Anti-fog safety glasses are the best option as they will not obstruct your view. When you wear both a face mask and goggles, perspiration from your breath can reach your goggles and cause them to steam over. Anti-fog coatings for your safety glasses will prevent this occurrence. The best safety glasses will also come with wrap-around protection to protect your eyes from harmful substances entering at all angles. 

Buy Safety Glasses Online

You can buy safety goggles online today with SmartBuyGlasses and choose from a number of different models. Polaroid Stay Safe 1 offers complete protection with a headband that allows the glasses to be sealed tightly to your face. In addition, they also come with a comfortable nose pad and forehead sealer so you are being protected from harmful substances at all angles. 

Salice 021 PC has also come out with a pair of safety goggles that have large lenses to protect the eyes. These glasses are more suitable for anyone who needs to frequently remove the glasses as they do not have a headband attachment but fit like a regular pair of glasses. While easier to remove, the non-slip temple guarantees that these glasses will remain secure to your face until you are ready to remove them yourself. 

Ordering glasses online is one way to get your protective gear from the comfort of your home. You can buy glasses online today with SmartBuyGlasses.co.nz and shop from the latest models of safety glasses and face shields along with high-quality online prescription glasses for the best prices. 

Read here to learn more about how SmartBuyGlasses is responding to COVID-19. You can also check out our article on how to maintain eye health during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How to Wear a Face Mask with Glasses

The COVID-19 pandemic has lead to some communities requiring that personal protective equipment (PPE) be worn when out in public. Some forms of PPE include face masks, face shields, and safety goggles. While these tools are typically used by the medical field, today much of the public is wearing these forms of PPE to protect against the contraction and spread of the coronavirus. Here is some information surrounding the benefits of face shields and safety glasses and how to get them online: 

Benefits of Face Shields

In many public areas, face shields are either required or highly recommended to protect against the spread of COVID-19. While masks are a great form of PPE, many times they are either misused or overused. Here are just a few benefits of wearing a face shield: 

  1. Offers Extra Protection:When doubled up with a mask, face shields offer an extra layer of protection for the entire face. 
  2. They’re Reusable:While most masks are intended for one-time-use only, face shields can continue to be used until the material cracks or wears out. 
  3. Easy to Disinfect:Face shields are easy to disinfect. A simple alcohol solution or soapy water mixture will decontaminate the mask to make it ready for reuse. 
  4. They’re Transparent:Face shields allow you to see facial expressions. This is a great alternative to use around someone with a hearing impairment who relies on lip-reading for proper communication.  

Face masks are not sealed to the face which leads some researchers to believe viral transmission could still occur between someone behind, next to, or below the person wearing the face mask. There is still much debate about whether or not a face shield should be an acceptable substitute for a face mask, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that when worn together, a face shield and a non-medical, approved fabric mask could be an alternative to solve the problem of low PPE supplies. 

Shop Face Shields Online

Now you can get high-quality face shields online with SmartBuyGlasses. SmartBuyGlasses now offers two different types of face shields, one that is quick and easy to apply and one that has a more intricate design to use for longer periods of time. The Face Shield WJ20198 can be applied directly to your face and has direct splash protection. This face shield offers tightly sealed protection for your nose, mouth, and eyes. 

The Polaroid Stay Safe 2 face shield has an adjustable strap that allows you to move the face shield up and down without taking it off your head. This shield is likely more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time as it does not come in direct contact with the face and offers more of a space buffer between the plastic and the face, while still offering full wrap-around protection. 

Benefits of Safety Goggles and Safety Glasses

Construction, carpentry, medical care, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and auto repair are just some fields that highly recommend the use of safety goggles. Safety goggles can also be used to protect you from harmful bacterias and viruses. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to protect all areas of your face where viruses can enter your body, including your eyes. 

Anti-fog safety glasses are the best option as they will not obstruct your view. When you wear both a face mask and goggles, perspiration from your breath can reach your goggles and cause them to steam over. Anti-fog coatings for your safety glasses will prevent this occurrence. The best safety glasses will also come with wrap-around protection to protect your eyes from harmful substances entering at all angles. 

Buy Safety Glasses Online

You can buy safety goggles online today with SmartBuyGlasses and choose from a number of different models. Polaroid Stay Safe 1 offers complete protection with a headband that allows the glasses to be sealed tightly to your face. In addition, they also come with a comfortable nose pad and forehead sealer so you are being protected from harmful substances at all angles. 

