What Is Macular Degeneration?

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What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a condition affecting a part of the eye called the macula. It can be hereditary, although there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing it.

Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition which usually happens to people in their 50’s and 60’s. Age-related macular degeneration causes deterioration of the central area of the retina of the eyes.

This area is known as the macula and it controls our visual acuity, ensuring our ability to read, see, drive and perform other visual tasks. Macular degeneration doesn’t cause complete blindness, but it can significantly reduce our ability to see and perform daily tasks which require us to see fine details.

Dry Macular Degeneration & Wet Macular Degeneration

How long does it take to lose your vision with macular degeneration? It depends on the type of AMD you have. There are 2 types of AMD: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. You can gradually lose your vision over several years with dry AMD whereas with wet AMD, you can lose it very quickly in a matter of weeks or even days.

Dry macular degeneration is caused by an accumulation of a fatty substance known as drusen at the back of the eye around the macula area. Dry AMD is the early stage of the disease. Even though the visual loss is not as significant as that caused by wet AMD, dry AMD can get gradually worse over several years and can eventually become severe.
Wet macular degeneration is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eye. These vessels can leak blood and fluid into the macula. This damages the light-sensitive retinal cells, creating a central blind spot. In contrast to dry AMD, wet AMD can get worse much more quickly, sometimes in days or weeks. Wet AMD is a less common type of AMD and it can severely affect a person’s vision.

DID YOU KNOW?

Smoking increases your risk of developing AMD and a host of other eye conditions.

Age-related Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Age-related macular degeneration is usually a slow and painless process of losing vision. It does not create any change in the appearance of the eye. Early signs of vision loss from AMD include a blurred and distorted area in your vision. Patients usually struggle to see the middle area of their field of vision.

People suffering from AMD usually see straight lines as being wavy or crooked, things look smaller than normal, colours seem less bright and they see things that aren’t there.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown however, research has shown that a combination of different factors may increase your risk of suffering from age-related macular degeneration.

Ageing: All parts of the body change as we age so it is normal that your risk of AMD significantly increases when you turn 40. This is the most common reason why you could get AMD.
Smoking: If you smoke, you are more likely to develop AMD as smoking kills the cells of the retina, reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the eye and damages blood vessels.
High blood pressure: This can be another cause of macular degeneration.
Obesity: Obesity doubles the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Family history and genetics: Macular degeneration is more likely to be inherited from family members who suffer with the same disease.
Sedentary lifestyle: Research has shown that people who are more active reduce their risk of developing advanced AMD compared to those who are inactive.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments

Dry AMD: No treatment
Wet AMD: This can be treated with regular eye injections or photodynamic therapy.

How to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

AMD is usually linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. The following may help to reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration:

Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of AMD and makes it progress faster.
Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to provide your body with good nutrition and reduce the risk of AMD. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are thought to be important for eye health.
Exercise regularly: Exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and normal blood pressure.
Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and HEV radiation.

Should I Wear Blue Light Glasses When Watching TV and Using My Phone?

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Should I Wear Blue Light Glasses When Watching TV and Using My Phone?

Many people use blue light glasses when working at their computer screen, but their protective qualities are equally useful when watching tv or scrolling on your phone.

SUMMARY

Blue light glasses should be worn when watching TV or using your phone, as both are digital screens that emit artificial blue light.

These blue light wavelengths can lead to eye strain, fatigue and poor sleep patterns.

By filtering them out, blue light glasses reduce these effects.

By now, with all the hype surrounding blue light glasses, we should all know the benefits of wearing them. Thanks to their lenses, they can help to reduce things like headaches and allow you to sleep better at night. But, with an overload of information surrounding blue light-blocking glasses, do we really know when we should be using them?

Should I wear blue light glasses when watching TV?

Whether you watch TV during the day or at night, it’s important to ensure we protect our eyes in the best way possible. When watching TV for long and short periods, we are subjected to our favourite shows, movies and the high levels of blue light waves emitted from our TV screens.

If you find that after binging your favourite series, your eyes feel fatigued, a pair of blue light glasses are something you should consider buying.

zFORT® lenses can limit the penetration of blue light wavelengths between 380nm and 500nm. These lenses provide a fort-like barrier to your eyes and reduce the painful symptoms of one of our favourite pastimes.

The best thing about these innovative lenses is that they can be added to your prescription glasses. So if you need prescription lenses while watching TV from afar, you can benefit from clear vision and keep your eyes healthy with blue light-blocking lenses.

