How can blue light blocking glasses improve your sleep?

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How can blue light blocking glasses improve your sleep?

What is Blue Light and what are the effects of blue light?

Simply put, blue light is just light that is emitted from electronic devices. When we stare at our digital screens for a large amount of time, our body absorbs an excessive amount of blue light that could have harmful effects on our health. While glaring at a screen for too long can induce some immediate physical damages such as neck and back strains, the long term effects are more detrimental in comparison. The artificial blue light emitted from our digital devices also have impactful damage to our entire system and might also result in digital eyestrain.

Another effect, and possibly the most annoying to deal with, is the disruption of our circadian rhythm as a result of decreasing serotonin levels. Circadian rhythm, or our body clock, controls our daily routines to ensure us of a healthy lifestyle. However, our sleeping hours could easily be affected due to the increased concentration levels induced by these light rays at night. As a result, problems such as restless sleep, reluctance to wake up, and insomnia come about which only lead to an increasingly lethargic lifestyle. Blue light is considered as one of the insomnia causes.

One long term effect blue light can cause is digital eyestrain which could snowball into vision problems that permanently damage our eyesight. Problems such as cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration are two of the most common issues exacerbated by the over-absorption of blue light. With over 70% of adults today admitting they have eye strain issues, it is apparent that the scope of people affected by blue light is increasing faster than ever.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light can actually be easily prevented with just a pair of blue light glasses. These glasses have lenses with lens focusing power (i.e. a blue light filter)  that allows us to concentrate on the screen while reducing our eye muscular fatigue. Slipping on a pair of blue light blocking glasses will allow us to preserve our normal melatonin levels and ensure that you regain all the benefits of sleep. For more information or a place to buy these blue light blocking glasses please check out SmartBuyGlasses.

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How can blue light blocking glasses improve your sleep?

What is Blue Light and what are the effects of blue light?

Simply put, blue light is just light that is emitted from electronic devices. When we stare at our digital screens for a large amount of time, our body absorbs an excessive amount of blue light that could have harmful effects on our health. While glaring at a screen for too long can induce some immediate physical damages such as neck and back strains, the long term effects are more detrimental in comparison. The artificial blue light emitted from our digital devices also have impactful damage to our entire system and might also result in digital eyestrain.

Another effect, and possibly the most annoying to deal with, is the disruption of our circadian rhythm as a result of decreasing serotonin levels. Circadian rhythm, or our body clock, controls our daily routines to ensure us of a healthy lifestyle. However, our sleeping hours could easily be affected due to the increased concentration levels induced by these light rays at night. As a result, problems such as restless sleep, reluctance to wake up, and insomnia come about which only lead to an increasingly lethargic lifestyle. Blue light is considered as one of the insomnia causes.

One long term effect blue light can cause is digital eyestrain which could snowball into vision problems that permanently damage our eyesight. Problems such as cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration are two of the most common issues exacerbated by the over-absorption of blue light. With over 70% of adults today admitting they have eye strain issues, it is apparent that the scope of people affected by blue light is increasing faster than ever.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light can actually be easily prevented with just a pair of blue light glasses. These glasses have lenses with lens focusing power (i.e. a blue light filter)  that allows us to concentrate on the screen while reducing our eye muscular fatigue. Slipping on a pair of blue light blocking glasses will allow us to preserve our normal melatonin levels and ensure that you regain all the benefits of sleep. For more information or a place to buy these blue light blocking glasses please check out SmartBuyGlasses.

What is Glaucoma?

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What is Glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease characterised by increased pressure in the eyeball (intraocular pressure). Extra fluid build-up in the front of the eye is a common cause of this pressure increase. The built up intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, affecting your vision. For people over 60 years old, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.

How do you Get Glaucoma?

Aqueous humour, the fluid inside your eyes, typically drains out of your eyes through a specific channel. When that channel is blocked, it creates a build up of liquids and thus increased pressure in the eye. Often, the cause of this block is unknown. Other less common causes of Glaucoma include chemical injuries, severe infections, and blocked blood vessels.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some cases, the increased pressure in the eye can be attributed to a person’s genes. It is possible for children to have glaucoma, though the disease mainly affects people over 40. Glaucoma developing in the first few years of life or present at birth could be caused by drainage blockage or an underlying condition.

What are the Different Forms of Glaucoma?

– Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea remains open while the channel becomes partially blocked. This pressure slowly damages this optic nerve, and you could lose vision before experiencing any noticeable warning signs.

– Angle-closure glaucoma is when the iris blocks or narrows the drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea. When this occurs suddenly, it is known as angle-closure acute glaucoma and it is a medical emergency.

– Normal tension glaucoma occurs when your eye pressure remains the same while damage occurs to the optic nerve. The exact cause of this is unknown.

– Pigmentary glaucoma happens when pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, blocking fluid.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include gradual loss of peripheral vision usually occurring in both eyes, and in some cases tunnel vision.  Acute angle closure glaucoma is characterised by symptoms of severe pain in the eyeball, sudden visual disturbance, blurred vision, halos of light, and reddening of the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially those related to angle closure glaucoma, you should speak to your eye care professional immediately.

How to Prevent Glaucoma?

It is important to detect glaucoma early on and that’s why you should have a glaucoma test at least every two to four years if over the age of 40 and every one to two years if you’re over 65. Knowing your family’s health history is another preventative step when it comes to Glaucoma, as it can be hereditary. Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma, so make sure you always have the right eye protection. Sports glasses and safety goggles are especially important to reduce the risk of eye injuries.

How to Treat Glaucoma?

Damage caused by glaucoma can not be reversed, and that’s why it is important to catch this disease in its early stages. However, treatments can help slow or prevent further vision loss once it has started. Treatments involve decreasing your eyeball pressure by using prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination of these treatment options.

Read here to learn about ocular hypertension, another risk factor for glaucoma.

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What is Glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease characterised by increased pressure in the eyeball (intraocular pressure). Extra fluid build-up in the front of the eye is a common cause of this pressure increase. The built up intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, affecting your vision. For people over 60 years old, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.

How do you Get Glaucoma?

