What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?| How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses combine prescription lenses with sun protection. Order them online in just 4 easy steps!

Are you constantly straining your eyes to see while wearing non-prescription sunglasses outside? If you wear prescription glasses every day, it’s time to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses to wear outdoors. Prescription shades will give you the best of both worlds: clear vision and protected eyes.

Indeed, in addition to protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, prescription sunglasses will help you see, reduce eye strain, and help avoid squinting. Continue reading to learn more about what rx sunglasses are, their benefits, how to add your prescription online, and how to choose the best pair.

People who need prescription lenses sometimes still wear non-prescription sunglasses. Doing so can result in eye strain, headache, and frustration from being unable to see clearly in the sun. These irritating symptoms are far from ideal when combined with the sun, sea, sand, and sunscreen.

With prescription lens sunglasses, you can sunbathe, hike, and easily play outdoor sports. Sunglasses are available with prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. You can also get sunglasses with progressive lenses.

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

Your everyday lifestyle in the sun will transform once you invest in prescription sunglasses. Here is why:

They provide clear and protected vision on sunny days
They ensure you are not straining your eyes outside to avoid future eye issues
No need to carry around two pairs of glasses wherever you go
More comfortable than wearing contact lenses and sunglasses

How to order prescription sunglasses online

We recommend booking an appointment with your eye care provider for an up-to-date prescription before ordering your prescription lens sunglasses. However, if you have your RX details but they’re misplaced, try our Lens Scanner free app to find them in minutes.

Unlike contact lenses, your prescription will not differ for your eyeglasses and sunglasses. Once you have your prescription, you must follow these steps at SmartBuyGlasses:

At the customization stage, you can tailor the sunglasses lenses with options such as anti-reflective lenses that are UV400 protected. You can also choose popular mirrored prescription sunglasses or polarization lenses for your sunglasses. For more information, see the section ‘how to choose your prescription sunglasses’ later in this article.

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

Sunglasses with a prescription cost a bit more than non-prescription sunglasses since your specific prescription needs to be built into the lenses. However, in-store prescription lens sunglasses are often more expensive than buying them online.

How to choose prescription sunglasses

Firstly, choose the frame model you like. Read our short guide for some tips to determine what frame shape will suit you. You can also use our revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool to wear your chosen frames digitally before you buy!

Sunglasses with prescription lenses can be made with various materials, including high-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, CR-39 plastic lenses, trivex lenses, and even glass lenses. When selecting prescription lenses for your sunnies, there are several types of lenses to consider.

DID YOU KNOW?

Prescription sunglasses are the perfect solution to combine perfect vision and protected eyes. Shopping online for a pair it's easy and convenient, and you can customize them with different types of lenses.

Photochromic prescription lenses

A photochromic tint will give your lenses a transition effect – which means they will automatically adjust to changes in ambient light conditions. This means they darken in the sun and become clearer indoors, which is ideal if you do not want to carry multiple pairs of glasses.

Polarized prescription sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses greatly eliminate glare to improve visual comfort and reduce eye fatigue. This lens is ideal if you spend time near water, snow, driving, and playing outdoor sports.

Color-matching Lenses

By choosing this option, our manufacturers will match your prescription lenses to the same color as the original sunglasses’ lenses. These lenses will still offer you UV protection and ensure you look trendy!

Mirrored prescription sunglasses

Opting for mirrored prescription sunglasses is ideal for fashion-conscious wearers. The lenses have a mirrored coating that helps to reflect light away from your eyes more than any regular tinted sunglasses.

We recommend contacting your optician to ensure you have the correct and updated prescription before you start shopping. Plus, if you still have some questions about prescription sunglasses, you can talk with one of the certified online opticians at SmartBuyGlasses.

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it? | How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

Find the best prescription sunglasses online that will ensure perfect vision and rock your wardrobe!

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

They provide clear and protected vision on sunny days
They ensure you are not straining your eyes outside to avoid future eye issues
No need to carry around two pairs of glasses wherever you go
More comfortable than wearing contact lenses and sunglasses

How to order prescription sunglasses online

We recommend booking an appointment with your eye care provider for an up-to-date prescription before ordering your prescription lens sunglasses.