Do blue light glasses work for phones?

Over 65% of the world’s population use mobile phones and spend an average of 5 to 6 hours on them daily. Like TVs, our mobile phones emit the same blue light wavelength that can damage our eyes.

When using our mobile phones, we are typically much closer to our screens, and with constant eye stimulation and the damaging blue light rays, serious eye damage can occur.

Whether a quick text or scrolling endlessly through social media, blue light glasses should always be worn when using our phones.

Our eye health is important to take seriously, so if you want to prevent your eyes from fatigue and ageing, blue light lenses are your best bet.

DID YOU KNOW?

As well coming from digital screens, blue light is also emitted by fluorescent lightbulbs.

Blue light glasses and digital screens

Our eyes are a vital organ we sometimes forget to take seriously. So, the answer to these questions: should you wear blue light glasses while watching TV and do blue light glasses work for phones is a resounding yes. But, if you want to improve your eye care and reduce your risk of serious damage, blue light glasses are a great affordable option for everyone. To learn more about how blue light glasses can help with digital eye strain, check out our Optical Centre articles and become an expert.

Switch to Sustainable Sunglasses this Season

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Switch to Sustainable Sunglasses this Season

The world is under more pressure than ever before to help the environment. Switching up little things in your life can make a big difference. With sustainability becoming a major talking point in the fashion world, it’s vital that brands and consumers do their part. Did you know that you can now buy sustainable sunglasses?

These environmentally-friendly frames are made from biodegradable materials. This means they can later be recycled or composted when you eventually want to switch up your sunglasses style and don’t have harmful chemicals like some regular sunglasses do.

You can find many different materials that help glasses be more sustainable, and thanks to this diversity, you can find really trendy eyewear to look cool and help the planet! For example, SmartBuyGlasses now offers various eco sunglasses, made of wood and eco-acetate. Read on to discover the sustainable sunglasses brands you should try.

Oh My Woodness!

Yes that’s right, you can now find your favorite shaped sunglasses made out of wood! Partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects, Oh My Woodness! contributes to funding planting operations in Haiti, Madagascar and Nepal. Their goal is to combat deforestation and provide resources to vulnerable countries.

These affordable sustainable sunglasses are eco-friendly, highly durable and extremely unique: no frame will ever be the exact same thanks to the sustainably sourced materials. Want to stand out on your next vacation? Opt for a wooden pair!

Oh My Woodness! has sustainable sunglasses for women, with daring cat-eye frames like the Oh My Woodness! Elyu PA-1L pictured above. Turn heads with a bolder pair this season. There are also plenty of sustainable sunglasses for men, from traditional square frames, such as the Singian Polarized pair, to colourful round pairs. So, why not choose to make a fashionable sunglasses choice that is better for the environment?

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sustainable Collection

The iconic Wayfarer frame has been a staple in eyewear since the 1950s. Ray-Ban has recreated the timeless frame with a bio-based update to contribute toward a more sustainable future. The eco sunglasses are crafted from bio-based materials, including renewable sources such as cotton, wood pulp, cereals, beet and sugar cane.

You can find sustainable Ray-Ban sunglasses in a handful of colours, including original black. You can also find bolder frames, such as the striped Ray-Ban RB2140 pictured above, available in grey or blue. Whichever pair you go for, it’s a win-win situation. You’ll look trendy with a pair of stylish Wayfarers and help the planet in one purchase!

Arise Collective ECO Collection

If you’re also looking for a pair of prescription glasses that help make a difference, try out the Arise Collective ECO collection. The ECO collection from Arise Collective is made of eco-friendly bio-acetate. These ECO frames are available in various colours and shapes, and you can add blue light coating to any of them! Blue light glasses are perfect if you spend a lot of time looking at digital screens. Check out the Koen pair above, available in blue, black and clear!

Try on Sustainable Sunglasses Virtually!

Unfortunately, affordable sustainable sunglasses may not be available at your local optician’s. With SmartBuyGlasses, you can browse eco-friendly frames from the comfort of your own home. Our revolutionary 3D Virtual Try-On tool lets you see yourself in different frames on your phone or computer and reveals your face shape. You’ll get a 180-degree view and a sense of whether or not your chosen frames are right for you.

Conclusion

Choosing sustainable sunglasses will help to protect the environment from harmful materials such as plastic. When you decide to throw away your frames in the future, you can recycle them with ease. Sustainable sunglasses are available in endless colours and shapes and the best part is you get to be part of something bigger: helping the planet one frame at a time.

