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

How To Get Rid Of A Stye

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How to Get Rid of a Stye

eye stye

A stye is a red bump near the eye that can resemble a pimple inside eyelid, or more commonly, outside the eyelid. 

Styes are also known as a hordeolum. Styes are typically puss filled and can cause discomfort or swelling near the eye. 

While not usually an indicator of a serious medical condition, you should see your eye care professional if the stye does not go away on its own.

Stye causes and symptoms

Styes are caused by an infection of the oil gland around the eye. Styes are a lot like chalazions which look the same, but usually indicate a non-infected swelling of the oil gland.

Stye symptoms can include a red pump near the eyelid, or eyelid pain. This pain can increase when you touch the infected area. You may also experience swelling or tearing of the eye. 

You could get a stye on upper eyelid or a stye on lower eyelid. Finally, you could have a stye on the outside of your eyelid (external hordeolum) or on the inside.

How to get rid of a stye

Styes typically go away on their own in a couple days. However, your eye care professional might prescribe stye medication such as eye drops or an antibiotic cream to help get rid of a stye fast.

If the infection has spread beyond the eyelid, they might prescribe a stye medication antibiotic in tablet or pill form.

Stye relief

While there often isn’t much to do but wait when it comes to how to get rid of a stye, there are a few things to try to relieve the pain. 

While these home remedies are sure to bring you some stye relief, there are people who claim these methods could also help you get rid of a stye:

  • Wash with Soap and Water: washing the area of the stye with soap and water to gently remove any eye drainage.
  • Apply Wet Washcloth: apply a warm, wet washcloth over the stye to help relieve the pain. Make sure the water is warm and not too hot, to avoid irritating the area further.
  • Don’t try to pop it: popping a stye could cause the infection to spread to other areas of your face.
  • Avoid Contact Lenses: try not to wear contacts until your stye clears up as it could spread infection to your eye. Don’t have a pair of backup glasses? Shop SmartBuyGlasses’ collection of designer eyewear today for cheap prescription glasses delivered right to your door.

How can blue light blocking glasses improve your sleep?

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How Can Blue Light Blocking Glasses Improve Your Sleep?

sleeping woman

Simply put, blue light is just light that is emitted from electronic devices. When we stare at our digital screens for a large amount of time, our body absorbs an excessive amount of blue light that could have harmful effects on our health. 

While glaring at a screen for too long can induce some immediate physical damages such as neck and back strains, the long term effects are more detrimental in comparison. 

The artificial blue light emitted from our digital devices also have impactful damage to our entire system and might also result in digital eyestrain.

Another effect, and possibly the most annoying to deal with, is the disruption of our circadian rhythm as a result of decreasing serotonin levels. Circadian rhythm, or our body clock, controls our daily routines to ensure us of a healthy lifestyle. 

However, our sleeping hours could easily be affected due to the increased concentration levels induced by these light rays at night. 

As a result, problems such as restless sleep, reluctance to wake up, and insomnia come about which only lead to an increasingly lethargic lifestyle. Blue light is considered as one of the insomnia causes.

One long term effect blue light can cause is digital eyestrain which could snowball into vision problems that permanently damage our eyesight. 

Problems such as cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration are two of the most common issues exacerbated by the over-absorption of blue light. 

With over 70% of adults today admitting they have eye strain issues, it is apparent that the scope of people affected by blue light is increasing faster than ever.

Blue light blocking glasses

Blue light can actually be easily prevented with just a pair of blue light glasses. These glasses have lenses with lens focusing power (i.e. a blue light filter) that allows us to concentrate on the screen while reducing our eye muscular fatigue. 

Slipping on a pair of blue light blocking glasses will allow us to preserve our normal melatonin levels and ensure that you regain all the benefits of sleep.

What is Glaucoma?

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

What is Glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease characterized by increased pressure in the eyeball (intraocular pressure). Extra fluid buildup in the front of the eye is a common cause of this pressure increase. The built up intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, affecting your vision. For people over 60 years old, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.

How do you Get Glaucoma?

Aqueous humor, the fluid inside your eyes, typically drains out of your eyes through a specific channel. When that channel is blocked, it creates a build up of liquids and thus increased pressure in the eye. Often, the cause of this block is unknown. Other less common causes of Glaucoma include chemical injuries, severe infections, and blocked blood vessels.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some cases, the increased pressure in the eye can be attributed to a person’s genes. It is possible for children to have glaucoma, though the disease mainly affects people over 40. Glaucoma developing in the first few years of life or present at birth could be caused by drainage blockage or an underlying condition.

