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10 Current Trends in Men’s Eyewear to Upgrade Your Look

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10 Current Trends in Men's Eyewear to Upgrade Your Look

Picture of Jacob

Jacob

Jacob is a Turin-based Digital Marketing specialist from the UK. He uses his passion for writing to bring you all the latest news and interesting topics in the eyewear world!

If you’re searching for what’s new, popular, and cool in the world of men’s eyewear, you’ve come to the correct place! We believe that the greatest trendy pair of men’s glasses or sunglasses will be fresh, meet your budget, and fit your lifestyle. So, whether you’re a trend follower or a traditional guy, or want a little of both, we’ve got 10 current trends in men’s eyewear fashion that will elevate your look.

We’ve compiled a list of the ideal current looks available for men, so read on and let us walk you through the many possibilities you have to achieve a new look

Trending glasses for men

Men’s glasses are widely regarded as a luxury accessory that adds the finishing touch to any outfit. Here’s a look at some trending men’s glasses styles that are sure to boost any look. Whether you’re seeking the perfect blend of fashion and function, or simply your next stylish accessory, there is something for you!

Color tinted glasses

Tinted glasses, which have clear lenses with a subtle hint of color, are a new trend that we love. They work with your prescription and also add a modern flair to your daily attire.

Our suggestion: Gucci GG0872S

‘70s era glasses

These edgy men’s spectacles are based on prominent fashion and culture trends from the 1970s. The large, thick glasses style will bring back memories of your favorite retro fashions.

Our suggestion: Cazal 607 001

Eco-friendly glasses

As sustainable materials are becoming increasingly popular, men’s eco-friendly glasses are gaining a lot of attention. You’ll find recycled plastic and wood frames produced by environmentally driven organizations that use the most sustainable materials and methods.

Our suggestion: Oh My Woodness! Paterno WP402-T02-A06-21

Minimal glasses

These simple designs and sleek shapes have minimalism at their core. They are both adaptable and fashionable to suit many types of attire. Thin glasses frames are extremely light, making them comfy for long-term wear.

Our suggestion: Italia Independent I-I MOD 5211 I-THIN METAL

Clear glasses

Clear glasses make a modest style statement without the distractions of vivid colors and showy features. They give a modern spin on classic men’s eyewear fashion. Transparent frames are undeniably flexible and provide elegance to a wide range of outfits.

Our suggestion: Arise Collective Quartz G3002 C2

Trending sunglasses for men

If you’re like most guys, you already have one or two pairs of old sunglasses. With summer just around the corner, it is the ideal time to elevate your game with some new, creative, and bold designs!

Ray-Ban Clubmasters

Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses are probably one of the most well-known models. Keep it traditional with black and tortoiseshell frames, or go for something a little more eye-catching with bright colors.

Our suggestion: Ray-Ban RB3016 Clubmaster

Oversized sunglasses

This year has been taken over by a new men’s eyewear style: oversized sunglasses. With their attention-grabbing shapes and vivid colors, the trend is thrilling. If you don’t mind wearing a unique frame, big sunglasses are an excellent choice.

Our suggestion: Michael Kors MK2098U ISLE OF PALMS 300511

Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Ray-Ban Wayfarers are perhaps the most renowned sunglasses in history. After their release in 1952, the Wayfarer soon became a favorite of Hollywood filmmakers, musicians, and artists. They have made their mark as a timeless style that will be popular for years ahead.

Our suggestion: Ray-Ban RB4165 Justin 601/8G

Retro round sunglasses

Round sunglasses have beautiful retro implications, which evoke famous pictures of John Lennon. The style never seems to go out of style, and it’s a classic look that works best with a square face shape.

Our suggestion: Tom Ford FT0649 RYAN-02 14N

 

Pilot sunglasses

Pilot sunglasses, such as the Ray-Ban Aviator, are great to wear with anything from a sharp suit to a casual tee. The classic style elevates any look, and the aviator is versatile enough to adapt to every vintage or modern setting.

Our suggestion:  Carrera CHAMPION/N DL5/9O

Conclusion

We hope this style inspiration helps you navigate the world of men’s eyewear fashion to choose your perfect pair of glasses. If you don’t like to follow trends, you can also choose a style that has stood the test of time. 

Check out our eyewear trends page to stay on top of the ever-changing fashion world.