Switch to Sustainable Sunglasses this Season

Oh My Woodness!

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sustainable Collection

Arise Collective ECO Collection

Try on Sustainable Sunglasses Virtually!

Unfortunately, affordable sustainable sunglasses may not be available at your local optician’s. With SmartBuyGlasses, you can browse eco-friendly frames from the comfort of your own home. Our revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool lets you see yourself in different frames on your phone or computer and determines your specific face shape. You’ll get a 180-degree view and a sense of whether or not your chosen frames are right for you.

Conclusion

4 Everyday Eyeglasses You Need Right Now

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4 Everyday Eyeglasses You Need Right Now

Are you looking for an everyday pair of glasses that matches your personality? The Essentials Collection has just what you need. If you’re searching for a fresh pair of everyday glasses, you’re in the right place. We have frames for any age, shape or style.

No matter your budget, you’ll find plenty of options with Essential eyewear. Starting at just $7, there are endless possibilities to start exploring. From tortoiseshell cat-eye to classic round, subtle clear frames to bold oversized glasses, there’s something for everyone to show off their individual personality. The best part? Standard lenses are included! So you can get a complete pair of prescription glasses with lenses for just NZ$24! We want to show your four of the best Essentials frames to express your personality, so let’s get started.

Make a bold fashion statement

Looking for an everyday pair of eyeglasses that will turn heads? Opt for an oversized pair, such as the SmartBuy Collection Cyd, available in transparent peach pink, light pink or bold burgundy. These chunky frames will last for years to come since they’re crafted with high-quality materials, such as acetate. Add the finishing touch to any outfit with frames that are larger than life.

Create a classic look with round frames

Looking for a more traditional pair of glasses? Look no further than a Kensington pair, available in classic black, tortoiseshell, blue, grey and more. The unisex Kensington frame is lightweight, versatile and matches every style! Whether you’re going formal or casual, these frames are first-class. Want to see them in action? Check out some stylish inspiration.

Add sophistication with half-rim frames

If you want to add a touch of sophistication to your daily look, we recommend the Sydnellion half-rim frames. These quality, affordable essential eyewear frames will make you appear elegant and in the know. Whether you’re strolling around town, at the office or simply reading your favourite book, Sydnellion glasses will take your outfit to a new level.

Be daring with patterned frames

From polka dot frames to stripes and flowers, show off your striking personality with the latest glasses patterns. Patterned eyeglasses bring a playful and eccentric energy to any look. Take the Mericka pair above, subtle yet compelling with a unique black and white pattern.

Virtual Try-On

Want to see more eyewear options? Use the innovative Virtual Try-On tool at SmartBuyGlasses to see how you look in hundreds of frames. It’s never been easier to find the perfect frames online!

All you need is a laptop or phone and a magnetic card to get started! Wondering what your face shape is? Our tool will reveal yours and recommend the best frame shape to compliment your face. There’s a frame for every face with The Essentials.

You can even add blue light coating to any of the Essential frames, protecting your eyes from harmful blue light emitting from digital devices! Blue light glasses are perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time on the computer or scrolling on their phone. Happy shopping!

Conclusion

The Essentials has a pair to match every personality, whether outgoing, adventurous or classic. Unsure how to add your prescription? Simply get an up-to-date eye test, and select ‘buy with prescription’ once you’ve discovered your favourite pair. If you have misplaced your current prescription details, use our Lens Scanner free app to reveal it! Then you can insert your prescription details and our opticians will fit your correct prescription! To find out more about understanding your prescription, read our short guide.

Expect each pair to be versatile, durable and affordable. What more could you want in a pair of everyday glasses? Start exploring the practical eyewear collection from the comfort of your home, and don’t forget to use our Virtual Try-On tool to find the right pair for you.

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

4 Everyday Eyeglasses You Need Right Now

Make a bold fashion statement

Create a classic look with round frames

Add sophistication with half-rim frames

Be daring with patterned frames

Virtual Try-On

Want to see more eyewear options? Use the innovative Virtual Try-On tool at SmartBuyGlasses to see how you look in hundreds of frames. It’s never been easier to find the perfect frames online!

Conclusion

The Essentials has a pair to match every personality, whether outgoing, adventurous or classic. Unsure how to add your prescription? Simply get an up-to-date eye test, and select ‘buy with prescription’ once you’ve discovered your favourite pair. If you have misplaced your current prescription details, use our Lens Scanner app to reveal it! Then you can insert your prescription details and our opticians will fit your correct prescription! To find out more about understanding your prescription, read our short guide.

