Can I Order Lenses with Prism Correction?

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Can I Order Lenses with Prism Correction?

Prism correction is a necessary component of some prescriptions lenses designed to avoid problems with double vision.

So yes, we are able to process prism lenses with correction.

What is prism correction?

It is measured in prism diopters and may include one of four measurements relating to the “base”, that is, the direction of the prism with respect to the thickest edge of the lens.

These are Base Up (BU), Base Down (BD), Base In (BI) and Base Out (BO), and they’re usually measured in half-diopters (e.g. 0.5 or 1).

So, for example, a prescription may include the prism correction:

Left: 0.5 BU and Right: 0.5 BD

Please fill in your prism details into the additional information section when entering the details of your prescription. You can also contact our customer service prior to placing your order.

The earlier you deal with the double vision causes, the better would be the result and prism glasses are a perfect solution for this problem.

Nearsightedness

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Nearsightedness

Nearsighted glasses have single vision lenses and are designed to treat nearsightedness (myopia) and in some cases farsightedness (hyperopia).

Do you need single vision lenses?

Distance vision lenses are ideal for people with myopia, which means you experience blurred vision when focusing on objects far away.

Myopia is a common eye refractive error which causes light to reflect unevenly on the retina when focusing on distant objects. People with myopia usually have no problems seeing nearby objects.

What causes myopia?

Myopia is a common eye refractive error that can develop during early childhood development. Myopia is hereditary, so if you have parents with the same condition, you will have increased chances of developing the condition.

Medical research has also indicated that environmental factors such as extended near vision tasks (like working on a computer) can put you at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Myopia usually becomes stable in early adulthood but in some cases, it can become increasingly acute. The most common symptoms are headaches, squinting and blurred vision when focusing on distant objects.

How do glasses for nearsightedness work?

Myopia can be corrected with distance glasses which are designed with a concave lens. This causes light to refract before it reaches the cornea. For distance wear glasses, the myopia range will be indicated by a negative sphere number.

A higher number indicates a stronger eye prescription. If you have a low number, then you may need to wear your glasses only when taking part in activities such as driving or watching television, which require long distance vision.

Because myopia can be a progressive condition, it is important to be aware of the condition of your vision.

If you feel like you are experiencing blurred vision (especially when wearing your glasses), you may need a higher prescription. Speak with one of our opticians today for an expert consultation.

Everything You Need to Know About Blue Light

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Everything You Need To Know About Blue Light

Optometrists are receiving complaints from growing numbers of patients concerned with about digital eye strain. Symptoms include dry eyes, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and insomnia. Indeed, instances of this new type of eye condition are now so numerous that it even has a name – “computer vision syndrome”, ostensibly caused by blue light emitted from the screens of the devices that we use every day.

Is Blue Light the Enemy?

Just as UV light is emitted from the sun and is not a problem in small doses, for example, it is what gives you a sun tan, but prolonged exposure can lead to sun burn, and even skin cancer in extreme cases. Indeed, we don’t just absorb the blue light from our screens.

The blue light emitted from computer screens is obviously tiny when compared to that emitted from the sun, but what makes blue light harmful not only because of our prolonged exposure to it from staring at LED screens, but also because our eyes are not that well adapted to blocking it.

1. Get your eyes checked

The best way to pre-empt any eye health issue is to get your eyes tested regularly. This will give you a head start if you are displaying any of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome, and your optician will be able to give you all the advice you need to nip it in the bud.

Even with all the safety measures in place, you still need to go for regular eye tests. It is advisable to have your eyes checked at least once a year.

2. Invest in a computer lens

Recognizing the scale of the problem posed by blue light exposure, the eyewear industry has responded by developing computer lenses. These lenses are treated with a coating that blocks blue light from entering the eye, allowing the wearer to concentrate on LED screens for prolonged periods without straining their eyes.

3. Keep Hydrated

Although there are many possible reasons why your eyes may be dry, dryness in the eyes is a common symptom of digital eye strain – your eyes need the water to keep them healthy and lubricated.

One of the best ways to curb dryness in the eyes is to drink plenty of water.

4. Take a break

For many of us, staring at a screen for hours on end is unavoidable, given how many jobs involve working on computers all day. However, there are some simple exercises you can do to protect your eyes – this is known as the 20-20-20 rule.

Give your eyes a break every twenty minutes. During each break, look away from your screen for around twenty seconds, blink a few times and close your eyes for a few seconds to moisten and refresh your eyes. Once you have done this, stand up, move around and look at something that is twenty feet away. This will allow your eyes to refocus on objects that are further away and avoids the eye strain that can happen when focusing on objects close to you.

5. Clean your screens

How clean is your computer screen? Most LED screens, on computers or mobile phones, are usually covered with our fingerprints, marks and dust particles, and this can actually help intensify the blue light entering your eyes. The worst culprit is the dust that sticks to your screen, since dust particles reflect the light and that will affect your eyes.