Aqueous humour, the fluid inside your eyes, typically drains out of your eyes through a specific channel. When that channel is blocked, it creates a build up of liquids and thus increased pressure in the eye. Often, the cause of this block is unknown. Other less common causes of Glaucoma include chemical injuries, severe infections, and blocked blood vessels.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some cases, the increased pressure in the eye can be attributed to a person’s genes. It is possible for children to have glaucoma, though the disease mainly affects people over 40. Glaucoma developing in the first few years of life or present at birth could be caused by drainage blockage or an underlying condition.

What are the Different Forms of Glaucoma?

– Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea remains open while the channel becomes partially blocked. This pressure slowly damages this optic nerve, and you could lose vision before experiencing any noticeable warning signs.

– Angle-closure glaucoma is when the iris blocks or narrows the drainage angle formed by the iris and the cornea. When this occurs suddenly, it is known as angle-closure acute glaucoma and it is a medical emergency.

– Normal tension glaucoma occurs when your eye pressure remains the same while damage occurs to the optic nerve. The exact cause of this is unknown.

– Pigmentary glaucoma happens when pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, blocking fluid.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include gradual loss of peripheral vision usually occurring in both eyes, and in some cases tunnel vision.  Acute angle closure glaucoma is characterized by symptoms of severe pain in the eyeball, sudden visual disturbance, blurred vision, halos of light, and reddening of the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially those related to angle closure glaucoma, you should speak to your eye care professional immediately.

How to Prevent Glaucoma?

It is important to detect glaucoma early on and that’s why you should have a glaucoma test at least every two to four years if over the age of 40 and every one to two years if you’re over 65. Knowing your family’s health history is another preventative step when it comes to Glaucoma, as it can be hereditary. Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma, so make sure you always have the right eye protection. Sports glasses and safety goggles are especially important to reduce the risk of eye injuries.

How to Treat Glaucoma?

Damage caused by glaucoma can not be reversed, and that’s why it is important to catch this disease in its early stages. However, treatments can help slow or prevent further vision loss once it has started. Treatments involve decreasing your eyeball pressure by using prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination of these treatment options.

Read here to learn about ocular hypertension, another risk factor for glaucoma.

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The Best Eye Health Supplements

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The Best Eye Health Supplements

The human body is complex, and the eye especially so. In order to function properly, your eyes need care. Part of that comes from the vitamins and supplements you eat or drink. Use this guide to see which are the best vitamins for eyes and what kind of supplements you can add to your diet to maintain your eye health.

While tablets are always an option for upping your vitamin intake, the best way is always natural – there are so many good foods out there that can better your eye health. This list is chock-full of natural solutions to supplement your eye health.

Vitamins:

Vitamin A is important for ensuring your eyes are adjusted to low light settings. Famously, carrots are supposed to boost your night vision! While this claim isn’t exactly scientifically substantiated, carrots (as well as pumpkin, sweet potato, kale and cod liver oil) do contain a good amount of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B1 reduces inflammation, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may help prevent cataracts. Obviously, claims like this must be taken with a pinch of salt, but there’s no harm in adding extra vitamins to your diet where you can. If you’re looking for Vitamin B-rich foods, try wholesome ingredients like whole grains, eggs, almonds, avocados and spinach.

Vitamin C helps maintain the collagen in your cornea, the capillaries in your retina, and reduces the risk of cataracts. You may already be familiar with some foods that contain Vitamin C like citrus fruits, but it’s worth looking elsewhere too. Berries, broccoli, peppers and kiwi fruit are all jam-packed with Vitamin C!

Vitamin E, like some of the other vitamins on this list, allegedly helps to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. When taken with selenium, your body can quickly absorb it – luckily, some superfoods contain both! For supplements full of Vitamin E, try Brazil nuts, seafood, whole grain cereals and sunflower seeds (though maybe not all at the same time).

Dietary Supplements:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are believed to be particularly important in the development of vision in infants, alongside helping to drain intraocular fluid from our eyes – reducing the danger of high eye pressure and glaucoma. They also reduce the chances of getting dry eyes. Most commonly found in seafood, the best place to find omega-3 is in oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Zinc can help out with your body’s absorption of Vitamin A – meaning it’s a pretty good dietary supplement if you’re looking to boost your eye health. Zinc is found in seafood, beef, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts and whole grain cereals. It’s a fundamental component of our immune systems, so incorporate it into your diet, but try to steer clear of overdoing it with extra supplements as an excess can get you into some difficulties down the road.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, i.e. pigments found in plants and in your retina. Supplementing these pigments helps increase their density in your retina. They also absorb excess amounts of harmful blue and UV light. If you want some great lutein boosters, start from the ground up – dark leafy greens, peas, summer squash, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus are all great naturally occurring sources that can really help!

Herbal Supplements are also a great way of getting in some extra nutrients – green tea is great for Vitamin C and E, chrysanthemum flowers are known for their Vitamin B levels, and wolfberries are known to improve eyesight, moisten dry eyes and prevent macular degeneration.

If you’re interested in learning more about the best foods to eat for eye health, read our article about the best foods you can eat to help your eyes! Still curious about more vitamins for eye health? Discover more here.

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The Best Eye Health Supplements

The human body is complex, and the eye especially so. In order to function properly, your eyes need care. Part of that comes from the vitamins and supplements you eat or drink. Use this guide to see which are the best vitamins for eyes and what kind of supplements you can add to your diet to maintain your eye health.

While tablets are always an option for upping your vitamin intake, the best way is always natural – there are so many good foods out there that can better your eye health. This list is chock-full of natural solutions to supplement your eye health.

Vitamins:

Vitamin A is important for ensuring your eyes are adjusted to low light settings. Famously, carrots are supposed to boost your night vision! While this claim isn’t exactly scientifically substantiated, carrots (as well as pumpkin, sweet potato, kale and cod liver oil) do contain a good amount of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B1 reduces inflammation, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may help prevent cataracts. Obviously, claims like this must be taken with a pinch of salt, but there’s no harm in adding extra vitamins to your diet where you can. If you’re looking for Vitamin B-rich foods, try wholesome ingredients like whole grains, eggs, almonds, avocados and spinach.

Vitamin C helps maintain the collagen in your cornea, the capillaries in your retina, and reduces the risk of cataracts. You may already be familiar with some foods that contain Vitamin C like citrus fruits, but it’s worth looking elsewhere too. Berries, broccoli, peppers and kiwi fruit are all jam-packed with Vitamin C!

