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UV Protection Sunglasses – How Different Protection Categories Work

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UV Protection Sunglasses - How Different Protection Categories Work

UV protection categories | Category 3 vs 4 | 100% UV protection vs polarised

By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene McKeeman FBDO

Reviewed by

Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
All you need to know about different sunglasses UV protection categories. Choose yours based on your needs and lifestyle!
UV-Protection-Sunglasses-How-Different-Protection-Categories-Work

Many people use sunglasses as a fashion accessory to add a touch of sophistication to their style during the spring and summer months. However, not everyone is aware that UV sunglasses have a very practical purpose in addition to being fashionable.

The lenses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which are problematic on both clear and cloudy days. When exposed to the sun, our eye pupils constrict to filter the light before it hits our retina.

When the UV rays are very strong, this natural filter isn’t enough and could lead to eye health issues. To help prevent various issues, you should wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

People’s eyewear needs vary, so it’s only natural that sunglasses come with various lenses to accommodate various conditions and environments. The lenses usually fall into one of five levels that offer different UV filters in sunglasses.

UV-Protection-Sunglasses-How-Different-Protection-Categories-Work
UV-Protection-Sunglasses-How-Different-Protection-Categories-Work

What is category 0 UV protection?

Category 0 blocks out only 3-20% of UV rays, so not a viable option for eye protection. Category 0 sunglasses are indicated for fashion purposes only; an example is softly coloured tinted lenses.

What is category 1 UV protection?

Category 1 blocks 20-57% of UV. Category 1 sunglasses are best suited for fashion purposes or cloudy days with little sun exposure. These types of sunnies usually have light tints, like grey or purple.

What is category 2 UV protection?

Category 2 lenses block 57-82% of UV rays and are appropriate for partly overcast days. Category 2 sunglasses are typically lighter in colour than others. Perfect for spring!

What is category 3 UV protection?

Category 3 sunglasses block 82-92% of UV light, which makes these UV sunglasses an excellent choice for sun protection. These shades can be used in bright sunlight in the mountains or at the seaside.

What is category 4 UV protection?

Category 4 (UV400) lenses are the highest category available, blocking 92-97% of UV rays to provide maximum protection. Sunglasses with lens category 4 are ideal for exceptionally bright settings, such as at high elevations or sea.

However, it is important to note that they are unsuitable for driving due to the dark lens tint (even illegal in some countries like the UK).

DID YOU KNOW?

UV protection is the most important characteristic to look for when choosing your next pair of sunglasses. Categories 0, 1 and 2 are for fashion purposes. Category 3 is ideal for standard bright sunlight conditions and Category 4 is for exceptionally bright settings.

Should I get category 3 or 4 sunglasses?

To determine which UV protection category you should go for, you need to determine in which conditions you’ll use your sunglasses. Usually, most people buying sunglasses will get a standard category 3 pair. 

Category 3 is the most common, ideal for bright sunny days in cities and holidays in the mountains or seaside. Category 4 sunglasses have extremely dark lenses and are recommended for extra bright conditions when the sun is very intense. For example, hiking at high altitudes, in the desert, or sailing in the open sea.

Is 100% UV protection better than polarised?

100% UV protection and polarisation are two different things. While UV protection sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes, polarised sunglasses are designed to reduce glare so you can see more clearly without squinting. People who play video games, water sports, or are bothered by glare daily choose these lenses. 

Although polarisation has nothing to do with UV light absorption, many polarised lenses now have a UV-blocking material added to them. Older sunglasses with scratches on the coatings will not provide as much protection as newer UV protection sunglasses, so it is important to take care of them to ensure they protect your eyes. 

Remember that UV protection is the most critical characteristic to look for and should be your top priority when buying sunglasses.

Is there a Difference Between Contact Lens and Glasses Prescription?

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Is There a Difference Between Contact Lens and Glasses Prescriptions?

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions
the same? |
Prescription for glasses vs contacts: how to
read glasses and contact lens prescriptions |
Can you
convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription? |
Can I use my
glasses prescription for contact lenses? |
Are contact lenses
or glasses better? |
Where to buy
contact lenses and glasses online
Both glasses and contact lenses correct your vision, but you need a separate prescription for each one. In this article we go through the differences between them.
contact lens and prescription glasses

If your vision needs correction, you may be prescribed a glasses prescription or contact lens prescription. Both help improve your vision, but are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

A common query is if it’s possible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription. Read on to discover the answer to these intriguing questions regarding your prescription.

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

Even though the prescription for glasses vs contact lens prescription may look similar, they are quite different.

Contact lenses and glasses correct refractive errors, such as myopia (finding it difficult to see objects far away), hyperopia (finding it difficult to see objects closeup), astigmatism (when your cornea or lens has a different shape than usual), and presbyopia (a refractive error that makes it hard for older adults to see things up close).

Since prescription glasses rest slightly in front of your eyes, around 12 millimeters away, and contact lenses sit directly on them, you need two separate tests to determine their unique measurements. This means that the parameters specified on your glasses prescription may often differ from your contact lens prescription.

Prescription for glasses vs contacts and how to read glasses and contact lens prescriptions

After your eye test, you will receive a prescription card determining your specific prescription. Your glasses prescription and contact lens prescription will be provided on two different cards. Once you have these prescriptions, you can shop for your glasses or contact lenses online or in-store.

Prescription for glasses vs contacts
Prescription for glasses vs contacts
DID YOU KNOW?

There is no way to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription, and vice versa.

The key differences between a contact lens and a glasses prescription are shown in the image above. Contact lens prescriptions include certain specifications that are not on your glasses prescription, including:

Base Curve (BC): This measures the curvature of your lens and is based on your eye shape, measured in millimeters.

Diameter (DIA): This specifies the size of the lens and how the lens fits on your actual eye in terms of width, measured in millimeters.

Lens material: This includes the material of your contact lens, which can be either hydrogel or silicone.

Brand manufacturer: There are thousands of contact lens brands out there, so placing the name of the contact lens brand helps with reordering in the future. The ‘brand’ section specifies the measurements and material.

The power/sph (sphere) indicates the lens power, which can be found on both glasses and contact lens prescriptions.

On glasses prescriptions specifically, you can also find the cylinder (Cyl), which indicates the strength of astigmatism, and the axis, which represents the orientation of the cylinder.  If you have multifocal lenses, an ‘ADD’ means the additional positive power required for the eyes to focus.

The ‘prism’ section helps correct people with double vision, aiding in aligning two images so that only one image can be seen, which can only be found on glasses prescriptions. Furthermore, your contact lens prescription may also include an axis and cylinder if it is a lens for astigmatism or multifocal purposes.

Can you convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription?

No, it is impossible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription directly. Furthermore, you cannot convert a contact lens prescription to a glasses prescription. Doctors can prescribe your contact lens prescription after you have completed a contact lens exam.

Can I use my glasses prescription for contact lenses?

As well as not being able to convert your prescriptions, you cannot use your glasses prescription to work out your contact lens prescription. It is important to note that only some people who wear glasses can also wear contact lenses. Therefore, it is recommended you get an eye test for both prescriptions. 

Are contact lenses or glasses better?

When choosing between contact lenses or glasses, we recommend you consider your lifestyle, comfort, and price. For example, eyeglasses require little cleaning and maintenance, as well as not having to physically touch your eyes, helping to avoid the risk of eye infections.

However, contact lenses do not fog up, which is useful when playing sports, but they can be more expensive than glasses. We recommend trying glasses and contact lenses to see which suits your lifestyle better.

Where to buy contact lenses and glasses online

You can find affordable glasses or contact lenses online or in-store at your local opticians as long as you have an up-to-date prescription. You can use our online Lens Scanner to reveal your current glasses prescription in minutes.

However, if you haven’t had an eye exam in the last two years, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure your prescription is accurate. You will need a separate eye test to determine your contact lens prescription, but often you can get your contact lens exam performed at the same time as your eye exam.

So, whether you prefer to wear contact lenses or glasses, you need to book an up-to-date eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy. Furthermore, remember that you cannot use the same prescription for your glasses and contact lenses and require two separate tests.

