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How To Get Used to Glasses

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What's the best way to get used to new glasses?

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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 analyse 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.

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: 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 Centre and ask our certified opticians for help.

Ask the Optician

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How To Get Used to 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 analyse 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.

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: 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 Centre and ask our certified opticians for help.

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Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Night Driving?

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Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Night Driving?

Blue light glasses have become quite popular for those who use technology daily, which is likely most of us. Blue light glasses help filter the harmful blue light rays emitted from digital screens. While we understand how they work to protect against screens, we have begun to question the other benefits of blue light glasses.

Driving at night can sometimes be stressful. With low levels of natural light combined with bright headlight glare, it’s no wonder some people tend to stay off the road at night. Driving at night may be even more difficult for people who wear glasses, or suffer from vision issues. But what if the blue light glasses we reach for at our computer screens could also help us drive at night?

What is blue light?

Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. Although the eyes can see blue light, they cannot effectively filter it, allowing more to pass through the front (cornea and lens) to the back of the eye (retina).

Wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm). Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is within the 380-500 nm range, giving it the shortest wavelength and the highest energy. Sunlight is the most significant source of blue light. Other sources include fluorescent light, LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones and tablet screens.

What are blue light blocking glasses?

Over time, constant exposure to blue light could damage cells in the retina and cause vision problems. Blue light glasses help to reduce the possible harm and adverse effects of extended blue light exposure from electronics. They have lenses with a special coating or tinted glass designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes. Too much blue light could cause eyestrain, headaches, eye damage and reduced sleep. According to the Vision Council (Vision Watch, 2019), nearly six out of 10 American adults report digital eye strain symptoms.

Does wearing blue light glasses help with headlight glare?

Headlights and most street lights are now made with LED lights which emit high levels of blue light. This can make driving at night challenging because of the blue light glare these bulbs cause. Blue light has the shortest wavelength but the highest amount of energy, making it the most likely to cause glare. For some, these glares, combined with existing vision issues, can make driving at night dangerous.

While blue light glasses won’t correct your vision, they may help you see more clearly while driving at night. Luckily, the coatings and tinted lenses on blue light glasses don’t only block the blue light from screens. They also reduce glare by scattering the blue light from these light sources.

Are night driving glasses and blue light glasses the same? 

Night driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses and are usually non-prescription. They often have some anti-reflective coating to help with night driving by minimising reflections. The two have similar purposes, to filter blue light, but are generally used in different situations. Nighttime driving glasses have mixed reviews when it comes to driving at night. Many studies have shown that they do not provide any visual benefits for night driving.

What type of glasses help with night driving?

The best pair of glasses might not be the same for everyone, so it is important to speak with your eye doctor if you have trouble seeing or driving at night. Research has shown that nighttime driving glasses may not help with night driving and were not reported to improve vision, especially in pedestrian detection.

While there is no research regarding blue light blocking glasses and nighttime driving, if the lenses are not tinted, they will likely not impact your vision or field of view. The best pair of glasses will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. If you have questions about different lenses, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our Opticians.

The safest option might be adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses. This coating reduces reflections on your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Fewer reflections mean more light can reach your eyes, improving vision.

How can I improve my vision for driving at night?

There are many things to consider when heading out on the road at night. If you wear prescription glasses, keep your lenses fit with your up-to-date prescription. Consider an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating or anti-glare blue light glasses. Ensure your glasses are clean, as smudges can enhance glare. Do the same for your windshield; streaks and dust can amplify glare. Keeping your dashboard lights dim can help reduce eye strain.

Driving at night with blue light glasses

Blue light glasses have become more popular as we spend more time in front of screens. Clear blue light glasses are now gaining popularity in front of windshields, providing drivers with blue light blocking benefits. Blue light glasses may be an excellent solution for those who experience glare while driving at night and do not have serious vision needs.

Additionally, for those who wear prescription glasses, SmartBuyGlasses offers the option to add blue light-blocking tints directly to your prescription lenses to give you both clear vision and the benefits of blue light glasses. If you still have questions about blue light glasses and their effect on driving, speak with your eye doctor or one of our opticians for more information.

Vision Watch. (2019, January 7). The Vision Council shines light on protecting sight – and health – in a multi-screen era. Vision Council. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-shines-light-protecting-sight-and-health-multi-screen-era

Ask the Optician

ASK NOW

Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Night Driving?

Blue light glasses have become quite popular for those who use technology daily, which is likely most of us. Blue light glasses help filter the harmful blue light rays emitted from digital screens. While we understand how they work to protect against screens, we have begun to question the other benefits of blue light glasses.

Driving at night can sometimes be stressful. With low levels of natural light combined with bright headlight glare, it’s no wonder some people tend to stay off the road at night. Driving at night may be even more difficult for people who wear glasses, or suffer from vision issues. But what if the blue light glasses we reach for at our computer screens could also help us drive at night?

What is blue light?

Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. Although the eyes can see blue light, they cannot effectively filter it, allowing more to pass through the front (cornea and lens) to the back of the eye (retina).

Wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm). Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is within the 380-500 nm range, giving it the shortest wavelength and the highest energy. Sunlight is the most significant source of blue light. Other sources include fluorescent light, LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones and tablet screens.

What are blue light blocking glasses?

Over time, constant exposure to blue light could damage cells in the retina and cause vision problems. Blue light glasses help to reduce the possible harm and adverse effects of extended blue light exposure from electronics. They have lenses with a special coating or tinted glass designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes. Too much blue light could cause eyestrain, headaches, eye damage and reduced sleep. According to the Vision Council (Vision Watch, 2019), nearly six out of 10 American adults report digital eye strain symptoms.

Does wearing blue light glasses help with headlight glare?

Headlights and most street lights are now made with LED lights which emit high levels of blue light. This can make driving at night challenging because of the blue light glare these bulbs cause. Blue light has the shortest wavelength but the highest amount of energy, making it the most likely to cause glare. For some, these glares, combined with existing vision issues, can make driving at night dangerous.

While blue light glasses won’t correct your vision, they may help you see more clearly while driving at night. Luckily, the coatings and tinted lenses on blue light glasses don’t only block the blue light from screens. They also reduce glare by scattering the blue light from these light sources.