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

Do Computer Blue Light Glasses Work?

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Do Computer Blue Light Glasses Work?

It seems like everyone is talking about computer glasses these days – and with good reason! Whether it’s our computers, phones, or tablets, we are spending more time than ever looking at screens.

Computer glasses are designed to protect your eyes from the harmful blue light emitted by digital screens. But do they actually work?

The short answer is yes. Computer blue light glasses help reduce your exposure to harmful blue light. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s take a closer look at how computer glasses work and what you need to know to ensure they’re effective.

What are blue light computer glasses?

Reduced Digital Eye Strain (DES) is the primary goal of computer glasses. These glasses have coatings that help to lessen DES, such as an anti-glare coating or blue light filter, a slight magnification, and a decentred pupillary distance.

An anti-glare or anti-reflective coating is necessary to reduce reflections from overhead fluorescent lights and computer screens on the front of the lens surface. A blue light filter will block out the blue light emitted from devices. Generally speaking, the magnifying power of computer glasses is roughly 60% of that of reading glasses.

The ideal magnification, however, differs from person to person. It depends on how far away from a computer or other digital gadget you choose to sit.

The average person spends over seven hours a day staring at screens, whether it’s a computer, phone, or TV. And all that blue light exposure can be really tough on your eyes. That’s where blue light glasses and computer glasses come in.

So, what’s the difference between the two? Blue light glasses are designed to filter out harmful blue-violet light waves that can cause digital eye strain, while computer glasses are specifically tailored to help you see the screen more clearly.

If you’re looking for a pair of glasses to help reduce your screen time, we recommend checking out our selection of blue light-blocking glasses. And if you need a little extra help seeing the screen, our computer glasses will do the trick.

Do blue light glasses help with computer vision syndrome?

As we continue to spend more time looking at screens, it’s essential to be aware of the potential problems that can arise from too much screen time. One of those problems is called computer vision syndrome (CVS).

CVS is a collection of symptoms that can include the following:

Dry eyes
Eye fatigue
Watery eyes
Burning sensation
Blurry vision
Pain in the back, neck, and shoulders
Headache
Difficulty concentrating

According to research, wearing blue light glasses can help reduce these symptoms by blocking out some of the harmful blue light. This can help reduce eye strain and other CVS symptoms.

If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, make sure to take breaks often. Use the 20/20/20 rule, every 20 minutes look 20 meters away for 20 seconds, this helps the eye muscles to relax. Remember to blink often to keep your eyes lubricated.

Conclusion

Now that you know the importance of using computer blue light glasses, you should check out our range on our website and start looking after your eyes. By doing this, you can help protect your vision and ensure that you can keep using your computer often without any problems. Trust us – your eyes will thank you for it!

10 Most Stylish Looks in Cinema History

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10 Most Stylish Looks in Cinema History

… and How You Can Get Them!

With the Oscars just around the corner, we take a look at ten of the most stylish looks in the history of the silver screen. Whenever we need some eye-wear fashion inspiration, the movies are often the first place we look, and many of the best styles found in the movies have gone on to spark fashion trends that endure to this day. Some are beautiful, some stylish, some outrageously cool, but all are worth checking out if you are looking to add some star quality to your look. And the Nominees are:

1. Brad Pitt – Fight Club

The first rule of dressing like Tyler Durden is never go for the easy option. Hawaiian Shirts with tracksuit bottoms, furcoats with vests, pink dressing gowns: you gotta break the rules at every turn. The second rule for dressing like Tyler Durden is, your choice of shades has got to be spot on. It has to be said though, the douchebag potential with these particular Oliver Peoples’ frames is high indeed, so replicating this look is not advised unless you have bags of self-confidence and/or look like Brad Pitt circa 1999. However, in the film itself, Brad Pitt’s flashy red sunglasses perfectly captured the cockyness and machismo of the Tyler Durden character, played brilliantly by Pitt in this millennial blockbuster.

2. Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffanys

Sometimes the props in a movie end up having more of a lasting influence than the movie itself. Audrey Hepburn won Best Actress at the 1961 Oscars for her memorable portrayal of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but today, the black dress, the cigarette holder, the Oliver Goldsmith Cat-Eye frames, now known simply as ‘Audrey Sunglasses’ remain some of the most iconic images in cinema, and to this day women all over the world don Celine and Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses in order to get the ‘Audrey’ look.

