What Prescription Is Legally Blind?

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What Prescription is Legally Blind?

People are often confused about the definition of legal blindness, how to understand if an individual is legally blind, and how that differs from being completely blind.

Whether or not your prescription is considered to be legally blind can affect a vast range of things: from your ability to obtain a driver’s license to tax exemptions and insurance or disability benefits.

Because of the enormous impact this can have on your life, it is crucial to understand what it means.

What does legally blind mean

Complete blindness differs from one individual to another: some can see light, while others can have visual acuity in some parts of their field of vision. Visual acuity refers to the clarity of vision and how clearly an individual can see.

Contrary to what most people believe, blind people don’t see darkness or anything at all. Now, you may be asking yourself if completely blind people are considered legally blind.

The answer is yes, but the definition of legal blindness is more complex than that. It extends to individuals that can see but have extremely low visual acuity and, for that reason, have many limitations regarding their daily activities, mobility, and employment.

How to test if you’re legally blind

To test your vision, your optician will make you look at a Snellen chart (a chart of mixed letters to read from a distance of about 20 feet).

When completing the test, a result of 20/20 visual acuity means having perfect vision and seeing any object (or letter) clearly from 20 feet away. Having 20/200 or less visual acuity means being legally blind.

Simply put, the largest letter on the Snellen chart corresponds to 20/200 vision. If someone cannot read that correctly, that means they have 20/200 or less visual acuity, and they are to be considered legally blind.

Your optician may also give you a visual field test. During this test, you may be considered legally blind if your peripheral vision is about 20° or less. Once you’ve taken these tests, you may need help reading your prescription.

If your prescription is -2.5 or lower, you are legally blind, as visual acuity of -2.5 is equivalent to 20/200 vision.

Another thing to consider when having 20/200 or less visual acuity is whether or not it can be improved with contact lenses or glasses.

If you have 20/200 visual acuity that improves by wearing prescription glasses or contacts, you are not considered legally blind.

Is 20/80 vision legally blind?

Most countries agree on the definition of legal blindness; however, laws may differ regarding the minimum visual acuity required to obtain a driver’s license. Some countries require 20/80 visual acuity to be able to drive.

Does having 20/80 or less visual acuity mean being legally blind? No, as that restriction only regards driver’s licenses.

If you have more questions regarding your visual acuity, head to our optical centre and find out more from our opticians, or if it has been a while since your last appointment and you’re struggling with your vision, speak to your eye doctor.

DID YOU KNOW?

Telemedicine has made medical appointments more accessible. It allows you to have access to a medical professional in a timely manner, via a computer, tablet, or phone screen.

Crazed Lenses

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Crazed Lenses

What are crazed lenses? | What causes it? | Can Transitions craze? Heat damage and crazing | How to spot it | How to prevent it | How to fix it

Find out what crazed lenses are and how to prevent them from getting in the way of clear vision.

If you notice tiny cracks on your glasses’ lenses, the anti-reflective coating (AR coating) has probably begun to craze. Crazing is a web of tiny cracks that can appear on the lenses of eyeglasses which have an anti-reflective coating. When crazing or lens cloudiness occurs, your glasses become less effective as your field of vision may appear blurry.

What is crazing on my eyeglasses lenses?

Lens crazing is the spider web of fine cracks that can occur when your glasses’ special lens coatings are damaged by improper care or exposure to extreme temperatures. Anti-reflective lenses and polarised lenses have a lot of benefits. These coated lenses block glare and reflections, ease eye strain and improve vision. It is important to note that while these lenses are an excellent option for many, the coatings are susceptible to crazing, requiring proper care to prevent it.

What causes crazing on lenses?

There are multiple factors that can cause lenses to craze. An unavoidable cause is the improper application of an anti-reflective coating in the lab. In addition, cleaning your eyeglasses with rubbing alcohol, window cleaner, or another harsh cleaner may lead to crazing. As with any pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is essential to clean your glasses properly.