What are the Different Forms of Glaucoma?

  • – Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea remains open while the channel becomes partially blocked. This pressure slowly damages this optic nerve, and you could lose vision before experiencing any noticeable warning signs.
  • – Angle-closure glaucoma is when the iris blocks or narrows the drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea. When this occurs suddenly, it is known as angle-closure acute glaucoma and it is a medical emergency.
  • – Normal tension glaucoma occurs when your eye pressure remains the same while damage occurs to the optic nerve. The exact cause of this is unknown.
  • – Pigmentary glaucoma happens when pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, blocking fluid.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include gradual loss of peripheral vision usually occurring in both eyes, and in some cases tunnel vision.  Acute angle closure glaucoma is characterised by symptoms of severe pain in the eyeball, sudden visual disturbance, blurred vision, halos of light, and reddening of the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially those related to angle closure glaucoma, you should speak to your eye care professional immediately.

How to Prevent Glaucoma?

It is important to detect glaucoma early on and that’s why you should have a glaucoma test at least every two to four years if over the age of 40 and every one to two years if you’re over 65. Knowing your family’s health history is another preventative step when it comes to Glaucoma, as it can be hereditary. Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma, so make sure you always have the right eye protection. Sports glasses and safety goggles are especially important to reduce the risk of eye injuries.

How to Treat Glaucoma?

Damage caused by glaucoma can not be reversed, and that’s why it is important to catch this disease in its early stages. However, treatments can help slow or prevent further vision loss once it has started. Treatments involve decreasing your eyeball pressure by using prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination of these treatment options.

Read here to learn about ocular hypertension, another risk factor for glaucoma.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

What is Glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease characterized by increased pressure in the eyeball (intraocular pressure). Extra fluid buildup in the front of the eye is a common cause of this pressure increase. The built up intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, affecting your vision. For people over 60 years old, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.

How do you Get Glaucoma?

Aqueous humor, the fluid inside your eyes, typically drains out of your eyes through a specific channel. When that channel is blocked, it creates a build up of liquids and thus increased pressure in the eye. Often, the cause of this block is unknown. Other less common causes of Glaucoma include chemical injuries, severe infections, and blocked blood vessels.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some cases, the increased pressure in the eye can be attributed to a person’s genes. It is possible for children to have glaucoma, though the disease mainly affects people over 40. Glaucoma developing in the first few years of life or present at birth could be caused by drainage blockage or an underlying condition.

What are the Different Forms of Glaucoma?

  • – Open-angle glaucomais the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea remains open while the channel becomes partially blocked. This pressure slowly damages this optic nerve, and you could lose vision before experiencing any noticeable warning signs.
  • – Angle-closure glaucomais when the iris blocks or narrows the drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea. When this occurs suddenly, it is known as angle-closure acute glaucoma and it is a medical emergency.
  • – Normal tension glaucoma occurs when your eye pressure remains the same while damage occurs to the optic nerve. The exact cause of this is unknown.
  • – Pigmentary glaucoma happens when pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, blocking fluid.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include gradual loss of peripheral vision usually occurring in both eyes, and in some cases tunnel vision.  Acute angle closure glaucoma is characterised by symptoms of severe pain in the eyeball, sudden visual disturbance, blurred vision, halos of light, and reddening of the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially those related to angle closure glaucoma, you should speak to your eye care professional immediately.

How to Prevent Glaucoma?

It is important to detect glaucoma early on and that’s why you should have a glaucoma test at least every two to four years if over the age of 40 and every one to two years if you’re over 65. Knowing your family’s health history is another preventative step when it comes to Glaucoma, as it can be hereditary. Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma, so make sure you always have the right eye protection. Sports glasses and safety goggles are especially important to reduce the risk of eye injuries.

How to Treat Glaucoma?

Damage caused by glaucoma can not be reversed, and that’s why it is important to catch this disease in its early stages. However, treatments can help slow or prevent further vision loss once it has started. Treatments involve decreasing your eyeball pressure by using prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination of these treatment options.