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

10 Current Trends in Men's Eyewear to Upgrade Your Look

Picture of Jacob

Jacob

Jacob is a Turin-based Digital Marketing specialist from the UK. He uses his passion for writing to bring you all the latest news and interesting topics in the eyewear world!

If you’re searching for what’s new, popular, and cool in the world of men’s eyewear, you’ve come to the correct place! We believe that the greatest trendy pair of men’s glasses or sunglasses will be fresh, meet your budget, and fit your lifestyle. So, whether you’re a trend follower or a traditional guy, or want a little of both, we’ve got 10 current trends in men’s eyewear fashion that will elevate your look.

 

We’ve compiled a list of the ideal current looks available for men, so read on and let us walk you through the many possibilities you have to achieve a new look.

Trending glasses for men

Men’s glasses are widely regarded as a luxury accessory that adds the finishing touch to any outfit. Here’s a look at some trending men’s glasses styles that are sure to boost any look. Whether you’re seeking the perfect blend of fashion and function, or simply your next stylish accessory, there is something for you!

Color tinted glasses

Tinted glasses, which have clear lenses with a subtle hint of color, are a new trend that we love. They work with your prescription and also add a modern flair to your daily attire.


Our suggestion: Gucci GG0872S

‘70s era glasses

These edgy men’s spectacles are based on prominent fashion and culture trends from the 1970s. The large, thick glasses style will bring back memories of your favorite retro fashions.


Our suggestion: Cazal 607 001

Eco-friendly glasses

As sustainable materials are becoming increasingly popular, men’s eco-friendly glasses are gaining a lot of attention. You’ll find recycled plastic and wood frames produced by environmentally driven organizations that use the most sustainable materials and methods.


Our suggestion: Oh My Woodness! Paterno WP402-T02-A06-21

Minimal glasses

These simple designs and sleek shapes have minimalism at their core. They are both adaptable and fashionable to suit many types of attire. Thin glasses frames are extremely light, making them comfy for long-term wear.


Our suggestion: Italia Independent I-I MOD 5211 I-THIN METAL

Clear glasses

Clear glasses make a modest style statement without the distractions of vivid colors and showy features. They give a modern spin on classic men’s eyewear fashion. Transparent frames are undeniably flexible and provide elegance to a wide range of outfits.


Our suggestion: Arise Collective Quartz G3002 C2

Trending sunglasses for men

If you’re like most guys, you already have one or two pairs of old sunglasses. With summer just around the corner, it is the ideal time to elevate your game with some new, creative, and bold designs!

 

Ray-Ban Clubmasters

Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses are probably one of the most well-known models. Keep it traditional with black and tortoiseshell frames, or go for something a little more eye-catching with bright colors.


Our suggestion: Ray-Ban RB3016 Clubmaster

Oversized sunglasses

This year has been taken over by a new men’s eyewear style: oversized sunglasses. With their attention-grabbing shapes and vivid colors, the trend is thrilling. If you don’t mind wearing a unique frame, big sunglasses are an excellent choice.


Our suggestion: Michael Kors MK2098U ISLE OF PALMS 300511

Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Ray-Ban Wayfarers are perhaps the most renowned sunglasses in history. After their release in 1952, the Wayfarer soon became a favorite of Hollywood filmmakers, musicians, and artists. They have made their mark as a timeless style that will be popular for years ahead.


Our suggestion: Ray-Ban RB4165 Justin 601/8G

Retro round sunglasses

Round sunglasses have beautiful retro implications, which evoke famous pictures of John Lennon. The style never seems to go out of style, and it’s a classic look that works best with a square face shape.


Our suggestion: Tom Ford FT0649 RYAN-02 14N

Pilot sunglasses

Pilot sunglasses, such as the Ray-Ban Aviator, are great to wear with anything from a sharp suit to a casual tee. The classic style elevates any look, and the aviator is versatile enough to adapt to every vintage or modern setting.


Our suggestion:  Carrera CHAMPION/N DL5/9O

Conclusion

We hope this style inspiration helps you navigate the world of men’s eyewear fashion to choose your perfect pair of glasses. If you don’t like to follow trends, you can also choose a style that has stood the test of time. 


Check out our eyewear trends page to stay on top of the ever-changing fashion world.