3. James Dean – Rebel Without a Cause

During his all too brief career, James Dean defined a whole new generation of cool, which in many ways has also stood the test of time. In his portrayal of disaffected suburban youth in Rebel without a Cause he exuded a rare star quality that meant that despite only ever making three films, his legacy as an icon of the silver screen was assured. He didn’t half look cool in a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses as well.

4. Amy Adams – American Hustle

Amy Adams wowed audiences and critics alike with her portrayal of con-artist Sydney Prosser in last year’s acclaimed American Hustle. Set in late 70s New York, this movie captures the zeitgeist perfectly, and the righteous outfits on display are one of the main reasons for this. Amy Adams is unstoppable as the seductive femme fatale, seen here wearing vintage Christian Dior frames. Gucci also do some great frames that bring the same disco era vibe.

5. Kate Hudson – Almost Famous

Kate Hudson won major plaudits with for her portrayal of groupie Penny Lane in this off-beat coming-of-age comedy. William, a fifteen year old aspiring rock journalist, manages to bag a place on the tour bus of the rockband Stillwater (yeah, really rock’n’roll name right?) and becomes caught up in the unfolding drama of the band on the road. Set in 1971, Almost Famous is another retro-style fest, with Penny Lane regularly sporting the classic Lennon-style round sunglasses that were all the rage back in the day.

6. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon – Thelma and Louise

This classic tale of two fugitives on the run gained widespread acclaim when it was released in 1991, and has since become a cult favorite thanks in no small part to the retro clothing worn by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. The Cat-Eye sunglasses worn throughout fit perfectly the spirit and independence of Thelma and Louise as they make for the Mexican border.

7. Steve McQueen – The Thomas Crown Affair

Style icon Steve McQueen wore these Persol 0714 frames with blue tinted lenses, not just in The Thomas Crown Affair, but in other classics such as Bullitt and The Getaway, in doing so sparking a cultural phenomenon. Even today, thanks to the influence of McQueen, these Persol frames are just about the only eyewear product that can rival the monopoly Ray-Ban has over Hollywood.

8. Tom Cruise – Top Gun

This high octane 1980s blockbuster kick-started the careers of both Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, and breathed new life into Aviator sunglasses at a time when this classic frame style was at risk of becoming irrelevant. Throughout the movie, Tom Cruise is barely seen without them, which stands to reason since the film is all about US fighter pilots, who were after all, the pioneers of Aviator sunglasses. Top Gun was a major box office success, becoming the highest grossing film of 1986, and the Aviator style was brought to a whole new audience.

9. Sue Lyon – Lolita

One of Stanley Kubrick’s most controversial films, Lolita tells the story of a middle aged man who becomes obsessed with a teenage girl. Based on Vladamir Nobakov’s novel of the same name, Lolita went on to have a major influence in mainstream culture, despite the controversy of the subject matter. One of the most important motifs from the movie, used for much of the promotional material, is Sue Lyon wearing retro heart shaped glasses, and this unique frame style has also gone on to enjoy continued popularity with retro fashionistas everywhere.

10. Leonardo DiCaprio – The Wolf of Wall Street

It has to be said, Leonardo DiCaprio looked like a bad-ass all through Wolf of Wall Street, but if we had to pick out one look, it has to be the Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses he was rocking in that excellent scene on board his private yacht. As Leo’s character, the filthy rich socio-path Jordan Belfort, attempts to smother his guests in hospitality, the Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses he wears play a crucial role in building the tension at the end of this scene, barely masking Belfort’s contempt of the FBI agents who have come to ruin his party.

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

10 Most Stylish Looks in Cinema History

… and How You Can Get Them!

1. Brad Pitt – Fight Club

2. Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffanys

3. James Dean – Rebel Without a Cause

4. Amy Adams – American Hustle

5. Kate Hudson – Almost Famous

6. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon – Thelma and Louise

7. Steve McQueen – The Thomas Crown Affair

8. Tom Cruise – Top Gun

9. Sue Lyon – Lolita

10. Leonardo DiCaprio – The Wolf of Wall Street

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

Our selection of Wood Sunglasses – Top Picks of this Year

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Our selection of Wood Sunglasses - Top Picks of this Year

As proven by the fact that Wood Sunglasses have been spotted on most of the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2016, it’s pretty clear that it is definitely a ‘thing’ for this summer. Join us as we take a look at some of the models which are making waves on the eyewear scene.