Read here to learn about ocular hypertension, another risk factor for glaucoma.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

The Best Eye Health Supplements

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

The Best Eye Health Supplements

woman with avocado fruit

The human body is complex, and the eye especially so. In order to function properly, your eyes need care. Part of that comes from the vitamins and supplements you eat or drink. 

Use this guide to see which are the best vitamins for eyes and what kind of supplements you can add to your diet to maintain your eye health.

While tablets are always an option for upping your vitamin intake, the best way is always natural – there are so many good foods out there that can better your eye health. This list is chock-full of natural solutions to supplement your eye health.

Vitamins

Vitamin A is important for ensuring your eyes are adjusted to low light settings. Famously, carrots are supposed to boost your night vision! 

While this claim isn’t exactly scientifically substantiated, carrots (as well as pumpkin, sweet potato, kale and cod liver oil) do contain a good amount of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B1 reduces inflammation, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may help prevent cataracts. Obviously, claims like this must be taken with a pinch of salt, but there’s no harm in adding extra vitamins to your diet where you can. 

If you’re looking for Vitamin B-rich foods, try wholesome ingredients like whole grains, eggs, almonds, avocados and spinach.

Vitamin C helps maintain the collagen in your cornea, the capillaries in your retina, and reduces the risk of cataracts. 

You may already be familiar with some foods that contain Vitamin C like citrus fruits, but it’s worth looking elsewhere too. Berries, broccoli, peppers and kiwi fruit are all jam-packed with Vitamin C!

Vitamin E, like some of the other vitamins on this list, allegedly helps to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. When taken with selenium, your body can quickly absorb it – luckily, some superfoods contain both! 

For supplements full of Vitamin E, try Brazil nuts, seafood, whole grain cereals and sunflower seeds (though maybe not all at the same time).

Dietary supplements:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are believed to be particularly important in the development of vision in infants, alongside helping to drain intraocular fluid from our eyes – reducing the danger of high eye pressure and glaucoma. 

They also reduce the chances of getting dry eyes. Most commonly found in seafood, the best place to find omega-3 is in oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Zinc can help out with your body’s absorption of Vitamin A – meaning it’s a pretty good dietary supplement if you’re looking to boost your eye health. Zinc is found in seafood, beef, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts and whole grain cereals. 

It’s a fundamental component of our immune systems, so incorporate it into your diet, but try to steer clear of overdoing it with extra supplements as an excess can get you into some difficulties down the road.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, i.e. pigments found in plants and in your retina. Supplementing these pigments helps increase their density in your retina. They also absorb excess amounts of harmful blue and UV light. 

If you want some great lutein boosters, start from the ground up – dark leafy greens, peas, summer squash, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus are all great naturally occurring sources that can really help!

Herbal Supplements are also a great way of getting in some extra nutrients – green tea is great for Vitamin C and E, chrysanthemum flowers are known for their Vitamin B levels, and wolfberries are known to improve eyesight, moisten dry eyes and prevent macular degeneration.

How To Put Your Contact Lenses In

Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How To Put Your Contact Lenses In

Contact lenses are a perfect option for those times when glasses just get in the way. They are ideal for athletic sports and also fix the problem of switching between glasses and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Contact lenses can also be made with multifocal and presbyopia prescriptions, which eliminates the need to wear glasses for these conditions.

However, for one reason or another, some people stray away from trying contacts. One main reason is perhaps the trepidation of putting them in your eye for the first time.

This might seem like a daunting task at first, but the process is actually very simple and easy to get used to. In the end, the benefits are worth it. Just follow our simple ‘How To’ guide and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Before you start:

– Make sure that your hands are clean and air-dried

– Stand in a bright lit area in front of a mirror. If you are in front of a sink, may be a good idea to plug the drain. 

Step 1

Gently take the lens out of the capsule and place it on the tip of either index finger. This will depend on your preference and if you are right or left handed. Put some solution onto the lens. Inspect the lens and make sure there are no tears. Also make sure that it is right-side up. If it is inside out, place some solution on the palm of your hand and gently turn it right-side up. 

Step 2

Start with your right eye. If you get into a routine and always start with the right it means you’ll get the correct lens in the correct eye every time. With your free hand, keep your eyelid open by pressing your eyelashes to your eyebrow and pull the bottom eyelid down with the middle finger of the hand with your contact lens.