However, if you have your current Rx details prescription but they’re misplaced, try our Lens Scanner free app to reveal them in minutes. Unlike contact lenses, your prescription will not differ for your eyeglasses and sunglasses. Once you have your prescription, you must follow these steps at SmartBuyGlasses:

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

Sunglasses with a prescription cost a bit more than non-prescription sunglasses since your specific prescription needs to be built into the lenses.

However, in-store prescription lens sunglasses are often more expensive than buying them online.

How to order prescription sunglasses online

DID YOU KNOW?

Photochromic prescription lenses

Polarized prescription sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses greatly eliminate glare to improve visual comfort and reduce eye fatigue. This lens is ideal if you spend time near water, snow, driving, and playing outdoor sports.

Color-matching lenses

Mirrored prescription sunglasses

UV Protection Sunglasses – How Different Protection Categories Work

Many people use sunglasses as a fashion accessory to add a touch of sophistication to their style during the spring...

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses are high-functioning glasses with many benefits. While the term may sound familiar, you may have many questions like...

UV Protection Sunglasses – How Different Protection Categories Work

Many people use sunglasses as a fashion accessory to add a touch of sophistication to their style during the spring...

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Polarized sunglasses are high-functioning glasses with many benefits. While the term may sound familiar, you may have many questions like...

How To Get Used to Glasses

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How To Get Used To Glasses

How long does it take to adjust to new glasses? | Is it normal for new glasses to feel weird? | Is it normal for glasses to be blurry at first? | Is it normal to feel dizzy with new glasses? | Do new glasses give you a headache? | Is there an adjustment period for new glasses? | Best way to adjust to new glasses

A new, or first, pair of glasses can take some getting used to. Find out if you're experiencing the normal adjustment process or if there may be a problem with your glasses.

Buying a new pair of prescription glasses can help you with clearer vision, but it can also cause discomfort at first. If you are new to glasses, it is crucial to know that many factors play into adjusting to a new pair.

New prescription glasses can cause dizziness or headaches even if you’re a glasses wearer. If you want to find out why that happens and need a few tips on adjusting to new glasses, keep reading this article.

How long does it take to adjust to new glasses?

Adjusting to new glasses is different for everyone. For some, it takes a few days; for others, it takes more. Not only do your eyes muscles have to adjust to the new lenses, but your brain has to adjust too.

The adjusting time frame depends on many factors; it can either be based on the complexity of your prescription or the type of lenses you choose.

If you are a glasses wearer, adjusting to a new prescription can also depend on your personal sensitivity, or for how long you wore your last pair of glasses. Progressive lenses, for example, tend to be the hardest to get used to.

Is it normal for new glasses to feel weird?

The short answer is yes; new glasses can feel weird. As we already said, getting used to either having a new prescription or starting to wear glasses takes some time. While some symptoms may be expected and typical, it is still essential to analyze what is happening and understand if what you’re experiencing is common and temporary or if the glasses are not right for you.

If this is your first time wearing glasses, it is important to understand where the discomfort comes from. Is it from the lenses? Or is it from the frames?

Having glasses sit on your face all day can be quite unpleasant the first few days; if the back or your ears hurt and you have severe nose marks, you may have chosen the wrong glasses size. You may also consider selecting a pair of frames made with lightweight materials like titanium.

Is it normal for glasses to be blurry at first?

Having blurry vision the first few days of wearing new prescription glasses is very common. With time passing, the blurriness should gradually begin to fade.

Please consult an eyecare specialist if no improvement happens over the first few days. Your prescription may need to be corrected, and continuing to wear the glasses may cause damage to your vision.

Is it normal to feel dizzy with new glasses?

Dizziness is another common symptom during the first few days of wearing new glasses. Your brain may struggle to adapt to the new prescription, making you feel dizzy, nauseous, and lightheaded.

While these symptoms are unpleasant or not what you expect when wearing glasses, they are usually short-lived and disappear in a few days. If, after a few days, the discomfort is still there, please consult an eye specialist.

Do new glasses give you a headache?

Headaches and eyestrain are commonly associated with new prescription glasses. The discomfort is more likely normal, so don’t panic. New lenses usually make your eye muscles respond differently compared to the old lenses or compared to not wearing lenses at all. Listed below, you will find four useful tips on how to help get used to new glasses.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you’re still experiencing blurriness, dizziness, headaches or any other discomfort after five or six days, you should consult an eye care specialist.