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 544491, 426600, 414064. Please check and use correct values.

Lowest Prescription for Contacts

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Lowest Prescription for Contacts

Is a glasses prescription the same? |
How to read your
prescription |
Numbers in the prescription |
How long does
it last? |
How low does it go? |
Strongest prescription |
Advantages
By Claire Capuano
Reviewed by Beck Jinette
Beck Jinette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Apr 06, 2023
Contact lenses are becoming more advanced and available for those in need of vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
Contact lenses

Contact lenses have become much more comfortable, breathable and versatile since they were first designed in the 19th century. 

The earliest versions were blown from glass, so it’s no wonder they were less popular than they are now. Today, contact lenses are thin, plastic lenses used for vision correction. 

Contact lenses differ from glasses as they are worn directly on the cornea, the front surface of the eye. Contact lenses adhere to the shape of the eye, allowing a wider field of vision and fewer distortions or obstacles than prescription glasses. 

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

The lens power in glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Just as contact lenses and glasses are not worn in the same way, their prescriptions also differ. 

Glasses generally rest about 12 mm from the eyes, whereas contacts are worn directly on the eyes and have a much smaller surface area. The distance from the eye directly impacts the difference in lens power.

A prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses will require separate eye exams and measurements from your optometrist as the prescriptions will differ. 

Additionally, with so many types of contact lenses available it is important a correct fit and brand is prescribed. 

Ordering contact lenses with the wrong prescription can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, eye strain or fatigue and eye pain (AAO, 2012).

How to read a contact prescription

If you’ve received an eye exam, got your new prescription and are ready to buy contact lenses online but need clarification, you’re not alone! 

Codes like “D, CYL and AXIS” are all over your prescription, but what do they mean?

Many people need different levels of vision correction in each eye, so a contact lens prescription may have two sets of numbers—one for your right eye and one for your left eye. 

OD, oculus dexter, refers to your right eye, while OS, oculus sinister, refers to your left eye.

  • Base Curve (BC) determines the type of fit required for the lens to meet the curve of your eye. It is measured in millimeters (mm) and aligns with the curvature of your eye.
  • Power (PWR)/Sphere (SPH) refers to the strength of your prescription. You will see a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (-) followed by a number. If you are farsighted, your figure will begin with a plus sign. If you are nearsighted, it will start with a minus sign.
  • Diameter (DIA) is the entire width of your contact lenses. Also measured in millimeters, the higher the base curve, the flatter the cornea’s curvature.

If you need astigmatism correction, you will have two additional terms and numbers on the prescription. For those with astigmatism, you will need toric lenses.

  • Cylinder (CYL) represents the severity of your astigmatism and the additional visual requirements needed for vision correction.
  • Axis (AX) is measured in degrees and tells you where and how your astigmatism is located and oriented on your eye. 

For those with presbyopia or who need multifocal lenses, you will notice one or both of the following on your prescription.

  • Addition (ADD) determines the amount of correction you need to be able to see clearly at a close distance.
  • Dominant (D/N) identifies your dominant (D) and non-dominant (N) eye. The dominant eye usually prioritises distance vision, while the non-dominant eye prioritises near vision.

Your prescription will also include a brand of contact lenses. Contact lens boxes will include most of the prescription details on them as well. 

Different contact lens brands have distinct features and measurements, so it is important only to order the brand prescribed. If you want or need to switch brands, it is essential to let your eye doctor know.

contact lens prescription
contact lens prescription
DID YOU KNOW?

A glasses and contact lens prescription are not the same, it is important to get an updated eye exam before purchasing contacts.

DID YOU KNOW?
A glasses and contact lens prescription are not the same, it is important to get an updated eye exam before purchasing contacts.

What do the numbers mean in a contact prescription?

If you understand what the codes mean, you may still wonder what the numbers mean. BC and DIA will not be present on your glasses prescription, as they refer only to a contact lens prescription. 

Measured in millimetres, the BC is always a number between 8 and 9 and will align with the curvature of your eye. DIA is typically between 14 and 14.5 millimetres and determines the entire width of your contact lens.

The PWR or SPH (prescription strength) is measured in increments of 0.25 diopters. The further from zero, the stronger the vision correction needed. A negative number, -1.00, indicates nearsightedness. 