6. Adjust lighting to suit the mood

The intensity of the light coming from your computer, tablet or smartphone can be very harsh, especially when the brightness and contrast is set on high

If you’re the type who likes reading e-books before you go to sleep, most devices have a night mode function, which minimizes the light from the screen. Additionally, there are several apps that can help reduce the brightness of your devices and keep them at the same intensity as your indoor lighting – f.lux is one of the most widely used, and is completely free.

For more information on computer lenses, check out our guide and shop yourself a pair today.

If you have any extra questions, feel free to consult our online optician. Find out more here.

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

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How to remove scratches from prescription glasses

Although you can't remove scratches from glasses, learning how to prevent them is the nexrt best thing.

Scratched glasses can be an annoyance for glasses wearers, affecting the appearance and functionality of the frames. The only way to remove scratches from a glasses lens is to replace it. However, sometimes DIY methods are suggested online. The reality is that these methods are much more likely to cause further damage than to help repair scratched glasses.

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good.

Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

Some DIY suggestions for removing scratches from glasses include everyday household items like toothpaste, baking soda and furniture polish. One of the significant issues with these fixes is that they all rely on the abrasive nature of the chemicals found in these items.

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly!

If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so using this to remove scratches from your lenses could further scratch them. Baking soda can warp your lenses and erode lens coating, therefore worsening your vision. Using this material to remove scratches is risky, so we do not recommend it.

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

Similarly to baking soda, toothpaste is not recommended to remove scratches on glasses. The idea behind using toothpaste to improve scratched lenses is that the paste will wear down the coating enough to hide the scratches. However, this will only cause even more permanent scratches and will polish the scratches already on your glasses.

DID YOU KNOW?

Contrary to popular belief, toothpaste and baking soda do not remove scratches from your lenses and will actually damage them further.

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

As aforementioned, any DIY suggestions, such as using polish to remove scratches, will only further damage the lens. Using wax is a method to try and fill in scratches, making it harder to see through them. Therefore, we do not recommend using wax or polish to remove scratches.

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

Unfortunately, going to an optician will get you no closer to removing scratches from prescription glasses. When a lens is damaged in such a way, the lens coating, as well as the damage to the lens itself, is permanent, and no amount of expertise will get you closer to a solution. The best option is to get your lenses replaced and then take the necessary precautions in the future.

How to replace lenses in glasses?

To replace the lenses of your glasses, you can visit SmartBuyGlasses and explore thousands of frames at affordable prices. You can also use our Virtual Try-On tool to try on the frames virtually and order them from the comfort of your own home. You can also visit your local optician, where they can replace the lenses in your original frame. Typically, optical stores can replace lenses if your frames are in good condition and the shape of the lenses is not complex, or you can purchase new glasses.

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

Even getting one scratch on your glasses lens can be annoying, so preventing doing so is crucial. Consider these steps for ongoing care and avoid future damage to your lenses:

Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.
Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.
Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.
Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.

As enticing as the easy DIY methods may seem, there is no way to resolve this issue at home, and you run a real risk of damaging your scratched lenses even more. As outlined above, the only real and concrete solution is to replace your lenses and protect your glasses with all the necessary steps. Our in-house opticians are available online if you have any further questions about your scratched lenses.

How can I get a copy of my prescription?

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How to Get a Glasses Prescription

Where | How long does it take? | Online prescriptions | Accuracy | Prescription History | How to read | How to shop

By Anna MacGabhann

Reviewed by

Updated On Mar 29, 2023

Read our useful guide on the different ways to get your glasses prescription!

Technology in the eye industry is constantly evolving. Today, it is easier and more efficient than ever to get a copy of your eye prescription. Gone are the days of waiting in long lines to receive your prescription from the optician’s office. Read on to learn more about eye prescriptions, where to get them and how to read them.

Where can I get a copy of my eye prescription?

Your eye prescription (also known as Rx prescription) is written by an eyewear prescriber, such as an optician or optometrist. It specifies the value of parameters needed to construct and dispense corrective lenses for a patient.

It is recommended that you get an eye test from your doctor at least every two years to check the health of your eyes and if your eyesight has changed. Before buying a new pair of glasses, it is vital that your prescription is up to date. If you have not had an eye test in recent years, consider booking an eye test with an optician before trying to obtain your current prescription.

How long does it take to get prescription glasses?

Standard in-person eye tests usually take around 30 minutes. Once your eye test is complete, your doctor will provide you with your prescription card. If you ever misplace your card, you can call up your doctor and request a copy of your prescription.

However, there is an even quicker way to find out your eye prescription. If you simply need a retrieval of your current eye prescription from your current glasses, you can use our revolutionary technology to reveal it without leaving the house!