Is there an adjustment period for new glasses?

As already mentioned, the adjusting period is different for everyone. While some may get used to the new prescription in a couple of days, others may need 5-6 days to start seeing clearly without experiencing discomfort.

It is crucial to note that although experiencing headaches, eye strain, dizziness, and blurry vision is expected, if the symptoms are severe and no improvement is visible after the first few days, you must consult an eye care specialist.

Wearing the glasses for an extended period while experiencing these discomforts is not advised, as it may damage your vision.

Best way to adjust to new glasses

If you’re new to wearing glasses and are looking for tips on what to do to ease the adjusting process, here are some tips for you:

Wear the glasses as much as your eye doctor advised: do not avoid wearing your glasses or go back to your old ones. Your eyes need to adjust to the new prescription, so wear them as much as advised.
Give your eyes some rest. When experiencing eye strain, it is essential to give your eyes some rest. Remove the glasses, close your eyes, and take some time with your eyes closed to give them a break.
Make sure you move your head: first-time glasses wearers tend to avoid moving their heads because of the new feeling of having them on their heads. Move your head as usual; the glasses will not fall off your face; if they do, you might need to check the size.
Clean your glasses regularly. Even the smallest amount of dirt can increase discomfort for new glasses wearers, so make sure you clean the glasses regularly using a microfiber cloth and an optical spray. Remember to store the glasses in their case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

If you have more questions regarding prescription glasses, you can head to our Optical Center and ask our certified opticians for help.

Nighttime Driving Glasses

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Nighttime Driving Glasses

What are night driving glasses? | Factors that make it harder to see at night | Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare | Do night driving glasses work? | Are there prescription glasses for driving at night? | The best glasses for driving at night

Low light and the glare of headlights and streetlights make driving at night challenging for some. Nighttime driving glasses are one possible solution, although there are mixed opinions on their effectiveness.

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous.

Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work?

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

What are night driving glasses?

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

An anti-glare coating on your own glasses could be a more effective solution that nighttime driving glasses.

Factors that make it harder to see at night

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

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

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

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

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

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them.

Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see.

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses.

Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult.

Do night driving glasses work?

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving.

According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians.

In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving.

It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes.

The best glasses for driving at night

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

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

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

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

How to Wear a Face Mask with Glasses

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How To Wear A Face Mask With Glasses

Fix the mask fit | Adjust the position of the mask | Remove a layer or get a new filter | How to clean foggy eyeglasses

Using a face mask is particularly frustrating when you also wear glasses. These tips can make it a little less of an inconvenience.

In many places of public gathering, it is now mandatory to wear a face mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19. These new regulations can come with some unexpected obstacles for those who are new to wearing PPE.

Do you feel like your vision is being compromised due to foggy glasses caused by condensation from your protective face mask? Read here for tips on what to do when your glasses get foggy:

Fix the mask fit

If condensation is building up, causing foggy eyeglasses while wearing a mask, this means your breath is escaping through the top of your mask. Proper fitting of your face mask will ensure that your breath passes through the material, not out the sides or top resulting in foggy glasses.

Some face masks have a bendable metal to adjust around the bridge of your nose which will seal the mask at the top of the face, stopping your breath from moving upwards. If you are using a homemade mask, you can insert any bendable material such as a pipe cleaner to create this seal and avoid foggy eyeglasses.

Adjust the position of the mask

Proper face mask fitting will cover most of your nose and all of your mouth, wrapping around the bottom of your chin. You can adjust the mask to sit a bit lower on the nose which will stop any air escaping out of the top and creating foggy glasses.

Still, always keep in mind that in order for the face mask to work properly, it should completely cover the nose and mouth.

Contrarily, you can also adjust the mask to sit higher on your face, using your glasses as an anchoring tool to seal off space where breath escapes upwards, resulting in foggy eyeglasses.

Again, your mask should not be pulled up so high that it creates open space between your chin and the bottom of your mask as this can work against the effectiveness of the face mask.

DID YOU KNOW?

An anti-fog coating on your glasses is the most effective way to combat the condensation created when wearing a mask.

Remove a layer or get a new filter

If you’re using a homemade mask and it’s causing foggy eyeglasses, this could be a sign that there isn’t proper airflow through the material of the mask. Try removing a layer of material if you believe this is the case.