Step 3

Slowly move the lens towards the eye, checking in the mirror that the lens is in the right place. Make sure all the edges are in contact with your eyeball. The lens should gently attach itself to your eye through suction. Blink slowly and rotate your eye to settle the lens in place. 

Step 4

Repeat the process for your left eye.

Check out all the contact lenses available on our website here! And if in doubt, ask an optician!

SHOP CONTACT LENSES
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How To Put Your Contact Lenses In

Contact lenses are a perfect option for those times when glasses just get in the way. They are ideal for athletic sports and also fix the problem of switching between glasses and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Contact lenses can also be made with multifocal and presbyopia prescriptions, which eliminates the need to wear glasses for these conditions.

However, for one reason or another, some people stray away from trying contacts. One main reason is perhaps the trepidation of putting them in your eye for the first time.

This might seem like a daunting task at first, but the process is actually very simple and easy to get used to. In the end, the benefits are worth it. Just follow our simple ‘How To’ guide and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Before you start:

– Make sure that your hands are clean and air-dried

– Stand in a bright lit area in front of a mirror. If you are in front of a sink, may be a good idea to plug the drain. 

Step 1

Gently take the lens out of the capsule and place it on the tip of either index finger. This will depend on your preference and if you are right or left handed. Put some solution onto the lens. Inspect the lens and make sure there are no tears. Also make sure that it is right-side up. If it is inside out, place some solution on the palm of your hand and gently turn it right-side up. 

Step 2

Start with your right eye. If you get into a routine and always start with the right it means you’ll get the correct lens in the correct eye every time. With your free hand, keep your eyelid open by pressing your eyelashes to your eyebrow and pull the bottom eyelid down with the middle finger of the hand with your contact lens.

Step 3

Slowly move the lens towards the eye, checking in the mirror that the lens is in the right place. Make sure all the edges are in contact with your eyeball. The lens should gently attach itself to your eye through suction. Blink slowly and rotate your eye to settle the lens in place. 

Step 4

Repeat the process for your left eye.

Check out all the contact lenses available on our website here! And if in doubt, ask an optician!

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

How To: Clean Your Contact Lenses

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How To: Clean Your Contact Lenses

contact lenses

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is only one reason why contact wearers should always remember to properly clean and disinfect their contact lenses. 

Keeping your contacts clean is vital to prevent bacterias and reduce the chance of other harmful substances such as the coronavirus from entering your system. 

Dirty contact lenses can also cause various sight problems, such as blurry vision. Because wearing contacts requires direct contact between your hands and eyes, it is essential to maintain good hand hygiene, as well. 

Read on to learn about the proper way to clean your contacts.

Importance of maintaining good hand hygiene

Harmful substances such as the coronavirus enter the system through the eyes, nose, and mouth. 

Inserting contact lenses requires that your hands come into close proximity with your eyes, and that’s why you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or your contact lenses. 

Dry your hands with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.

Cleaning contact lenses with a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution

Some prefer to use a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution to clean their contacts. 

An upside to hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions is that they offer complete disinfecting of lenses which can help fight off bacterias and the coronavirus. 

However, this type of contact lens cleaner often requires that you rinse your lenses with a multipurpose solution before using. 

After you’ve rinsed the lenses with the multipurpose solution, insert the contact lenses into the provided cylinder case and then fill the case with the hydrogen peroxide solution. 

The lens solution will bubble and fizz, a sign the disinfection process is taking place. Wait the directed time before removing lenses from the solution and re-wearing (typically around 6 hours).

Do’s and don’ts when cleaning your contact lenses

  • DON’T re-use old solutions

You should never re-use your contact lens cleaner for more than one session. The wet environment is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and multiply which can cause eye infections. Instead, replace the used lens solution each time you go to clean your lenses.

  • DON’T use contacts for longer than the recommended use

Whether you wear daily, weekly, or monthly lenses, you should never wear the same lenses for longer than the recommended use. This can cause serious eye infections and poor vision. Instead, replace the lenses when recommended.

  • DON’T expose soft contact lenses to water

Most waters are not germ free and your contact lenses could serve as a catalyst between your immune system and the bacteria in the water. Water can also distort the lens shape and cause the lens to stick to your eyes. Take out your lenses before showering or swimming to avoid infections and ensure optimal vision.

  • DO replace the lens container every three months

It does no good to keep your lenses clean if you then put them in a dirty lens container. Keeping a clean contact lens case is a good practice to get in the habit of to avoid eye infections.