At SmartBuyGlasses, you can discover your current prescription in a matter of minutes with the innovative vision testing Lens Scanner App. By scanning your current prescription glasses, you’ll have access to your current prescription in minutes, completely free of charge. This is perfect for individuals who are happy with their current prescription but would like to update their eyewear.

Can I get a copy of my eye prescription online?

Depending on the practice you attend, some opticians may be able to provide you with your eye prescription online. Following your eye test, your prescription will be registered at the optical practice where you had the eye exam. It is a legal requirement to provide you with your prescription for glasses or contact lenses upon request.

Both opticians and the customer benefit from being able to access prescriptions online due to convenience and time. Usually, you can visit your practice’s website to request the prescription, call them, or send an email.

Some companies may even be able to send over prescriptions on the same day. Simply search the practice and location online to find out more about the best way to contact your optician!

SUMMARY

Getting your prescription can be quick and easy! If you are in a pinch and have your correct prescription glasses at hand, you can use our handy LensScanner app to get your prescription details.

How accurate are online prescription glasses?

There will be no changes made to the prescription you obtained from your optometrist, even if they publish it online, so it is 100% accurate.

As for our Lens Scanner app, when used correctly, it can accurately reveal your Rx details in a matter of moments. Please be aware that using the Lens Scanner app cannot be used for progressive lenses and is not a substitution for an eye exam. We recommend getting an eye exam if you have noticed changes in your eyesight and checking your eye health.

Can I see my prescription history?

It may be beneficial for you to look into your eye prescription history to see the changes in your eyesight over the years. You can request your eye prescription history from your optician via phone call, email, or by visiting the branch.

Some opticians allow you to access your prescription history online via their website, so it’s worth checking this out first! Please note that requesting your prescription history can take longer than requesting your current prescription, as there are more details to prepare.

How to read lens prescriptions

To understand how to read your prescription, you can check out our guide to reading prescriptions or continue reading for a brief overview.

Generally, a prescription will include the following information: sphere power, cylinder power, axis and ADD power.
Sphere power indicates how strong your prescription lenses should be to correct any near or Farsightedness. This number can range from negative numbers (for Nearsightedness) to positive numbers (for Farsightedness). The greater the number, the stronger the prescription needed to correct vision problems.
Cylinder power indicates if astigmatism is present and the amount of correction required by referencing a minus or plus sign and a numerical value. If this field is left blank on your prescription, it means no astigmatism is present.
Axis indicates the angle of your prescription lenses, expressed in degrees on a scale from 0-180. This number will usually have a small “x” placed before it to indicate that it is an axis measurement.
Finally, ADD power indicates how much prescription strength you need for reading and other tasks requiring near vision. This field is typically filled out if you are over the age of 40, as people typically start to need prescription lenses for seeing up close around this age.

By understanding these key elements of an eye prescription, you can discover more about your own optical health and decide which glasses are perfect for you!

How to shop for glasses online

Now you’re all set! You know how to get a copy of your prescription directly from your optician online or in person and you have more insight into how to read it. Don’t forget to check out the Lens Scanner App to retrieve your current prescription in five minutes or less.

In addition, you can also discover your pupillary distance (PD) with our useful online tool. Once you have your up-to-date prescription and PD, you’re ready to start shopping for a new pair of prescription glasses from our range at SmartBuyGlasses. If you have further questions regarding your prescription, contact our in-house opticians or learn more about eye prescriptions at the Optical Centre section of our website.

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How to Get a Glasses Prescription

Key Points | How to loosen | How to tighten | Tilted frames | Professional help

By Anna MacGabhann

Reviewed by

Updated On Mar 29, 2023

Read our useful guide on the different ways to get your glasses prescription!

Where can I get a copy of my eye prescription?

How long does it take to get prescription glasses?

Can I get a copy of my eye prescription online?

Some companies may even be able to send over prescriptions on the same day. Simply search the practice and location online to find out more about the best way to contact your optician!

SUMMARY

Getting your prescription can be quick and easy! If you are in a pinch and have your correct prescription glasses at hand, you can use our handy LensScanner app to get your prescription details.

How accurate are online prescription glasses?

There will be no changes made to the prescription you obtained from your optometrist, even if they publish it online, so it is 100% accurate.

As for our Lens Scanner app, when used correctly, it can accurately reveal the power in your lenses in a matter of moments. Please be aware that using the Lens Scanner app cannot be used for progressive lenses and is not a substitution for an eye exam. We recommend getting an eye exam if you have noticed changes in your eyesight and to check your eye health.

Can I see my prescription history?

How to read lens prescriptions

To understand how to read your prescription, you can check out our guide to reading prescriptions or continue reading for a brief overview.