A positive number, for example, +2.00, indicates farsightedness.

CYL is always a negative number measured in increments of 0.25, showing the amount of astigmatism. AX is a number between 0 and 180 degrees, referring to the angle of correction needed. 

For those with presbyopia, the ADD figure is a positive number between 0.50 and 3.00.

If you still need help reading and understanding your contact lens prescription, contact your optometrist or head to our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

contact lens measurments
contact lens measurments

How long is a contact prescription good for?

Most contact lens prescriptions expire within one to two years of your last eye exam. Once your prescription has expired, it is important to see your eye doctor for a new contact lens prescription. 

Wearing the wrong prescription contacts may create discomfort and lead to further vision problems.

How low do contact prescriptions go?

Contact lenses are becoming more and more diverse and available for those in need of vision correction. Contact lenses are now offered at the lowest prescription of -0.25/+0.25. 

Many people neglect to wear their low-prescription eyeglasses because of inconvenience, but wearing low-prescription contacts might be a good solution as they can be considered less obstructive.

Contact lenses don’t interfere with equipment such as helmets, hats, or goggles. During sports or exercise, contact lenses don’t get in the way. 

They’re not at risk of falling off or breaking. Contact lenses are not usually affected by weather as they don’t fog up in the cold.

Correcting your vision and protecting your eyes at any prescription level is important. If you’re avoiding your glasses for ease and convenience, speak with your eye doctor about receiving an eye exam and switching to contact lenses.

What is the strongest contact lens prescription?

Advances in contact lens technology have made it so that contact lenses can be worn safely and comfortably by those with high-power prescriptions. 

Standard contact lenses are readily available in prescriptions from -12.00 to +8.00, and cylinder powers up to -2.25 or -2.75 for astigmatism correction. 

Extended-range lenses are also available with spherical powers of +15.00D to –20.00D and up to –5.75D in cylindrical powers (Contact Lens Spectrum, 2016).

Soft contact lenses with high powers have thicker edges compared to low-powered ones. These thicker edges may be less comfortable to wear and cause more dry eyes.

 Many people with high-power prescriptions choose RGP lenses (rigid gas permeable or ‘hard’) as they are smaller and thinner than a soft lens. 

RGP lenses don’t bend like soft lenses, but they let oxygen through so your eyes can breathe.

Advantages of contact lenses

While contact lenses might not be for everyone, many contact lens wearers won’t go back to standard eyeglasses. Contacts conform to your eye, reducing distortion and obstructions. 

They won’t stop you from playing sports or competing in outdoor activities. Contact lenses are also available in coloured lenses, so you can experiment with your eye colour.

With varying contact lens power, affordable contact lenses and varying lens materials, there are contact lenses for everyone. 

Based on your lifestyle, you can speak with your eye doctor about purchasing daily disposable lenses, weekly or monthly lenses.

Contact lenses prescription

Buying contact lenses doesn’t have to be confusing. They’re an excellent alternative for those looking to ditch their eyeglasses. It is important to remember that glasses and contact lens prescriptions are different.

Do not assume that any numbers on your glasses prescription will match your contact lens prescription. 

If you want to try contact lenses, schedule an eye exam to determine what you need and what lens type will best suit you. 

For people with vision problems, contacts are an effective, almost invisible tool. The thin lenses correct vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. 

You can even wear contacts if you have presbyopia and need bifocals. As technology and medicine continue to advance, contact lenses are only improving. 

Speak with your eye doctor about getting a prescription for contact lenses and start seeing clearer and more comfortably. 

REFERENCES

  1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2012). Can outdated contact lenses harm your eyes? [Online]. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/wearing-outdated-contacts 
  2. Contact Lens Spectrum. (2016). Specialty and Custom Soft Contact Lenses. [Online]. Available at: https://www.clspectrum.com/issues/2016/december-2016/specialty-and-custom-soft-contact-lenses 

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.

What Causes Blurred Vision?

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What Causes Blurred Vision?

blurred vision

Blurry vision is an incredibly broad term and as such, can be caused by an incredibly broad range of things.

Non-serious causes of blurred vision:

  • Hyperopia – If you have hyperopia (farsightedness), distant objects may remain clear but your eyes can’t focus properly on close-up objects, or doing so causes unusual eye strain and fatigue. In cases of severe farsightedness, even distant objects may appear blurred.