Extreme or quick temperature changes may cause the coated lenses to expand and contract leading to crazed lenses. Wearing your glasses while doing activities near high temperatures, such as grilling, tending a fire, or welding may have the same effect. Crazing or lens cloudiness may also appear with no apparent cause. In this situation, the crazing may be the result of a manufacturing defect.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lens crazing are fine cracks that can occur when your glasses' special lens coatings are damaged. It's easy to prevent if you take proper care of them and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

Is it possible for Transitions® lenses to craze?

Transitions® glasses and other brands of photochromic lenses can become crazed if they are coated with an anti-reflective coating. Crazing on Transitions® lenses is often caused by exposure to high heat. This doesn’t mean you should avoid wearing your glasses, but be mindful of how and where you wear them. Avoid leaving glasses sitting outside on a sunny day or wearing them around extreme heat.

How can heat damage eyeglass lenses?

High heat exposure can damage glasses and lenses in several ways. First, heat can cause the anti-glare coating and lenses to expand at different rates. These contractions create eyeglass crazing. Heat can also damage glasses by softening and warping plastic frames and lenses and damaging the film on polarised sunglasses.

Heat is not something we can always avoid. But to protect your glasses from heat damage, do not leave your glasses in a hot car and avoid wearing glasses near extreme heat. If your optician plans to use a frame warmer to adjust your glasses to better fit your face, speak to them about the possibility of crazing.

How to spot crazing

If you suddenly notice your vision is not as great in your relatively new glasses, crazing may be the cause. Check the lenses for hairline cracks, and contact the eye doctor or optical store where you purchased the glasses to find a solution and restore your vision.

How to prevent crazing on eyeglasses

It is important to take proper care of your glasses. By doing so, you can prevent crazing and surface scratching. When your glasses are dirty, do not use hot, heavily soapy water, but instead rinse them with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris. A microfiber or lint-free cotton towel and a lens spray designed specifically for cleaning eyeglasses are also good solutions. Remember to be careful and avoid high heat, as this creates crazing.

How can I fix crazed lenses?

Some eye care professionals and optical laboratories have access to stripping solutions that can be used to strip the anti-reflective coating from the lenses and remove crazing. SmartBuyGlasses does not offer this service and it is only sometimes an option, so speak to your optician to see if this is a solution for you. Results will vary based on the lens and coating used and it may not be possible for the AR coating to be stripped from polycarbonate lenses or high-index lenses.

Check to see if your lenses are still under warranty; some warranties cover crazing caused by a manufacturing defect. Your warranty will not cover crazing caused by mistake; for example, leaving glasses in a hot car. At SmartBuyGlasses, all eyewear comes with a 24-month warranty. If your crazing is caused by a manufacturer’s defect, it will likely appear within the first six months. Head to our FAQ to read more about what’s covered under warranty.

Some eye care professionals and optical laboratories have access to stripping solutions that can be used to strip the anti-reflective coating from the lenses and remove crazing.

SmartBuyGlasses does not offer this service and it is only sometimes an option, so speak to your optician to see if this is a solution for you. Results will vary based on the lens and coating used and it may not be possible for the AR coating to be stripped from polycarbonate lenses or high-index lenses.

At SmartBuyGlasses, all eyewear comes with a 24-month warranty. If your crazing is caused by a manufacturer’s defect, it will likely appear within the first six months. Head to our FAQ to read more about what’s covered under warranty.

Lens crazing

Don’t avoid an anti-reflective coating because of crazed lens potential. An anti-reflective coating has many benefits. To avoid crazing, keep your eyeglass lenses safe, avoid wearing your glasses near high heat, don’t leave glasses in a hot car and remove dirt and debris correctly.

While crazed lenses may result from a manufacturer error, more commonly, it is human error. Don’t let crazing happen; pay attention to your eyeglass lenses and always take special care of them.