Salice 021 PC has also come out with a pair of safety goggles that have large lenses to protect the eyes. These glasses are more suitable for anyone who needs to frequently remove the glasses as they do not have a headband attachment but fit like a regular pair of glasses. While easier to remove, the non-slip temple guarantees that these glasses will remain secure to your face until you are ready to remove them yourself. 

Ordering glasses online is one way to get your protective gear from the comfort of your home. You can buy glasses online today with SmartBuyGlasses.co.nz and shop from the latest models of safety glasses and face shields along with high-quality online prescription glasses for the best prices. 

Read here to learn more about how SmartBuyGlasses is responding to COVID-19. You can also check out our article on how to maintain eye health during the coronavirus pandemic. 

How can I avoid ordering lenses which are too thick?

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How can I avoid ordering lenses which are too thick?

Based on the prescription for lenses you enter during checkout, our lens recognition system will suggest the most suitable lens, which will have an average thickness that matches your lens prescription.

When a lens is not suitable for your prescription (e.g. because it is too thick), our system automatically disables this option. We now also offer Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses which are aspherical and therefore generally thinner and lighter than other lenses.

Depending on your personal preference, you may choose to upgrade to a thinner lens.

If you cannot escape thick lenses, try selecting a pair of glasses with a full rim rather than semi-rimless glasses or rimless glasses.

Full rim frames can help hide the thickness of lens edges, especially with thick plastic frames.

Additionally, the lenses for full rim frames may be manufactured with a wider range of thickness, while semi-rimless and rimless glasses have a minimum thickness requirement. 

Another tip would be to try to pick out a frame as small as possible, especially if your prescription is a high minus (For example, like a -7.00 sphere and up).

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How can I avoid ordering lenses which are too thick?

Based on the prescription for lenses you enter during checkout, our lens recognition system will suggest the most suitable lens, which will have an average thickness that matches your lens prescription.

When a lens is not suitable for your prescription (e.g. because it is too thick), our system automatically disables this option. We now also offer Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses which are aspherical and therefore generally thinner and lighter than other lenses.

Depending on your personal preference, you may choose to upgrade to a thinner lens.

If you cannot escape thick lenses, try selecting a pair of glasses with a full rim rather than semi-rimless glasses or rimless glasses.

Full rim frames can help hide the thickness of lens edges, especially with thick plastic frames.

Additionally, the lenses for full rim frames may be manufactured with a wider range of thickness, while semi-rimless and rimless glasses have a minimum thickness requirement. 

Another tip would be to try to pick out a frame as small as possible, especially if your prescription is a high minus (For example, like a -7.00 sphere and up).

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

What are Computer Glasses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

What are Computer Glasses

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

By Corina Iatisin
Reviewed by Beck Jinette
Beck Jinette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Mar 21, 2023
Find out how computer glasses work and the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses.

Contents

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

What type of glasses are best for computer use?

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

  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision
  • Tired eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye twitching
  • Red eyes
  • Sleep problems
  • Neck pain
Because our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for a very long period of time and are very sensitive to the potentially harmful blue light emitted by screens, wearing computer glasses can be beneficial and help relieve the discomforts listed above.

What is the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses?

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

Computer glasses vs reading glasses

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

How do computer glasses work?

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

DID YOU KNOW

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

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

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

Who needs computer glasses?

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

Do I need a different prescription for computer glasses?

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

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

Do computer glasses really work?

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

Benefits of computer glasses

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

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

Where to Find the Perfect Pair of computer reading glasses

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

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

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

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

What are Computer Glasses

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

By Corina Iatisin
Reviewed by Beck Jinette
Beck Jinette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Mar 09, 2023
Find out how computer glasses work and the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses.

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

What type of glasses are best for computer use?

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

  • Headaches
  • Blurry vision
  • Tired eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye twitching
  • Red eyes
  • Sleep problems
  • Neck pain
 
Because our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for a very long period of time and are very sensitive to the potentially harmful blue light emitted by screens, wearing computer glasses can be beneficial and help relieve the discomforts listed above.

What is the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses?

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

Computer glasses vs reading glasses

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

How do computer glasses work?

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

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

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

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

Who needs computer glasses?