Vitamin E, like some of the other vitamins on this list, allegedly helps to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. When taken with selenium, your body can quickly absorb it – luckily, some superfoods contain both! For supplements full of Vitamin E, try Brazil nuts, seafood, whole grain cereals and sunflower seeds (though maybe not all at the same time).

Dietary Supplements:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are believed to be particularly important in the development of vision in infants, alongside helping to drain intraocular fluid from our eyes – reducing the danger of high eye pressure and glaucoma. They also reduce the chances of getting dry eyes. Most commonly found in seafood, the best place to find omega-3 is in oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Zinc can help out with your body’s absorption of Vitamin A – meaning it’s a pretty good dietary supplement if you’re looking to boost your eye health. Zinc is found in seafood, beef, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts and whole grain cereals. It’s a fundamental component of our immune systems, so incorporate it into your diet, but try to steer clear of overdoing it with extra supplements as an excess can get you into some difficulties down the road.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, i.e. pigments found in plants and in your retina. Supplementing these pigments helps increase their density in your retina. They also absorb excess amounts of harmful blue and UV light. If you want some great lutein boosters, start from the ground up – dark leafy greens, peas, summer squash, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus are all great naturally occurring sources that can really help!

Herbal Supplements are also a great way of getting in some extra nutrients – green tea is great for Vitamin C and E, chrysanthemum flowers are known for their Vitamin B levels, and wolfberries are known to improve eyesight, moisten dry eyes and prevent macular degeneration.

If you’re interested in learning more about the best foods to eat for eye health, read our article about the best foods you can eat to help your eyes! Still curious about more vitamins for eye health? Discover more here.

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What Is Depth Perception?

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What Is Depth Perception?

Depth Perception Definition

Wondering how to define depth perception? It refers to the ability to see objects in three dimensions, i.e., length, width, depth, and to judge how far away an object is. This also includes the ability to judge the distance between two objects. To be able to perceive depth accurately, we generally need to have a binocular stereoscopic vision (vision in both eyes). In a process known as convergence or stereopsis, the brain collates the 2 sets of information based on the different angles of sight from our two eyes to form a unified 3D image. 

Depth perception is an innate mechanism, strengthened by visual experience. Over time, the brain is able to speed up the computation of objects in our sight. Depth perception examples take place multiple times a day without even realizing it. When both eyes see clearly and the brain is able to process a single image effectively, it is known as stereopsis. This is the concept that makes you feel like you’re able to perceive depth when watching a 3D movie.

Monocular cues provide depth information when relying on one eye to see objects. Those with monocular vision may face depth perception inaccuracy since they have to rely on other visual cues to gauge depth.

Why is Depth Perception Important?

Depth perception is extremely important for various reasons: 

– It helps us to move around without bumping into things

– It helps us to identify how far away we are from an object or to identify the distance between two objects

– It also tells you how fast an object is coming towards you and how quickly something is moving

Therefore, depth perception keeps you safe and stops you from getting hurt. For example, depth perception allows you to drive safely as it allows you to know how far away you are from other vehicles, how fast they are going, and helps you avoid them if they are coming towards you.

What are Depth Cues?

Depth cues are the different tools that our eyes use to interpret depth in sensed images. These depth cues can either be physiological and psychological. 

Physiological depth cues

– Accommodation: This is the process by which your eyes bring objects into focus at different distances. It ensures that light entering the eye focuses on the retina. The process involves contracting and relaxing the eye muscle to change the focal length of the lens.

– Convergence: This refers to the change in eye direction that occurs when watching an object that is close to us. Our eyes point slightly inward. This cue can work effectively at a distance of fewer than 10 meters.

– Binocular Parallax: Since our eyes are roughly 2 inches apart, the images received from each of our eyes are slightly different. The difference between the two images is called binocular parallax which is the most crucial depth cue when we see objects at a medium distance. Our eyes can still calculate depth using binocular parallax even when all other cues are removed. However, this method only works well when the object is close up. When objects are far away, the 2 images our eyes receive seem more similar.

– Monocular Motion Parallax: When we close one eye, a sense of depth can still be achieved if we move our head from side to side. While closer objects move in the opposite direction of the head movement, further objects move in the same direction. Furthermore, the closer object moves quickly across your retina while objects that are further away don’t move as much or do not move at all.

Psychological depth cues

– Retinal Image size: Our brain calculates the sensed size of objects by comparing it to their known size to then perceive the distance.

– Linear Perspective: Known objects are thought to be moving further away if they become smaller and smaller.

– Texture Gradient: The further away the object is, the less of its surface texture we can see and the smoother it appears. On the other hand, when we can see more detail of an object’s surface texture, it can be calculated as being closer. 

– Overlapping: We can understand if an object is closer to us when it blocks other objects from our sight. This closer object will have a more continuous borderline. 

– Aerial Perspective: Depth can also be interpreted based on the relative color and contrast of objects. An object is considered as being further away when it is blurry.

– Shades and Shadows: When an object casts shades and shadows on other objects, we understand that this object is closer to the light source.

Of all the above cues, only convergence and binocular parallax are binocular (require both eyes to be open) while the rest are monocular (require only one eye to be open).

What Causes Depth Perception Problems? 

Depth perception problems usually result from the following common conditions:

– Blurred vision: A lack of sharpness of vision which reduces the ability of our eyes to see fine details.

– Strabismus: Eyes are misaligned (cross eye syndrome) so the eyes cannot see clearly or work together effectively.

– Anophthalmia: A rare congenital situation where there is an absence of one or both eyes due to many reasons such as genetic mutations, infections, etc. 

– Amblyopia (lazy eye): A sight disorder that is typical in children. When children encounter double vision, their brain tends to suppress the input from one eye, and over time, it favors the other eye. Read our post on dominant eyes for more information.

– Optic nerve hypoplasia: A condition where the optic nerve, which sends visual signals from your eyes to your brain, has incomplete development before birth. It can result in partial or complete vision loss in children.

– Macular degeneration leads to a loss in the center part of one’s vision, hence leading to declining depth perception.

Depth Perception Test

No depth perception refers to the inability to see objects in 3D. It is possible to suffer from issues relating to depth perception for years without knowing. Follow these steps to quickly and easily test it right now with the following image of the tennis ball.

Depth Perception Test

1. Hold a finger half-way between your eyes and the picture of the ball (about 20cm from your eye is good enough). The ball will be in the background. 