Always remember that the extra layer of material could be an extra layer of protection from contracting or spreading the coronavirus, and it should only be removed if restricting proper airflow.

If you are using a mask with a filter, consider replacing the filter with one that allows for more airflow. You can also consider using a face shield or a pair of anti-fog safety goggles that protect against condensation build-up. Read here for more information about the potential benefits of face shields and the best anti-fog safety glasses.

How to clean foggy eyeglasses

Another way to protect against foggy glasses is to wash your lenses. Washing your glasses with lotion-free and citrus-free dish soap and letting them air dry could create a layer of protection that reduces condensation build-up.

Read our article on how to clean your glasses to avoid using materials or techniques that could damage your lenses.

Anti-fog coating for your glasses is another great way to avoid foggy glasses. Anti-fog glasses coatings are specifically designed to protect your lenses and not only will last longer than a soap solution but also won’t interfere with clear vision. You can read here for information about anti-fog glasses coating, anti-reflective coating, and more.

How can I avoid ordering lenses which are too thick?

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How Can I Avoid Ordering Lenses Which Are Too Thick?

How to avoid

Learn about the relationship between glasses prescription and lens thickness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

A higher lens index means thinner lenses, and a lower lens index means thicker ones.

What are Computer Glasses?

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What are Computer Glasses?

Find out how computer glasses work and the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses.

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

What type of glasses are best for computer use?

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

Headaches
Blurry vision
Tired eyes
Dry eyes
Eye twitching
Red eyes
Sleep problems
Neck pain

Because our eyes are not used to staring at close objects for a very long period of time and are very sensitive to the potentially harmful blue light emitted by screens, wearing computer glasses can be beneficial and help relieve the discomforts listed above.

Difference between computer glasses and regular glasses?

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

Computer glasses vs reading glasses

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

How do computer glasses work?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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

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

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

Who needs computer glasses?

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

Do I need a different prescription for computer glasses?

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

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

Do computer glasses really work?

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

Benefits of computer glasses

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

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

Where to Find the Perfect Pair of computer reading glasses

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

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

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

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

How much are prescription glasses

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How Much Are Prescription Glasses

Average cost of eyeglasses | How much do glasses frames cost? | How much should you spend on glasses? | Affordable glasses vs. expensive | Where to buy affordable prescription glasses | How much are prescription glasses without insurance? | How much are prescription glasses with insurance? | How much are blue light prescription glasses?

There are a lot of variables onvolved when buying prescription glasses, so prices can vary. This guide will help you understand the different factors affecting price.

Buying new prescription glasses can look like a long and complicated process, especially with so many options on the market. If you’re unsure of how much are prescription glasses and how much you should spend on a good, long-lasting pair of prescription eyewear, keep reading this article.

We’ll give you all the information you need to make the best and most convenient purchase for you.

Average cost of eyeglasses

Glasses can be quite expensive; the average cost varies from state to state and can go from 50$ to 200$. There are many variables regarding glasses prices, the first being the frames, the second being the lenses, and the lens coatings. When choosing lenses, standard ones tend to be the less expensive, while Transitions® are more costly.

The same goes for lens coatings; based on your daily activities, you might need an anti-reflecting coating or blue light block, which will affect the final cost of the glasses.

How much do glasses frames cost?

Glasses frames can be very affordable or extremely expensive, depending on your chosen brand. Many affordable brands offer nice and stylish frames at very reasonable prices that make you look good and help you improve your vision.

On the other hand, if you’re a fan of designer brands and want something long-lasting, there are brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, Prada, and many more, that work on creating the most high-end trendy frames.

Another factor to consider when choosing the frames and checking the price is the material:

Acetate frames are solid, hypoallergenic, and flexible, making the glasses extra comfortable and perfect for all-day wear.

Plastic frames are sturdy and have the broadest range of colors.

Metal frames are thin and lightweight but also very durable. You can choose different metals, like stainless steel or titanium.

Wood frames are made with 100% wood, sustainable, stylish, and lightweight.

Each of these materials has different costs and is used to achieve different results; that’s why it is crucial to understand your needs and choose your frames based on all the factors mentioned above.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find glasses for as little as $7 in our SmartBuy Collection.

How much should you spend on glasses?