•Generally, a prescription will include the following information: sphere power, cylinder power, axis, and ADD power.
•Sphere power indicates how strong your prescription lenses should be to correct any near or Farsightedness. This number can range from negative numbers (for Nearsightedness) to positive numbers (for Farsightedness). The greater the number, the stronger the prescription needed to correct vision problems.
•Cylinder power indicates if astigmatism is present and the amount of correction required by referencing a minus or plus sign and a numerical value. If this field is left blank on your prescription, it means no astigmatism is present.
•Axis indicates the angle of your prescription lenses, expressed in degrees on a scale from 0-180. This number will usually have a small “x” placed before it to indicate that it is an axis measurement.
•Finally, ADD power indicates how much prescription strength you need for reading and other tasks requiring near vision. This field is typically filled out if you are over the age of 40, as people typically start to need prescription lenses for seeing up close around this age.

By understanding these key elements of an eye prescription, you can discover more about your own optical health and decide which glasses are perfect for you!

How to shop for glasses online

Now you’re all set! You know how to get a copy of your prescription directly from your optician online or in person, and you have more insight into how to read it. Don’t forget to check out the Lens Scanner App to retrieve your current prescription in five minutes or less.

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Is It Safe To Sleep With Contact Lenses?

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Sleeping With Contact Lenses (Everything You Need to Know)

Contact lenses are generally designed for daytime use, so going to sleep without taking them out is not advised.

With endless information online, it may feel difficult to know which sources to trust and what is really safe. If you’re looking to have all of your ‘sleeping with contact lenses’ questions answered, continue reading to discover expert answers with the safest solutions.

What happens if you sleep with contacts?

The answer is based on the type of contact lens you sleep in and the duration.

It’s important to note that sleeping with contact lenses isn’t advised by eye doctors, opticians, or eye care experts. Accidents happen, and on rare occasions, you may be fine. However, each time you sleep with contact lenses, you’re increasing your chances of developing an eye infection or potentially something worse.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you do happen to fall asleep with your contacts in, your eyes will probably feel dehydrated when you wake up.

Our cornea is supposed to protect our eyes so we don’t get eye infections every day. However, for the cornea to do its job correctly, it must receive oxygen and be hydrated. To a certain extent, this can be blocked by contact lenses, regardless of the contact lens brand used.

Moreover, the reduction in the oxygen reaching our eyes from wearing contact lenses has a more significant effect when sleeping.

When we are awake and our eyes are open, the eyes receive oxygen and hydration through blinking. However, when we are sleeping with contact lenses in, the eyes are shut and are incredibly starved of the oxygen and hydration they need.

When the cornea and eyes are starved of oxygen, the eyes go into a ‘hypoxic’ state, which significantly reduces the cornea’s rate of fighting off bacteria.

How long can you sleep with contacts in?

If they aren’t designed to wear overnight or are not extended-wear contacts, you risk damaging your eyes by sleeping in contact lenses. Whether you wear them for prescription or use coloured contacts, it’s critical to remember to take out your contact lenses before going to bed.

Don’t be tempted to take a quick nap in your contacts, either! Even one hour of sleeping in your contact lenses might harm your eyes. Some people’s eyes are more sensitive than others and react differently. It’s not worth the danger when it comes to your eyes, and experts don’t recommend sleeping in contact lenses at all, even for an hour.

If you do sleep with contact lenses in, don’t try to pull them out of your eyes right away when you start waking up. You might feel that your eyes are dehydrated or have a build-up. Blink a handful of times and allow them to naturally re-moisturise.

Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands and carefully remove them from your eyes. If the lenses are daily contacts, dispose of them, and sanitise them adequately if they are monthly or two-week contacts.

If you struggle to remember to take your contact lenses off before going to bed, try taking them out earlier in the evening and using your prescription glasses until it is time to rest your head for the night. You can even get an extra pair of glasses to have on hand for those moments.

The best contact lenses, if any for sleeping, are extended wear lenses. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, so you should consult your optician for their best practice.

Now that you know the problems surrounding sleeping with contact lenses, take a look through our selection and choose what works for you from brands such as Acuvue, Air Optix, and BioTrue!

Dominant Eye Test

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Dominant Eye Test

Which is your dominant eye, left or right? We'll explain how you can tell in this article.

At some point, you may have heard the terms “dominant eye” or “ocular dominance,” but what exactly do they mean, and how can you determine your dominant eye? Since we usually use both eyes at once, having a dominant eye is often an overlooked trait. Below are some basics on how to find your dominant eye and when eye dominance can make a difference.

How to tell which eye is dominant

A dominant eye doesn’t mean better vision but rather guiding the other better because of preference. Your dominant eye provides slightly more input to the visual cortex of your brain and relays the information more accurately, especially object location.

The visual cortex is the brain region that receives and processes information from the retina.

Eye dominance can vary from person to person. While someone may have a strong degree of dominance in one eye, another may have an eye with a lesser difference in dominance. For most people, eye dominance won’t impact day-to-day living and is more of a curiosity.