2. Now focus your gaze on the ball. You should be seeing two images of your finger. It might be slightly blurry or transparent but that’s normal. If you see two fingers, it’s a sign that you have strong depth perception.

3. Now, switch your focus from the ball to your finger. You should see two slightly hazy images of the ball on either side of the finger.

If any of the following happens, it may be a sign of poor depth perception.

– You see a finger/ball more clearly on one side than the other.

– You see only one finger/ball where you should be seeing two.

– One finger/ball is larger than the other.

– A finger/ball appears and then disappears.

– When you close one eye at a time and your finger starts in the center of the ball but moves far to one side when you open the other eye.

How to Improve Depth Perception?

One of the solutions to improve poor depth perception is to wear and prescription contact lenses. Both of these will improve the image that your ‘bad’ eye sees. You can buy eyeglasses and contact lenses to improve your depth perception online at SmartBuyGlasses for free shipping with a 24-month warranty, a hassle-free 100 day returns policy, and a price match guarantee. 

Other than wearing a pair of prescription glasses, you can also do a few different exercises with your eyes to treat poor depth perception such as:

– Eye rolling: Slowly roll your eyes in both directions for a few minutes at a time. This exercise helps to strengthen nerve impulses and improve eye muscles. 

– Shifting your gaze: You should practice this exercise together with eye-rolling as you can shift your gaze slowly while rolling your eyes.

– Resting the dominant eye: Covering the dominant eye with your hand or an eye patch for a few minutes can help train the weaker eye.

If you suspect that you may have depth perception issues, visit your optician and consider incorporating eye exercises and supplementing your diet with nutrients you need for healthy vision.

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What Is Depth Perception?

Depth Perception Definition

Wondering how to define depth perception? It refers to the ability to see objects in three dimensions, i.e., length, width, depth, and to judge how far away an object is. This also includes the ability to judge the distance between two objects. To be able to perceive depth accurately, we generally need to have a binocular stereoscopic vision (vision in both eyes). In a process known as convergence or stereopsis, the brain collates the 2 sets of information based on the different angles of sight from our two eyes to form a unified 3D image. 

Depth perception is an innate mechanism, strengthened by visual experience. Over time, the brain is able to speed up the computation of objects in our sight. Depth perception examples take place multiple times a day without even realizing it. When both eyes see clearly and the brain is able to process a single image effectively, it is known as stereopsis. This is the concept that makes you feel like you’re able to perceive depth when watching a 3D movie.

Monocular cues provide depth information when relying on one eye to see objects. Those with monocular vision may face depth perception inaccuracy since they have to rely on other visual cues to gauge depth.

Why is Depth Perception Important?

Depth perception is extremely important for various reasons: 

– It helps us to move around without bumping into things

– It helps us to identify how far away we are from an object or to identify the distance between two objects

– It also tells you how fast an object is coming towards you and how quickly something is moving

Therefore, depth perception keeps you safe and stops you from getting hurt. For example, depth perception allows you to drive safely as it allows you to know how far away you are from other vehicles, how fast they are going, and helps you avoid them if they are coming towards you.

What are Depth Cues?

Depth cues are the different tools that our eyes use to interpret depth in sensed images. These depth cues can either be physiological and psychological. 

Physiological depth cues

– Accommodation: This is the process by which your eyes bring objects into focus at different distances. It ensures that light entering the eye focuses on the retina. The process involves contracting and relaxing the eye muscle to change the focal length of the lens.

– Convergence: This refers to the change in eye direction that occurs when watching an object that is close to us. Our eyes point slightly inward. This cue can work effectively at a distance of fewer than 10 meters.

– Binocular Parallax: Since our eyes are roughly 2 inches apart, the images received from each of our eyes are slightly different. The difference between the two images is called binocular parallax which is the most crucial depth cue when we see objects at a medium distance. Our eyes can still calculate depth using binocular parallax even when all other cues are removed. However, this method only works well when the object is close up. When objects are far away, the 2 images our eyes receive seem more similar.

– Monocular Motion Parallax: When we close one eye, a sense of depth can still be achieved if we move our head from side to side. While closer objects move in the opposite direction of the head movement, further objects move in the same direction. Furthermore, the closer object moves quickly across your retina while objects that are further away don’t move as much or do not move at all.

Psychological depth cues

– Retinal Image size: Our brain calculates the sensed size of objects by comparing it to their known size to then perceive the distance.

– Linear Perspective: Known objects are thought to be moving further away if they become smaller and smaller.

– Texture Gradient: The further away the object is, the less of its surface texture we can see and the smoother it appears. On the other hand, when we can see more detail of an object’s surface texture, it can be calculated as being closer. 

– Overlapping: We can understand if an object is closer to us when it blocks other objects from our sight. This closer object will have a more continuous borderline. 

– Aerial Perspective: Depth can also be interpreted based on the relative color and contrast of objects. An object is considered as being further away when it is blurry.

– Shades and Shadows: When an object casts shades and shadows on other objects, we understand that this object is closer to the light source.

Of all the above cues, only convergence and binocular parallax are binocular (require both eyes to be open) while the rest are monocular (require only one eye to be open).

What Causes Depth Perception Problems? 

Depth perception problems usually result from the following common conditions:

– Blurred vision: A lack of sharpness of vision which reduces the ability of our eyes to see fine details.

– Strabismus: Eyes are misaligned (cross eye syndrome) so the eyes cannot see clearly or work together effectively.

– Anophthalmia: A rare congenital situation where there is an absence of one or both eyes due to many reasons such as genetic mutations, infections, etc. 

– Amblyopia (lazy eye): A sight disorder that is typical in children. When children encounter double vision, their brain tends to suppress the input from one eye, and over time, it favors the other eye. Read our post on dominant eyes for more information.

– Optic nerve hypoplasia: A condition where the optic nerve, which sends visual signals from your eyes to your brain, has incomplete development before birth. It can result in partial or complete vision loss in children.

– Macular degeneration leads to a loss in the center part of one’s vision, hence leading to declining depth perception.

Depth Perception Test

No depth perception refers to the inability to see objects in 3D. It is possible to suffer from issues relating to depth perception for years without knowing. Follow these steps to quickly and easily test it right now with the following image of the tennis ball.

Depth Perception Test

1. Hold a finger half-way between your eyes and the picture of the ball (about 20cm from your eye is good enough). The ball will be in the background. 