  • Astigmatism – Blurred vision at all distances often is a symptom of astigmatism. A type of refractive error, astigmatism usually is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.

  • Presbyopia – If you’re over age 40 and are starting to notice blurry vision up close — when reading a text message, a restaurant menu, food label or other small print, for example. Chances are, this is due to the onset of presbyopia, a normal age-related vision problem.

  • Myopia – Symptoms of myopia (nearsightedness) include squinting, eye strain, headaches and blurry vision in one or both eyes. Myopia is the most common refractive errors and causes objects in the distance to appear blurred.

  • Eye floaters – Vision can be blurred by temporary spots or floaters drifting in your field of vision. Floaters typically appear when the eye’s gel-like vitreous begins to liquify with age, causing microscopic bits of tissue to float freely inside the eye, casting shadows on the retina.

  • Pregnancy – Blurry vision is common during pregnancy and sometimes is accompanied by diplopia (double vision). Hormonal changes can alter the shape and thickness of your cornea, causing your vision to blur. Dry eyes also are common in pregnant women and can cause blurred vision.

Serious causes of blurred vision also exist, such as: cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, or age-related macular degeneration. If you reckon you may be experiencing any of these conditions, speak to a doctor or eye specialist immediately.

Myopia

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Myopia

Myopia

Myopia is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40 and the prevalence of myopia is rising. 

The WHO estimates that this year, shortsightedness will affect 2.56 billion people and as a major risk factor for developing cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. 

It is important to have regular visits to your optometrist if you have myopia or think you might have it.

What is myopia?

Known as ‘nearsightedness’, myopia is when you can see close-up objects clearly, but far away things appear blurry. 

Nearsightedness is a refractive error where the eye does not bend (or refract) light properly, resulting in an unclear vision of faraway objects.

Myopia causes

Myopia is genetic. It occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or your cornea (the protective outer layer of the eye) is curved too steeply. When light enters your eye it focuses in front of your retina instead of being precisely on your retina.

Myopia symptoms

These are the common signs you could have shortsightedness:

  • Eyestrain

  • Headaches

  • Squinting to see properly

  • Difficulty seeing objects far away, like road signs or the whiteboard for school kids

Myopia in children

Myopia is genetic, so pay extra attention to your children if you are nearsighted. 

Children commonly develop myopia between 8 and 12 years old and during the teenage years the level of myopia can actually worsen as the body grows rapidly. Myopia normally stabilises when people are between 20 and 40 years old.

Common signs of myopia in children include:

  •  Persistently squinting

  • Sitting close to the television, movie screen, or the front of the classroom

  • Unaware of distant objects

  • Blinking excessively

  • Rubbing their eyes often

Myopia treatment

Fortunately, myopia is easy to treat and can involve these options:

Single vision lenses: Glasses for myopia are ideal as they allow the light to reflect directly on your retina so vision appears clearly. 

An anti-reflective coating on your lenses is ideal for comfort when wearing your glasses throughout the day. You can add this coating to your order during checkout. 

Read further on to learn about the highest quality lenses you can get for the best prices.

Contact lenses: Spherical contact lenses and multifocal contact lenses are ideal for correcting myopia.

Eye drops from your optometrist can help slow the progression in children.

Extreme myopia

Also known as ‘high myopia’, this is when the eyeball grows bigger than it is meant to and becomes very long. 

It makes it very difficult to see faraway objects but also increases your likelihood of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and a detached retina. If you have high myopia, you can normally treat it with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Myopia prescription

Your myopia prescription for both glasses and contact lenses will be a negative number in the ‘sphere’. The more negative the number is, it means the stronger your prescription is.

Eye exercises for myopia

Finally, you might have heard that eye exercises can be an alternative treatment to glasses or surgery for myopia. Unfortunately, eye exercises cannot treat short-sightedness, as they’re not able to alter the shape of your cornea. 

However, we have compiled some eye exercises which could be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms resulting from myopia, like eye strain.

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 aging 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®.

Lead a colorful life with aboriginal glasses that give back

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Lead a colorful life with aboriginal glasses that give back

Picture of Aurora Gould

Aurora Gould

Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing efforts across multiple channels. Her goal is to create riveting content that is also educational by bringing to you all the latest eyewear trends.