Are night driving glasses and blue light glasses the same? 

Night driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses and are usually non-prescription. They often have some anti-reflective coating to help with night driving by minimising reflections. The two have similar purposes, to filter blue light, but are generally used in different situations. Nighttime driving glasses have mixed reviews when it comes to driving at night. Many studies have shown that they do not provide any visual benefits for night driving.

What type of glasses help with night driving?

The best pair of glasses might not be the same for everyone, so it is important to speak with your eye doctor if you have trouble seeing or driving at night. Research has shown that nighttime driving glasses may not help with night driving and were not reported to improve vision, especially in pedestrian detection.

While there is no research regarding blue light blocking glasses and nighttime driving, if the lenses are not tinted, they will likely not impact your vision or field of view. The best pair of glasses will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. If you have questions about different lenses, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our Opticians.

The safest option might be adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses. This coating reduces reflections on your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Fewer reflections mean more light can reach your eyes, improving vision.

How can I improve my vision for driving at night?

There are many things to consider when heading out on the road at night. If you wear prescription glasses, keep your lenses fit with your up-to-date prescription. Consider an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating or anti-glare blue light glasses. Ensure your glasses are clean, as smudges can enhance glare. Do the same for your windshield; streaks and dust can amplify glare. Keeping your dashboard lights dim can help reduce eye strain.

Driving at night with blue light glasses

Blue light glasses have become more popular as we spend more time in front of screens. Clear blue light glasses are now gaining popularity in front of windshields, providing drivers with blue light blocking benefits. Blue light glasses may be an excellent solution for those who experience glare while driving at night and do not have serious vision needs.

Additionally, for those who wear prescription glasses, SmartBuyGlasses offers the option to add blue light-blocking tints directly to your prescription lenses to give you both clear vision and the benefits of blue light glasses. If you still have questions about blue light glasses and their effect on driving, speak with your eye doctor or one of our opticians for more information.

 

Vision Watch. (2019, January 7). The Vision Council shines light on protecting sight – and health – in a multi-screen era. Vision Council. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-shines-light-protecting-sight-and-health-multi-screen-era

Glasses Measurements: Everything You Need To Know

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Glasses Measurements: Everything You Need To Know

In the past, shopping for eyeglasses involved tedious trips to eyewear stores, fitting frames, and perusing a few shelves of glasses. That’s not so much the case anymore; online retailers like SmartBuyGlasses have been established for years, and, as a result, there is a near-unlimited amount of colours, sizes, and eyewear designs on sale.

When buying online, knowing your glasses’ measurements is crucial. That is why we’ll explain what glasses measurements are and how to find them. 

Eyeglass size explained

You may have noticed all glasses have three numbers engraved on the temples. They represent the glasses’ measurements: the lens width, bridge size, and temple arm length, respectively. Dots, dashes, or vertical bars usually separate these numbers. Some frames may have a fourth number, which refers to the height of the frames. In some cases, acetate frames will have the eye size and bridge size on the nose pads on a plastic frame. All these glasses measurements are measured in millimetres (mm). 

 

 

Eyeglass frame measurements

The frame width is the horizontal measurement of the frames, including hinges or designs that stick out at the sides. To measure the width of the frames, take a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the entire horizontal front of the frame from the further extended point to the other. 

Eyeglass lens measurements

Lenses can be measured both in height and width. The lens height is the vertical measurement of the eyeglass lenses. This is important for bifocal lenses and progressive lenses. Lens width refers to the width of the lenses, which must be measured horizontally. 

This typically ranges from 40 mm to 60 mm. To take these measurements, place the measuring tape on the lenses, first vertically, then horizontally, and only measure from one side of the lens to the other, ensuring no part of the frames is included.

How to measure your bridge size for glasses 

The bridge size is the distance between the two rims or lenses of the eyeglasses where the nose pads are located. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm. Place the measuring tape right between the two lenses to measure the bridge and see how many millimetres are between the nearest points. 

 

How to measure your temple length for glasses

This refers to how long the temple is. Measure your temples from the hinge to the tip, and you’ll come up with the temple length. Usually, it’s between 120mm and 150mm.

How to find out PD for glasses

The pupillary distance is another crucial measurement when ordering glasses online. To find out your pupillary distance, you can either use our online tool or do it manually with the help of a ruler.

Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler up to the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrows.

Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking in the mirror, align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.

Step 3: Keeping the ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.

Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s centre. This number is your pupillary distance.

Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate result.​​​​

If you struggle doing it yourself, you can ask a friend to help you with this and check out our quick and easy tutorial.

I’ve measured my glasses. Now what?

Now that you have all the information on your glasses’ measurements and know how to take them, it will be way easier when shopping online. Glasses’ measurements won’t be a mystery anymore, and you will confidently be able to choose the right pair of glasses. 

If you need help determining what glasses size will fit best, we have an easy guide to help with that. You will have to measure your temples from one side to the other and check out our size table to find the recommended size based on your measurements.

If you have more questions regarding your glasses size or prescription, head out to our Optical Centre. Our informative articles will help answer your questions, or ask one of our certified online opticians to clarify your doubts. 

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Ask the Optician

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Glasses Measurements: Everything You Need To Know

In the past, shopping for eyeglasses involved tedious trips to eyewear stores, fitting frames, and perusing a few shelves of glasses. That’s not so much the case anymore; online retailers like SmartBuyGlasses have been established for years, and, as a result, there is a near-unlimited amount of colours, sizes, and eyewear designs on sale.

When buying online, knowing your glasses’ measurements is crucial. That is why we’ll explain what glasses measurements are and how to find them.

Eyeglass size explained


You may have noticed all glasses have three numbers engraved on the temples. They represent the glasses’ measurements: the lens width, bridge size, and temple arm length, respectively. Dots, dashes, or vertical bars usually separate these numbers. Some frames may have a fourth number, which refers to the height of the frames. In some cases, acetate frames will have the eye size and bridge size on the nose pads on a plastic frame. All these glasses measurements are measured in millimetres (mm).

Eyeglass frame measurements

The frame width is the horizontal measurement of the frames, including hinges or designs that stick out at the sides. To measure the width of the frames, take a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the entire horizontal front of the frame from the further extended point to the other.