2. Now focus your gaze on the ball. You should be seeing two images of your finger. It might be slightly blurry or transparent but that’s normal. If you see two fingers, it’s a sign that you have strong depth perception.

3. Now, switch your focus from the ball to your finger. You should see two slightly hazy images of the ball on either side of the finger.

If any of the following happens, it may be a sign of poor depth perception.

– You see a finger/ball more clearly on one side than the other.

– You see only one finger/ball where you should be seeing two.

– One finger/ball is larger than the other.

– A finger/ball appears and then disappears.

– When you close one eye at a time and your finger starts in the center of the ball but moves far to one side when you open the other eye.

How to Improve Depth Perception?

One of the solutions to improve poor depth perception is to wear and prescription contact lenses. Both of these will improve the image that your ‘bad’ eye sees. You can buy eyeglasses and contact lenses to improve your depth perception online at SmartBuyGlasses for free shipping with a 24-month warranty, a hassle-free 100 day returns policy, and a price match guarantee. 

Other than wearing a pair of prescription glasses, you can also do a few different exercises with your eyes to treat poor depth perception such as:

– Eye rolling: Slowly roll your eyes in both directions for a few minutes at a time. This exercise helps to strengthen nerve impulses and improve eye muscles. 

– Shifting your gaze: You should practice this exercise together with eye-rolling as you can shift your gaze slowly while rolling your eyes.

– Resting the dominant eye: Covering the dominant eye with your hand or an eye patch for a few minutes can help train the weaker eye.

If you suspect that you may have depth perception issues, visit your optician and consider incorporating eye exercises and supplementing your diet with nutrients you need for healthy vision.

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How To Put Your Contact Lenses In

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How To Put Your Contact Lenses In

Contact lenses are a perfect option for those times when glasses just get in the way. They are ideal for athletic sports and also fix the problem of switching between glasses and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Contact lenses can also be made with multifocal and presbyopia prescriptions, which eliminates the need to wear glasses for these conditions.

However, for one reason or another, some people stray away from trying contacts. One main reason is perhaps the trepidation of putting them in your eye for the first time.

This might seem like a daunting task at first, but the process is actually very simple and easy to get used to. In the end, the benefits are worth it. Just follow our simple ‘How To’ guide and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Before you start:

– Make sure that your hands are clean and air-dried

– Stand in a bright lit area in front of a mirror. If you are in front of a sink, may be a good idea to plug the drain. 

Step 1

Gently take the lens out of the capsule and place it on the tip of either index finger. This will depend on your preference and if you are right or left handed. Put some solution onto the lens. Inspect the lens and make sure there are no tears. Also make sure that it is right-side up. If it is inside out, place some solution on the palm of your hand and gently turn it right-side up. 

Step 2

Start with your right eye. If you get into a routine and always start with the right it means you’ll get the correct lens in the correct eye every time. With your free hand, keep your eyelid open by pressing your eyelashes to your eyebrow and pull the bottom eyelid down with the middle finger of the hand with your contact lens.

Step 3

Slowly move the lens towards the eye, checking in the mirror that the lens is in the right place. Make sure all the edges are in contact with your eyeball. The lens should gently attach itself to your eye through suction. Blink slowly and rotate your eye to settle the lens in place. 

Step 4

Repeat the process for your left eye.

Check out all the contact lenses available on our website here! And if in doubt, ask an optician!

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How To Put Your Contact Lenses In

Contact lenses are a perfect option for those times when glasses just get in the way. They are ideal for athletic sports and also fix the problem of switching between glasses and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Contact lenses can also be made with multifocal and presbyopia prescriptions, which eliminates the need to wear glasses for these conditions.

However, for one reason or another, some people stray away from trying contacts. One main reason is perhaps the trepidation of putting them in your eye for the first time.

This might seem like a daunting task at first, but the process is actually very simple and easy to get used to. In the end, the benefits are worth it. Just follow our simple ‘How To’ guide and you’ll be an expert in no time!

Before you start:

– Make sure that your hands are clean and air-dried

– Stand in a bright lit area in front of a mirror. If you are in front of a sink, may be a good idea to plug the drain. 

Step 1

Gently take the lens out of the capsule and place it on the tip of either index finger. This will depend on your preference and if you are right or left handed. Put some solution onto the lens. Inspect the lens and make sure there are no tears. Also make sure that it is right-side up. If it is inside out, place some solution on the palm of your hand and gently turn it right-side up. 

Step 2

Start with your right eye. If you get into a routine and always start with the right it means you’ll get the correct lens in the correct eye every time. With your free hand, keep your eyelid open by pressing your eyelashes to your eyebrow and pull the bottom eyelid down with the middle finger of the hand with your contact lens.

Step 3

Slowly move the lens towards the eye, checking in the mirror that the lens is in the right place. Make sure all the edges are in contact with your eyeball. The lens should gently attach itself to your eye through suction. Blink slowly and rotate your eye to settle the lens in place. 

Step 4

Repeat the process for your left eye.

Check out all the contact lenses available on our website here! And if in doubt, ask an optician!

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How To: Clean Your Contact Lenses

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How To: Clean Your Contact Lenses

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is only one reason why contact wearers should always remember to properly clean and disinfect their contact lenses. Keeping your contacts clean is vital to prevent bacterias and reduce the chance of other harmful substances such as the coronavirus from entering your system. Dirty contact lenses can also cause various sight problems, such as blurry vision. Because wearing contacts requires direct contact between your hands and eyes, it is essential to maintain good hand hygiene, as well. Read on to learn about the proper way to clean your contacts.

Importance of maintaining good hand hygiene

Harmful substances such as the coronavirus enter the system through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Inserting contact lenses requires that your hands come into close proximity with your eyes, and that’s why you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or your contact lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.

Cleaning contact lenses with a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution

Some prefer to use a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution to clean their contacts. An upside to hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions is that they offer complete disinfecting of lenses which can help fight off bacterias and the coronavirus. However, this type of contact lens cleaner often requires that you rinse your lenses with a multipurpose solution before using. After you’ve rinsed the lenses with the multipurpose solution, insert the contact lenses into the provided cylinder case and then fill the case with the hydrogen peroxide solution. The lens solution will bubble and fizz, a sign the disinfection process is taking place. Wait the directed time before removing lenses from the solution and re-wearing (typically around 6 hours).