Let’s kick off the season with new, creative, and fun glasses! Arise Collective has partnered up with Jukurrpa Designs to bring you a collection of exclusive aboriginal glasses that give back to the community. 

Jukurrpa Designs carefully crafts people-powered eyewear inspired by Aboriginal artwork. You can indulge in colorful glasses frames that are uniquely designed and inspired by the stories of artists from a small Australian community. 

Through the one-of-a-kind, patterned glasses, you will be about to see how the artists connect with the beautiful environment around them. 

SmartBuyGlasses is excited to be the first online distributor of the glasses and is proud to give back to support and help Australian aboriginal communities. It is a great opportunity for us to follow our mission to give you trendy, statement prescription glasses and sunglasses while envisioning a better world. 

 With every frame sold, Arise Collective donates 10% to the Aboriginal Artists and the Art Centre / Community. 

To give you inspiration, we’ve put together some of our favorites from the Arise Collective X Jukurrpa Designs collection just for you.

Ovally fascinated

You’ve got to love these funky patterned glasses frames by aboriginal artist Mathessa Nampijinpa. The pattern is fun, and the oval frame is a great fit for many different face shapes. In particular, people with square faces would rock these with ease. 

If you’re looking for playful aboriginal glasses, then you’ve found the perfect pair!

Creative Cat-eye

It is impossible not to love these sharp-edged cat-eye glasses with a cute pattern on top and clear frames on the bottom. 

This dreamy pair of glasses by Juliette Nampijinpa is a must-have! A subtle yet fun patterned frame will keep you chic all year round. The combination of quality materials, colorful patterns, and this new artistic touch will be sure to turn heads. 

Wink of Pink

Get your dancing shoes ready, because it’s time to shine in your bright new glasses! Thanks to the cat-eye frame, this pair by Kirsty Napanangka is a perfect fit for all face shapes. 

If you love a good classic frame but want to change it up with new patterns, then the pink frames are the perfect solution! 

Don’t let a forgotten prescription hold you back from a trendy pair of glasses! Use our lens scanner tool to instantly reveal your prescription to get shopping.

Blue like the sky

Just like the J Nampijinpa Red, you’ll love this pair by K-A Nungarrayi! With a dazzling pattern and clear bottom frame, these square frame glasses will make your eyes pop thanks to the ocean blue color. 

If you have a round or oval face, then you’ll suit these glasses effortlessly! Your office days can do with a little color and protection from blue light glasses. 

Bring eyewear to life

If you can’t choose just one color, you can have (nearly) all! Geraldine Napurrurla has brought together three beautiful colors to honor our environment. The green reminds us of the Earth, the blue the oceans, and the red is warm like the Sun. 

Just as these three elements bring life, why not bring to life a new look with aboriginal glasses!

A partnership you don’t want to miss

If you’ve loved these glasses, then check out the rest of the Arise X Jukurrpa collection to find a pair that gives you a new fun look while giving back to the community. 

Join us to spread the word and shine light upon these wonderful artists as they make your personality beam with unique eyewear designs. 

As you add vibrant hues to your eyewear collection this year, you can also keep up with the latest trends and get style tips by following our blog.

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

Lead a colorful life with aboriginal glasses that give back

Picture of Aurora Gould

Aurora Gould

Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing efforts across multiple channels. Her goal is to create riveting content that is also educational by bringing to you all the latest eyewear trends.

Let’s kick off the season with new, creative, and fun glasses! Arise Collective has partnered up with Jukurrpa Designs to bring you a collection of exclusive aboriginal glasses that give back to the community. 

Jukurrpa Designs carefully crafts people-powered eyewear inspired by Aboriginal artwork. You can indulge in colorful glasses frames that are uniquely designed and inspired by the stories of artists from a small Australian community. 

Through the one-of-a-kind, patterned glasses, you will be about to see how the artists connect with the beautiful environment around them. 

SmartBuyGlasses is excited to be the first online distributor of the glasses and is proud to give back to support and help Australian aboriginal communities. It is a great opportunity for us to follow our mission to give you trendy, statement prescription glasses and sunglasses while envisioning a better world. 

 With every frame sold, Arise Collective donates 10% to the Aboriginal Artists and the Art Centre / Community. 