All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

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All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

Are you an eyeglasses wearer?

Are you tired of being blinded in the rain, constantly cleaning off smudges and losing sight due to scratched lenses?

If so, it may be time to enhance your visual experience with some high-quality lenses. Think Arise Collective HD, Essilor Crizal Forte UV lens technology, or our premium lens selection.

Lens technologies

There has been a world of technological breakthroughs in the lenses market, and as a result there is a range of different options when it comes to choosing your lenses.

Single vision lenses, for vision improvement over either short or long distances, but not both.
Multifocal lenses, for vision improvement over multiple distances.
Multicoated lenses, for protection against dust, water and scratches.
Transition lenses, for adapting to high- and low-light situations.
High-index lenses, for the thinnest, best-looking way of improving your eyesight.

What are anti-reflective lenses?

Anti-reflective/anti-glare/AR coating improves vision, eye strain and makes your eyeglasses look better. These benefits are due to the ability of AR coating to eliminate nearly all reflections from both sides of your lenses.

With reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses to optimize visual acuity. This increased amount of light can be really beneficial at night, when your eyes need all the help they can get.

What lens coatings do my glasses need?

At SmartBuyGlasses, we can fit your glasses with a number of different coatings to suit your eyewear needs. These include:

UV400, with optimized protection for UVA and UVB.
Anti-reflective, to reduce glare and increase the amount of light entering your lenses.
Scratch-resistant, with added protection against wear and tear.
Impact-X, for optimal eye protection in tough conditions.
Aspheric, which are thinner, flatter and lighter than conventional lenses.• Superhydrophobic, with water-repellant technology.

What is crizal forte UV?

Crizal Forte UV is an exclusive anti-reflecting technology from Essilor.

It’s specifically designed to protect your eyes from UV light. Essilor Crizal lens technology is applied to both sides of your glasses lenses so as to block both the direct UV light that passes through the front of your glasses and the UV rays reflected off the rear surface of your lenses.

SmartBuyGlasses is not affiliated and does not currently sell Essilor lenses online but does recognise their excellent quality.

Do essilor crizal lenses protect my eyes from UV light?

Essilor broad spectrum technology lenses provide your eyes with superior protection against harmful UV radiation and have a 25 E-SPF (eye-sun protection factor) rating.

In fact, they claim that their lenses are the best in terms of UV light protection for long-term eye health.

Crizal forte UV features

In addition, Essilor Crizal Forte UV lenses offer some of the most advanced anti-reflective lens technology available today.

Additionally, these high-tech lenses protect you against the big five obstacles to clear vision:

Reflections & glares.
Water droplets.
Dust.
Scratches.
Smudges.

By upgrading your ordinary lenses, you can enjoy crystal clear vision with some of the best lens technology the eyewear world has to offer.

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses

While we don’t sell Crizal Forte lenses at SmartBuyGlasses, we do sell anti-reflective lenses with the Arise Collective™ Clarity range.

Arise Collective™ Clarity prescription lenses are made for the everyday wearer, but also offer advanced protection making them suitable for any adventure. These lenses are suitable for all vision impairments and can be customized for your every need.

Whether you need reading glasses, driving glasses or prescription glasses for astigmatism, myopia or presbyopia, Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses are fitted to your prescription and your needs.

Protective coatings from Arise Collective™

The Arise Collective™ Clarity lens collection comes packed with protective elements to provide you with an unbeatable pair of prescription glasses.

From scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings to UV 400 and superhydrophobic protection, these lenses are guaranteed to keep your eyes comfortable in any situation.

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

Stay protected at SmartBuyGlasses. We stock all thousands of glasses with a wide range of lens materials. If you have any questions, visit our Ask the Optician page to find out more!

DID YOU KNOW?

Telemedicine has made medical appointments more accessible. It allows you to have access to a medical professional in a timely manner, via a computer, tablet, or phone screen.