Do Sunglasses Lenses Deteriorate With Time?

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Do Sunglasses Lenses Deteriorate With Time?

If you’re wondering whether sunglasses lenses deteriorate over time, the answer is (somewhat unhelpfully) yes and no. Expert opinions about this issue are rather mixed in the field of eyewear, so finding a conclusive (and unbiased) answer is difficult to say the least.

 

Sunglasses Lens Deterioration: The Science

While some researchers have found that the sun’s rays damage sunglasses lenses and that lens replacement is a must, some medical professionals have voiced an opposing view: sunglasses only have to be replaced if the surface is damaged or scratched. The medical opinion is based on the pretence that scratched lenses offer less UV protection.

We do not endorse either viewpoint (although perhaps we could if we invested in a large-scale science and research department), but we do suggest that you change your sunglasses every two years – just to be on the safe side.

Nowadays, sunglasses are not just a tool to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. They’re also an important statement piece for us to showcase our unique sense of style. Most of us have that one pair of fashionable sunglasses or cool shades that just suit our style so well that we have kept them around for years – or even decades! If the researchers are to be believed, it might be time to part with your beloved sunnies, up your fashion game and get yourselves a pair from our selection of tens of thousands.

 

How to Ensure Your Glasses Have UV Protection

You might be wondering if your lenses are still up to the task of staving off harmful UV rays, but (more importantly) you should probably check whether your lenses even have this function to begin with. 

So, how do you go about finding this out? The answer is pretty easy. Simply check if your sunglasses have a CE mark to find out. The CE label indicates that these glasses are conforming with the appropriate international standard – i.e. compliance with European regulations – of UV protection and ensures that your eyes will be properly shielded against harmful ultraviolet rays.

So, now that you know how to identify legitimate UV protection in sunglasses, it is up to you to figure out whether you think it’s a good time for a replacement pair of sunglasses.

 

I’m A UV Protection Whiz and I’m Looking for Some New Sunglasses. What Now?

Congratulations. You’ve got the hardest steps out of the way. Now, it’s time to select a pair of sunglasses – or even glasses – that’s right for you. At SmartBuyGlasses we’re proud to host a whole range of luxury brands, value models, cutting-edge technologies and more. We stock loads of brands that offer progressive lenses – just select your new prescription on checkout. If you’ve seen a pair you like the look of, but aren’t sure how they’ll look ‘on-face’, why don’t you have a look at…

 

Virtual Try-On

SmartBuyGlasses’ revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool is an advanced online solution to the problem of not being able to check out a pair of glasses in-hand. It’s simple and free! See what you look like wearing different designer sunglasses or eyeglasses from home in just 2 easy steps.

Step 1: record your selfie video. We’ll walk you through a simple process and show you how to use your desktop or mobile camera to record a quick, five-second selfie video.

Step 2: virtually try-on glasses online! Go to the brand page of any glasses you’d like to virtually try-on. Then, filter by ‘Virtual Try-On’ in the special features option. You can see yourself wearing any of the glasses that appear! We have over 5,000 pairs of eyeglasses and 6,000 pairs of sunglasses just a few clicks away from appearing on your face!

Given the current pandemic, going to your local opticians’ or eyewear store isn’t so easy at the moment. The Virtual Try-On eliminates the stress of making your mind up in person, the time wasted going to and from the store, and the typically high costs of visiting a brick-and-mortar shop. It really is the perfect socially distanced try-before-you-buy!

Arise Collective™ Clarity Prescription Lenses

SmartBuyGlasses offers groundbreaking durability, pristine clarity and perfect vision – all in the same lenses. Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure.

The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation.

These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high-performing, durable lenses feature innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective™ Clarity for your lens type. Let’s get started!

zFORT® Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light is a potentially harmful form of light. While it is naturally emitted by the sun, electronic devices (upon which we’re spending more and more time every day) are also high-level producers. Blue light rays at a wavelength between 415nm – 455nm can damage your retinal cells, which may lead to premature eye ageing and vision problems in the future.

Our exposure to these harmful light rays may also cause a range of other health problems, including poor sleep (according to a 2012 Harvard Medical School study). Find out more about how to protect your eyes from blue light with anti blue light glasses from zFORT®.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

Do Sunglasses Lenses Deteriorate With Time?

If you’re wondering whether sunglasses lenses deteriorate over time, the answer is (somewhat unhelpfully) yes and no. Expert opinions about this issue are rather mixed in the field of eyewear, so finding a conclusive (and unbiased) answer is difficult to say the least.

Sunglasses Lens Deterioration: The Science

While some researchers have found that the sun’s rays damage sunglasses lenses and that lens replacement is a must, some medical professionals have voiced an opposing view: sunglasses only have to be replaced if the surface is damaged or scratched. The medical opinion is based on the pretence that scratched lenses offer less UV protection.

We do not endorse either viewpoint (although perhaps we could if we invested in a large-scale science and research department), but we do suggest that you change your sunglasses every two years – just to be on the safe side.

Nowadays, sunglasses are not just a tool to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. They’re also an important statement piece for us to showcase our unique sense of style. Most of us have that one pair of fashionable sunglasses or cool shades that just suit our style so well that we have kept them around for years – or even decades! If the researchers are to be believed, it might be time to part with your beloved sunnies, up your fashion game and get yourselves a pair from our selection of tens of thousands.

How to Ensure Your Glasses Have UV Protection

You might be wondering if your lenses are still up to the task of staving off harmful UV rays, but (more importantly) you should probably check whether your lenses even have this function to begin with. 

So, how do you go about finding this out? The answer is pretty easy. Simply check if your sunglasses have a CE mark to find out. The CE label indicates that these glasses are conforming with the appropriate international standard – i.e. compliance with European regulations – of UV protection and ensures that your eyes will be properly shielded against harmful ultraviolet rays.

So, now that you know how to identify legitimate UV protection in sunglasses, it is up to you to figure out whether you think it’s a good time for a replacement pair of sunglasses.

I’m A UV Protection Whiz and I’m Looking for Some New Sunglasses. What Now?

Congratulations. You’ve got the hardest steps out of the way. Now, it’s time to select a pair of sunglasses – or even glasses – that’s right for you. At SmartBuyGlasses we’re proud to host a whole range of luxury brands, value models, cutting-edge technologies and more. We stock loads of brands that offer progressive lenses – just select your new prescription on checkout. If you’ve seen a pair you like the look of, but aren’t sure how they’ll look ‘on-face’, why don’t you have a look at…

Virtual Try-On

SmartBuyGlasses’ revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool is an advanced online solution to the problem of not being able to check out a pair of glasses in-hand. It’s simple and free! See what you look like wearing different designer sunglasses or eyeglasses from home in just 2 easy steps.

Step 1: record your selfie video. We’ll walk you through a simple process and show you how to use your desktop or mobile camera to record a quick, five-second selfie video.

Step 2: try on glasses online! Go to the brand page of any glasses you’d like to virtually try on. Then, filter by ‘virtual try-on’ in the special features option. You can see yourself wearing any of the glasses that appear! We have over 5,000 pairs of eyeglasses and 6,000 pairs of sunglasses just a few clicks away from appearing on your face!

Given the current pandemic, going to your local opticians’ or eyewear store isn’t so easy at the moment. Virtual Try-On eliminates the stress of making your mind up in person, the time wasted going to and from the store, and the typically high costs of visiting a brick-and-mortar shop. It really is the perfect socially distanced try-before-you-buy!

Arise Collective™ Clarity Prescription Lenses

SmartBuyGlasses offers groundbreaking durability, pristine clarity and perfect vision – all in the same lenses. Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure.

The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation.

These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high-performing, durable lenses feature innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective™ Clarity for your lens type. Let’s get started!

zFORT® Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light is a potentially harmful form of light. While it is naturally emitted by the sun, electronic devices (upon which we’re spending more and more time every day) are also high-level producers. Blue light rays at a wavelength between 415nm – 455nm can damage your retinal cells, which may lead to premature eye ageing and vision problems in the future.