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

Do I need a different prescription for computer glasses?

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

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

Do computer glasses really work?

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

Benefits of computer glasses

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

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

Where to find the perfect pair of computer reading glasses

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

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

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

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

What to Do About Watery Eyes

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

What to Do About Watery Eyes

Causes of Watery Eyes

Watery eyes, also known as teary eyes or weeping eyes, is a common complaint for people of all ages. Watery eyes are especially common for infants, as their tear duct can be slow to fully develop and open. A tear duct is a small tube that allows your tears to drain from your eyes to your nose. Adults can also have problems with their tear duct, such as a blockage, which will result in itchy watery eyes. Other common causes of watery eyes include seasonal allergies, viral infections, foreign objects in the eye, some medications, aging, and even dry eyes.

Watery Eyes Treatment

Your watery eyes treatment will depend largely on the cause. While teary eyes are not uncommon, you should always speak with your eye care professional when you have doubts, especially if you experience excessive or prolonged tearing.

  • • Foreign Object: If there is a foreign object in your eye, such as an ingrown eyelash, your doctor will remove it and that should solve your watery eye problem.
  • • Bacterial Infection: In cases of a bacterial infection, such as pink eye, your doctor may prescribe you some form of antibiotics.
  • • Blocked Tear Duct: If you have a blocked tear duct, your eye care professional may perform an outpatient procedure to help flush it out with a saline solution.
  • • Seasonal Allergies: If you have watery eyes due to seasonal allergies, you might want to consider getting a pair of protective sunglasses while you are outdoors.
  • • Dry Eyes: If your watery eyes are a symptom of dry eyes, you might be prescribed eye drops to help solve the dry eyes and eliminate the symptoms.

How to Put in Eye Drops

While the thought of putting in eye drops can scare some people, it is actually a rather simple process. When you are prescribed eye drops for watery eyes, your doctor should give you specific instructions on how to apply eye drops. If you’re still now sure how to put in eye drops, you can follow these simple instructions, always keeping in mind that the instructions may vary depending on your specific condition.

  1. Wash your hands:Whenever you do anything that involves close contact between your eyes and your hands, you should make sure your hands are clean of germs and bacteria to avoid infections.
  2. Take out contact lenses:If you wear contacts you should always take them out before using eye drops unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to leave them in.
  3. Tilt head back and look up: This is the first step to creating space between your lower eyelid and your eyeball, where the drops will go.
  4. Pull lower eyelid down with one hand:This is the final step to creating a pocket where your eye drops will go.
  5. Squeeze drops over eyelid pocket: You should have specific instructions on how many eye drops for watery eyes you should put in at one time.

Repeat these steps on the other eye only if instructed to do so. If you only have one watery eye, this may not be necessary.

After you Put in Eye Drops for Watery Eyes

Always be sure that when you use eye drops for watery eyes, you do not touch the actual bottle to any part of your eye. The eyes are very delicate and doing so could risk scratching the cornea or spreading germs. When you’re learning how to use eye drops, it is important to remember that once they have been applied, you should close your eyes, rather than blink. This will stop the eye drops for watery eyes from escaping before they have a chance to be effective. Lastly, you should wipe any unabsorbed drops with a tissue and wash your hands.

For better eye health, read about what foods can protect your eyes, or vitamins that are good for your eye health.

Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now
SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

What to Do About Watery Eyes

Causes of Watery Eyes

Watery eyes, also known as teary eyes or weeping eyes, is a common complaint for people of all ages. Watery eyes are especially common for infants, as their tear duct can be slow to fully develop and open. A tear duct is a small tube that allows your tears to drain from your eyes to your nose. Adults can also have problems with their tear duct, such as a blockage, which will result in itchy watery eyes. Other common causes of watery eyes include seasonal allergies, viral infections, foreign objects in the eye, some medications, aging, and even dry eyes.

Watery Eyes Treatment

Your watery eyes treatment will depend largely on the cause. While teary eyes are not uncommon, you should always speak with your eye care professional when you have doubts, especially if you experience excessive or prolonged tearing.