5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

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5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

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.

A few years ago, we could safely say that clip-on sunglasses were neither cool nor stylish. They were often criticized for lacking personality with limited lens and frame choices. Let’s face it, clip-on sunglasses were probably your parent’s go-to in the ‘90s.

But as they say, what comes around goes back around. Clip-on sunglasses have made a comeback and are ready to rock your look. Glasses with clip-on sunglasses now have a wide range of frame shapes, designs, and colors. From luxurious designer clip-on sunglasses to fun, affordable brands, there is an option to satisfy your every eye need!

With everyone from major celebrities to your next-door neighbour wearing clip-ons, they have certainly re-earned their place back at the fashion table. Ready to get inspired?

SmartBuyGlasses is ready to embrace the ‘90s trend and has 5 trendy and unique clip-on styles that are perfect for every personality.

1. Armani is here to stay

Teens and adults alike will love the trendy, ready-to-wear magnetic clip-on sunglasses by the one and only Emporio Armani! The brand never fails to deliver high-end luxury items that everyone can’t wait to see year after year.

With modern and cutting-edge designs, Emporio Armani eyewear will revamp your wardrobe and make you feel like a celebrity. This particular pair of Emporio Armani EA4115F Asian Fit Clip-ons are a great fit if you have a lower nose bridge or high cheekbones. If standard glasses tend to slip away, then Asian Fit glasses are here to stay (on your face)!

2. Feel divine in cat-eye

You won’t be disappointed with a pair of fashionable clip-on cat-eye sunglasses! Do you love your new Tom Ford FT5641-B blue light block eyeglasses and want to have the same stylish look on a sunny day?

Well, clip-on your sunnies and wander the streets with one simple snap. Tom Ford eyewear is the essence of sublime and glamour, so you’ll never be out of style when wearing their fashion-forward designs.

No matter your face shape, anyone can rock cat-eye sunglasses! You’ll believe it once you try on these Tom Ford clip-ons using our Virtual Try-On technology!

3. Luxury is my middle name

You’re in for a ride down memory lane with these classic round clip-on sunglasses! This pair of Giorgio Armani AR6107 clip-ons will give you a retro look that is enhanced with a modern touch. The glasses feature lightweight metal frames in a glamorous gold color. Luxury will be your middle name with these Armani clip-ons!

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 397461, 525086, 510341, 484209, 338140. Please check and use correct values.

4. Don’t be frigid – buy Polar

The polarized lenses are a great fit to help protect your eyes from the annoying glare, especially if you’ve decided to enjoy your new specs by the water or snow. We can see you wearing these on a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

5. Clip-on with a SmartBuy

These 5-in-1 frames are perfect if you want to look classic, save money, and have a style that matches any outfit!

Your wallet will love you for choosing these SmartBuy Collection Desire Clip-on sunglasses that come with a variety of sunglasses lenses so you can seamlessly switch between polarized, mirrored, and dark-tinted looks!

With just a few clicks, you can add your prescription and have the most functional glasses offered on the market! Not sure about your prescription? Using our lens scanner tool, you’ll have your prescription locked and ready to hit that buy button with ease.

Clip-on, clip-off – it’s that easy!

Feeling inspired to save time, money, and space with a 2-in-1 pair of clip-on glasses? There’s no harm in trying, right?

With the diverse designs and lens types, you can mix and match clip-on sunglasses to suit your style and personality.

Embrace the ‘90s trend with SmartBuyGlasses and find a pair of quality eyeglasses or sunglasses that meet all of your eyewear needs.

5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

Aurora Gould

With everyone from major celebrities to your next-door neighbour wearing clip-ons, they have certainly re-earned their place back at the fashion table. Ready to get inspired?

SmartBuyGlasses is ready to embrace the ‘90s trend and has 5 trendy and unique clip-on styles that are perfect for every personality.