Our exposure to these harmful light rays may also cause a range of other health problems, including poor sleep (according to a 2012 Harvard Medical School study). Find out more about how to protect your eyes from blue light with anti blue light glasses from zFORT®.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN

How to Read Your Eye Prescription

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How to Read Your Eye Prescription

How to read your prescription |
Prescription chart
abbreviations |
Examples |
Eye prescription changes |
Expiration date |
Contact
lens prescription |
Takeaways
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By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Jun 19, 2023
Understand your eye prescription to know the severity of your visual impairment and shop online for prescription glasses.

If you’re wondering how to read your prescription, we’re here to help. You may be entirely new to wearing prescription glasses, or you’ve just received an up-to-date prescription from your eye doctor and want to understand what it means.

Read on to discover the ins and outs of your vision.

Understanding your glasses prescription

Your eyeglass prescription can be either digital or on paper, and it will look something like the example below. As you can see, these many abbreviations and optical terms can be intimidating.

If you’re wondering what OD and OS mean and all the other words on the chart, see the list of abbreviations below.

Eye prescription chart abbreviations

You might need a different prescription for each eye, so the prescription chart has a section for both. Note that some prescription charts might only have two different sections with no titles.

LE, L or OS: This indicates your left eye.

RE, R or OD: This indicates your right eye.

PD (pupillary distance): Knowing your pupillary distance (PD) is essential when ordering prescription glasses online. The PD is the distance between the centre of your pupils, measured in millimetres.

When you buy glasses online, you should enter your PD to ensure your prescription sits precisely where your eyes need it. The pupillary distance on your prescription is often located at the bottom of the prescription card.

If there is no PD on your prescription, you can use our pupillary distance tool to get it in minutes.

SPH (sphere): The value under SPH determines the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, which is spherical because it’s the same across the eye’s surface.

Being farsighted is also known as hyperopia, which occurs when you struggle to see things up close while you see far away objects more clearly (even if still not crystal clear). If you are farsighted, the strength of the lenses will be marked with a plus sign in the sphere section.

On the other hand, nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is when you struggle to see far away. If you are nearsighted, your sphere eye prescription will be marked with a minus sign.

The more difficulty you have seeing objects up close, the higher your measurement will be. On the contrary, the more you struggle to see far-away things, the lower the measure on your SPH section will be.

CYL (cylinder): CYL in your eye prescription indicates the amount of lens power you need for astigmatism correction. Astigmatism is when an irregular curve in your eye’s lens or cornea can blur near and far objects. If your CYL section is blank, you have no astigmatism. 

Axis: If your glasses prescription includes cylinder power, it must also have an axis on your eye prescription. The axis indicates the angle between an astigmatic eye’s two sections, ranging from 1 to 180.

If you have an axis on your prescription card, you need lenses to correct astigmatism.

Other eye prescription abbreviations

Prism: This section indicates the need to add a prismatic power to the lenses to bend light differently than regular ones. Prism glasses are prescribed to correct double vision, which happens when the eyes don’t work together. 

Most prescriptions do not contain prism details. When they do, the optician will include the direction for the position of the prism “base.”

Abbreviations are used for prism direction: BU = base up; BD = base down; BI = base in (toward the wearer’s nose); BO = base out (toward the wearer’s ear). It is possible to have horizontal (BI or BO) and vertical (BU or BD) prism. 

ADD (addition): Usually located on the far right side of your eye prescription, ADD stands for addition. It indicates the additional lens power needed for reading, which is used in multifocal lenses, reading glasses or progressive lenses.

Notes: The type of Rx glasses you need for vision correction may be noted on a glasses prescription, such as DV (Distance Vision/nearsightedness) and NV (Near Vision/reading).

Nearsighted prescription

Nearsighted prescriptions have values with a minus sign in the SPH (sphere) box for the right or left eye or both. This indicates that the eyeglass lenses will correct your myopia (distance vision)

Farsighted prescription

Farsighted prescriptions feature a number with a plus sign in the SPH box for the right or left eye or both, indicating that your eyeglass lenses should correct hyperopia (near vision).

Astigmatism prescription

If you suffer from astigmatism, your eye prescription will have a value in the CYL column indicating the lens power needed to correct astigmatism. There will also be a value in the Axis.

How bad is my eye prescription?

If you think your eye prescription is bad, it might be that you just saw too many numbers and terms on your eye prescription chart, and you’re now worried about it. You need to know that there is no bad or good eye prescription.

It may just be that your prescription is stronger than usual. For example, a refractive correction for nearsightedness of -5 diopters or more is often considered “high myopia,” whereas a prescription of +5.25 or more might be classified as “high hyperopia.”

How often does eye prescription change?

Your eyeglass prescription will probably change over time. This depends on your vision’s conditions and needs. Some people’s glasses prescription changes every two years. For others, it might take longer, like three or five years or even more.

The eyes grow older just like every other part of our body, so it’s only normal that, in time, our vision may need a little help. For instance, you can expect to develop presbyopia as you get older (it typically happens to most people in their thirties or forties).

To help correct this, you can get a pair of reading glasses or incorporate new progressive lenses into your regular frames.

DID YOU KNOW?

Both eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions will change over time depending on your vision condition. As we grow older, we will likely develop presbyopia and need a pair of reading glasses or progressive lenses.

How long is your eyeglass prescription good for?

You might also be wondering how long an eyeglass prescription is good for. Eye prescriptions often expire in two years. Your optometrist should include the date of issue and the expiration date on your prescription.

We recommend always checking your country’s laws regarding eye prescriptions and contacting your optician for regular check-ups.

What about contact lens prescription?

Glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions are different. This is because glasses lenses correct vision at about 12 millimetres away from the eyes, while contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface.

Contact lens prescriptions also include values for base curve and diameter. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will fill in these values and determine the best type of contact lenses for your vision needs and eye health. Read more about how to read your contact lens prescription.

How to read an eye prescription

It should now be easier for you to understand all the abbreviations and numbers on your eyeglass prescription. Those are essential pieces of information for the lens manufacturers, as they indicate exactly what your vision needs.

For contact lenses, the eye prescription chart looks a bit different, but the concept is the same. Your prescription will likely change over time, so make sure you plan regular vision checkups every couple of years!

What are Progressive Lenses?

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What Are Progressive Lenses?

How do they work? |
Do I need them? |
Different types
Progressives vs bifocals |
Benefits |
Getting used to them
By Patrick Conroy
Reviewed by Maria Horan FBDO
Maria Horan FBDO

Reviewed by

Maria Horan FBDO
Holding a BSc Honours in Ophthalmic Dispensing awarded at Anglia Ruskin University, Maria has over 17 years of optical experience.
Updated On Feb 25, 2024
Progressive lenses correct multiple vision problems by combining different prescriptions in one lens.

As the old saying goes, time waits for no man. Age catches up on all of us, and on our eyes too.  Our body goes through many changes as we age, one of which is that our eyes begin to deteriorate.

After the age of 40, most people develop presbyopia, a condition that affects our close-up vision. With presbyopia, corrective lenses are needed for activities like reading or writing. 

For those of us who already wear glasses to help with intermediate or distance vision, this can be a bit of a nuisance. Step forward progressive lenses, your three-in-one solution to the problem. 

How do progressive lenses work?

Progressive lenses, also called multifocal lenses or varifocals, contain multiple prescriptions. Each prescription caters to a different field of vision so you can easily see things at far, intermediate and near distances with just one pair of glasses.

The upper portion of the lens is adapted for distance vision. It gradually blends into the intermediate prescription in the middle portion, which corrects anything arm’s length away from you (like your computer screen). 

Finally, the lens increases in power towards the bottom section, designed for close-up tasks, like checking a price tag or using your smartphone.

Progressive lenses have no lines between the different prescriptions, so you have a smooth transition when switching between different viewing areas.

Do I need progressive lenses?

Whether or not you need progressive lenses depends on your vision requirements. If you have multiple prescriptions for a combination of vision problems like presbyopia, nearsightedness and farsightedness, then you’re a good candidate for a pair of progressives.

Presbyopia is caused by the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on near objects and is a natural part of aging. Without progressive lenses, many individuals experience difficulty seeing both near and far objects clearly. 