  • • Foreign Object:If there is a foreign object in your eye, such as an ingrown eyelash, your doctor will remove it and that should solve your watery eye problem.
  • • Bacterial Infection:In cases of a bacterial infection, such as pink eye, your doctor may prescribe you some form of antibiotics.
  • • Blocked Tear Duct:If you have a blocked tear duct, your eye care professional may perform an outpatient procedure to help flush it out with a saline solution.
  • • Seasonal Allergies:If you have watery eyes due to seasonal allergies, you might want to consider getting a pair of protective sunglasses while you are outdoors.
  • • Dry Eyes:If your watery eyes are a symptom of dry eyes, you might be prescribed eye drops to help solve the dry eyes and eliminate the symptoms.

How to Put in Eye Drops

While the thought of putting in eye drops can scare some people, it is actually a rather simple process. When you are prescribed eye drops for watery eyes, your doctor should give you specific instructions on how to apply eye drops. If you’re still now sure how to put in eye drops, you can follow these simple instructions, always keeping in mind that the instructions may vary depending on your specific condition.

  1. Wash your hands: Whenever you do anything that involves close contact between your eyes and your hands, you should make sure your hands are clean of germs and bacteria to avoid infections.
  2. Take out contact lenses: If you wearcontacts you should always take them out before using eye drops unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to leave them in.
  3. Tilt head back and look up: This is the first step to creating space between your lower eyelid and your eyeball, where the drops will go.
  4. Pull lower eyelid down with one hand:This is the final step to creating a pocket where your eye drops will go.
  5. Squeeze drops over eyelid pocket: You should have specific instructions on how many eye drops for watery eyes you should put in at one time.

Repeat these steps on the other eye only if instructed to do so. If you only have one watery eye, this may not be necessary.

After you Put in Eye Drops for Watery Eyes

Always be sure that when you use eye drops for watery eyes, you do not touch the actual bottle to any part of your eye. The eyes are very delicate and doing so could risk scratching the cornea or spreading germs. When you’re learning how to use eye drops, it is important to remember that once they have been applied, you should close your eyes, rather than blink. This will stop the eye drops for watery eyes from escaping before they have a chance to be effective. Lastly, you should wipe any unabsorbed drops with a tissue and wash your hands.

For better eye health, read about what foods can protect your eyes, or vitamins that are good for your eye health.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

One effective way to decrease your chance of vision impairment with age is to exercise your eye muscles. 

Weak eye muscles could lead to poor vision later in life and that’s why incorporating eye exercises could be an easy way for you to keep your eye muscles strong and healthy. 

When your eye muscles are strong, you increase your chance of good vision. By doing eye exercises you also decrease the risk of visual impairments as you and your eyes age.

What is vision therapy?

While vision therapy can include eye exercises, as a whole, it is a physical therapy treatment for your eyes put in place by eyecare specialists. Vision therapy can be used to strengthen the eye muscles or deal with certain visual impairments. 

If your optometrist does not recommend vision therapy, there are still fast and simple eye exercises that you can implement yourself into your daily routine in order to improve your eye health.

What eye exercises are good for eye strain?

Activities such as excessive screen time or other tasks that require you to focus your eyes on an object for a long period of time can lead to eye strain. Eye strain happens in the muscle of the eye. 

By producing healthier eye muscles you could avoid the risk of eye strain in the future. One such eye exercise is so obvious that it might surprise you: blinking. 

Blinking is one of the most important eye exercises to improve vision because it prevents you from getting dry eye, allowing your eye muscles to focus for longer periods of time.

Blinking eye exercise

While it’s true that blinking is supposed to be a natural occurrence, the introduction of digital screens into our daily lives can interfere with the optical frequency and cause us to blink less than we should. 

One way to perform a blinking eye exercise is to set a timer for a couple of minutes. Blink every five seconds until the two minutes are up in order to complete this eye exercise to improve eyesight. 

Blinking is one easy eye exercise that you can practice each day to avoid eye strain and strengthen your eye muscles.

Why are lazy eye exercises important?

Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye”, is a condition where one eye has poorer vision than the other, typically caused by eye muscle underuse. 

Lazy eye exercises are especially helpful for Amblyopia patients as they can strengthen the weaker eye muscle that causes lazy eye. Lazy eye exercises often include covering the healthier eye so that the brain is forced to process the weaker eye’s image. 

This trains the weaker eye to make up for the loss of vision in the healthier one and consequently the muscle becomes stronger.