1. Armani is here to stay

2. Feel divine in cat-eye

No matter your face shape, anyone can rock cat-eye sunglasses! You’ll believe it once you try on these Tom Ford clip-ons using our Virtual Try-On technology!

3. Luxury is my middle name

Sorry, we could not find the following product IDs in our database: 397461, 525086, 510341, 484209, 338140. Please check and use correct values.

4. Don’t be frigid – buy Polar

It’s a 2-for-1 offer from Polar! With this pair of Polar PL 410 polarized clip-on sunglasses, you can change your day-to-day look and rock a pair of round clip-on sunglasses when you step out of the office. The polarized lenses are a great fit to help protect your eyes from the annoying glare, especially if you’ve decided to enjoy your new specs by the water or snow. We can see you wearing these on a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

5. Clip-on with a SmartBuy

These 5-in-1 frames are perfect if you want to look classic, save money, and have a style that matches any outfit! Your wallet will love you for choosing these SmartBuy Collection Desire Clip-on sunglasses that come with a variety of sunglasses lenses so you can seamlessly switch between polarized, mirrored, and dark-tinted looks! With just a few clicks, you can add your prescription and have the most functional glasses offered on the market! Not sure about your prescription? Using our lens scanner tool, you’ll have your prescription locked and ready to hit that buy button with ease.

Clip-on, clip-off – it’s that easy!

Feeling inspired to save time, money, and space with a 2-in-1 pair of clip-on glasses? There’s no harm in trying, right? With the diverse designs and lens types, you can mix and match clip-on sunglasses to suit your style and personality. Embrace the ‘90s trend with SmartBuyGlasses and find a pair of quality eyeglasses or sunglasses that meet all of your eyewear needs.

Thinnest Lenses for High Prescription – What Are My Options?

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Thinnest Lenses for High Prescription Glasses- What Are My Options?

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By Hannah Tinning

Reviewed by

Updated On Apr 04, 2023

Lenses with a 1.74 index are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription wearers and include many benefits.

Finding glasses with thin and aesthetically pleasing lenses can be challenging for those with high prescriptions. Thick lenses can create the “coke bottle effect” protruding from the face and limiting your frame options. Not only do they look unappealing, but they also add extra weight, discomfort and risk of damage to the glasses. Luckily, advancements in manufacturing techniques have made it possible to create extra-thin lenses for glasses wearers with high prescriptions.

What are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses?

The thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses are lenses that have a 1.74 index. These lenses are made from high-index plastic, which allows for a thinner and lighter lens compared to traditional lenses made from regular plastic.

The thin profile of 1.74 index lenses is thanks to the flatter curve that is utilised compared to standard, lower index lenses. Using a flatter curve, however, can lead to peripheral distortion. This is counteracted by integrating aspheric lens technology, which eliminates spherical aberration.

Thanks to the development of high-index lenses, manufacturers can provide far slimmer eyewear lenses than in the past. If you are accustomed to a strong prescription in standard plastic, then making the change could significantly affect the thickness of your lenses. While even the thinnest lens cannot entirely hide the thickness of a high prescription lens 100%, it will drastically reduce how much it is seen.

Thinnest eyeglass lenses at SmartBuyGlasses

At SmartBuyGlasses, there’s a variety of lens indexes you can select from that cater to different prescription needs. From standard 1.50 index lenses to high-index lenses such as 1.67 and 1.74, a range of options ensures you can find the right lens you need. You can also select Arise Collective™ Clarity lenses that provide breakthrough lens technologies, optimised visual acuity and state-of-the-art protection for any prescription and frame.

The higher the index lens, the more beneficial it will be if you have a strong prescription. Thanks to the reduced thickness and weight, you’ll still achieve comfortable wear and an aesthetically pleasing look. However, when selecting your lens index, you want to make sure you’re consulting your eye doctor before making the decision yourself.

If you decide to go with the thinnest glasses lenses, you can choose from a range of different frame styles. With a 1.74 lens index, you can explore styles with delicate metal frames.