  • DO clean contact lens case every two weeks

You should wash your lens container with a gentle soap and water and rinse to keep your case clear of bacteria.

  • DO dry out your lens case

When you clean your contact lens case or your lenses, always be sure to properly dry out the container before reusing. Wet places are a great place for bacteria to grow and multiply.

Shop SmartBuyGlasses’ wide collection of contact lenses today.

How Much Do Glasses Cost?

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

How Much Do Glasses Cost?

women buying glasses

The glasses market is very broad. There’s a big mix of different kinds of glasses out there for sale, all for different purposes and price points. 

There are affordable brands, sustainable brands, luxury brands, sports brands and many more.

How much do prescription glasses cost?

Generally, glasses are sold at the NZ$40-NZ$140 price point; after all, there is some engineering that goes into making them. 

This is lower than the NZ average of NZ$186 – in other words, there’s no better place for a great deal than SmartBuyGlasses.

Best cheap glasses

The SmartBuy Collection Taegan glasses are an easy, affordable option for anyone looking for some high quality full-rim transparent glasses.

We’re big fans of the SmartBuy Collection Laurie frames – they blend transparent modern design with vintage framework to great effect.

Our favourite luxury glasses

The Tom Ford FT5379 glasses are a really stylish fashion option for any eyewear enthusiast, mixing up different colours in a funky frame design that will stand out in any setting. Oh, and it’s got that Tom Ford ‘T’ branding too…

These Persol PO9714VM Folding glasses bring the luxury style and technical sophistication of Persol sunglasses to the eyeglasses conversation.

Our top selling designer glasses, these Gucci GG0026O glasses are a very stylish cat-eye model that are specially built to attract attention. They’re really smart, with high-quality plastic frames that highlight the high quality lenses.

Computer Vision Syndrome and Children Eye Health

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

Computer Vision Syndrome and Children Eye Health

computer glasses

Computer Vision Syndrome (or CVS) is a condition that is used to describe a whole range of eye strain related conditions. Symptoms of CVS range from headaches and back pain, right through to blurred vision and severe eye strain. 

It is reported in both adults and children, and is linked to heavy computer and digital screen usage. As the use of digital media becomes more pervasive within society, reports of CVS are rising.

For children especially, CVS can be a major concern as many of the symptoms are linked to over-exposure of blue light. Blue light is emitted naturally from the sun, and in small doses carries minimal optical risk. 

However, it is also emitted from all digital screens, and prolonged exposure can be damaging to young eyes. 

A report released in 2017 by Common Sense Media indicated that children between 0 and 8 years old are spending, on average, 2 hours and 19 minutes a day on digital screen media. 

This is over double the one hour recommended by the American Academy of Pediatricians for 2 to 5 year olds. 

As young eyes are more susceptible to developing CVS, it is important to limit screen time in order to mitigate the risks of developing symptoms.

The link between extended digital screen time and computer vision syndrome

It was found that the prevalence of nearsightedness among Americans has increased from 25% to 41.6% over the past 30 years; and this problem is not about to be fixed anytime soon. 

It has been stated that by 2050 half of the US population will be nearsighted. This indicates that prolonged exposure to screens from an early age increases the risk to young eyes for myopia and eye strain. 

This development is not only due to protracted exposure to blue light, but also to the changing social behavioural norms that are increasingly favouring inside activities over outside pursuits.

Indeed, the less natural light your eye is exposed to, the less dopamine that is released. Dopamine has been shown to decreases the chances of developing nearsightedness, and can limit the chances of you passing on the disease to the next generation.

Ways to prevent computer vision syndrome

In order to prevent eye strain and the risk of myopia for children, consider the following advice:

  • Control the luminosity of the screen. Blue light is harmful for the eyes so make sure to control it by using an app, wearing computer lenses, or adding photochromic lenses if they already have prescription glasses.
  • Control luminosity in the room. While playing video games or working on the computer always take advantage of the natural light in the room during the day, or turn on the light in order to reduce eye strain (or in the long term, myopia).
  • Limit screen time. The screen time for children (between the ages of 2-5) should not be more than 2 hours a day, with regular short breaks during that time, to prevent CVS developing.
  • Limit the time spent in front of the screen and apply the 20-20 rule: Give the eyes a break every twenty minutes for 20 seconds in order to give the eyes a moment to completely relax.
  • Make sure that the chair the child is using is the right size so their feet can touch the ground. Pay attention on the distance between their eyes and the screen, which should be 40 to 76 centimetres.
  • Schedule an eye exam at least once a year.