Focusing eye exercise

Eye exercises for lazy eye include working on puzzles or reading small print while wearing an eye patch on the stronger eye. Another quick and easy eye exercise is holding your finger out in front of you and focusing both eyes on it. 

Slowly move your finger to the tip of your nose keeping it in focus. Stop when things become blurry. This eye exercise will train your eyes to work together to focus on an indicated point.

Yoga eye exercises

Did you know there is such a thing as yoga for the eyes? Most yoga eye exercises involve shifting your eye focus. Shifting your eye focus can help engage your eye muscles in needed activity in order to build their strength. 

One way to shift your focus is to practice eye rolling. In order for eye rolling to be an effective eye exercise you have to start by sitting with your shoulders back and focus your eyes straight out in front of you. 

Begin by looking up towards the sky, then to the left, and finally down to the ground. Repeat on the other side. You should do this eye exercise ten times in a row, twice a day.

Eye exercises are a quick and simple way to strengthen your eye muscles and decrease your risk of visual impairment as you age. 

Just like the other muscles in your body, it is important to exercise your eyes every day to build their strength and improve your overall eye health.

How To Buy Contact Lenses Online

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How To Buy Contact Lenses Online

Buying contact lenses online is not only more convenient than heading into a store, but also it’s often cheaper! As more and more of us are self-isolating to curb the spread of coronavirus, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn how to buy your contact lenses online. In this short guide we will show you how you can easily buy contact lenses online from home. Discover daily, weekly and monthly contact lenses at SmartBuyGlasses from brands including Acuvue, Air Optix, Dailies and more.

Guide on how to order contacts online

What you need: your contact lens prescription, internet and a smartphone, tablet or desktop.

Buying contact lenses online is very easy. There are a couple of simple steps to follow:

  • • Go to the contact lenses category page on our website.
  • • In the filter section, you can choose the quantity of contact lenses. We have daily contact lenses, monthly contact lenses and weekly disposable contact lenses.
  • • Then you can filter what type of contact lenses you want and if you like, you can also filter on brand and manufacturer.
  • • Choose the contact lenses you want by clicking on them and fill in your contact lens prescription details. Make sure you’re using your contact lenses prescription and not your eyeglasses prescription!
  • Simply add to cart and proceed to checkout!

Can I order contacts with my glasses prescription?

Your contact lens prescription and eyeglasses prescription are very different from each other. Your glasses are placed in front of your eyes, while contacts are placed right on top of your eyes. Because of the different distances, there is a difference in correction. If you don’t have a contact lens prescription, you need to make an appointment with your optometrist to obtain a contact lens prescription. In this article you can find out how to read your contact lens prescription.

Which contact lenses are right for me? 

In our contact lenses collection, you can choose between daily contact lenses and monthly contact lenses. Daily disposable contacts are easy to use and you can just put a different pair in each day. If you occasionally wear contacts, or don’t have time to clean and store your contacts every night, daily contacts are the best choice for you.

Monthly contact lenses are supposed to be worn for 30 days and are the best choice for everyday wearers, but make sure to keep them clean to ensure they will last. They can often feel more comfortable than daily disposables as they are thicker.

It’s important to choose the right purpose for your contacts. If you need to buy contacts for astigmatism, you will come across the term toric contact lenses. These contacts are made to refract light in different ways to help treat astigmatism. If you’re suffering from low levels of astigmatism, aspherical contacts will be the ones you need. There is, however, a difference between multifocal contact lenses and spherical contacts. Multifocal contact lenses have different prescriptions built in, to correct different vision problems from nearsightedness to farsightedness, and any other issue in-between. Spherical contacts are either meant for nearsightedness or farsightedness. To know which ones are right for you, check your prescription or ask your optometrist.

What brands do SmartBuyGlasses offer?

We offer a lot of different brands, if you’re not sure which one to choose, check out our brand guide article. Discover great contact lens brands at SmartBuyGlasses, like the number 1 contact lenses brand Acuvue Oasys and Freshlook Colorblends for some nice coloured eye contacts. You can also choose from the Air Optix and Dailies contacts. Discover our full collection of contact lenses here.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How To Buy Contact Lenses Online

Buying contact lenses online is not only more convenient than heading into a store, but also it’s often cheaper! As more and more of us are self-isolating to curb the spread of coronavirus, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn how to buy your contact lenses online. In this short guide we will show you how you can easily buy contact lenses online from home. Discover daily, weekly and monthly contact lenses at SmartBuyGlasses from brands including Acuvue, Air Optix, Dailies and more.