Eyeglass lens measurements

Lenses can be measured both in height and width. The lens height is the vertical measurement of the eyeglass lenses. This is important for bifocal lenses and progressive lenses. Lens width refers to the width of the lenses, which must be measured horizontally. 

This typically ranges from 40 mm to 60 mm. To take these measurements, place the measuring tape on the lenses, first vertically, then horizontally, and only measure from one side of the lens to the other, ensuring no part of the frames is included. 

How to measure your bridge size for glasses

The bridge size is the distance between the two rims or lenses of the eyeglasses where the nose pads are located. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm. Place the measuring tape right between the two lenses to measure the bridge and see how many millimetres are between the nearest points. 

How to measure your temple length for glasses

This refers to how long the temple is. Measure your temples from the hinge to the tip, and you’ll come up with the temple length. Usually, it’s between 120mm and 150mm. 

How to find out PD for glasses

The pupillary distance is another crucial measurement when ordering glasses online. To find out your pupillary distance, you can either use our online tool or do it manually with the help of a ruler. 

Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler up to the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrows.

Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking in the mirror, align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.

Step 3: Keeping the ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.

Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s centre. This number is your pupillary distance.

Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate result.​​​​

If you struggle doing it yourself, you can ask a friend to help you with this and check out our quick and easy tutorial.

I’ve measured my glasses. Now what?

Now that you have all the information on your glasses’ measurements and know how to take them, it will be way easier when shopping online. Glasses’ measurements won’t be a mystery anymore, and you will confidently be able to choose the right pair of glasses. 

If you need help determining what glasses size will fit best, we have an easy guide to help with that. You will have to measure your temples from one side to the other and check out our size table to find the recommended size based on your measurements.


If you have more questions regarding your glasses size or prescription, head out to our Optical Centre. Our informative articles will help answer your questions, or ask one of our certified online opticians to clarify your doubts. 

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Parts of Glasses: All You Need to Know

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Parts of Glasses: All You Need to Know

Did you know that glasses are not just lenses and frames? Many other subparts make up the structure of spectacles, and they all have a name and a specific function.

Vision is an aspect of our life that we often take for granted. For many of us, it’s only when we are told that we require vision correction that we realise how much vision improves our quality of life every day. Seeing that they are such fragile objects, we need to know the parts of eyeglasses so that if ever the need be, we are empowered to explain our requirements to an optical professional, or we can look for replacement glasses parts by ourselves at a store.

 

What are the parts of glasses called?

Essentially, any pair of eyeglasses has three parts: the front of the frame and the two arms,  known as temples. Each of these has its subparts depending on the design and materials used. The subparts are all indicated in the labelled picture here and then explained in the list below.

 

 

 

Frame

By frame, it’s meant everything that surrounds the lenses. It is the structure of the glasses. Frames can be made of many materials, such as plastic, acetate, metal, wood and other eco-friendly materials. They can also have different shapes and features, and they have many separate parts with specific names.

 

Rim

Glasses can have full-rim, semi-rim or rimless frames. The rim is the front part of the frame, which holds the lenses. It is the part of the glasses that gives them their characteristic style. 

 

Bridge

It bridges the two lenses over your nose and holds most of the weight of your glasses. It’s a determining factor for how well the glasses will fit your face. Indeed, bridges vary by style to suit different face shapes. 

 

Top bar or brow bar or sweat bar

Some glasses have a top bar placed just above the bridge between the lenses. Its purpose is either to make the frame more sturdy or to add a fashion detail. For example, most pilot models have a top bar. This piece can also be known as a double bridge.

 

Nose pads

These refer to the small oval pads that rest on your nose for a perfect fit and to prevent the glasses from slipping down. Nose pads can be set up in two ways:

  1. Full-rim nose pads: in this case, the nose pads are sculpted as part of the frame front. They’re polished to not be rough on your nose. Acetate or Plastic frames most often have sculpted nose pads which are a part of the frame front.
  2. Push-in nose pads: in this case, the nose pads are attached to the rim. They are usually made of soft clear plastic. The bigger the pad, the more visible it is, and the lesser it is likely to “dig” into the skin. Metal frames have small bars that hold soft plastic nose pads that are adjustable. You can opt for adjustable nose pads for the best comfort.

 

Pad arms

These small pieces (“arms”) attach the nose pads to the rim. They can be adjustable so you can find the best fit, and they are mainly built on metal frames.

 

End pieces

The end pieces are found at the top outer corners of the rim. They connect the hinges to the temples and can be decorated to insert fashion details into the frame.

 

Hinges

The hinges are the metal joints of your glasses, held together by screws or sometimes by intricate metal joins. They connect the end pieces (or frame front, as not all frames have end pieces) to the temples. Thanks to the hinges, you can easily fold and move the temples. There’s a variety of hinges available which are secured in different ways, such as spring hinges.

 

Screws

The screws are the parts of glasses that are easier to replace if broken or lost. They hold together the two halves of a hinge and can be tightened or loosened with a little screwdriver. Most glasses repair kits include screws and a screwdriver specifically made for them.

 

Temples or arms

Temples are the “arms” of your frames and are located on the sides of your head, sitting on your ears. Their core function is to keep your glasses secure as you go through the day wearing them. Temples can be of the following types:

  1. Paddle or blade or straight temple: it’s a temple without a bend to it and is, therefore, completely straight.
  2. Curl sides: also known as cable temples and typically found in metal frames, the part of the temple close to the ear curls at the ends for a comfortable fit.
  3. Drop or hockey end or swan neck: it is the most common design found in modern eyeglass frames. These frames bend downward to create a secure fit behind your ears. 

 

Temple tips

The temple tips are placed at the end of the temples. They are made from a different and more comfortable material because they aim to protect the skin behind your ear from irritation. 

 

Lenses

Lenses are the most crucial part of your prescription glasses. They’re chosen according to the prescription details from your optometrist for correcting your vision problems (like astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia). Lenses can be made of various materials and then customised with many different coatings, such as anti-scratch, anti-fog and anti-glare, and add-ons like transitions, polarisation,  zFORT® blue block, tinting and mirror.

According to your prescription and needs, your optician will point you in the right direction regarding which lenses to choose.