DID YOU KNOW?

It is possible, but very uncommon, for a person to have no dominant eye.

The eye dominance test

If you’re curious, there are several techniques to determine your dominant eye. Below are two basic tests, called “sighting tests,” which can be done quickly and easily.

For the first test:

Extend your arms in front of you, with your palms facing away from you, bring your hands together, crossing your thumbs and forefingers to form a small triangular opening.
With both eyes open, choose a small object in the distance (about 15-20 feet away) and center this object as you look through the small opening.
Close one eye at a time. When you close one eye, the object will be stationary. When you close the other eye, the object should disappear from the triangle or jump to one side.

If the object does not move as you look through with one eye, that is your dominant eye. For example, if you look through the opening at the object with your right eye open and left eye closed, and the object is still centered, you are right-eye dominant.

For the second test:

Extend one arm in front of you with your thumb or index finger on that hand in an upright position.
With both eyes open, focus on an object in the distance.
Move your arm so that you superimpose your thumb on that object (it is normal if your thumb partially disappears).
Alternate closing one eye at a time.

The eye that keeps your thumb directly in front of the focused object while the other eye is closed is your dominant eye.

If you still can’t tell, ask your eye doctor at your next eye exam. Some studies have shown that sighting tests, though generally accurate, can be affected by handedness and other non-visual factors. They argue that non-sighting tests are more precise in determining eye dominance.

In these tests, both eyes are kept open and visual stimuli are presented to each eye separately using special optical devices. These tests can only be performed in specialized vision clinics or research facilities.

Eye dominance and handedness

While eye dominance and handedness are not directly related, they may be associated, but it is impossible to predict eye dominance based on handedness alone. Studies suggest that most of the global population is right-handed, but only a third have a dominant right eye.

Research has shown that the odds of a right-handed person being right-eye dominant are high, approximately 2.5 times greater than the odds of that person being left-eye dominant.

Is it possible to not have a dominant eye?

Most people have a dominant eye, but there are rare cases when neither eye is dominant. Some people have mixed or alternating ocular dominance, meaning one eye is dominant for certain tasks while the other is preferred for different functions. There is a spectrum of degree when it comes to eye dominance.

Some people may have a significant difference between their eyes, while others may have a minimal difference.

Dominant eye in sports, shooting, and photography

You may notice your dominant or preferred eye when you use a camera, microscope, or telescope. Understanding which is your dominant eye can improve your performance in certain sports and activities, especially any that require accurate aim. Minor adjustments to the position of your head or hands can help put your dominant eye in a better spot, allowing you to level up during leisure time or competitions.

Sports

In some sports, taking full advantage of your dominant eye is fundamental and requires positioning your head in a way that allows you to do so. Golf and baseball are two examples in which this is necessary. In golf, certain strokes must be perfectly aligned and require turning your head fully to use and benefit from your dominant eye. While batting in baseball, your head must be turned enough for your dominant eye to see the pitch’s rotation, position and speed.

Shooting sports

Some people experience crossed dominance, where their dominant eye and hand are not on the same side. This can cause problems during shooting, but being aware of this can help you make adjustments to improve accuracy. To shoot and hit moving targets, you should aim with your dominant eye; if you use your non-dominant eye, your target won’t be in the right place. If possible, shooting with the hand that matches your dominant eye is recommended. Another way to compensate for cross-dominance is to keep both eyes open until right before you take your shot. You can use 100% of your peripheral vision and depth perception with both eyes open.

Photography

Knowing your dominant eye can also aid in taking better photos. When looking through the viewfinder of a camera with your dominant eye, you will get a more accurate preview and alignment of the shot. If you’re using your non-dominant eye, you may notice that specific details will end up displaced or outside the frame in the final image.

Eye dominance problems

For the vast majority, eye dominance has no bearing on day-to-day living. Generally, the term dominant eye is used to describe the preferred eye in typical visual conditions where both eyes function well as a team. In some cases, dominant eye is used to refer to the normal functioning eye in cases of strabismus or amblyopia.

While not the only cause, a strong dominant eye can sometimes trigger amblyopia or lazy eye. As one eye relays stronger visual signals than the other, it causes the non-dominant eye to become weaker over time.

This can be treated early by patching the dominant eye in hopes of strengthening the non-dominant one. There are also eye exercises that can be done to help improve vision.

Eye dominance

Your dominant eye shouldn’t be an obstacle on a daily basis. It’s beneficial to be aware of this as it can help in certain activities, but as long as your vision is aligned and clear, it shouldn’t matter which eye is dominant.

Whether to improve performance or out of curiosity, try our easy at-home tests to discover your dominant eye. If you have any questions or concerns about your dominant or non-dominant eye, visit our Optical Centre and speak to one of our opticians online today.

What is Pink Eye and how do I treat it?