Progressives may be the best option if you are experiencing eye strain when focusing on text or other details at multiple distances.

Your eye care professional can perform an eye exam to determine if progressive lenses will help improve your vision and overall visual clarity and comfort at all distances.

Progressive lens types

We offer two different types of progressive lenses, premium and deluxe. Your choice between these two ultimately comes down to your personal preference. 

Premium progressive lenses

Premium progressive lenses are our entry level range of progressives, with four lens index options available.

The most standard progressive lenses in the collection come with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings, two features that are also found in the options higher up the scale. The “comfort” version has added UV 400 protection. 

The options on the upper end of the premium scale also have UV400, as well as superhydrophobic coating and an aspheric shape. This shape makes them thinner and lighter than other versions, with 1.67 and 1.74 index versions available.

Deluxe progressive lenses

Deluxe progressive lenses are a step up from our premium options, offering a superior visual experience. There are three options available within the deluxe range.

All three of them come with the same features of the most complete option from the premium range, but they have several additional advantages.

Impact X protection comes as standard on all three deluxe options. This impact-resistant coating reinforces the lenses, so they can handle more adventurous lifestyles and are more forgiving when the odd mishap occurs.

Deluxe progressive lenses differ from their premium counterparts the most in one key aspect. Their viewing area is 30% wider than that of premium lenses.

This provides greater comfort, especially for near and intermediate vision, as these zones are enlarged the most noticeably. 

This extra space maximises the smooth transition when switching from one viewing area to the next, and can reduce visual fatigue and peripheral distortion while wearing your glasses.

What's the difference between progressive lenses and bifocals?

Progressives and bifocals share the trait of containing more than one prescription, but there are some important differences between them. Bifocals have two separate prescription zones for near and distance vision. You’ll have your distance correction at the top, while your near vision correction is at the bottom. 

Bifocal lenses have a distinct line (called a segment line) between each value which causes an abrupt jump in your vision when the eye switches from viewing something at a far distance to a near one. At SmartBuyGlasses, we do not offer bifocals.

As already  mentioned, progressive lenses work by combining three different prescriptions in each lens. They help correct all focal points without any visible lines between viewing zones, unlike bifocals. In a progressive lens, each area transitions gradually from one prescription to another, allowing smoother vision.

DID YOU KNOW?

Several people proposed designs for progressive lenses in the first half of the 19th century, but it was French engineer Bernard Maitenaz who created the first commercially successful progressive lens. 

Benefits of progressive lenses

Progressives lenses offer a lot to wearers, in terms of vision correction, comfort and convenience. Their three prescriptions are an update on single-vision lenses and bifocals. With progressive lenses, you won’t need to carry more than one pair of glasses with you. 

No need to swap between your reading glasses and regular glasses – or even your third pair! Plus, the unique design of a progressive lens allows for a smooth transition between viewing areas. 

The cost of progressive lenses is higher than that of single vision lenses or bifocals, although they are an investment that can save you further expenses on other pairs of glasses. 

This, coupled with their convenient design and the fact that they correct vision smoothly at multiple distances, is enough to assure most wearers that the price is worth it.

Getting used to progressive lenses

It may take you a few weeks to get used to wearing progressive lenses if you’ve never had a pair before. As your eyes get used to the gradient zones of the lenses, you might notice that your vision feels unusual. 

When reading, for example, if you do not move your head and eyes at the same time, the movement of the eye will catch the peripheral zone which will cause blurred vision.

It’s important to realise that this is a normal part of the process and not a sign that something is wrong. With time, you will adapt to this head movement.

Talk to your eye doctor if you’re still having trouble adapting to your new lenses after one or two weeks, but for that initial adjustment period, here are a few tips.

Moving your head more is one of the first and most essential steps to adapting to your new progressive lenses. You should use your lenses by turning your head towards an object you want to focus on instead of simply moving your eyes. A good way to do this is to point your nose to what you want to look at.

However, for near vision tasks like reading, lower your gaze, not your head, towards the bottom section of the lenses. This part of the lens is designed for close-up work, and using just your eyes to shift focus ensures you utilise the correct zone.

The middle section of the lens is for intermediate vision, so when you need to see something in that field of vision – like your computer screen – look straight ahead.

When focusing on distance vision, like watching television or driving, it’s important to look through the upper part of the lenses.

Lift your gaze slightly while keeping your head in a natural, upright position. This aligns your eyes with the top section of the lenses, which is optimised for far distances.

Finally, don’t switch between single-vision prescription glasses. Aim only to use your new pair of progressive glasses, which will help you learn how to use them the correct way quickly.

Once you get the hang of them, you’ll really be able to make the most of all that progressive lenses have to offer. Take a look at our Optical Centre for more informative articles on progressive lenses and other topics.

Everything That You Need To Know About Presbyopia

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Everything That You Need To Know About Presbyopia

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is defined as the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It is an age-related condition and symptoms usually begin at around age 40. You may notice that it is harder to focus when reading, writing or working at the computer because you cannot see the close objects clearly. 

Presbyopia should not be confused with other common eye conditions, such as astigmatisms, nearsightedness or farsightedness. These conditions are related to the shape of the eyeball and are enhanced by genetic and environmental factors. However, near vision loss associated with presbyopia is caused by a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye. 

Presbyopia is a very common eye condition. Worldwide, 1 in 7 people are considered presbyopic and experience near vision loss to some degree because of these age-related symptoms. People who have this eye condition find they need to hold books, newspapers, menus and other reading materials at arm’s length in order for their eyes to focus properly. 

 

Presbyopia Treatment: Eyewear

Treating presbyopia is very straightforward. Prescription glasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses (PALs) are the most common options for presbyopia symptoms. 

Bifocal lenses are glasses constructed with two points of focus. The centre and main part of the spectacle lens contains a prescription for distance vision, while the bottom portion of the lens is made for enhancing near vision, for when you are reading a menu or doing some desk work. 

Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal lenses but they offer a gradual transition between the two prescription lenses, so there is no visible line on your eyeglasses.

Reading glasses are also another option for presbyopia symptoms. You can have these glasses fitted with your unique presbyopia prescription so you can wear these glasses while you read or work.  

In addition, there are also multifocal contact lenses available to treat presbyopia symptoms. Multifocal contact lenses are available in both gas permeable and soft lens material.

 

Presbyopia Treatment: Surgery

There are a few surgical options to treat presbyopia symptoms as well. 

PresbyLASIK is a new presbyopia-correcting surgery that is now undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. This new procedure uses an excimer laser to create a multifocal ablation directly on the eye’s clear front surface. This will again enable vision at multiple distances. 

LASIK can also be used to create monovision, where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye is stronger for distance vision. 

Some other experimental treatments are being tried as well. One study involves injecting an elastic gel into the capsular bag, which is the structure in the eye that contains the natural lens. In theory, the gel would replace the natural lens and serve as a new, more elastic lens. 

In addition, some people undergoing cataract surgery may be able to achieve clear vision at all distances if they choose to use presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses. 

 

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia defined as the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It is an age-related condition and symptoms usually begin at around age 40. You may notice that it is harder to focus when reading, writing or working at the computer because you cannot see close objects clearly.

Presbyopia should not be confused with other common eye conditions, such as astigmatisms, nearsightedness or farsightedness. These conditions are related to the shape of the eyeball and are enhanced by genetic and environmental factors. However, near vision loss associated with presbyopia is caused by a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye.

Presbyopia is a very common eye condition. Worldwide, 1 in 7 people are considered presbyopic and experience near vision loss to some degree because of these age-related symptoms. People who have this eye condition find they need to hold books, newspapers, menus and other reading materials at arm’s length in order for their eyes to focus properly.

 

Presbyopia symptoms

How do I know if I have Presbyopia? That is a common question when growing older and realising that the eye sight isn’t what it used to be. The symptoms are usually related to the ability to see objects at a close range as well as difficulties reading small print. Other symptoms of presbyopia include:

• Squinting, especially when looking at close range

• Having difficulties reading small print text

• Headache and eye strain after reading

• Adjusting the reading material and holding it at arm’s length

• Wanting brighter conditions to read or work in

• Eye fatigue

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should ask your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam will typically include various tests to check the health of your eye and distinguish any diseases or conditions. Even if you do not have any symptoms, an eye screening is recommended for adults at the age of 40 to identify vision change and any signs of various sight impairment.