 

Know your glasses anatomy

Now that you know the different parts of glasses, it’ll be easier to identify them on your prescription glasses or explain what is wrong with them to your optician. Moreover, you should know that all the terms discussed here also apply to parts of sunglasses, blue light glasses and reading glasses alike. Make sure you also learn how to take care of your glasses at home and how to clean your glasses properly.

You can always refer to this article and our labelled picture if you need support with your glasses’ anatomy. For anything else related to eye care and eye health, you can always visit our online Optical Center or speak to our certified online opticians.

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Parts of Glasses: All You Need to Know

Did you know that glasses are not just lenses and frames? Many other subparts make up the structure of spectacles, and they all have a name and a specific function.

Vision is an aspect of our life that we often take for granted. For many of us, it’s only when we are told that we require vision correction that we realise how much vision improves our quality of life every day. Seeing that they are such fragile objects, we need to know the parts of eyeglasses so that if ever the need be, we are empowered to explain our requirements to an optical professional, or we can look for replacement glasses parts by ourselves at a store.

 

What are the parts of glasses called?

Essentially, any pair of eyeglasses has three parts: the front of the frame and the two arms,  known as temples. Each of these has its subparts depending on the design and materials used. The subparts are all indicated in the labelled picture here and then explained in the list below.

 

 

Frame

By frame, it’s meant everything that surrounds the lenses. It is the structure of the glasses. Frames can be made of many materials, such as plastic, acetate, metal, wood and other eco-friendly materials. They can also have different shapes and features, and they have many separate parts with specific names.

 

Rim

Glasses can have full-rim, semi-rim or rimless frames. The rim is the front part of the frame, which holds the lenses. It is the part of the glasses that gives them their characteristic style. 

 

Bridge

It bridges the two lenses over your nose and holds most of the weight of your glasses. It’s a determining factor for how well the glasses will fit your face. Indeed, bridges vary by style to suit different face shapes. 

 

Top bar or brow bar or sweat bar

Some glasses have a top bar placed just above the bridge between the lenses. Its purpose is either to make the frame more sturdy or to add a fashion detail. For example, most pilot models have a top bar. This piece can also be known as a double bridge.

 

Nose pads

These refer to the small oval pads that rest on your nose for a perfect fit and to prevent the glasses from slipping down. Nose pads can be set up in two ways:

  1. Full-rim nose pads: in this case, the nose pads are sculpted as part of the frame front. They’re polished to not be rough on your nose. Acetate or Plastic frames most often have sculpted nose pads which are a part of the frame front.
  2. Push-in nose pads: in this case, the nose pads are attached to the rim. They are usually made of soft clear plastic. The bigger the pad, the more visible it is, and the lesser it is likely to “dig” into the skin. Metal frames have small bars that hold soft plastic nose pads that are adjustable. You can opt for adjustable nose pads for the best comfort.

 

Pad arms

These small pieces (“arms”) attach the nose pads to the rim. They can be adjustable so you can find the best fit, and they are mainly built on metal frames.

 

End pieces

The end pieces are found at the top outer corners of the rim. They connect the hinges to the temples and can be decorated to insert fashion details into the frame.

 

Hinges

The hinges are the metal joints of your glasses, held together by screws or sometimes by intricate metal joins. They connect the end pieces (or frame front, as not all frames have end pieces) to the temples. Thanks to the hinges, you can easily fold and move the temples. There’s a variety of hinges available which are secured in different ways, such as spring hinges.

 

Screws

The screws are the parts of glasses that are easier to replace if broken or lost. They hold together the two halves of a hinge and can be tightened or loosened with a little screwdriver. Most glasses repair kits include screws and a screwdriver specifically made for them.

 

Temples or arms

Temples are the “arms” of your frames and are located on the sides of your head, sitting on your ears. Their core function is to keep your glasses secure as you go through the day wearing them. Temples can be of the following types:

  1. Paddle or blade or straight temple: it’s a temple without a bend to it and is, therefore, completely straight.
  2. Curl sides: also known as cable temples and typically found in metal frames, the part of the temple close to the ear curls at the ends for a comfortable fit.
  3. Drop or hockey end or swan neck: it is the most common design found in modern eyeglass frames. These frames bend downward to create a secure fit behind your ears. 

 

Temple tips

The temple tips are placed at the end of the temples. They are made from a different and more comfortable material because they aim to protect the skin behind your ear from irritation. 

 

Lenses

Lenses are the most crucial part of your prescription glasses. They’re chosen according to the prescription details from your optometrist for correcting your vision problems (like astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia). Lenses can be made of various materials and then customised with many different coatings, such as anti-scratch, anti-fog and anti-glare, and add-ons like transitions, polarisation,  zFORT® blue block, tinting and mirror.

According to your prescription and needs, your optician will point you in the right direction regarding which lenses to choose.

 

Know your glasses anatomy

Now that you know the different parts of glasses, it’ll be easier to identify them on your prescription glasses or explain what is wrong with them to your optician. Moreover, you should know that all the terms discussed here also apply to parts of sunglasses, blue light glasses and reading glasses alike. Make sure you also learn how to take care of your glasses at home and how to clean your glasses properly.

You can always refer to this article and our labelled picture if you need support with your glasses’ anatomy. For anything else related to eye care and eye health, you can always visit our online Optical Center or speak to our certified online opticians.

Anti-glare Glasses

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Anti-glare Glasses

Did you know that standard lenses transmit around 91% of light to the eye? The rest is lost due to surface reflections. Anti-glare glasses help solve that problem. If you didn’t know the role played by reflection when wearing prescription glasses and are not sure whether or not to get anti-glare glasses, this article will help you understand better.

What are anti-glare glasses?

Lens coatings are significant because they are vital in providing durable and long-lasting lenses for your eyeglasses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the different types of lens coatings you can choose from; or worse, some don’t even know such protective layers exist.

Lens coatings enhance the lens performance of your glasses whether you wear single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. 

One of the lens coatings you can choose from is anti-glare coatings, also called anti-reflective coating. These lenses are provided with a microscopic multilayered coating that eliminates glare and reflections from the back and front of your eyeglass lenses. As a result, it helps with clearer vision.

What does anti-glare do on glasses?