Guide on how to order contacts online

What you need: your contact lens prescription, internet and a smartphone, tablet or desktop.

Buying contact lenses online is very easy. There are a couple of simple steps to follow:

  • • Go to the contact lenses category page on our website.
  • • In the filter section, you can choose the quantity of contact lenses. We have daily contact lenses, monthly contact lenses and weekly disposable contact lenses.
  • • Then you can filter what type of contact lenses you want and if you like, you can also filter on brand and manufacturer.
  • • Choose the contact lenses you want by clicking on them and fill in your contact lens prescription details. Make sure you’re using your contact lenses prescription and not your eyeglasses prescription!
  • Simply add to cart and proceed to checkout!

Can I order contacts with my glasses prescription?

Your contact lens prescription and eyeglasses prescription are very different from each other. Your glasses are placed in front of your eyes, while contacts are placed right on top of your eyes. Because of the different distances, there is a difference in correction. If you don’t have a contact lens prescription, you need to make an appointment with your optometrist to obtain a contact lens prescription. In this article you can find out how to read your contact lens prescription.

Which contact lenses are right for me? 

In our contact lenses collection, you can choose between daily contact lenses and monthly contact lenses. Daily disposable contacts are easy to use and you can just put a different pair in each day. If you occasionally wear contacts, or don’t have time to clean and store your contacts every night, daily contacts are the best choice for you.

Monthly contact lenses are supposed to be worn for 30 days and are the best choice for everyday wearers, but make sure to keep them clean to ensure they will last. They can often feel more comfortable than daily disposables as they are thicker.

It’s important to choose the right purpose for your contacts. If you need to buy contacts for astigmatism, you will come across the term toric contact lenses. These contacts are made to refract light in different ways to help treat astigmatism. If you’re suffering from low levels of astigmatism, aspherical contacts will be the ones you need. There is, however, a difference between multifocal contact lenses and spherical contacts. Multifocal contact lenses have different prescriptions built in, to correct different vision problems from nearsightedness to farsightedness, and any other issue in-between. Spherical contacts are either meant for nearsightedness or farsightedness. To know which ones are right for you, check your prescription or ask your optometrist.

What brands do SmartBuyGlasses offer?

We offer a lot of different brands, if you’re not sure which one to choose, check out our brand guide article. Discover great contact lens brands at SmartBuyGlasses, like the number 1 contact lenses brand Acuvue Oasys and Freshlook Colorblends for some nice coloured eye contacts. You can also choose from the Air Optix and Dailies contacts. Discover our full collection of contact lenses here.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

Everything to Know about Acetate Glasses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

Everything to Know about Acetate Glasses

acetate glasses

Acetate is a nylon-based plastic, making them higher quality than regular plastic material. 

Because of the way they are made, acetate glasses are often a better option than regular plastic when it comes to choosing the best glasses frames type for you. 

Not only is acetate more durable and flexible than other plastics, it is also hypoallergenic and eco-friendly as they are made from natural, renewable resources. Read on to learn about all the benefits of acetate frames.

Acetate glasses vs. other plastic glasses

  • Affordability: Plastic glasses are cheaper to produce than other materials such as titanium, and therefore they are more affordable to purchase. Acetate, being a type of plastic, is a more durable yet affordable option for types of eyeglasses frames. With the SmartBuy Collection acetate frames, you can choose from over 140 frames that best fit your budget and style.

  • Durability: Conventional plastic glasses are made up from a mixture of substances moulded into a frame shape. Acetate glasses are made of multiple polished layers of plastic, making them more durable than conventional plastic frames. Part of what makes acetate glasses more durable is that they’re more flexible than other plastics, giving you more wiggle room.

  • Lasting Colour: As conventional plastic is made from one layer of material, the colour is typically sprayed or painted on. Acetate frames, on the other hand, are made from multiple layers of colour blocks. This results in a richer colour that is more likely to survive everyday wear and tear without fading or rubbing off.

Types of eyeglasses frames

When you buy your next pair of glasses, it’s important to know which materials are best for you. Some factors to consider are price, resistancy, and fit. 