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Conjunctivitis: Self-Care and Causes

Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis, an eye infection. Learn about its causes and treatments in this article.

What is pink eye or conjunctivitis?

Itchy eyes, watery discharge or pinkness in the eyes? You might just have conjunctivitis. Commonly known as ‘pink eye’ because of the characteristic colour that appears in the eye, conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva).

But don’t fret. It’s a very common infection and easily treated. Read on to find out more about this common infection – and how to avoid catching it in the first place.

Different types of conjunctivitis

There are three types of conjunctivitis; bacterial, viral and allergic. Before we look at the differences between these three, let’s look at the similarities. All three generally develop when you have a weakened immune system, such as a cold (virus) or a sore throat (virus or bacteria). All three are highly contagious.

Finally, although it is helpful to read guides like these to try and identify which type you may have before seeing an eye doctor, it is vital not to self-diagnose and very important that you seek medical help on the first symptoms of pink eye.

DID YOU KNOW?

The chlorine in swimming pools can irritate the eyes and lead to conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria that spreads to your eyes from your respiratory system or your skin. You can also catch it if you rub your eyes when your hands aren’t clean, use eye makeup (mascara) that has been contaminated or share other things that your eyes touch (like a towel) with someone with conjunctivitis.

Contact lenses can also be a vector for carrying conjunctiva mucous. Best practice is to always use new (daily lenses) or clean lenses (reusable) and washed hands to insert them.

Whether you have contracted bacterial conjunctivitis or not, you should throw out any contact lenses after use. In the case of pink eye, take a break from contacts until it clears up completely. Once your eyes are back to full health, it’s safe to use contacts again, but be sure to use a new, fresh pair.

Viral pink eye

Conversely, viral pink eye is caused by viruses like the herpes simplex virus. You can catch it when someone who is infected sneezes or coughs near you and the droplets come into contact with your eyes.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis happens when your eyes come into contact with pollen and become red, itchy, and watery. It is an eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction and is normally a short-term condition in comparison to the former two.

Conjunctivitis self-care treatments

Conjunctivitis is easy to treat and most cases usually clear up by themselves in 1-2 weeks. You can use medically prescribed antibiotics and eye drops to help clear up a bacterial infection quicker than waiting for it to heal itself.

To help ease discomfort while the infection clears, you can also use lubricating eye drops to prevent your eyes from getting too dry, put cold ice packs against your eyes to soothe swelling and clean the discharge from your eyes with a wet cloth or tissue.

It is important to note that these home care recommendations aren’t a replacement for medical treatment. They are extra tips to help ease discomfort during your healing journey but should not be used instead of a doctor’s recommendation or prescribed medication.

Bacterial conjunctivitis home care

Bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as bacterial pink eye, is a highly contagious condition that affects the membrane lining the outer surface of the eye.

While antibiotic eye drops are the most effective treatment option, there are a few home remedies that can also provide additional relief. For example, normal over-the-counter drops can help with itching and provide temporary relief. Look for “lubricating” drops or “artificial tears”.

Other remedies include the use of warm compresses to reduce inflammation, keeping the affected eye clean and avoiding shared items such as towels or pillows. However, please note that home remedies should not be relied upon solely and that medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist or worsen

Viral pink eye home care

Viral pink eye, also known as viral conjunctivitis, can be a bothersome and highly contagious condition. While antibiotic treatment is the best course of action for healing the virus, some home remedies can relieve symptoms and aid this healing process along with medication.

For instance, placing a cool compress over your affected eye for 10-15 minutes can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.

Another effective remedy is applying aloe vera gel, which is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, of course, keeping your hands clean and avoiding touching your eyes can help prevent the spread of the infection.

Allergic pink eye home care

Allergic pinkeye, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, is a condition caused by an allergic reaction such as hay fever, resulting in the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Symptoms include redness, itching and watery eyes.

In addition to any medical care you receive, there are home remedies that can help control the allergic reaction and alleviate symptoms. Some of these remedies include using a cold compress with a fresh cotton ball and clean water, avoiding allergens and rinsing the eyes with saline solution regularly.

It is always best to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, but these remedies can provide some relief in the meantime.

When to seek medical care

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of pink eye, such as redness, itching and green or white discharge from the eye, it’s important to seek medical care. A medical professional can diagnose pink eye and recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it be prescription eye drops, medication or ointments.

It’s especially important to seek medical care if you wear contact lenses, as pink eye can cause significant complications and may even lead to vision loss if left untreated. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you suspect you have pink eye.

How to avoid reinfection

Once your pink eye has cleared up, it’s important to avoid reinfecting yourself. Make sure you throw out any eye makeup or applicators you used when you had conjunctivitis and get rid of disposable contact lenses and solutions if you used them during your infection.

Thoroughly disinfect hard contact lenses, eyeglasses and your lens cases – all three can harbour bacteria. You can read more about how to properly clean these items in our helpful guides available at our Optical Centre.