Thanks to the coating, anti-glare glasses reduce the light reflecting off the lenses, resulting in more light passing through and having more clarity. Not only will you be able to see better, but the glasses will also help with surface reflections and give you greater visual performance

Anti-glare glasses benefits

There are more benefits to anti-reflective glasses than you might think; here are some of the advantages of choosing anti-glare coatings: 

  1. Improved vision while driving at night, which results in being more aware and in control while driving.
  2. Better clarity when working in front of a screen.
  3. Less visual fatigue caused by reflections. 
  4. Your eyes are more visible, which helps with eye contact and looking better in photos. 
  5. If you wear glasses all day every day, anti-reflective coating gives the most natural visual experience and places less strain on your eyes.

Disadvantages of anti-glare glasses

There are also a few disadvantages when getting anti-glare glasses, including the increased need for cleaning. After getting your pair of anti-glare glasses, you might want to clean them more often because anti-glare glasses highlight dirt or dust. This also happens with scratches, which means glasses must be handled with extra care. To learn more on how to properly take care of your glasses, check out our tutorial below.

Do I need anti-glare on my glasses?

Anti-glare coating is not mandatory, but it is advised as it enhances the overall performance of your glasses. Not only will you have clearer vision, but you will also look better and struggle less while doing your everyday activities.

Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

No, anti-glare cannot be added to your lenses after the purchase. If you need to decide whether or not to add anti-glare coatings to your glasses because of the price, remember there are many affordable online options that let you add an anti-glare coating to your lenses without breaking the bank.

Are anti-glare and blue light glasses the same

No, anti-glare and blue light glasses are not the same, as they are two types of coatings and are designed for different purposes. AG coatings are designed to increase the amount of light passing through the lenses, while blue light glasses are designed to block the blue light coming off screens. Blue light block can be added as an additional coating to your lenses when purchasing your glasses.

How to care for glasses with anti-glare coating

As mentioned above, anti-glare glasses might need to be handled with more care than regular glasses. To make sure your glasses are always cared for properly, remember to: 

  • Store the glasses in their protective case when you’re not wearing them.
  • Always use a microfiber cloth during the cleaning process.
  • You also might want to use an optical spray. 

Remember to avoid cleaning your glasses with shirts or chemical cleaners, as this might be damaging to your glasses. If you want to read more about lens coatings, we have an informative article right here.

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Anti-glare Glasses

Did you know that standard lenses transmit around 91% of light to the eye? The rest is lost due to surface reflections. Anti-glare glasses help solve that problem. If you didn’t know the role played by reflection when wearing prescription glasses and are not sure whether or not to get anti-glare glasses, this article will help you understand better.

What are anti-glare glasses?

Lens coatings are significant because they are vital in providing durable and long-lasting lenses for your eyeglasses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the different types of lens coatings you can choose from; or worse, some don’t even know such protective layers exist.

Lens coatings enhance the lens performance of your glasses whether you wear single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.  

One of the lens coatings you can choose from is anti-glare coatings, also called anti-reflective coating. These lenses are provided with a microscopic multilayered coating that eliminates glare and reflections from the back and front of your eyeglass lenses. As a result, it helps with clearer vision.

What does anti-glare do on glasses?

Thanks to the coating, anti-glare glasses reduce the light reflecting off the lenses, resulting in more light passing through and having more clarity. Not only will you be able to see better, but the glasses will also help with surface reflections and give you greater visual performance.

Anti-glare glasses benefits

There are more benefits to anti-reflective glasses than you might think; here are some of the advantages of choosing anti-glare coatings: 

  1. Improved vision while driving at night, which results in being more aware and in control while driving.
  2. Better clarity when working in front of a screen.
  3. Less visual fatigue caused by reflections. 
  4. Your eyes are more visible, which helps with eye contact and looking better in photos. 
  5. If you wear glasses all day every day, anti-reflective coating gives the most natural visual experience and places less strain on your eyes.

Disadvantages of anti-glare glasses

There are also a few disadvantages when getting anti-glare glasses, including the increased need for cleaning. After getting your pair of anti-glare glasses, you might want to clean them more often because anti-glare glasses highlight dirt or dust. This also happens with scratches, which means glasses must be handled with extra care. To learn more on how to properly take care of your glasses, check out our tutorial below.

Do I need anti-glare on my glasses?

Anti-glare coating is not mandatory, but it is advised as it enhances the overall performance of your glasses. Not only will you have clearer vision, but you will also look better and struggle less while doing your everyday activities.

Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

No, anti-glare cannot be added to your lenses after the purchase. If you need to decide whether or not to add anti-glare coatings to your glasses because of the price, remember there are many affordable online options that let you add an anti-glare coating to your lenses without breaking the bank.

Are anti-glare and blue light glasses the same

No, anti-glare and blue light glasses are not the same, as they are two types of coatings and are designed for different purposes. AG coatings are designed to increase the amount of light passing through the lenses, while blue light glasses are designed to block the blue light coming off screens. Blue light block can be added as an additional coating to your lenses when purchasing your glasses.

How to care for glasses with anti-glare coating

As mentioned above, anti-glare glasses might need to be handled with more care than regular glasses. To make sure your glasses are always cared for properly, remember to: 

  • Store the glasses in their protective case when you’re not wearing them.
  • Always use a microfiber cloth during the cleaning process.
  • You also might want to use an optical spray. 

Remember to avoid cleaning your glasses with shirts or chemical cleaners, as this might be damaging to your glasses. If you want to read more about lens coatings, we have an informative article right here. 

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When were Glasses invented

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When were Glasses invented?

Have you ever wondered when were glasses invented and who had the genius idea of creating them? This article is about the history of glasses, who invented them, and how they slowly developed into what they are now.

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

Optical devices were in use back in 1000 A.D. In Ancient Rome, Seneca is believed to have read “all the books of Rome” using a glass globe of water as a magnifier, while monks in the Middle Ages were said to use glass spheres as magnifying glasses to read.

Sources are unclear on when glasses were developed and by whom; some credit the invention to Salvino D’Armate; his epitaph in the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Florence referred to him as the “inventor of spectacles.” Others, on the other hand, credit the invention to Friar Alessandro Della Spina of Pisa. While it seems evident that glasses were invented somewhere in Italy, it’s hard to name the exact inventor. 