Do’s and Don’ts when cleaning your contact lenses

1. DON’T re-use old solutions

You should never re-use your contact lens cleaner for more than one session. The wet environment is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and multiply which can cause eye infections. Instead, replace the used lens solution each time you go to clean your lenses.

2. DON’T use contacts for longer than the recommended use

Whether you wear daily, weekly, or monthly lenses, you should never wear the same lenses for longer than the recommended use. This can cause serious eye infections and poor vision. Instead, replace the lenses when recommended.

3. DON’T expose soft contact lenses to water

Most waters are not germ free and your contact lenses could serve as a catalyst between your immune system and the bacteria in the water. Water can also distort the lens shape and cause the lens to stick to your eyes. Take out your lenses before showering or swimming to avoid infections and ensure optimal vision.

4. DO replace the lens container every three months

It does no good to keep your lenses clean if you then put them in a dirty lens container. Keeping a clean contact lens case is a good practice to get in the habit of to avoid eye infections.

5. DO clean contact lens case every two weeks

You should wash your lens container with a gentle soap and water and rinse to keep your case clear of bacteria.

6. DO dry out your lens case

When you clean your contact lens case or your lenses, always be sure to properly dry out the container before reusing. Wet places are a great place for bacteria to grow and multiply.

Shop SmartBuyGlasses’ wide collection of contact lenses today, or read everything you need to know about contact lenses here.

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How To: Clean Your Contact Lenses

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is only one reason why contact wearers should always remember to properly clean and disinfect their contact lenses. Keeping your contacts clean is vital to prevent bacterias and reduce the chance of other harmful substances such as the coronavirus from entering your system. Dirty contact lenses can also cause various sight problems, such as blurry vision. Because wearing contacts requires direct contact between your hands and eyes, it is essential to maintain good hand hygiene, as well. Read on to learn about the proper way to clean your contacts.

Importance of maintaining good hand hygiene

Harmful substances such as the coronavirus enter the system through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Inserting contact lenses requires that your hands come into close proximity with your eyes, and that’s why you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or your contact lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.

Cleaning contact lenses with a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution

Some prefer to use a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution to clean their contacts. An upside to hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions is that they offer complete disinfecting of lenses which can help fight off bacterias and the coronavirus. However, this type of contact lens cleaner often requires that you rinse your lenses with a multipurpose solution before using. After you’ve rinsed the lenses with the multipurpose solution, insert the contact lenses into the provided cylinder case and then fill the case with the hydrogen peroxide solution. The lens solution will bubble and fizz, a sign the disinfection process is taking place. Wait the directed time before removing lenses from the solution and re-wearing (typically around 6 hours).

Do’s and Don’ts when cleaning your contact lenses

1. DON’T re-use old solutions

You should never re-use your contact lens cleaner for more than one session. The wet environment is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and multiply which can cause eye infections. Instead, replace the used lens solution each time you go to clean your lenses.

2. DON’T use contacts for longer than the recommended use

Whether you wear daily, weekly, or monthly lenses, you should never wear the same lenses for longer than the recommended use. This can cause serious eye infections and poor vision. Instead, replace the lenses when recommended.

3. DON’T expose soft contact lenses to water

Most waters are not germ free and your contact lenses could serve as a catalyst between your immune system and the bacteria in the water. Water can also distort the lens shape and cause the lens to stick to your eyes. Take out your lenses before showering or swimming to avoid infections and ensure optimal vision.

4. DO replace the lens container every three months

It does no good to keep your lenses clean if you then put them in a dirty lens container. Keeping a clean contact lens case is a good practice to get in the habit of to avoid eye infections.

5. DO clean contact lens case every two weeks

You should wash your lens container with a gentle soap and water and rinse to keep your case clear of bacteria.

6. DO dry out your lens case

When you clean your contact lens case or your lenses, always be sure to properly dry out the container before reusing. Wet places are a great place for bacteria to grow and multiply.

Shop SmartBuyGlasses’ wide collection of contact lenses today, or read everything you need to know about contact lenses here.

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When were Glasses invented?

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When were Glasses invented?

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

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

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

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

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

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

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

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

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

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

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

When did eyeglasses become common?

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

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

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


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

What if glasses were never invented

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

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

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

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

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When were Glasses invented?

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

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

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

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

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

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

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

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

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

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

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

When did eyeglasses become common?

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

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

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


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

What if glasses were never invented

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

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

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

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

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How Much Do Glasses Cost?

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How Much Do Glasses Cost?

The glasses market is very broad. There’s a big mix of different kinds of glasses out there for sale, all for different purposes and price points. There are affordable brands, sustainable brands, luxury brands, sports brands and many more.

How Much Do Prescription Glasses Cost?

At SmartBuyGlasses, you can pick up affordable glasses. Generally, glasses are sold at the 50-150 euros price point; after all, there is some engineering that goes into making them. This is lower than the US average of $196 – in other words, there’s no better place for a great deal than SmartBuyGlasses.

Best Cheap Glasses

• The SmartBuy Collection Taegan glasses are an easy, affordable option for anyone looking for some high quality full-rim transparent glasses.

• We’re big fans of the SmartBuy Collection Laurie frames – they blend transparent modern design with vintage framework to great effect.

• The SmartBuy Collection Cam glasses are a really affordable, chic way to get your hands on some cat-eye frames. They have some really cool bodywork too; the Havana-effect frames are sure to get people talking.

Our Favourite Luxury Glasses

• The Tom Ford FT5379 glasses are a really stylish fashion option for any eyewear enthusiast, mixing up different colours in a funky frame design that will stand out in any setting. Oh, and it’s got that Tom Ford ‘T’ branding too…

• These Persol PO9714VM Folding glasses bring the luxury style and technical sophistication of Persol sunglasses to the eyeglasses conversation.

• Our top-selling designer glasses, these Gucci GG0026O glasses are a very stylish cat-eye model that are specially built to attract attention. They’re really smart, with high-quality plastic frames that highlight the high quality lenses.

SHOP FOR MEN
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ASK NOW

How Much Do Glasses Cost?

The glasses market is very broad. There’s a big mix of different kinds of glasses out there for sale, all for different purposes and price points. There are affordable brands, sustainable brands, luxury brands, sports brands and many more.

How Much Do Prescription Glasses Cost?