Good vision is essential, which is why quality is the main factor when buying a new pair of prescription glasses. There is no set price you should spend on glasses; it all depends on your budget and your needs.

After establishing your budget, you must consider your main requests: either adding a specific lens coating to your lenses or having lightweight frames, and so on.

Affordable glasses vs. expensive

Contrary to popular belief, buying new prescription glasses does not have to be that expensive. Some options can be expensive, but affordable glasses have many benefits.

Many affordable options on the market are good quality and long-lasting, like
SmartBuy Collection, which offers many stylish and sleek frames and allows adding prescription lenses without breaking the bank.

Where to buy affordable prescription glasses?

There are many options, both in-store and online. If you’re looking for new prescription eyewear that won’t require leaving your house and trying on frames in-store, SmartBuyGlasses is a perfect option.

You can add your prescription manually or upload a picture, and SBG will do the rest, delivering the glasses to your door within days. If this is your first time buying prescription glasses online, check out our guide on how to buy glasses online.

How much are prescription glasses without insurance?

Depending on your country, the cost of prescription glasses without insurance can be pretty high. As mentioned above, there are different factors, such as the cost of frames, lenses, lens coatings, and add-ons. Without vision insurance, the cost can vary from 100 to 300$, depending on different factors.

How much are prescription glasses with insurance?

Some vision insurance covers the cost of frames, lenses, and add-ons. To ensure your insurance covers all these features, please consult your insurance provider before making a purchase.

Remember, it is necessary to have a valid prescription before buying a new pair of glasses. You will need to book a doctor’s appointment and have a check-up, usually covered by vision insurance.

How much are blue light prescription glasses?

The blue light block is one of the many lens coatings that can be added to lenses. This coating is not too expensive. It can be added to your lenses at a variety of price points.

If you want to read more about blue light-blocking lenses, you can read our article about them, and if you have any more questions regarding prescription glasses, feel free to reach out to our opticians through our Optical Center.

What to Do About Watery Eyes

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What To Do About Watery Eyes

Causes of watery eyes | Watery eyes treatment | How to put in eye drops | After you put in eye drops for watery eyes

Watery eyes are a common problem that can affect people of any age. depending on th ecause, there are various ways to treat this issue.

Causes of watery eyes

Watery eyes, also known as teary eyes or weeping eyes, is a common complaint for people of all ages. Watery eyes are especially common for infants, as their tear duct can be slow to fully develop and open. A tear duct is a small tube that allows your tears to drain from your eyes to your nose

Adults can also have problems with their tear duct, such as a blockage, which will result in itchy watery eyes. Other common causes of watery eyes include seasonal allergies, viral infections, foreign objects in the eye, some medications, aging, and even dry eyes.

Watery eyes treatment

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

Foreign Object: If there is a foreign object in your eye, such as an ingrown eyelash, your doctor will remove it and that should solve your watery eye problem.

Bacterial Infection: In cases of a bacterial infection, such as pink eye, your doctor may prescribe you some form of antibiotics.

Blocked Tear Duct: If you have a blocked tear duct, your eye care professional may perform an outpatient procedure to help flush it out with a saline solution.

Seasonal Allergies: If you have watery eyes due to seasonal allergies, you might want to consider getting a pair of protective sunglasses while you are outdoors.

Dry Eyes: If your watery eyes are a symptom of dry eyes, you might be prescribed eye drops to help solve the dry eyes and eliminate the symptoms.

DID YOU KNOW?

Strangely enough, watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eyes! Some eye drops may be in order to ensure regular hydration levels.

How to put in eye drops

While the thought of putting in eye drops can scare some people, it is actually a rather simple process. When you are prescribed eye drops for watery eyes, your doctor should give you specific instructions on how to apply eye drops.

If you’re still now sure how to put in eye drops, you can follow these simple instructions, always keeping in mind that the instructions may vary depending on your specific condition.

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

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

After you put in eye drops for watery eyes

Always be sure that when you use eye drops for watery eyes, you do not touch the actual bottle to any part of your eye. The eyes are very delicate and doing so could risk scratching the cornea or spreading germs. When you’re learning how to use eye drops,

it is important to remember that once they have been applied, you should close your eyes, rather than blink. This will stop the eye drops for watery eyes from escaping before they have a chance to be effective. Lastly, you should wipe any unabsorbed drops with a tissue and wash your hands.