The first-ever glass frames were created in Venice. The city is well-known for welcoming the most talented glass blowers. Frames were made of bone, leather, or metal, and these glasses were used to magnify words and help during reading.

The first evidence for eyeglasses is Tommaso da Modena’s 1352 portrait of cardinal Hugh de Provence reading in a scriptorium. While it would have been impossible for the cardinal to use eyeglasses (he lived way before glasses were invented), the painting proves that in the mid 13hudreds, glasses were already ordinary and used by cardinals. 

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

The invention of printing and the distribution of more and more books led to a higher demand for prescription glasses: people needed better vision and help to read. The most significant developments around glasses started happening during the 17th century. Most importantly, glasses slowly transitioned from just magnifying words to correcting vision. 

Here are the most significant steps in the development of glasses: 

  • In the 1600s: concave lenses are invented to improve distance vision. 
  • 1727: temples finally make their appearance thanks to optician Edward Scarlett, making glasses more structured and stable on the face 
  • 1784: Benjamin Franklin invents the bifocals dividing lenses into two zones: one for distance vision, one for near vision 
  • 1827: Thomas Young discovers astigmatism and later invents cylindrical lenses that are now used to correct it
  • 1959: Bernard Maitenaz invents progressive lenses, giving up on the line that used to divide bifocal lenses
  • 1950-60: hard plastic contact lenses are being used and become more common

During the 19th & 20th centuries, the development of eyewear continues, and glasses are constantly redesigned with thinner lenses and different frame designs. Glasses today are made with lightweight materials, such as plastic or metal, to ensure comfort and durability; this was not the case many years ago, as lenses were made with heavy glass, and frames were made of leather or bone.

When did eyeglasses become common?

At the beginning of the 19th century, glasses were still handcrafted and not accessible to everyone. Not only were they scarcely produced, but because of their handmade nature, they were costly and only available to wealthy families.  

However, the industrial revolution was just around the corner, making it much simpler for working men and women to get the necessary eye correction. Thanks to the mass manufacture of both frames and lenses, these became more available, giving more people a chance to have better vision and good eye health.  

Today, with increasing screen exposure, taking care of your eyes and having good vision is crucial! When buying glasses, options are infinite, and choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. You can either visit stores in your area or head online to websites like SmartBuyGlasses, where you can filter through different price ranges, brands, colours, and materials. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good pair of eyewear to help you see better! 

At SmartBuyGlasses, we believe everyone should benefit from good vision; this is why you can choose between many affordable options and get prescription glasses delivered to your door within days.

What if glasses were never invented

Considering up to 75% of the adult population needs vision correction, most would not be seeing correctly if glasses were never invented. Glasses not being invented would mean most of the world’s population would be suffering from everything that comes with needing proper eye care. This could also result in dangerous situations as good vision is extremely important for daily activities like driving or crucial jobs like operating surgery. 

As much as we would love to believe that eyewear is now accessible to everyone worldwide and is not a privilege, that is still not the case. 

SmartBuyGlasses’ mission is to help people see and be healthy regardless of their budget; this is why we joined forces with other exclusive brands that share this vision. One of those is Arise Collective, a global eyewear brand featuring sustainably made frames and has a partnership with 1% for the Planet to support global environmental and social causes.

Considering all the progress made in the last 800 years since glasses were invented, we hope to make even more progress and make eyecare accessible to everyone worldwide.

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Ask the Optician

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When were Glasses invented?

Have you ever wondered when were glasses invented and who had the genius idea of creating them? This article is about the history of glasses, who invented them, and how they slowly developed into what they are now.

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

Optical devices were in use back in 1000 A.D. In Ancient Rome, Seneca is believed to have read “all the books of Rome” using a glass globe of water as a magnifier, while monks in the Middle Ages were said to use glass spheres as magnifying glasses to read.

Sources are unclear on when glasses were developed and by whom; some credit the invention to Salvino D’Armate; his epitaph in the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Florence referred to him as the “inventor of spectacles.” Others, on the other hand, credit the invention to Friar Alessandro Della Spina of Pisa. While it seems evident that glasses were invented somewhere in Italy, it’s hard to name the exact inventor. 

The first-ever glass frames were created in Venice. The city is well-known for welcoming the most talented glass blowers. Frames were made of bone, leather, or metal, and these glasses were used to magnify words and help during reading.

The first evidence for eyeglasses is Tommaso da Modena’s 1352 portrait of cardinal Hugh de Provence reading in a scriptorium. While it would have been impossible for the cardinal to use eyeglasses (he lived way before glasses were invented), the painting proves that in the mid 13hudreds, glasses were already ordinary and used by cardinals.

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

The invention of printing and the distribution of more and more books led to a higher demand for prescription glasses: people needed better vision and help to read. The most significant developments around glasses started happening during the 17th century. Most importantly, glasses slowly transitioned from just magnifying words to correcting vision. 

Here are the most significant steps in the development of glasses: 

  • In the 1600s: concave lenses are invented to improve distance vision. 
  • 1727: temples finally make their appearance thanks to optician Edward Scarlett, making glasses more structured and stable on the face 
  • 1784: Benjamin Franklin invents the bifocals dividing lenses into two zones: one for distance vision, one for near vision 
  • 1827: Thomas Young discovers astigmatism and later invents cylindrical lenses that are now used to correct it
  • 1959: Bernard Maitenaz invents progressive lenses, giving up on the line that used to divide bifocal lenses
  • 1950-60: hard plastic contact lenses are being used and become more common

During the 19th & 20th centuries, the development of eyewear continues, and glasses are constantly redesigned with thinner lenses and different frame designs. Glasses today are made with lightweight materials, such as plastic or metal, to ensure comfort and durability; this was not the case many years ago, as lenses were made with heavy glass, and frames were made of leather or bone.

When did eyeglasses become common?

At the beginning of the 19th century, glasses were still handcrafted and not accessible to everyone. Not only were they scarcely produced, but because of their handmade nature, they were costly and only available to wealthy families.  

However, the industrial revolution was just around the corner, making it much simpler for working men and women to get the necessary eye correction. Thanks to the mass manufacture of both frames and lenses, these became more available, giving more people a chance to have better vision and good eye health. 