At SmartBuyGlasses, you can pick up affordable glasses. Generally, glasses are sold at the 50-150 euros price point; after all, there is some engineering that goes into making them. This is lower than the US average of $196 – in other words, there’s no better place for a great deal than SmartBuyGlasses.

Best Cheap Glasses

• The SmartBuy Collection Taegan glasses are an easy, affordable option for anyone looking for some high quality full-rim transparent glasses.

• We’re big fans of the SmartBuy Collection Laurie frames – they blend transparent modern design with vintage framework to great effect.

• The SmartBuy Collection Cam glasses are a really affordable, chic way to get your hands on some cat-eye frames. They have some really cool bodywork too; the Havana-effect frames are sure to get people talking.

Our Favourite Luxury Glasses

• The Tom Ford FT5379 glasses are a really stylish fashion option for any eyewear enthusiast, mixing up different colours in a funky frame design that will stand out in any setting. Oh, and it’s got that Tom Ford ‘T’ branding too…

• These Persol PO9714VM Folding glasses bring the luxury style and technical sophistication of Persol sunglasses to the eyeglasses conversation.

• Our top selling designer glasses, these Gucci GG0026O glasses are a very stylish cat-eye model that are specially built to attract attention. They’re really smart, with high-quality plastic frames that highlight the high quality lenses.

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How to Choose Glasses

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How to Choose Glasses

How to choose glasses: Some top tips | How to choose glasses based on face shape | How to choose reading glasses for computer | Try on glasses online

Deciding on a pair of glasses is harder than it seems, so we've put together some tips to help you make the best choice.

If you’re looking to buy some glasses, but just can’t seem to make your mind up, this guide is for you. We’ll be taking you through tips for how to choose glasses online, trying on glasses online and buying glasses online – all wrapped up in one little article!

How to choose glasses: Some top tips

  • Choose frames that contrast your face shape. The general rule of thumb for choosing what style of frames to go with is to choose the opposite of your face shape. For example, if you have a very angular or square face, then round frames are a good fit. If you have a round face, consider going with a pair of rectangular frames.
  • Choose frame size based on face shape. If you have an oval face, don’t use larger frames that will cover half of your face.
  • Choose frames that center your eyes. If your eyes appear too close to the inner corner of the frames, it will make you look cross-eyed. If your eyes appear too far towards the outside corners of the frames, then it will make the glasses look too small. If your eyes happen to be slightly narrow set, then you should avoid a pair of frames that are too wide.
  • Choose frames that fit your nose. Because you’ll be wearing your eyeglasses often, you’ll want to make sure that they are a comfortable fit. Avoid glasses that constantly slip down your nose, that leave red marks on your nose, or that cause your eyelashes to touch the lenses.
  • One way that you can tell if they will fit your face is by shaking your head. If the frames move as you shake your head, they are too big.

How to choose glasses based on face shape

We think that getting the right glasses for your face is the most important part of buying glasses online. If you’re still struggling with how to choose glasses, this face shape guide should really clear things up and get you started!

DID YOU KNOW?

There are four basic face shapes: square, round, oval and heart-shaped. You’l need to figure out which one you have in order to find some glasses that complement your features.

If you have a square face:

You have a well-defined face with a wide forehead, strong cheekbones, jawline and chin. Your most prominent feature is mostly likely your prominent jawline. Round glasses or thinner frames would be a great contrast to your strong features and be better suited to you.

All the curves can help soften your features and compliment your natural looks. We recommend round and oval frames, but aviators or pilot frames are worth a look too!

The best frames for square faces are:

Oval. Oval frames are the perfect accessory for pretty much any occasion. These frames give off a naturally stylish look with minimal effort required. Take it easy, and let these glasses do all the work for you. 

Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centred. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realise that being cool, calm and collected suits you.

Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.

If you have a round face:

The typical features of a round face are wide foreheads, full cheeks and rounded chins. Your face is normally nearly equal in length and width. We recommend glasses with strong details and angles to contrast your soft features.

By adding some contrast, your face can look thinner and longer. We recommend rectangular, butterfly and wayfarer frames.

The best frames for round faces are:

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

Butterfly. These are glasses for the experimental individual. With a cool fusion of round and geometric shapes, designs and silhouettes, our butterfly glasses range has unique frames for everyone.

Rectangle. These are the perfect frames for the quintessential gentleman or the professional woman. If you’re looking to revamp your look or simply make a bold statement, then shop our best looks and get your rectangle on!

If you have a oval face:

You have balanced features and high cheekbones, with a slightly narrower chin compared to your forehead. A lot of people consider this to be the most ideal face shape, with the most balanced proportions.

People with oval-shaped faces are really lucky as pretty much any pair of glasses will suit them! However, you should be careful with oversized glasses as they can detract from your naturally balanced features.

The best frames for oval faces are:

Cat Eye. If you appreciate old-school glamour, then cat-eye glasses are the shades for you. You love wearing your vintage coats in winter but would probably prefer the summer months to go on forever! You have a flair for drama and these glasses only enhance your classy vibe.

Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centred. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realise that being cool, calm and collected suits you.

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

If you have a heart face:

The typical complexion of a heart shaped face is a wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrow jaw and a well-defined chin. Your face resembles a heart shape since it is widest at the top and narrowest at the bottom.

The aim when choosing glasses for heart shaped faces is to help create the illusion of a smaller forehead and a broader chin. This can be achieved by choosing glasses that are wider than your forehead. We recommend Pilot/Aviator, wraparound and wayfarer frames.

The best frames for heart-shaped faces are:

Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.

Wraparound. Generally known for their sporty and practical look, wraparounds are the perfect glasses to wear whenever your adventurous side emerges. Head off to distant shores or hike up a mountain in these sporty, protective glasses.

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

How to choose reading glasses for computer

Computer reading glasses are reading glasses with a blue light filter, or prescription computer glasses. Blue light readers improve both your vision and eye health while using a digital screen. With blue light reading glasses, you don’t have to choose between one pair of glasses or the other.

You can now read small print on the computer while also protecting your eyes from harmful blue light rays. There are over the-the-counter options for both computer glasses and reading glasses online, making blue light blocking reading glasses an accessible option for almost anyone.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we’ve got a huge selection of computer reading glasses with blue light blocking technology – we’ve found that they’re one of the best ways out there to protect your eyes from short-wavelength light (and look great doing it).

With affordable blue light glasses from SmartBuy Collection, to high-style frames from luxury brands like Tom Ford, our range really does have something for everyone.