 

What causes presbyopia?

The lens of the eye is flexible and elastic and can change it’s length or shape relatively easy. The eye is surrounded by muscles that help shape the lens and helps adjust it to be able to register both close and distant objects accordingly.

Why do most people develop presbyopia as they age? Your lens and muscles fibers gradually lose some of their flexibility and elasticity with age. The hardening of the lens affects how the muscles can shape and adjust the lens but also how the lens focuses light directly onto the retina. This natural condition therefore affects the ability to focus on close images becomes limited.

 

Presbyopia treatment: eyewear

Treating presbyopia is very straightforward and there are a number of different presbyopia treatment options available. Prescription glasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses (PALs) are the most common options for presbyopia symptoms.

Bifocal lenses are glasses constructed with two points of focus. The centre and the main part of the spectacle lens contains a prescription for distance vision, while the bottom portion of the lens is made for enhancing near vision, for when you are reading a menu or doing some desk work.

Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal lenses but they offer a gradual transition between the two prescription lenses, so there is no visible line on your eyeglasses.

Reading glasses are also another option for presbyopia symptoms. You can have these glasses fitted with your unique presbyopia prescription so you can wear these glasses while you read or work. There are also non prescription reading glasses that you can typically try out and purchase at drug stores and other retail stores.

Presbyopia treatment: contact lenses

In addition, there are also multifocal contact lenses available to treat presbyopia symptoms. Multifocal contact lenses are available in both gas permeable and soft lens material.

Bifocal contact lenses offer the same visual correction as bifocal glasses.

Another possibility is monovision contact lenses where you use a distance vision lens for one eye and a different contact lens for close work or reading in your other eye. You can also get modified monovision contact lenses where one eye uses a bifocal contact lens and the other one uses as distance vision lens. Both eyes will then be used for seeing far away and one is used for reading. Your brain will adjust as needed and process the image but it takes some getting used to.

 

Presbyopia treatment: surgery

There are a few surgical options to treat presbyopia symptoms as well. 

PresbyLASIK is a new presbyopia-correcting surgery that is now undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. This new procedure uses an excimer laser to create a multifocal ablation directly on the eye’s clear front surface. Presbyopia LASIK eye surgery helps regain vision at multiple distances.

LASIK can also be used to create monovision, where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye is stronger for distance vision. 

Some other experimental treatments are being tried as well. One study involves injecting an elastic gel into the capsular bag, which is the structure in the eye that contains the natural lens. In theory, the gel would replace the natural lens and serve as a new, more elastic lens. 

In addition, some people undergoing cataract surgery may be able to achieve clear vision at all distances if they choose to use presbyopia-correcting intraocular glasses.

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Everything That You Need To Know About Presbyopia

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is defined as the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It is an age-related condition and symptoms usually begin at around age 40. You may notice that it is harder to focus when reading, writing or working at the computer because you cannot see the close objects clearly. 

Presbyopia should not be confused with other common eye conditions, such as astigmatisms, nearsightedness or farsightedness. These conditions are related to the shape of the eyeball and are enhanced by genetic and environmental factors. However, near vision loss associated with presbyopia is caused by a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye. 

Presbyopia is a very common eye condition. Worldwide, 1 in 7 people are considered presbyopic and experience near vision loss to some degree because of these age-related symptoms. People who have this eye condition find they need to hold books, newspapers, menus and other reading materials at arm’s length in order for their eyes to focus properly. 

Presbyopia Treatment: Eyewear

Treating presbyopia is very straightforward. Prescription glasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses (PALs) are the most common options for presbyopia symptoms. 

Bifocal lenses are glasses constructed with two points of focus. The centre and main part of the spectacle lens contains a prescription for distance vision, while the bottom portion of the lens is made for enhancing near vision, for when you are reading a menu or doing some desk work. 

Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal lenses but they offer a gradual transition between the two prescription lenses, so there is no visible line on your eyeglasses.

Reading glasses are also another option for presbyopia symptoms. You can have these glasses fitted with your unique presbyopia prescription so you can wear these glasses while you read or work.  

In addition, there are also multifocal contact lenses available to treat presbyopia symptoms. Multifocal contact lenses are available in both gas permeable and soft lens material.

Presbyopia Treatment: Surgery

There are a few surgical options to treat presbyopia symptoms as well. 

PresbyLASIK is a new presbyopia-correcting surgery that is now undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. This new procedure uses an excimer laser to create a multifocal ablation directly on the eye’s clear front surface. This will again enable vision at multiple distances. 

LASIK can also be used to create monovision, where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye is stronger for distance vision. 

Some other experimental treatments are being tried as well. One study involves injecting an elastic gel into the capsular bag, which is the structure in the eye that contains the natural lens. In theory, the gel would replace the natural lens and serve as a new, more elastic lens. 

In addition, some people undergoing cataract surgery may be able to achieve clear vision at all distances if they choose to use presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses. 

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia defined as the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It is an age-related condition and symptoms usually begin at around age 40. You may notice that it is harder to focus when reading, writing or working at the computer because you cannot see close objects clearly.

Presbyopia should not be confused with other common eye conditions, such as astigmatisms, nearsightedness or farsightedness. These conditions are related to the shape of the eyeball and are enhanced by genetic and environmental factors. However, near vision loss associated with presbyopia is caused by a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens inside your eye.

Presbyopia is a very common eye condition. Worldwide, 1 in 7 people are considered presbyopic and experience near vision loss to some degree because of these age-related symptoms. People who have this eye condition find they need to hold books, newspapers, menus and other reading materials at arm’s length in order for their eyes to focus properly.

Presbyopia symptoms

How do I know if I have Presbyopia? That is a common question when growing older and realising that the eye sight isn’t what it used to be. The symptoms are usually related to the ability to see objects at a close range as well as difficulties reading small print. Other symptoms of presbyopia include:

• Squinting, especially when looking at close range

• Having difficulties reading small print text

• Headache and eye strain after reading

• Adjusting the reading material and holding it at arm’s length

• Wanting brighter conditions to read or work in

• Eye fatigue

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should ask your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam will typically include various tests to check the health of your eye and distinguish any diseases or conditions. Even if you do not have any symptoms, an eye screening is recommended for adults at the age of 40 to identify vision change and any signs of various sight impairment.

What causes presbyopia?

The lens of the eye is flexible and elastic and can change it’s length or shape relatively easy. The eye is surrounded by muscles that help shape the lens and helps adjust it to be able to register both close and distant objects accordingly.

Why do most people develop presbyopia as they age? Your lens and muscles fibers gradually lose some of their flexibility and elasticity with age. The hardening of the lens affects how the muscles can shape and adjust the lens but also how the lens focuses light directly onto the retina. This natural condition therefore affects the ability to focus on close images becomes limited.

Presbyopia treatment: eyewear

Treating presbyopia is very straightforward and there are a number of different presbyopia treatment options available. Prescription glasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses (PALs) are the most common options for presbyopia symptoms.

Bifocal lenses are glasses constructed with two points of focus. The centre and the main part of the spectacle lens contains a prescription for distance vision, while the bottom portion of the lens is made for enhancing near vision, for when you are reading a menu or doing some desk work.

Progressive lenses are similar to bifocal lenses but they offer a gradual transition between the two prescription lenses, so there is no visible line on your eyeglasses.

Reading glasses are also another option for presbyopia symptoms. You can have these glasses fitted with your unique presbyopia prescription so you can wear these glasses while you read or work. There are also non prescription reading glasses that you can typically try out and purchase at drug stores and other retail stores.

Presbyopia treatment: contact lenses

In addition, there are also multifocal contact lenses available to treat presbyopia symptoms. Multifocal contact lenses are available in both gas permeable and soft lens material.

Bifocal contact lenses offer the same visual correction as bifocal glasses.