We’ve put together this guide of frame materials below to give you a general overview of acetate glasses compared to other frame options:

  • Acetate: Acetate glasses are a low price option much like plastic glasses, with the benefits of greater durability and closer related to metal frames.
  • Metal: Aside from their elegant aesthetic benefits, metal frame glasses are a durable material that aren’t likely to break easily with proper care.
  • Plastic: The most affordable option, plastic frames make for a great second pair of backup glasses. Plastic is also lightweight and resistant to chemical corrosions.
  • Titanium: Titanium glasses, while more expensive than other materials, are the most resistant. They are flexible, hypoallergenic, and lightweight for a comfortable fit.
  • Wood: Wood frame glasses are durable and resistant as well as eco-friendly. Aside from this, they offer a unique aesthetic quality to add to your style.

SmartBuy Collection acetate frames

While SmartBuy Collection does have a low price guarantee for a variety of frame materials, the collection of acetate frames is a great middle ground for affordable frames made from high quality materials. 

You can search for acetate frames for kids, men, or women, or filter by style such as frame shape and colour.

Some of the most popular styles of acetate frames include the black square SmartBuy Collection Kennedy glasses for men and women. These acetate glasses come in a variety of colours, including the trendy clear frames. 

Other fun looks include the Betty Blue Light Block and the Linda Asian Fit rimless frames. Click here to read more about the benefits of rimless glasses.

Blue light acetate frames

When you buy acetate glasses with SmartBuyGlasses, you can add a blue light protective layer at check out. 

zFORT™ technology is designed to block harmful blue light rays emitted by your LED screens to protect your eyes and potentially improve sleep and eliminate glare. 

Add this protection to your favourite pair of acetate frames today to get prescription and blue light glasses all-in-one for an affordable price.

How to Relieve Tired Eyes

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How to Relieve Tired Eyes

tired eyes

While heavy eyes could be a sign of overall body fatigue, the term “tired eyes” is usually another way of referring to eye strain. Eye strain occurs when the muscles in your eyes are overused and become tired. 

While tired eyes do not cause any eye health damage, they can make everyday tasks more difficult to complete. 

Tired eyes might also be caused by outside conditions such as headaches or computer vision syndrome.

Eyes feel heavy

Symptoms of tired eyes could include trouble focusing, irritated eyes, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, dry eyes, and a sore neck, shoulders, or back. 

One characteristic of eye strain might be the sensation that your eyes feel heavy. This can be a result of focusing your eyes for long periods of time, without properly resting them.

Tired eyes occur when the eye muscles have not had the opportunity to rest after intense or long periods of use. Some activities that might give you tired eyes could include driving, reading, and excessive screen time. 

These activities all require you to visually focus on a task for an extended period of time, resulting in eye fatigue. 

While tired eyes are usually a result of eye muscle overuse, in some rare cases, heavy eyes could also be a sign of an underlying eye health problem.

Remedies for tired eyes

Solving eye fatigue is usually a matter of changing your daily habits. That is why there are plenty of at-home remedies for tired eyes that you can try. One way to get rid of tired eyes is to work on a task under proper lighting. 

Poorly lit areas could result in tired eyes as the eye muscles have to work harder to see. Another way to avoid tired eyes is to take longer, more frequent breaks from visual focusing activities. 

This will allow your heavy eyes a chance to rest and recuperate.

Other ways to treat eye fatigue could include limiting your screen time and choosing the right eyewear for you. Wearing glasses for driving, reading, and using the computer is a great way to prevent tired eyes.

Glasses for tired eyes

  • Driving Glasses: Do you get sleepy eyes when you drive? Focusing on the road for an extended period of time is likely to cause sleepy eyes. Driving sunglasses are designed to adjust to light, so your eyes don’t have to work as hard to see clearly. Giving your eye muscles a break with driving glasses could prevent sleepy eyes while focusing on the road.
  • Blue Light Glasses: Blue light glasses are one way to avoid digital eye strain or tired eyes. Our eyes are not designed to properly filter out blue light rays emitted by our LED screens, which is why a pair of computer glasses are beneficial. zFORT® is a transparent lens that uses blue light blocking technology to help prevent tired eyes as well as other vision and eye health problems.
  • Reading Glasses: As you age, you may begin to have trouble focusing on objects up close. This is especially true when looking at small text, making it difficult to read. Reading glasses are a great way to correct this slight vision problem and prevent tired eyes.