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

What Are the Three Types of Eye Doctors?

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What Are the Three Types of Eye Doctors?

Learn about the different roles of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians, and the services they offer.

SUMMARY

The three types of eye doctors are:

1. Ophthalmologists: Medical professionals specialized in eye and vision care. Their services include diagnosis, treatment of eye diseases, and surgical procedures.

2. Optometrists: Doctors of Optometry who provide primary vision care, such as eye exams, sight tests, and corrective lenses prescriptions.

3. Opticians: Technicians trained to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions. They are not qualified to diagnose or treat eye conditions.

People tend to take their health for granted, and eye health is no exception. The general vision comfort and lack of eye pain that most of us enjoy on a daily basis isn’t given a second thought, until that situation changes. When it does, we become acutely aware that something isn’t right, but we can’t diagnose and treat it ourselves.

So who should you seek eye care from? An optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician? Are they all eye doctors? Are they all medical doctors? Choosing the right eye care professional plays an important role in maintaining your eye health.

There are actually just two main types of eye doctors: optometrists and ophthalmologists. Opticians can provide certain optical services but they are not healthcare professionals. If you are confused about the role of each one and what they can do to help, here is our guide explaining the key differences between them.

What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are the most highly qualified eye care specialists and are licensed to practice medicine.

This enables them to diagnose and treat a wide range of vision disorders and eye health problems, and to perform eye surgery. To see an ophthalmologist, you need a referral from an optometrist or a GP.

DID YOU KNOW

Most ophthalmologists participate in academic research at some stage in their training, and many continue it throughout their careers.

Ophthalmologists generally complete 12-14 years of education, including medical school and additional medical training. They can specialize in a specific area, meaning they may have more in-depth training and knowledge on certain complex conditions and eye diseases.

Ophthalmologists provide the following services:

Vision services: performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and fitting eyeglasses to correct vision problems.
Diagnosing and prescribing medications to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
Performing eye surgery for trauma, cataracts
Plastic surgery relevant to the eyes, such as eyelid surgery
Implementing laser therapy

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry as opposed to a medical doctor. This is the main difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. After college, they complete an average of four years (this can vary from country to country) of optometry school rather than medical school.

They receive a doctor of optometry degree upon completion of their professional program. As they are licensed to practice optometry, their primary responsibility is to provide vision care services such as eye exams and vision tests, as well as to detect certain eye conditions and prescribe medications.

They are not trained or licensed to perform surgical procedures and will refer you to an ophthalmologist if surgery is required.

Optometrists provide the following services:

Primary vision care services: eye exams, sight testing, and routine eye care
Writing prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses
Fitting corrective lenses and other visual aids to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
Prescribing medications to treat eye conditions and some eye diseases
Providing post-surgical eye care and vision therapy

What is an optician?

Opticians, also called optical dispensers in some countries, are not eye doctors, so performing medical and surgical procedures is beyond their remit. An optician is a customer care representative in a vision care store or in an optometrist’s office. They sometimes also provide online assistance, as is the case with our ask the optician feature.

They are technicians trained to design, verify, and fit the frames and lenses of eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye conditions, give medications or perform surgeries to treat eye diseases.

Opticians provide the following services:

Fitting and dispensing corrective lenses for eyeglasses or contact lenses based on the prescription written by the optometrist/ophthalmologist
Selling, adjusting, and repairing eyeglasses and contact lenses
Providing information related to types of lenses and frames to help you decide which works best for you

Which type of eye doctor should I see?

The type of eye doctor you choose will depend largely on your condition and the type of eye care required. If your eyes are healthy and you do not need any prescription medications or surgical treatment, you can go to either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, as both can perform routine eye checks.

If you have common, minor eye problems such as dry eyes or eye infections, you can seek out medical treatment from an optometrist.

If your eye problems are more severe such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts, you need a highly trained and skilled eye specialist as they have the ability to monitor and treat your condition.

In these situations, an ophthalmologist is your ideal choice. The ophthalmologist may be required to perform surgery if needed to treat your eye disease. You’ll need a referral from your GP or optometrist should this be the case.

Last but not least, referrals are often a good idea when you are choosing an eye doctor. You can look for recommendations from friends and family to help you to find a competent eye specialist who you trust.