Another possibility is monovision contact lenses where you use a distance vision lens for one eye and a different contact lens for close work or reading in your other eye. You can also get modified monovision contact lenses where one eye uses a bifocal contact lens and the other one uses as distance vision lens. Both eyes will then be used for seeing far away and one is used for reading. Your brain will adjust as needed and process the image but it takes some getting used to.

Presbyopia treatment: surgery

There are a few surgical options to treat presbyopia symptoms as well. 

PresbyLASIK is a new presbyopia-correcting surgery that is now undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. This new procedure uses an excimer laser to create a multifocal ablation directly on the eye’s clear front surface. Presbyopia LASIK eye surgery helps regain vision at multiple distances.

LASIK can also be used to create monovision, where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye is stronger for distance vision. 

Some other experimental treatments are being tried as well. One study involves injecting an elastic gel into the capsular bag, which is the structure in the eye that contains the natural lens. In theory, the gel would replace the natural lens and serve as a new, more elastic lens. 

In addition, some people undergoing cataract surgery may be able to achieve clear vision at all distances if they choose to use presbyopia-correcting intraocular glasses.

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How to Do an Eye Test Online

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How to Do an Eye Test Online

Eye Test Online: Key Information

In 2020, completing normal tasks from home has become the norm. Getting an eye test online, for example, is just one of the numerous socially-distanced options for getting stuff done without going out. 

Want to test your eyesight without a trip to the optician? Online vision tests are a pretty good way to make that possible.

An online eye test might check:

• How sharp your vision is.

• Whether you have astigmatism, a condition that can make things blurry or stretched.

• How sensitive your eyes are to light.

• If you have color blindness, meaning you can’t see colors correctly.

These eye tests can be helpful in some situations, like if you break or lose your glasses when you’re far from home and you need a prescription to get new ones.

Importantly, they cannot replace regular visits to your eye doctor. That’s because they are only about vision; obviously, they cannot check the health of your eyes. An online-only eye test can’t tell you if you have a condition that can seriously threaten your sight, like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. If you think you have an infection or you’ve injured your eyes, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

 

Who Can Take an Eye Test Online?

Online vision tests are best for healthy adults aged 18-39 who:

• Already have a prescription for eyeglasses and it’s not very strong.

• Have already had a complete eye exam and know their eyes are healthy.

• Have no risks for eye disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Even if you are the right age and healthy enough to take an online vision test, you should still get regular in-person eye exams as often as your eye doctor recommends.

Eye Test for Astigmatism Online

At SmartBuyGlasses, we’ve prepared this really handy eye test to help you work out whether you’ve got astigmatism. Simply follow the link here to take the test.

How to Take Online Eye Test for Glasses

It should be noted that online-only eye tests can never be fully accurate; it’s always best to visit an eye doctor. However, in the current climate, it may be a good idea to get a general idea of what your eyesight’s like before you go and see an optician.

SmartBuyGlasses Lens Scanner app

The Lens Scanner free app from SmartBuyGlasses is one of our most forward-thinking innovations yet. Through our partnership with 6over6, we’ve introduced a new app dedicated to making vision care accessible to all. The purpose of this app is to help you find your current prescription without having to go and book an appointment at your opticians’. If you’re looking to buy prescription glasses online but don’t have your prescription, this is the tool for you. 

To start, you’ll need your glasses, a smartphone, a desktop or laptop and a standard-size card (think gift cards, ID cards, student cards etc.). You then follow a simple process which involves using your phone’s camera to scan a standardized graph.

Follow this link for more detailed instructions on how to use and download the Lens Scanner app!

Technologies at SmartBuyGlasses

SmartBuyGlasses is proud to host some of the eyewear industry’s most advanced online services. Here are a couple of other things that you should really look into if you’re interested in the world of eyewear:

The Virtual Try-On tool is another service that we provide to streamline the process of buying glasses online. As an online-only retailer, we want to make sure our customers get the best experience possible before buying a great pair of glasses or sunglasses. The first step in doing this is using our great Virtual Try-On tool. This technology allows you to see what a stylish pair of sunnies will look like before you make the leap to purchasing them. This also saves a LOT of time that you could have spent waiting for multiple pairs to arrive, trying them on, sending them back, etc., etc.

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are advanced, affordable prescription lenses from Arise Collective™ sold exclusively at SmartBuyGlasses. The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses.

These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high performing, durable lenses feature an innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort from the urban jungle to the actual jungle.

Blue Light Glasses

Blue light block technology from zFORT® is another future-proof feature present in a whole range of products at SmartBuyGlasses. Blue light is a potentially harmful, high energy visible light which comes from the sun – but, importantly, is also emitted by electronic devices. With our increasing reliance on such devices, our exposure to blue light has never been higher. 

Energy at a wavelength between 415nm and 455nm, is ‘blue light’. It can hit the retina and have a detrimental effect on vision that may lead to premature eye ageing. Our exposure to this potentially harmful form of light may also cause a whole range of other health problems. It’s important that you protect yourself every step of the way with some blue light blocking glasses.

If you’ve been interested in some of the technologies and online eye test content here, be sure to peruse the rest of our Optical Centre. It’s full of articles and FAQs that are there to make eye health knowledge more accessible to all.

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Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

How to Do an Eye Test Online

Eye Test Online: Key Information

In 2020, completing normal tasks from home has become the norm. Getting an eye test online, for example, is just one of the numerous socially-distanced options for getting stuff done without going out. 

Want to test your eyesight without a trip to the optician? Online vision tests are a pretty good way to make that possible.

An online eye test might check:

• How sharp your vision is.

• Whether you have astigmatism, a condition that can make things blurry or stretched.

• How sensitive your eyes are to light.

• If you have color blindness, meaning you can’t see colors correctly.

These eye tests can be helpful in some situations, like if you break or lose your glasses when you’re far from home and you need a prescription to get new ones.

Importantly, they cannot replace regular visits to your eye doctor. That’s because they are only about vision; obviously, they cannot check the health of your eyes. An online-only eye test can’t tell you if you have a condition that can seriously threaten your sight, like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. If you think you have an infection or you’ve injured your eyes, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Who Can Take an Eye Test Online?

Online vision tests are best for healthy adults aged 18-39 who:

• Already have a prescription for eyeglasses and it’s not very strong.

• Have already had a complete eye exam and know their eyes are healthy.

• Have no risks for eye disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Even if you are the right age and healthy enough to take an online vision test, you should still get regular in-person eye exams as often as your eye doctor recommends.

Eye Test for Astigmatism Online

At SmartBuyGlasses, we’ve prepared this really handy eye test to help you work out whether you’ve got astigmatism. Simply follow the link here to take the test.

How to Take Online Eye Test for Glasses

It should be noted that online-only eye tests can never be fully accurate; it’s always best to visit an eye doctor. However, in the current climate, it may be a good idea to get a general idea of what your eyesight’s like before you go and see an optician.

SmartBuyGlasses Lens Scanner

The Lens Scanner from SmartBuyGlasses is one of our most forward-thinking innovations yet. Through our partnership with 6over6, we’ve introduced a new app dedicated to making vision care accessible to all. The purpose of this app is to help you find your current prescription without having to go and book an appointment at your opticians’. If you’re looking to buy prescription glasses online but don’t have your prescription, this is the tool for you. 

To start, you’ll need your glasses, a smartphone, a desktop or laptop and a standard-size card (think gift cards, ID cards, student cards etc.). You then follow a simple process which involves using your phone’s camera to scan a standardized graph.

Follow this link for more detailed instructions on how to use and download the lens scanner app!

Technologies at SmartBuyGlasses

SmartBuyGlasses is proud to host some of the eyewear industry’s most advanced online services. Here are a couple of other things that you should really look into if you’re interested in the world of eyewear:

Virtual Try-On is another service that we provide to streamline the process of buying glasses online. As an online-only retailer, we want to make sure our customers get the best experience possible before buying a great pair of glasses or sunglasses. The first step in doing this is using our great Virtual Try-On tool. This technology allows you to see what a stylish pair of sunnies will look like before you make the leap to purchasing them. This also saves a LOT of time that you could have spent waiting for multiple pairs to arrive, trying them on, sending them back, etc., etc.