Tinted Glasses

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Tinted Glasses

By Emma Moletto

Reviewed by

Updated On May 22, 2023

With tinted eyeglasses and sunglasses, you can get different benefits to better your vision and maintain your eye health.

Today’s eyewear comes in a variety of different colours and with many different features and add-ons. For those with a more specific use in mind for their eyewear, it is worth checking the options for tinted lenses.

Besides the fact that there are multiple types of eyeglass tinting to opt for, they all have unique benefits that they bring with various suggested uses.

What are tinted glasses?

Tinted glasses are simply a type of sunglasses or eyeglasses lens. They are created by coating a UV-blocking lens with different tints: blue, green, brown, yellow etc.

Tinted lenses are both a fashion statement and a great way to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays and enhance the contrast.

There are two types of tinted eyewear, solid and gradient tint. Solid-tinted lenses are the most popular and have one colour applied to the entire lens.

Gradient lenses (not to be confused with photochromic lenses) usually transition from a plain colour at the top towards a clear lens at the bottom of the frame.

Unlike photochromic lenses, the lens coating stays gradual and does not change according to the sunlight.

What are tinted glasses for?

Deciding what colour tint is best for sunglasses can change depending on your lifestyle and what you will do while wearing your sunglasses.

Lighter tints can be great to add a little style to your look, while darker tints can provide more visual comfort in different light and weather conditions.

Green-tinted sunglasses

Green lenses are considered the most protective type, as this tint blocks blue light and UV rays, reducing eye strain and glare in bright environments. These tinted lenses are great for:

Rainy or sunny weather conditions
Golf and tennis
Outdoor activities

Blue/purple-tinted sunglasses

Blue and purple-tinted glasses improve colour perception and object contours. They offer great protection from reflective surfaces like water and snow. The features of these tinted eyeglasses are ideal for:

Eliminating sun glare
Misty, foggy, and snowy weather conditions
Hockey
Cricket

Red/pink-tinted sunglasses

Red or pink lenses soothe the eyes as they block blue light and minimise eye strain and glare from screens. They can also improve depth perception and enhance details. When are they suitable to wear?

Driving / Racing
Skiing and other winter sports

Dark amber, copper, or brown-tinted sunglasses

Dark amber, copper or brown lenses are usually indicated for people with myopia, as they can help enhance contrast and clarity.

These lens colours also provide UV protection and can help judge distance in hazy and foggy conditions. The activities that pair well with these tints include:

Driving
Fishing
High altitude sports

Grey and black-tinted sunglasses

Grey and black lenses are a fantastic option for everyday use and work on bright and overcast days. This option of coloured lenses provides accurate colour perception while offering the most significant light reduction, reducing eyestrain.

You should grab a pair if you are into the following:

Water sports
Deep-sea fishing
Very sunny conditions
Baseball

Yellow-tinted glasses

Yellow tints filter out blue light and help the eyes pick out soft colours, which is beneficial in low-light conditions such as indoor sports and overcast days. Ideal activities for this colour of tinted sunglasses are:

Hiking in shaded areas
Mountain biking
Indoor use
Driving

Are tinted lenses worth it?

The importance of eyeglass tinting becomes evident after using the correct lenses for your activities. Tinted lenses provide adjustments that help you go through your day with ease.

For example, they equip wearers with the best alteration to stay safe when enjoying their favourite pastimes and sports.

They can help with photophobia, providing visual comfort to light-sensitive individuals
They can be used indoors and outdoors for better visibility. Tinted lenses can be great both outside as protection from the sun’s UV light as well as inside to safeguard your eyes from the blue light emitted by digital devices
Style and fashion options
More affordable than polarised sunglasses
Reduce visual stress

What are the disadvantages of tinted lenses?

Tinted eyeglasses and sunglasses also have a few downsides worth noting:

They can sometimes cause colour distortion
No advanced glare protection: Tinted lenses do not reduce glare/horizontal reflection

What is the difference between tinted and polarised lenses?

The main difference between polarised and tinted lenses is that polarisation reduces glare to the minimum.

Polarised lenses protect your eyes from UVA or UVB radiation; they also cut out horizontal light reflected from surfaces that create a distracting glare, making it difficult to see. Polarised sunglasses also enhance colour perception.

Moreover, polarisation is a filter integrated directly into the lens material, while the tints applied to glasses and sunglasses are an additional add-on.

Overall, polarised lenses remain a great option for anyone who spends a considerable amount of time outdoors, particularly on the water, where they can drastically improve comfort and safety.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tinting is an add-on added to your lenses, while polarisation is a filter integrated into the lens material. Tinted sunglasses are great for reducing brightness and UV rays, but they don’t necessarily eliminate harsh glare like polarised sunglasses can.

Should I try tinted lenses?