At SmartBuyGlasses, we believe everyone should benefit from good vision; this is why you can choose between many affordable options and get prescription glasses delivered to your door within days.

Today, with increasing screen exposure, taking care of your eyes and having good vision is crucial! When buying glasses, options are infinite, and choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. You can either visit stores in your area or head online to websites like SmartBuyGlasses, where you can filter through different price ranges, brands, colours, and materials. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good pair of eyewear to help you see better!

What if glasses were never invented

Considering up to 75% of the adult population needs vision correction, most would not be seeing correctly if glasses were never invented. Glasses not being invented would mean most of the world’s population would be suffering from everything that comes with needing proper eye care. This could also result in dangerous situations as good vision is extremely important for daily activities like driving or crucial jobs like operating surgery. 

As much as we would love to believe that eyewear is now accessible to everyone worldwide and is not a privilege, that is still not the case. 

SmartBuyGlasses’ mission is to help people see and be healthy regardless of their budget; this is why we joined forces with other exclusive brands that share this vision. One of those is Arise Collective, a global eyewear brand featuring sustainably made frames and has a partnership with 1% for the Planet to support global environmental and social causes.

Considering all the progress made in the last 800 years since glasses were invented, we hope to make even more progress and make eyecare accessible to everyone worldwide.

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses?

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses?

So you’ve seen an optician, got your new glasses prescription, chosen a new pair of glasses, started wearing them and now they feel weird. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It takes time to adjust to new glasses. For some people, it could take a few hours; for others, it could take a few weeks. But why? It’s very individual and comes down to a few things like your eye health, the strength of the prescription, how much the prescription has changed, or the types of lenses and frames. Just like with anything new, glasses need to be worn in.

You may experience discomfort while adjusting, but know that this period is necessary. If you remain calm, continue to wear the new glasses and follow our advice in this article, you should be able to adjust quickly and easily. 

Why does it take so long to get used to new glasses?

Experiencing discomfort while adjusting to new glasses is normal. Whether you’ve renewed your prescription, are correcting astigmatism, or changed your lenses or frames, it takes time for your eyes and brain to adapt. Your eyes are complex, and during this period, they’re learning to work with your brain to adjust to your new prescription to give you improved vision. 

Problems getting used to new glasses

If your eyes hurt with new glasses, know that this is probably completely normal, but if anything is continuously disrupting you, see your optometrist. Though generally mild, there are a few common problems that people may experience. Eye strain with new glasses is one of the most frequently reported, followed by blurry vision and dizziness. You may also experience difficulty focusing, depth perception, the fishbowl effect, headaches, or nausea. 

What are the symptoms of adjusting to new glasses?

Most of the symptoms listed above shouldn’t cause long-term issues and will improve as you begin to adjust. Distortion, like the fishbowl effect, may cause images to appear bent at the edges. Depth perception could make it difficult to detect how near or far an object is. 

Eye strain occurs when you are overexerting your eyes during the adjustment period and can cause other symptoms like tired, irritated, or burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or headaches. Minor instances of these symptoms are all common problems that people experience at the beginning of wearing new glasses. 

Why would new glasses feel weird if the prescription is the same?

Generally, you should not face discomfort for too long when you retain your old prescription, but it is possible. Different lenses and frames can vary from what you’re used to. Did the size or structure change? Is the alignment different? Changing between frame styles can affect your vision and cause an adjustment period. Even how new frames feel on your face can require a period of adjustment. Understanding prescription glasses measurements and what you need to consider when buying and adjusting to new ones is essential. 

If the new lenses are physically bigger or smaller than your last pair, your field of vision will be different. A change in structure (full-frame, half-frame, rimless) could also cause visual differences. For example, if you always wore rimless glasses and switched to full-frame, you may feel your field of view is limited. A change in shape may also take time to adjust; for example, switching from a round to a rectangular-shaped frame causes the lens shape to change as well, affecting your field of vision. 

Increased or decreased peripheral vision may take time to get used to. Peripheral vision is the part of your visual field that is not right in the centre of your gaze, usually for detecting motion, colours, or lights at the edge of your vision. 

How to get used to wearing new glasses fast

While it might seem tempting to ditch your new prescription glasses and reach for your old ones, switching between new and old glasses will confuse your eyes and brain, slowing the adjustment to your new glasses. Put your new glasses on first thing in the morning when your eyes are ‘fresh,’ and continue wearing them as much as possible throughout the day. 

Wear your glasses consistently 

Wearing your new glasses regularly will shorten the adjustment period and make it easier for your eyes to adjust to the change. 

Give your eyes a rest 

Since it takes time for your eyes to adjust, give them a break when they feel strained or you feel a headache coming on. You can increase the amount of time you wear them each day, starting with simple tasks and working up from there. 

Exercise your eyes

If you experience eye strain, a simple eye exercise might help it. Take a moment to focus on an object far in the distance, then look down and focus on something close. Continue switching from the near and far thing for a few moments. This exercise is especially helpful if you’re adjusting to bifocals or progressive lenses. Another exercise is 20/20/20, when using a computer screen, every 20 minutes look 20 meters away for 20 seconds to rest the eyes. 

Ensure your frames fit your face shape and head size 

It is important to find a pair of glasses that fit correctly, and not only for aesthetics. Misfitting glasses can cause further eye strain, headaches and disruptions to your vision. Understanding your facial and glasses measurements is essential. Before buying, use our size guide and Virtual Try-On tool to find your perfect pair. 

Adjust your prescription 

While most people will adjust to their new glasses on their own, if your symptoms last more than two to three weeks, you may have the wrong prescription. If your prescription is wrong, your eyes and brain will not adjust, and you will need to speak to your optometrist. 

Getting used to new glasses just takes a little time 

While you may be looking forward to wearing your new glasses and seeing clearly, it might not happen right away. There is no need to worry, as an adjustment period is a normal response to new glasses. Be patient, and remember this should only last about a week. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more, head to our Optical Centre and speak to one of our opticians online today.

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses?

So you’ve seen an optician, got your new glasses prescription, chosen a new pair of glasses, started wearing them and now they feel weird. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It takes time to adjust to new glasses. For some people, it could take a few hours; for others, it could take a few weeks. But why? It’s very individual and comes down to a few things like your eye health, the strength of the prescription, how much the prescription has changed, or the types of lenses and frames. Just like with anything new, glasses need to be worn in.