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are advanced, affordable prescription lenses from Arise Collective™ sold exclusively at SmartBuyGlasses. The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses.

These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high performing, durable lenses feature an innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort from the urban jungle to the actual jungle.

Blue Light Glasses

Blue light block technology from zFORT® is another future-proof feature present in a whole range of products at SmartBuyGlasses. Blue light is a potentially harmful, high energy visible light which comes from the sun – but, importantly, is also emitted by electronic devices. With our increasing reliance on such devices, our exposure to blue light has never been higher. 

Energy at a wavelength between 415nm and 455nm, is ‘blue light’. It can hit the retina and have a detrimental effect on vision that may lead to premature eye ageing. Our exposure to this potentially harmful form of light may also cause a whole range of other health problems. It’s important that you protect yourself every step of the way with some blue light blocking glasses.

If you’ve been interested in some of the technologies and online eye test content here, be sure to peruse the rest of our Optical Centre. It’s full of articles and FAQs that are there to make eye health knowledge more accessible to all.

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How to Buy Your Eyeglasses Online

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How to Buy Your Glasses Online

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are being urged to stay home to avoid the spread of this Novel Coronavirus. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can order prescription glasses online from the safety of your home. When it comes to your prescription eyeglasses, extra precaution matters. Follow these simple steps to buying your next pair of prescription glasses online.

 

Step 1: Get Your Prescription

The process of buying prescription eyeglasses online still involves a visit to the optometrist (unless you’re looking for plano glasses or reading glasses). Your doctor is responsible for clearly identifying your vision problems, writing a prescription, explaining technical terms, and addressing your eye care needs.

For custom-made eyeglasses, you can also seek the services of opticians. They’re able to measure your pupillary distance (PD) to determine the exact placement of the centre of the lenses for accuracy. Knowing your PD (and getting it verified by a professional) is a key step in getting yourself some prescription lenses that really work.

 

Step 2: Get the Right Frame

If you already have frames in mind, you can easily search through our website and order online (in order to follow the suggested precautions for stopping the spread of COVID-19). You can choose from our top brands such as Tom Ford, Oakley, Ray-Ban and Persol. Get over 70% off designer frames today at SmartBuyGlasses!

 

Frame Shape

The eyeglasses of your choice should complement your face and highlight your favorite facial attributes. Before you buy eyeglasses online, you should get to know your face shape a little better. You’ll know if your face is oval, round, square, diamond, or heart shape by simply looking in the mirror. Then, you can check out this guide – it’s packed full of our recommendations for suitable eyewear!

 

Frame Size

While you consider eyeglasses frame sizes for fashion, it’s best to determine the correct measurements for your face. Big frames can make your face look smaller while small frames can make your face look bigger. Too loose, your eyeglasses might slip off, while too narrow might cause improper blood flow and discomfort!

If you have an old pair of eyeglasses that suit you well, you can check the measurements engraved at the temples. It’s worth taking into account that your glasses, over time, will also ‘break in’ and become more comfortable – so don’t be discouraged if that cool new pair that you’ve just bought feels a little small.

 

Frame Materials

Eyeglasses frames are made of plastic, acetate, metal, and titanium. Well-known brands such as Persol and Tom Ford are known for their premium materials – but that’s not the only route to consider when buying glasses online. We’re talking about SmartBuy Collection. They’re also made from high-quality materials but come at a much easier price point. Check them out!

 

Frame Colours

Once you’ve decided on your new frames’ shape, size, brand and materials, you can proceed to choose the best colour for you. Most of the time, the designs that you know and love are available in a wide range of colours. Have a look at Ray-Ban Wayfarers, for example.

 

Step 3: Enter Your Prescription to Choose Lenses and Coatings

Once you’ve decided on the frames, you can submit your prescription at checkout. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can do it manually each time you purchase, OR upload it to our system so we can quickly ship you the glasses you need without you having to worry about tracking those evasive prescriptions down.

Your prescription may mean you might be required to have single-vision or multi-vision lenses. However, you can still decide the lens materials and thickness at checkout. Check out this lens index chart to find out which one is most suitable for your vision correction needs!

 

More Information

At SmartBuyGlasses, there’s a whole world of designer sunglasses, designer eyeglasses and more available from the comfort of your home. You’ve got a key part of your prescription to hand, meaning you’ll be far more informed when it comes to buying eyewear online. 

Speaking of being more informed, check out our Optical Centre. We’ve got hundreds of articles, ranging from contact lens queries to eye health answers – all at your fingertips. We also follow up our customers’ burning questions with our Ask the Optician section. Here, you’ll find expert-led advice about a range of topics from our in-house optician team.

Read up on the facts? Good. It’s time to pick up some unreal deals from SmartBuyGlasses. We thought we’d introduce you to a couple of our favourite ranges below.

 

Arise HD Prescription Lenses

SmartBuyGlasses offers groundbreaking durability, pristine clarity and perfect vision – all in the same lenses. Arise HD Clarity Prescription Lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure.

The Arise Clarity Lens Collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation. 

 These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high performing, durable lenses feature an innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective for your lens type. Let’s get started!

 

zFORT® Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light is a potentially harmful form of light. While it is naturally emitted by the sun, electronic devices (upon which we’re spending more and more time every day) are also high-level producers. Blue light rays at a wavelength between 415nm – 455nm can damage your retinal cells, which may lead to premature eye ageing and vision problems in the future.

Our exposure to these harmful light rays may also cause a range of other health problems, including poor sleep (according to a 2012 Harvard Medical School study). Find out more about how to protect your eyes from blue light with anti blue light glasses from zFORT®. 

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How to Buy Your Glasses Online

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are being urged to stay home to avoid the spread of this Novel Coronavirus. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can order prescription glasses online from the safety of your home. When it comes to your prescription eyeglasses, extra precaution matters. Follow these simple steps to buying your next pair of prescription glasses online.

Step 1: Get Your Prescription

The process of buying prescription eyeglasses online still involves a visit to the optometrist (unless you’re looking for plano glasses or reading glasses). Your doctor is responsible for clearly identifying your vision problems, writing a prescription, explaining technical terms, and addressing your eye care needs.

For custom-made eyeglasses, you can also seek the services of opticians. They’re able to measure your pupillary distance (PD) to determine the exact placement of the centre of the lenses for accuracy. Knowing your PD (and getting it verified by a professional) is a key step in getting yourself some prescription lenses that really work.

Step 2: Get the Right Frame

If you already have frames in mind, you can easily search through our website and order online (in order to follow the suggested precautions for stopping the spread of COVID-19). You can choose from our top brands such as Tom Ford, Oakley, Ray-Ban and Persol. Get over 70% off designer frames today at SmartBuyGlasses!

Frame Shape

The eyeglasses of your choice should complement your face and highlight your favorite facial attributes. Before you buy eyeglasses online, you should get to know your face shape a little better. You’ll know if your face is oval, round, square, diamond, or heart shape by simply looking in the mirror. Then, you can check out this guide – it’s packed full of our recommendations for suitable eyewear!

Frame Size

While you consider eyeglasses frame sizes for fashion, it’s best to determine the correct measurements for your face. Big frames can make your face look smaller while small frames can make your face look bigger. Too loose, your eyeglasses might slip off, while too narrow might cause improper blood flow and discomfort!

If you have an old pair of eyeglasses that suit you well, you can check the measurements engraved at the temples. It’s worth taking into account that your glasses, over time, will also ‘break in’ and become more comfortable – so don’t be discouraged if that cool new pair that you’ve just bought feels a little small.

Frame Materials

Eyeglasses frames are made of plastic, acetate, metal, and titanium. Well-known brands such as Persol and Tom Ford are known for their premium materials – but that’s not the only route to consider when buying glasses online. We’re talking about SmartBuy Collection. They’re also made from high-quality materials but come at a much easier price point. Check them out!

Frame Colours

Once you’ve decided on your new frames’ shape, size, brand and materials, you can proceed to choose the best colour for you. Most of the time, the designs that you know and love are available in a wide range of colours. Have a look at Ray-Ban Wayfarers, for example.