To give you inspiration, we’ve put together some of our favorites from the Arise Collective X Jukurrpa Designs collection just for you.

Ovally fascinated

You’ve got to love these funky patterned glasses frames by aboriginal artist Mathessa Nampijinpa. The pattern is fun, and the oval frame is a great fit for many different face shapes. In particular, people with square faces would rock these with ease. 

If you’re looking for playful aboriginal glasses, then you’ve found the perfect pair!

Creative Cat-eye

It is impossible not to love these sharp-edged cat-eye glasses with a cute pattern on top and clear frames on the bottom. 

This dreamy pair of glasses by Juliette Nampijinpa is a must-have! A subtle yet fun patterned frame will keep you chic all year round. The combination of quality materials, colorful patterns, and this new artistic touch will be sure to turn heads. 

Wink of Pink

Get your dancing shoes ready, because it’s time to shine in your bright new glasses! Thanks to the cat-eye frame, this pair by Kirsty Napanangka is a perfect fit for all face shapes. 

If you love a good classic frame but want to change it up with new patterns, then the pink frames are the perfect solution! 

Don’t let a forgotten prescription hold you back from a trendy pair of glasses! Use our lens scanner tool to instantly reveal your prescription to get shopping.

Blue like the sky

Just like the J Nampijinpa Red, you’ll love this pair by K-A Nungarrayi! With a dazzling pattern and clear bottom frame, these square frame glasses will make your eyes pop thanks to the ocean blue color. 

If you have a round or oval face, then you’ll suit these glasses effortlessly! Your office days can do with a little color and protection from blue light glasses. 

Bring eyewear to life

If you can’t choose just one color, you can have (nearly) all! Geraldine Napurrurla has brought together three beautiful colors to honor our environment. The green reminds us of the Earth, the blue the oceans, and the red is warm like the Sun. 

Just as these three elements bring life, why not bring to life a new look with aboriginal glasses!

A partnership you don’t want to miss

If you’ve loved these glasses, then check out the rest of the Arise X Jukurrpa collection to find a pair that gives you a new fun look while giving back to the community. 

Join us to spread the word and shine light upon these wonderful artists as they make your personality beam with unique eyewear designs. 

As you add vibrant hues to your eyewear collection this year, you can also keep up with the latest trends and get style tips by following our blog.

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

Trivex vs Polycarbonate Lenses

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Trivex vs Polycarbonate Lenses

Should I get Trivex or polycarbonate? | What are polycarbonate lenses? | Do polycarbonate lenses block UV? | How to clean polycarbonate lenses | What are Trivex lenses? | Are Trivex lenses worth it? How thick are Trivex lenses? | Are Trivex lenses better than polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have a lot of similar properties. In this article, we weigh up the differences between the two lens materials.

Even more than the frame or design, the lenses you choose have a big influence on how happy you are with your glasses.

When buying glasses, one of the most common mistakes people make is not giving enough thought to the lens materials, designs, and lens coatings. Your lens choice impacts your comfort, vision, and safety, as well as appearance.

Should I get Trivex or polycarbonate?

Buying prescription glasses is a difficult task. With so many lens material options and coatings, it’s easy to become overwhelmed about which ones are best for you. This article will give you insight into different types of lenses and help you to choose the best lenses for your needs.

Trivex vs Polycarbonate: Let’s look at the difference between the two lens materials

What are polycarbonate lenses?

DID YOU KNOW?

You can rest assured that Trivex lenses are tough. Trivex was originally designed for military use, specifically in the windshields of helicopters and fighter jets!

Polycarbonate first appeared in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that companies first started to use it as an alternative to glass lenses.

Polycarbonate pellets are heated to their melting point and inserted into lens molds, while normal plastic lenses are manufactured using cast molding. This alternative production method strengthens and improves the impact resistance of polycarbonate.

Therefore, polycarbonate lenses are made of a more impact-resistant plastic than regular plastic lenses. This material lenses are also significantly thinner and lighter than glass lenses. These qualities make it the best material for kid’s glasses, sports glasses, and safety glasses.

There are both advantages and fallbacks of polycarbonate lenses that are important to consider. Polycarbonate is more scratch resistant than plastic, but less than Trivex lenses. However, this can be mitigated if you apply a scratch-resistant coating to the lenses.