You may experience discomfort while adjusting, but know that this period is necessary. If you remain calm, continue to wear the new glasses and follow our advice in this article, you should be able to adjust quickly and easily. 

Why does it take so long to get used to new glasses?

Experiencing discomfort while adjusting to new glasses is normal. Whether you’ve renewed your prescription, are correcting astigmatism, or changed your lenses or frames, it takes time for your eyes and brain to adapt. Your eyes are complex, and during this period, they’re learning to work with your brain to adjust to your new prescription to give you improved vision. 

Problems getting used to new glasses

If your eyes hurt with new glasses, know that this is probably completely normal, but if anything is continuously disrupting you, see your optometrist. Though generally mild, there are a few common problems that people may experience. Eye strain with new glasses is one of the most frequently reported, followed by blurry vision and dizziness. You may also experience difficulty focusing, depth perception, the fishbowl effect, headaches, or nausea. 

What are the symptoms of adjusting to new glasses?

Most of the symptoms listed above shouldn’t cause long-term issues and will improve as you begin to adjust. Distortion, like the fishbowl effect, may cause images to appear bent at the edges. Depth perception could make it difficult to detect how near or far an object is. 

Eye strain occurs when you are overexerting your eyes during the adjustment period and can cause other symptoms like tired, irritated, or burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or headaches. Minor instances of these symptoms are all common problems that people experience at the beginning of wearing new glasses. 

Why would new glasses feel weird if the prescription is the same?

Generally, you should not face discomfort for too long when you retain your old prescription, but it is possible. Different lenses and frames can vary from what you’re used to. Did the size or structure change? Is the alignment different? Changing between frame styles can affect your vision and cause an adjustment period. Even how new frames feel on your face can require a period of adjustment. Understanding prescription glasses measurements and what you need to consider when buying and adjusting to new ones is essential. 

If the new lenses are physically bigger or smaller than your last pair, your field of vision will be different. A change in structure (full-frame, half-frame, rimless) could also cause visual differences. For example, if you always wore rimless glasses and switched to full-frame, you may feel your field of view is limited. A change in shape may also take time to adjust; for example, switching from a round to a rectangular-shaped frame causes the lens shape to change as well, affecting your field of vision. 

Increased or decreased peripheral vision may take time to get used to. Peripheral vision is the part of your visual field that is not right in the centre of your gaze, usually for detecting motion, colours, or lights at the edge of your vision. 

 

How to get used to wearing new glasses fast

While it might seem tempting to ditch your new prescription glasses and reach for your old ones, switching between new and old glasses will confuse your eyes and brain, slowing the adjustment to your new glasses. Put your new glasses on first thing in the morning when your eyes are ‘fresh,’ and continue wearing them as much as possible throughout the day. 

Wear your glasses consistently 

Wearing your new glasses regularly will shorten the adjustment period and make it easier for your eyes to adjust to the change. 

Give your eyes a rest 

Since it takes time for your eyes to adjust, give them a break when they feel strained or you feel a headache coming on. You can increase the amount of time you wear them each day, starting with simple tasks and working up from there. 

Exercise your eyes

If you experience eye strain, a simple eye exercise might help it. Take a moment to focus on an object far in the distance, then look down and focus on something close. Continue switching from the near and far thing for a few moments. This exercise is especially helpful if you’re adjusting to bifocals or progressive lenses. Another exercise is 20/20/20, when using a computer screen, every 20 minutes look 20 meters away for 20 seconds to rest the eyes. 

Ensure your frames fit your face shape and head size 

It is important to find a pair of glasses that fit correctly, and not only for aesthetics. Misfitting glasses can cause further eye strain, headaches and disruptions to your vision. Understanding your facial and glasses measurements is essential. Before buying, use our size guide and Virtual Try-On tool to find your perfect pair. 

Adjust your prescription 

While most people will adjust to their new glasses on their own, if your symptoms last more than two to three weeks, you may have the wrong prescription. If your prescription is wrong, your eyes and brain will not adjust, and you will need to speak to your optometrist. 

Getting used to new glasses just takes a little time 

While you may be looking forward to wearing your new glasses and seeing clearly, it might not happen right away. There is no need to worry, as an adjustment period is a normal response to new glasses. Be patient, and remember this should only last about a week. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more, head to our Optical Centre and speak to one of our opticians online today.

Nighttime Driving Glasses

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Nighttime Driving Glasses

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

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

What are night driving glasses?

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

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

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

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

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

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

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

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

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

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

Do night driving glasses work? 

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

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

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

The best glasses for driving at night  

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

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

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

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

Ask the Optician

ASK NOW

Nighttime Driving Glasses

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

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

What are night driving glasses?

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

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

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

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

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

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

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

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

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

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

Do night driving glasses work? 

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

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

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

The best glasses for driving at night  

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

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

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

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

Dominant Eye Test

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Dominant Eye Test

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. 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. With both eyes open, choose a small object in the distance (about 15-20 feet away) and centre this object as you look through the small opening. 
  3. 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 centred, you are right-eye dominant. 

For the second test:

  1. Extend one arm in front of you with your thumb or index finger on that hand in an upright position. 
  2. With both eyes open, focus on an object in the distance. 
  3. Move your arm so that you superimpose your thumb on that object (it is normal if your thumb partially disappears). 
  4. 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.

Ask the Optician

ASK NOW

Dominant Eye Test

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. 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. With both eyes open, choose a small object in the distance (about 15-20 feet away) and centre this object as you look through the small opening. 
  3. 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 centred, you are right-eye dominant. 

For the second test:

  1. Extend one arm in front of you with your thumb or index finger on that hand in an upright position. 
  2. With both eyes open, focus on an object in the distance. 
  3. Move your arm so that you superimpose your thumb on that object (it is normal if your thumb partially disappears). 
  4. 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.

How Much Are Prescription Glasses?

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How Much Are Prescription Glasses

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 colours. 
  • 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.

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 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.

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SHOP FOR WOMEN

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How much are prescription glasses

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 colours. 
  • 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. 

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 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.

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SHOP FOR WOMEN

Ask the Optician

ASK NOW