How often should I get an eye test?

Regular eye tests are key to maintaining healthy vision. Due to the nature of the eye and the processes of growth and aging, the recommended frequency of eye tests is not the same for every age group.

6 months – 5 years old: In the absence of signs of vision loss, a child should have their first eye test at 6 months old. They should then have another one between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. If you ever have concerns about your child’s vision, for example, if they often walk into things or are accident prone, seek to see a professional.
6-18 years old: Children and teenagers grow rapidly, which means that vision problems can develop suddenly. Annual eye tests ensure that any potential vision changes are detected and the cause treated as soon as possible.
19-64 years old: An eye test every two years is advised for people in this age bracket. More regular tests could be necessary depending on eye health and family medical history.
65+ years old: Many eye problems can develop or worsen as we get older, sometimes as a result of other existing health conditions. Yearly eye tests are recommended for those over the age of 65, in order to monitor the progress or potential development of conditions like presbyopia, cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.
These are just general guidelines. You should always follow the advice of your eye doctor in relation to how often you need to get your eyes tested. People with different vision and eye health issues may require check-ups more frequently than what is outlined above.

Choosing the right eye care professional

Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians are all different types of eye care professionals, educated and trained to perform different functions. When you have a problem with your eyes or eyewear, try to evaluate the severity of the situation before deciding on the best course of action.

For example, ophthalmologists are the most highly qualified eye health professionals capable of providing the most complete eye care. As such, there could be a longer waiting list for an appointment with an ophthalmologist than an optometrist. But depending on the eye care you require, an optometrist may be able to provide the same service, possibly at an earlier date.

When your prescription is up to date, and your needs are strictly related to your eyewear, you can go to an optician. They can give advice and recommendations on which types of lenses and frames would work best for you, provide new eyewear, and repair or adjust your glasses.

At the same time, remember that an optician is not a medical doctor and therefore cannot diagnose or treat your eye disease. An optometrist can write prescriptions to treat certain conditions, but will not be able to provide surgical intervention if it’s needed.

Consulting the wrong person can be a waste of time for both you and the eye health professionals, and will only prolong and possibly exacerbate your problem. To ensure you get the necessary eye care as efficiently as possible, bookmark this article for quick access and check it whenever you have doubts about who you should see.

You can ask our opticians if you’re still unsure, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

What is Macular Degeneration?

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What is Macular Degeneration?

What is macular degeneration? | Dry macular degeneration & wet macular degeneration | Age-related macular degeneration symptoms | What causes macular degeneration? | Age-related macular degeneration treatments | How to prevent age-related 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.

What is macular degeneration?

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.

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?| How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

How to order prescription sunglasses online

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

How to choose prescription sunglasses

DID YOU KNOW?

Photochromic prescription lenses

Polarized prescription sunglasses

Color-matching Lenses

Mirrored prescription sunglasses

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it? | How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

How to order prescription sunglasses online

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

How to order prescription sunglasses online

DID YOU KNOW?

Photochromic prescription lenses

Polarized prescription sunglasses

Color-matching lenses

Mirrored prescription sunglasses

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How To Get Used To Glasses

How long does it take to adjust to new glasses?

Is it normal for new glasses to feel weird?

Is it normal for glasses to be blurry at first?

Is it normal to feel dizzy with new glasses?

Do new glasses give you a headache?

DID YOU KNOW?

Is there an adjustment period for new glasses?

Best way to adjust to new glasses

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Nighttime Driving Glasses

What are night driving glasses? | Factors that make it harder to see at night | Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare | Do night driving glasses work? | Are there prescription glasses for driving at night? | The best glasses for driving at night

What are night driving glasses?

DID YOU KNOW?

Factors that make it harder to see at night

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Do night driving glasses work?

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

The best glasses for driving at night

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How To Wear A Face Mask With Glasses

Fix the mask fit | Adjust the position of the mask | Remove a layer or get a new filter | How to clean foggy eyeglasses

Fix the mask fit

Adjust the position of the mask

DID YOU KNOW?

Remove a layer or get a new filter

How to clean foggy eyeglasses

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How Can I Avoid Ordering Lenses Which Are Too Thick?

How to avoid

DID YOU KNOW?

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What are Computer Glasses?

What type of glasses are best for computer use?