Prada PR27RS Baroque

Prada has been best known to produce clothing and bags which are unique in their design and these sunglasses are another bow to add to their string of outstanding and innovative styles. An extraordinarily exquisite model, the Prada PR27RS Baroque features distinctive, rococo swirled temple pieces adding the touch of eccentricity that the Miuccia Prada is widely associated with.

Woodys Barcelona Hiroto

With one of the most extensive collections of wooden sunglasses, Woodys Barcelona has revolutionized the eyewear industry. Out of the hundreds of models they have designed, we are particularly fond of the Hiroto model which harps back to the retro style of the 60s. A splash of modernity is added with the mirrored lenses.

Woodys Barcelona Zeus

Another favourite from the Woody Barcelona collection is Zeus model which evokes the classic Wayfarer® style through refined lines and an oversized shape. Finer details include the hand layered light bamboo wood used to construct the frames.

Woodys Barcelona Skate

Our last pick from the Woodys Barcelona (we promise!) is the Skate model. These sunglasses are perfect way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays whilst keeping a step ahead of the fashion pack. Even better is that they have been finished with veneers in pops of color – perfect to brighten up your mood!

SmartBuy Collection Wood C03-4

Our in-house brand has been quick to innovate some of our popular designs and no less impressive than the wooden sunglasses introduced by the likes of eyewear giants like Ray-Ban®, is the SmartBuyCollection Wood C03. This model features a pretty cool zebra wood texture giving a less mass manufactured and more bespoke luxury feel.

SmartBuy Collection Wood A05-1 Polarized

The Wood A05-1 Polarized sunglasses combine a round shape with modern and the frames feature two tone shaded of natural wood and bright colors like fire engine red and turquoise.

Check out our collection to shop yourself a pair!

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

Burberry Glasses Style Guide

Prada PR27RS Baroque

Woodys Barcelona Hiroto

Woodys Barcelona Zeus

Woodys Barcelona Skate

SmartBuy Collection Wood C03-4

SmartBuy Collection Wood A05-1 Polarized

The Wood A05-1 Polarized sunglasses combine a round shape with modern and the frames feature two tone shaded of natural wood and bright colors like fire engine red and turquoise.

Check out our collection to shop yourself a pair!

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

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: Icons of Eyewear

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Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: Icons of Eyewear

What do Muhammad Ali, Debbie Harry, Andy Warhol and Madonna all have in common? Their sunglasses, of course! Specifically, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. (Click to Tweet) The instantly-recognizable design has been vying for the title of “Most Popular Sunglasses Ever”, along with the brand’s other flagship models. So, what is it that makes them so special? Read on to see how these amazing sunglasses have transformed over the years and you may be surprised what you discover!

Before the Wayfarer, the vast majority of sunglasses had metal frames. But advances in plastics technology in the 1940s made it possible for Raymond Stegeman to develop the trademark ‘trapezoid’ frame, which was patented in 1952. Their unique style quickly became a favorite of the Hollywood stars, a symbol of America’s golden age, starting with James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause (1955). Many people think that former US President John F. Kennedy also wore them, but in fact, his sunglasses were an imitation model by American Optical! Not that it mattered much to Ray-Ban, whose authentic Original Wayfarer model continued to dominate the cultural landscape throughout the 1960s, with both Bob Dylan and The Beatles sporting them, among many others.

After hitting a lull in the 1970s, the Wayfarer came back cooler than ever in the early 1980s, partly thanks to their starring role in a series of Hollywood movies, most famously The Blues Brothers and Risky Business, but also on Michael Jackson’s Bad world tour.

Despite the ongoing, seemingly never-ending appeal of the timeless Original Wayfarer design, Ray-Ban has never been a brand to rest on its laurels. After transferring production to Italy from the United States at the turn of the millennium, Ray-Ban released the New Wayfarer, a slimmer, lighter, more rounded version, as well as the Folding Wayfarer. Since then they have continued to expand their catalogue with lots of limited editions, “Rare Prints” and other special versions of the Wayfarer, both old and new. At time of writing there are over one hundred varieties available.

Fast forward to today, and the Wayfarer is still hugely popular with young and old alike, with new stars like Robert Pattinson, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry all rocking these legendary sunglasses. Who can blame them?

The seasons may come and go, but it looks like the Wayfarer will be with us for a long time yet. So, check out the whole range of Wayfarer sunglasses available today.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Collection Sunglasses

Distressed Wayfarer

The Distressed Wayfarer frames come in different shades of black and Havana at a first glance, they look like the classic model. For those of you with a finer eye, you’ll see that the frames have been crafted with intentional “distressing” giving them a unique and vintage feel… right from day one.