Step 3: Enter Your Prescription to Choose Lenses and Coatings

Once you’ve decided on the frames, you can submit your prescription at checkout. At SmartBuyGlasses, you can do it manually each time you purchase, OR upload it to our system so we can quickly ship you the glasses you need without you having to worry about tracking those evasive prescriptions down.

Your prescription may mean you might be required to have single-vision or multi-vision lenses. However, you can still decide the lens materials and thickness at checkout. Check out this lens index chart to find out which one is most suitable for your vision correction needs!

More Information

At SmartBuyGlasses, there’s a whole world of designer sunglasses, designer eyeglasses and more available from the comfort of your home. You’ve got a key part of your prescription to hand, meaning you’ll be far more informed when it comes to buying eyewear online. 

Speaking of being more informed, check out our Optical Centre. We’ve got hundreds of articles, ranging from contact lens queries to eye health answers – all at your fingertips. We also follow up our customers’ burning questions with our Ask the Optician section. Here, you’ll find expert-led advice about a range of topics from our in-house optician team.

Read up on the facts? Good. It’s time to pick up some unreal deals from SmartBuyGlasses. We thought we’d introduce you to a couple of our favourite ranges below.

Arise HD Prescription Lenses

SmartBuyGlasses offers groundbreaking durability, pristine clarity and perfect vision – all in the same lenses. Arise HD Clarity Prescription Lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure.

The Arise Clarity Lens Collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses. From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation. 

 These lenses are also aspheric, making them thinner and lighter than many other prescription lenses. These high performing, durable lenses feature an innovative lens technology that provides optimal clarity and comfort in the urban jungle.

Simply choose any frames you like, enter your prescription and select Arise Collective for your lens type. Let’s get started!

zFORT® Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light is a potentially harmful form of light. While it is naturally emitted by the sun, electronic devices (upon which we’re spending more and more time every day) are also high-level producers. Blue light rays at a wavelength between 415nm – 455nm can damage your retinal cells, which may lead to premature eye ageing and vision problems in the future.

Our exposure to these harmful light rays may also cause a range of other health problems, including poor sleep (according to a 2012 Harvard Medical School study). Find out more about how to protect your eyes from blue light with anti blue light glasses from zFORT®. 

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How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

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How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

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

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good. Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

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

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly! If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

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

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

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

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

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

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

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

How to replace lenses in glasses?

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

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

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

 

– Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.

– Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

– Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.

– Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.

 

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

Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

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

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good. Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

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

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly! If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

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

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

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

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

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

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

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

How to replace lenses in glasses?

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

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

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

 

– Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.

– Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

– Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.

– Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.

 

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

How to Test Blue Light Glasses

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Ask now

Ask our opticians

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How to Test Blue Light Glasses

Blue light explained |
Types |
Testing methods
By Ivana Yankova
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette​
Beck Jinnette​

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette​
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care and holds her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On May 27, 2024
Discover the different types of blue light glasses and how to test their efficacy at-home.
man wearing blue light blocking glasses and looking at LED computer screen

In today’s world, people stare at digital screens every day, which can cause long-term damage to our eyes.

With hundreds of brands offering blue light blocking glasses, many people aren’t aware that their regular glasses may also have a blue light filter. How can we determine if they effectively block harmful blue light?

Thankfully, you don’t need to go to your local optometrist to find this out. Here we’ve gathered five different ways you can perform a blue light filter test from the comfort of your home.

What is blue light?

Before discussing the various at-home blue light tests, we need to learn what exactly blue light is.

Blue light is a type of light with a short wavelength and high energy that is emitted by digital screens, LED lights and the sun. 

Some blue light is natural and necessary for our well-being, but when blue light rays reach a wavelength between 415-455nm, they can hit the retina and have a detrimental effect on vision.

In this case, wearing blue light glasses can be an effective way to counteract the effect of this short-wavelength light, and protect your eyes in the long term. 

Different types of blue light-blocking lenses

At first sight blue light glasses can be distinguished by their lens colour. Understanding the differences between these lenses can help you choose the right ones for your needs.

Clear lenses

The most common type of blue light glasses – also known as blue light computer glasses – contain clear lenses.

These are especially useful when using your phone or laptop or while watching TV. They are perfect for daily use because they significantly relieve digital eye strain and improve sleep quality. 

Their subtle coating filters out 25-30% of all blue light while maintaining the natural colour of objects. 

woman wearing blue light blocking glasses with clear lenses

Yellow lenses

Yellow lenses are recommended for nighttime driving because of their ability to provide better contrast. 

They block 65-70% of all blue light and reduce glare from artificial light sources such as traffic lights and LED car headlights. 

woman wearing blue light glasses with yellow lenses

Orange & red lenses

Orange and red lenses offer the highest level of blue light protection. They filter out 99.5–99.9% of all blue light and can help improve sleep quality by minimising the disruption of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Using these glasses in the evening or before bedtime can reduce eye strain and fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of screen time.

In comparison with yellow lenses, blue light glasses with orange and red lenses are not suitable for nighttime driving. 

They can also cause colour distortion making objects appear slightly different in hue. This may not be ideal for tasks that require colour accuracy, such as graphic design or photo editing.

woman wearing blue light glasses with red lenses
DID YOU KNOW?

Not all coloured lenses effectively filter blue light; it’s the science behind the lens tint and coating that determines their efficacy in blocking harmful wavelengths.

Five ways to test blue light glasses

Testing blue light glasses doesn’t have to be complicated. 

With a few simple methods, you can ensure that your glasses effectively block blue light and provide the protection you need without the need of visiting the local optician.

1. Reflection test

This is a good initial test to determine your glasses’ authenticity. Hold your blue light glasses up to a light source and observe the reflection. 

If you spot a blue reflection on the lens surface, it indicates that they are effectively blocking blue light, though it doesn’t specify their level of blue light filtration. 

reflection test blue light blocking glasses screen

2. Pigment test

Hold your glasses up to a screen emitting white light, such as a computer screen with a white background. If the screen appears slightly yellow, it means that the glasses filter blue light.

pigment test blue light blocking glasses stop blue light rays

3. RGB colour chart test

Use a digital device to display an RGB colour chart. Put on your blue light glasses and observe the colours. 

If the blue light is effectively blocked, the blue section “B” should appear slightly darker or almost black and the green circle “G” should be a bit dimmed.

The image on the left represents a regular RGB colour chart, while the image on the right has been modified to simulate the results when using blue light lenses.

If you have true blue light filtering eyewear, both images will appear almost identical through your glasses.

RGB color chart test blue light blocking glasses

4. Black and blue circle test

Similar to the previous test, put on your blue light glasses and look at the black and blue circles. If the circles appear less bright and a dark grey colour, your glasses are working as they should.

black and blue circle test blue light blocking glasses

5. Spectrophotometer test

While the other methods are a great way to test your blue light blocking lenses and can be done at home, using a spectrophotometer is the best way to accurately and precisely measure how much blue light is being filtered.

The spectrophotometer test can be done in specialised labs or optical stores. The device will generate a spectrum report indicating the percentage of blue and green light blocked by your glasses, allowing you to assess their effectiveness.

spectrophotometer test spectrum report

Test not to use: blue light pen test

While there are many effective at-home tests, we advise you not to use a blue light pen to test your glasses.

The blue light test pen often accompanies blue light glasses imported from China and other local manufacturers.

This test kit typically includes a blue light pen and a small white card. The instructions claim that the pen emits blue light, and when shone on the card, it supposedly appears blue.

However, this test is fake because these pens emit violet light, not blue. Lab-grade spectrometers have confirmed that the wavelength of this light falls between 380-400nm, well within the violet light spectrum, while blue light ranges from 400nm to 500nm.

Glasses that pass the pen test filter violet light but do not block the harmful blue light emitted by LED screens.

Final thoughts

There are many blue light blocking glasses out there and before relying on them, we need to find out if they are really serving their purpose. 

By performing these simple tests, you can ensure that your blue light glasses are providing the protection you need to reduce eye strain and improve your overall eye health.

If you want to learn more about eye health, you can explore our Optical Centre and Lens Hub.