Try on glasses online

Our groundbreaking Virtual Try-On tool is a giant leap for buying glasses online. This forward-thinking technology lets you see how our glasses look without even having to leave your home – perfect for a socially distanced try-before-you-buy!

Just find a pair of glasses you love and click the VTO button to model designer frames and more from home!

If you’ve found this guide and informative, don’t forget to check out our interesting and educational pieces from our Optical Centre. Of course, if this has got you in the mood for buying glasses online, head on over to SmartBuyGlasses and check out thousands of pairs from the world’s leading online eyewear destination.

What Food Can I Eat To Protect My Eyes?

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What Food Can I Eat To Protect My Eyes?

Just like for the rest of our body, having healthy eyes depends partly on our diet. Though is it probably not necessary to have a specially tailored “vision supplement,” there are some ingredients that will help, so read on to discover the healthiest superfoods for our eyes!

Vitamin A

The old saying that carrots help you see in the dark may not be as inaccurate as you think it is! Vitamin A, which carrots are rich in, is vital to our eye health and reduces the risk of night blindness. A diet lacking vitamin A may lead to the worsening of your vision, which is why it’s wise to add pumpkin, sweet potato, kale, and cod liver oil, all rich in vitamin A!, to your diet. 

Vitamin C and Bioflavinoids

Vitamin C has a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of cataracts and helping to maintain the capillaries in  your retina and collagen in your cornea. While taking vitamin C supplements also has its benefits, you may get even more from adding foods high in vitamin C to your diet. This is because it’s very complimentary to bioflavinoids, which occurs naturally in many of the foods as vitamin C. Some of these foods include red or green sweet peppers, broccoli, oranges, kiwis, and most berries.  

kiwis are good for your eyes

Vitamin E and Selenium

Vitamen E and selenium are another pair that work great together. Vitamin E helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, while selenium works to help your body absorb it. However, it should be noted that vitamin E should not be taken in large doses, because too much can thin your blood and prevent clotting. Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are great sources of vitamin E and selenium, but seafood, whole grain cereals, sunflower seeds, and spinach are also good. 

LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN

Though the names may be unfamiliar, lutein and zeaxanthin are actually found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye. Because damage to the macula causes loss in central vision, not peripheral, it is important to keep this in pristine condition. Green vegetables like spinach, kale, collard and turnip greens, are good sources for lutein and zeaxanthin.

fruit is good for your eyes!

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Essential fatty acids like Omega-3 are important to a myriad of aspects of our health, and our eyes are no exception. Eating a diet rich in fatty acids is even more crucial because our body does not produce them itself. 

Omega-3 is considered to be particularly important to infant’s vision development, but throughout our life it also helps drain intraocular fluid, which lowers the risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma, and reduces dry eye syndrome. Fish, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, is widely known to be the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids, but for those who don’t eat seafood, chia and flax seeds are also a great source. 

ZINC

Zinc is an extremely important element in our bodies. Not only is it the second most plentiful metal in our body (second to iron), but it mingles with enzymes to lower the amount of free radicals and helps us absorb vitamin A. Zinc is found is many foods, like seafood, beef, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts, and whole grain cereal, so it is relatively easy to get a proper amount. However, an overly large amount of zinc can cause problems in our body, so a supplement is not generally suggested.

As you can see, there are a number of elements, minerals, and vitamins that can keep our eyes performing at their best. Some of the healthiest foods for us are quite common- and you may already be eating them!

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN
ASK NOW

What Food Can I Eat To Protect My Eyes?

Just like for the rest of our body, having healthy eyes depends partly on our diet. Though is it probably not necessary to have a specially tailored “vision supplement,” there are some ingredients that will help, so read on to discover the healthiest superfoods for our eyes!

Vitamin A

The old saying that carrots help you see in the dark may not be as inaccurate as you think it is! Vitamin A, which carrots are rich in, is vital to our eye health and reduces the risk of night blindness. A diet lacking vitamin A may lead to the worsening of your vision, which is why it’s wise to add pumpkin, sweet potato, kale, and cod liver oil, all rich in vitamin A!, to your diet. 

Vitamin C and Bioflavinoids

Vitamin C has a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of cataracts and helping to maintain the capillaries in  your retina and collagen in your cornea. While taking vitamin C supplements also has its benefits, you may get even more from adding foods high in vitamin C to your diet. This is because it’s very complimentary to bioflavinoids, which occurs naturally in many of the foods as vitamin C. Some of these foods include red or green sweet peppers, broccoli, oranges, kiwis, and most berries.  

kiwis are good for your eyes

Vitamin E and Selenium

Vitamen E and selenium are another pair that work great together. Vitamin E helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, while selenium works to help your body absorb it. However, it should be noted that vitamin E should not be taken in large doses, because too much can thin your blood and prevent clotting. Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are great sources of vitamin E and selenium, but seafood, whole grain cereals, sunflower seeds, and spinach are also good. 

LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN

Though the names may be unfamiliar, lutein and zeaxanthin are actually found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye. Because damage to the macula causes loss in central vision, not peripheral, it is important to keep this in pristine condition. Green vegetables like spinach, kale, collard and turnip greens, are good sources for lutein and zeaxanthin.

fruit is good for your eyes!

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Essential fatty acids like Omega-3 are important to a myriad of aspects of our health, and our eyes are no exception. Eating a diet rich in fatty acids is even more crucial because our body does not produce them itself. 

Omega-3 is considered to be particularly important to infant’s vision development, but throughout our life it also helps drain intraocular fluid, which lowers the risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma, and reduces dry eye syndrome. Fish, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, is widely known to be the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids, but for those who don’t eat seafood, chia and flax seeds are also a great source. 

ZINC

Zinc is an extremely important element in our bodies. Not only is it the second most plentiful metal in our body (second to iron), but it mingles with enzymes to lower the amount of free radicals and helps us absorb vitamin A. Zinc is found is many foods, like seafood, beef, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts, and whole grain cereal, so it is relatively easy to get a proper amount. However, an overly large amount of zinc can cause problems in our body, so a supplement is not generally suggested.

As you can see, there are a number of elements, minerals, and vitamins that can keep our eyes performing at their best. Some of the healthiest foods for us are quite common- and you may already be eating them!

SHOP FOR MEN
SHOP FOR WOMEN