Glasses and sunglasses are not just fashion accessories; depending on what tint you choose, you can get different benefits to better your vision and maintain your eye health.

At SmartBuyGlasses, you can combine your prescription or plano lenses with grey, brown and green tints (even in different gradients) to match them with your needs and activities.

If you’re looking for guidance on adding a pair of tinted glasses to your wardrobe and are unsure where to start, talk to your eye doctor or our online team of certified opticians. They can help narrow your options to match your budget, needs and lifestyle.

Thin glasses frames – figuring out if they’re right for you

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Thin Glasses Frames – Are They Right for You?

Finding it challenging to decide which glasses frames to wear next? This guide will help.

Thought thin glasses frames were strictly reserved for older generations? Think again. Among fashion-forward men and women, thin-frame glasses are now linked with a sophisticated, elegant aesthetic.

Advantages of thin glasses frames

There are a few benefits to choosing thin glasses frames. Here are just some of them.

Comfort

Glasses with thin frames have a range of advantages, the most appealing being comfort. When you have a light frame material, your glasses weigh less, meaning a more comfortable experience.

No nose bridge imprint

Say goodbye to that unsightly nose bridge imprint! You know the one. Removing your eyewear shouldn’t have you feeling self-conscious about the mark left by nose pads.

Fortunately, with thin glasses frames you can be reassured that you are much less likely to experience this issue.

The minimal force at the points of contact between your face and glasses can make a big difference over a whole day of wearing your specs.

If you have a high prescription, you may still experience added weight on your nose, so this is something to consider when looking at thin frame glasses.

Snug fit

Continuously nudging your eyeglasses back up the bridge of your nose? Nudge no more. Thinner frames lend themselves to a closer fit on your face.

Coupled with the lightweight, slim design of thin frame eyeglasses, you no longer need to deal with them sliding down your nose.

Even those with thick lenses can enjoy this benefit. Thanks to technological advancements, it is easier to find lenses that fit your strong prescription needs and still offer sleek, thin lenses.

However, if, for example, you have -7.00 prescription in a 1.74 lens index, your glasses overall would still be thicker and heavier.

Do thin frames suit you?

Thin glasses frames offer a distinct look, and the benefit of lightweight comfort. Consider the below points when deciding whether they should be your next pair.

Give it personality

The right pair of eyeglasses needs to tick the function and style boxes for every wearer. Especially if you wear yours regularly, they should complement your look.

If you’re after a bold aesthetic, don’t shy away from these frames on account of their narrowness. Play with colour and materials to make your look stylish, while still enjoying the lightweight design.

Face shape

Determining which face shape you have is useful to help you narrow down the types of frames you should consider. Oval, square, round and heart… all of these face shapes have an ideal thin glasses frame pairing.

You can use our convenient face shape guide to see which category you fall into, as well as some tips for each face type.

What about your lens prescription?

Your lens prescription will have a role to play in the frames you wear. For each prescription, there is a recommended lens index.

The lens index indicates how light refracts through a lens, and in conjunction with your prescription, indicates the thickness; the higher the index, the thinner and lighter the lens can be made.

With a low index, your choice of eyeglass frames is narrowed down because your lenses are thicker, requiring the right frames to comfortably fit into.

With a high index, you may find you have more options to choose from, or could even go with a rimless option.

Finding the lightest weight frames

So, we already know that thin frame glasses are naturally more lightweight than their thicker framed counterparts.

You can also explore different materials, like metallic or acetate, to lighten the weight of your glasses even more.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel thin metal glasses frames have the advantage of being durable, strong, non-corrosive, and tend to be more affordable than some other popular metal materials like aluminium.

Flexon

Flexon is a popular choice for those with an active lifestyle. It’s a titanium alloy, and because it’s able to return to its original shape after being bent or twisted, its flexibility is suited to those who spend their time out and about.

Constantly bending and snapping your glasses? Flexon could be a good material for your frames.

Titanium

Strong and resistant to corrosion, titanium is another popular option for those who want their thin metal glasses frames to last.

If you have sensitive skin, titanium could be a smart choice if you want a metallic frame; its hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate your skin.

DID YOU KNOW?

Titanium has evolved into one of the most desirable materials for all types of items.

Acetate

If a metallic frame isn’t for you, you can experiment with colors by choosing acetate. Ideal for men and women who want to keep their look simple yet fashionable, these lightweight frames offer a sophisticated choice.

Experiment with different colours and finishes for a style that suits you.

Balance practicality with style

Choosing eyeglass frames can be challenging when you have such a variety of styles to shop from.

Now that you know about the different materials and colours to choose from, you can browse with confidence knowing that a pair of thin frame glasses allows you to enjoy the benefits of practicality while staying stylish.

Still need that extra confirmation about whether a pair suits you? Try out our easy-to-use Virtual Try-On tool.

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