How to Buy Your Eyeglasses Online

Home ⁄
Home ⁄

How to Buy Glasses Online

What do I need? |
Do I need a prescription? |
Advantages |
Steps |
Pupillary distance |
Glasses styles |
Can I virtually try glasses on?
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now
By Claire Capuano
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.
Updated On May 11, 2023
Buying glasses online shouldn’t be daunting, in just a few easy steps you can find the perfect pair that suit you and your vision needs.
three pairs of eyeglasses on a table

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

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

What do I need to buy glasses online?

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

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

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

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

instructions on how to measure your pupillary distance

Can I order glasses online without a prescription?

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

two pairs of eyeglasses on a table next to an eye prescription

Advantages of buying glasses online

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

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

Ordering prescription glasses online

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

1. See an eye doctor to get an updated prescription

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

eye exam machine

2. Choose your frame width

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW

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

How can I get my pupillary distance?

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

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

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

3. Find frames that suit your face shape

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

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

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

different face shapes: oval face, square face, round face, heart face, diamond face, rectangle face

How do I know what style of glasses to get?

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

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

eyeglasses frames shapes

4. Find a frame that suits your style

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

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

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

5. Choose your lenses and coatings

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

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

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

different types of lenses for glasses

6. Place your order

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

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

Can I try on glasses when ordering online?

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

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

Is it a good idea to buy glasses online?

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

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

Buying glasses online

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

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

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

Do I Need Glasses?

Home ⁄
Home ⁄
Ask now

Ask our dispensing opticians

Ask now

Do I Need Glasses?

eyeglasses

How do I know if I need glasses? Let us help you determine the most common signs you need glasses, how often you should have an eye exam and the best glasses for your vision problems.

The signs you need glasses:

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

  • Blurry vision: This is often a sign of astigmatism as well as short-sightedness and long-sightedness. If objects aren’t appearing clearly, it will cause fatigue and eye strain, so glasses can be a great solution.

  • Squinting and eye strain: Are you straining your eyes in order to see things near or far? This is a symptom that you need glasses.

  • Headaches:If you work long hours at the computer you should be wearing glasses with blue light protection to reduce headaches and eye strain.

  • Trouble seeing clearly at night-time:This could be a sign of cataracts or short-sightedness, so it’s important to see your optometrist for an eye exam if you’re experiencing difficulty seeing at night.

  • Rubbing your eyes:This is particularly common in children. You may just have an eye allergy, or you could need glasses.

  • Your parents wear glasses:bad vision can be genetic so it’s important to have an eye exam if close family members wear glasses.

How often do I need to get an eye exam?

Depending on your age and eye health, it is generally recommended by optometrists to have an eye test every one to two years.

  • Children’s eye exams should commence from 6 months of age. They should receive another eye test at three years old and another before they commence school. After that, kids eye exams should happen periodically every two years.

  • Adults 18-60: Every two years.

  • Adults 61 and older: every year

  • At risk people:If children or adults have a history of poor eye health in the family, more frequent eye exams are recommended.

Online eye test:

It’s important to visit an optometrist to check the health of your eyes as no online test is currently able to do this. Additionally, eye tests online aren’t able to provide you with new prescription details. 

There are some eye tests online that help to determine how good your level of vision is, but they should always be taken in conjunction with visits to your optometrist every two years.

Online glasses prescription:

You can easily get your glasses prescription online with the SmartBuyGlasses Lens Scanner app. 

This app is able to read the optical parameters of your current glasses and extract your prescription details making it easy to buy glasses online anywhere, anytime. Plus, it’s completely free!

It’s important to remember that you should be happy with your current prescription to use this tool, as the app doesn’t find new prescription details. 

It’s a great tool to use to buy a pair of replacement glasses or prescription sunglasses without the hassle of having to visit the optometrist again just to get your online glasses prescription.

What glasses should I get?

If it turns out you need glasses, the best place to discover and shop for eyewear is SmartBuyGlasses with over 180 designer brands and 80,000 glasses to choose from.

With the best price guarantee, you can shop brands like Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana eyewear for less and be assured top quality glasses.