The abbe value of a lens material correlates to the quality of vision through the lens. Due to the fact that polycarbonate lenses have a low abbe value, certain people with higher prescriptions and high astigmatism frequently complain that the lenses have poor optical clarity, distortion, or disrupt their peripheral vision.

Do polycarbonate lenses block UV?

Polycarbonate lenses block nearly the entire UV spectrum, including UVA and UVB. UV radiation is absorbed by the material, which prevents it from passing through. It is so effective, that even a small layer of the material can effectively absorb UV rays. This shields the skin and eyes significantly better than any sun lotion could.

In addition, polycarbonate lenses transmit visible light, the part of the spectrum that allows us to perceive color. Despite the fact that you may have to consider scratch-resistant coatings for polycarbonate lenses, an extra lens treatment for UV protection is not required.

How to clean polycarbonate lenses

If you wear glasses, you know how aggravating it is to have dirt or grit on your lenses. In addition to being annoying, it can also cause eye strain and headaches.

Make sure to keep your lenses clean for optimal optical clarity, whatever lens option you opt for. When cleaning your polycarbonate lenses, you should always take care. Here are some great tips to take the best care of your lenses. 

Before rubbing your lenses, gently rinse them with warm water to remove any dust or debris that could scratch them. If you live somewhere with hard water, use distilled water instead of tap water.

A microfiber cloth is the safest and most effective way to clean your glasses without creating stains or damage. Don’t be tempted to use your sleeve or the edge of your shirt!

It’s preferable to use a glasses cleaning solution or spray safe for polycarbonate and lens coatings. You can alternatively use lotion-free dish soap.

Shake off any excess water droplets from your glasses. Dry them using an air canister to avoid streaks and watermarks.

Now that you know more about polycarbonate lenses, let’s take a look at Trivex lenses.

What are Trivex lenses?

Trivex is a type of durable, lightweight plastic that has hit the market in recent years. While polycarbonate has been the industry standard for safety glasses, sports goggles, and children’s glasses for many years, many optometrists now recommend Trivex lenses as an alternative.

While Trivex is comparable to polycarbonate, it has a few key differences. Trivex was initially designed for military use in helicopter and fighter aircraft windows. The material’s chemistry was tailored for use in optical lenses in 2002, making Trivex lenses one of the most durable and desirable lenses on the market.

Are Trivex lenses worth it?

To put it simply, Trivex lenses are more comfortable than other plastic glasses lens materials, which is one of the most significant advantages. Trivex lenses are thinner than ordinary plastic lenses, with a 1.53 index.

They are also made from a lighter material than plastic lenses, so you won’t notice the weight of your lenses as you go about your day. Additionally, lightweight lenses are more comfortable and prevent the glasses from sliding down your nose or falling off your face.

Similar to a polycarbonate lens, Trivex lenses provide full UV protection. UV protection is built into the material of Trivex lenses, which means the protection will not degrade over time. The UV protection only degrades if it is applied to the lens through a coating, which is not the case with Trivex lenses.

A lot of people wonder, “Does Trivex scratch easily?”. Although Trivex is clearer and lighter than polycarbonate, it’s just as tough. Trivex lenses have strong impact resistance and robustness, which makes them durable and resistant to cracks and breaks. These characteristics are ideal for designs such as rimless glasses.

Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value of 45, whereas polycarbonate lenses have an Abbe value of 30. This means that Trivex will give you exceptionally clear vision thanks to their higher abbe value.

When you choose Trivex lenses, you don’t have to compromise in terms of core features, but they may be more costly. Although they are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses, they are considered the ideal lens by many eye care specialists.

How thick are Trivex lenses?

Unlike lenses made from standard plastic, which tend to be around 2mm thick, Trivex lenses are around 1.2mm. Since polycarbonate has a greater refraction index than Trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), polycarbonate lenses are around 10% thinner. However, they are both excellent choices for thin lenses.

Are Trivex lenses better than polycarbonate?

Finding the best lens material for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. You can use this guide to decide if polycarbonate is the right match for your lenses, or if you want to spend the extra money on Trivex lenses.

While we do not currently stock polycarbonate or Trivex lenses, you can find a range of excellent lens choices for prescription eyeglasses when purchasing online with us.

Still unsure and need more information to make your lens material choice? Our optician is always available to help!