Fleck Wayfarer

The Fleck Wayfarer frames come in a deep tortoiseshell color which has been intricately blended with flecks of blue, pink or gold. All variations come with black temple pieces so for those of you who love classic style with a modern edge, they are most definitely a subtle way to style up your look.

Cosmo Wayfarer

Some of the most eye-catching variations of the Original model include those in the Wayfarer Cosmo collection. Inspired by the colors of the galaxy, they feature an out of this world blend of shimmering hues and aptly titled model names like Mercury (metallic azure), Venus (metallic green), Saturn (metallic green/violet), Jupiter (metallic green and pink) and Mars (metallic violet).

Ice Pops Wayfarer

Inspired by sunnier seasons, the Ice Pops Wayfarer is the perfect addition to any fashion beau or belle’s summer look. The dazzling, translucent frames and matching color gradient lenses come in mouth-watering shades of mint, citrus, watermelon, grape, and strawberry.

Urban Camouflage Wayfarer

Camouflage prints are typically designed to ensure you go unnoticed, but you certainly won’t be blending in with the crowd wearing these unashamedly edgy Urban Camouflage Wayfarer sunglasses. They come with arm pieces dressed in blue, black, grey or purple camouflage printed material and the arms are made of rubber which makes them more comfortable to wear.

Denim Wayfarer

Just as denim jeans never go out of fashion, neither will the Denim Wayfarer model! Ray-Ban has developed an advanced layering process to wrap the frames in 100% authentic denim and you can choose from a range of colors including dark blue, light blue-violet, green and orange (with matching color lenses of course).

Leather Wayfarer

The premium quality design of the Leather Wayfarer has made this model a stand out piece amongst the more recent takes on the Original Wayfarer. The frames are decked out in high-quality leather and the premium treatment doesn’t end there. This model also comes in a polarized version, so in addition to looking like the toughest guy or gal on the block, you’ll also enjoy added benefits like enhanced color contrast and elimination of glare.Choose from a range of colors including black, brown, green and blue.

Other notable frames which are exclusive to the Ray-Ban Original Collection can be seen with the Rare Prints, Pixel and Bi-Color models.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Frames

Whilst not including the extensive range of variations in materials and textures of the Original collection, they do pack the punch with some dazzling and interesting color combinations and patterns. With that said, let’s introduce the frame styles which are exclusively available with the New Wayfarer model.

Wayfarer Bi-Color

Bursting with color, the New Wayfarer Bi-Color adds an exciting element to the inner temple pieces, allowing you to spruce up your look in dynamic colors that will really set you apart from the crowd.

Wayfarer Color Mix

Crafted in premium acetate, the Color Mix model is both strong and lightweight. The bold style adds an eclectic mix of colors and will complement a range of styles and personalities. They are perfect for that summer trip with friends and casual city dwelling alike.

Wayfarer Flash

Glimmering with a spectacular multi-layer coating, the New Wayfarer Flash features mirrored lenses which reflect beautifully. Try them with tangy orange or mint green lenses.

So…which pair to pick? Take our quiz and pick the perfect Ray-Ban Wayfarer frames today.

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

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: Icons of Eyewear

Fast forward to today, and the Wayfarer is still hugely popular with young and old alike, with new stars like Robert Pattinson, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry all rocking these legendary sunglasses. Who can blame them?

The seasons may come and go, but it looks like the Wayfarer will be with us for a long time yet. So, check out the whole range of Wayfarer sunglasses available today.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Collection Sunglasses

Distressed Wayfarer

Fleck Wayfarer

Cosmo Wayfarer

Ice Pops Wayfarer

Urban Camouflage Wayfarer

Denim Wayfarer

Leather Wayfarer

Other notable frames which are exclusive to the Ray-Ban Original Collection can be seen with the Rare Prints, Pixel and Bi-Color models.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Frames

Wayfarer Bi-Color

Wayfarer Color Mix

Wayfarer Flash

Glimmering with a spectacular multi-layer coating, the New Wayfarer Flash features mirrored lenses which reflect beautifully. Try them with tangy orange or mint green lenses.

So…which pair to pick? Take our quiz and pick the perfect Ray-Ban Wayfarer frames today.

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

Photochromic Lenses – Lenses That Change Colour

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Photochromic Lenses

Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, react when in direct contact with UV light and offer a great alternative to switching between glasses and prescription sunglasses.

In brighter conditions, the lenses will darken and as conditions become darker, the lenses will once again become clear.

Transition lenses are the commercial term for photochromic lenses, such as those manufactured by Essilor, HKO, Hoya, and ZEISS.

What are Transitions™ lenses?

Transition lenses are glasses lenses that react to different levels of UV light. When exposed to bright light on a sunny day, molecules in the lens react and become darker, offering protection from the sun’s radiation.

As light levels decrease, the molecules go back to their original state and become transparent once again.

Transition lenses only react when exposed directly to UV light, meaning that in the office or home environment, they will remain clear.

How do transition lenses work?

Transition lenses are coated with special molecules, such as silver chloride, that change shape and absorb light when exposed to UV rays. It is this reaction that causes them to darken in sunlight.

When taken away from UV light, the process reverses, causing the lenses to gradually become lighter. The lenses typically take around 15 minutes to fully darken, although some change will be seen within the first minute.

Transition lenses may not be suitable to driving because car windshields are coated with UV blocking layer which will prevent your transition lenses from adapting to the lighting condition inside your car.

Photochromic sunglasses

Photochromic sunglasses (“transition” sunglasses) are normal sunglasses that are fitted with photochromic lenses.

Their lenses behave the same way and will be transparent indoors and darken during sunlight exposure.

Some photochromic sunglasses lenses, however, do come with dark lenses and gradually become darker. These are typically worn for outdoor use only.

It is important to note that some transition lenses may not be suitable for driving. This is because car windshields are coated with a UV-blocking layer, which will prevent your transition lenses from adjusting to light conditions inside your car.

At SmartBuyGlasses we offer several models of sunglasses with transition lenses, including the best-selling Oakley Flight Jacket, the Nike Flak Jacket , and the Serengeti Nuvino.

If you have any questions about transition lenses, you can ask one of our expert opticians!

Unreliable weather? Get the benefits of prescription glasses and sunglasses, all in one pair. Transition glasses change their shading according to the light conditions.

With our special lens offer you can enjoy optimal vision clarity, in all weather conditions. Get your deal now!

Reflective Sunglasses – Fashion Meets Function

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Reflective Sunglasses - Fashion Meets Function

Reflective sunglasses feature a reflective optical coating, sometimes called a flash coating or mirror coating, on the outside of the lens.

This reflective coating gives your sunglasses the appearance of small mirrors, a feature that not only looks great but has major functional benefits.

Mirror coating reflects more light than your average tinted lens, so they are particularly useful in environments where there can be a lot of light bouncing into the eye from a number of surfaces, such as water or snow.

For this reason, reflective sunglasses have become popular within the extreme sports community and with a variety of other outdoor enthusiasts.

Mirror coating

The mirror coating is comprised of alternating layers of metallic conductors and dielectric insulators. This coating is fused to the lens at a molecular level, and the thickness of the insulating layer determines the properties of the resulting mirror.

It is important to note that the color of the mirror coating that you choose is purely an aesthetic decision, and does not affect the tint of the lens itself.

For example, if you choose an electric blue mirror coating, that doesn’t mean that you will constantly be seeing the world in electric blue!

Reflective lenses reduce sun glare while maintaining a strong color contrast, so your vision remains clear and crisp. Additionally, the mirror coating means that your eyes will not be visible through any reflective lenses.

When to wear mirrored sunglasses

Mirrored sunglasses have become popular with snow and water sports enthusiasts, who use them to minimize strong glare, not only from the sun itself, but from the surrounding environment.

Beyond this, mirrored sunglasses have also become a popular fashion accessory because of their fun colors and ability to add a bit of edge to any outfit.

One important distinction between the different types of mirrored sunglasses is the frame type and whether they are wrapped or non-wrapped.

The difference is that wrapped sunglasses are made to wrap closely around the face, which allows the lenses to block sunlight coming in from any angle.

This close fit means that the sunglasses are more stable on the face and give a wider range of protection, making them an ideal choice for athletes and people with active lifestyles.

Some of the most popular brands for wrap models include Nike, Sinner and Oakley.

Meanwhile, classic lifestyle frames such as Oakley Frogskins or Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer sunglasses are non-wrapped, and therefore, they will let in light from the side like normal sunglasses.

As a result, non-wrapped frames are more suitable for fashion-wear rather than sports-wear.

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10 Most Stylish Looks in Cinema History

… and How You Can Get Them!

1. Brad Pitt – Fight Club

2. Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffanys

3. James Dean – Rebel Without a Cause

4. Amy Adams – American Hustle

5. Kate Hudson – Almost Famous

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