DID YOU KNOW?

At SmartBuyGlasses, lenses with a 1.74 lens index are ultra-thin and come with four lens coatings. With flatter Aspheric technology to improve your vision and enhance the aesthetics of your eyewear, they are the complete optical lens solution.

Are 1.74 lenses worth it?

1.74 index lenses are worth it for individuals with strong prescriptions who want thin, lightweight glasses. However, they do come at a higher cost than lenses that use older technology and present lesser qualities. Of course, the higher price point comes from the thinness and the incorporated benefits.

Weight. 1.74 index lenses can be more than 25% lighter than normal plastic lenses and more than 50% lighter than glass lenses.
Scratch resistance. High-index lenses have a higher resistance to scratches than standard plastic meaning you can dodge the hassle of distracting marks in your field of vision.
UV protection. 1.74 index lenses have UV400 protection which means they can filter out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
Aspheric technology. They have a flatter surface, which results in clearer, more natural vision.
Anti-reflective. These high-index lenses will also aid in reducing glare and reflections, resulting in better visual clarity and less eye strain.
Super-hydrophobic. At SmartBuyGlasses, these lenses come with a super-hydrophobic coating that repels water, dust and dirt, keeping the lenses cleaner and clearer.

Are the thinnest eyeglass lenses for me?

If you face the challenge of having a high prescription and finding glasses with thin lenses, then 1.74 index lenses might be for you. The benefits of thin lens glasses include being ultra-thin and lightweight, scratch-resistant, UV protected and super-hydrophobic. It’s important to note that you should always consult an eye doctor or one of our online optician before deciding on your next pair of prescription glasses.

Glasses For Small Faces: Tips on Getting the Perfect Eyewear Fit

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Glasses for Small Faces: Tips on Getting the Perfect Eyewear Fit

Wondering if you need glasses for small faces? Have you ever been shopping for glasses and found that no matter how many pairs you try on, you still look like you have massive bug eyes?

Glasses that drown your features, overpower your face and slide off your nose? If you can relate, you most likely have a small face shape and would benefit from buying glasses for small faces.

There are plenty of brands that now manufacture petite glasses specifically for narrow face shapes. This means that you can find the perfect pair, pull off the most stylish of looks and be trendy with your eyewear, no matter your face shape and size.

How should glasses for small faces fit

Comfort is the number one factor here. The aim of glasses for small faces is to provide a better, more secure fit without compromising comfort.

So when you try on a pair of glasses for small faces, ensure they are the right size and feel secure without squeezing your head. Glasses for small faces are designed to have a shorter lens width, shorter temple arms and a narrower bridge frame.

Many people with a narrower face shape resort to wearing children’s sunglasses. However, this often involves temples that are too short.

Glasses for small faces are, therefore, the perfect solution, offering frame arms that are slightly longer than those on kids’ eyewear.

How to find out if you need glasses for small faces

There are several ways to find out if you need a smaller size of glasses.

Find out what size your current glasses are. Look at the inside of the glasses frames and note the numbers that appear.

Read on to find out what the measurements mean. Add a few millimetres to the measurements if you feel they are too tight, or reduce the number if they are too large when you wear them.

Take a ruler or flexible measuring tape. To find your face width, stretch the measuring tool from temple to temple. Next, repeat the action across your jawline. This starts roughly an inch below your ear.

Pick the larger of the two measurements: this is your face width. Now you need to find your face length. Go from your chin to the middle of your hairline. And here comes the maths: divide your face height by your face width.

If you have a narrow face, your face height will be over 1.5 times the width.

The process is considerably more straightforward if you already know your eye and bridge size. Simply follow this equation:

Eye size + bridge size = frame size

(Eg. 47mm + 21mm = 68mm)

Average frame sizes

In general, spectacles will look their best when the total width of the face matches that of the glasses frames. When considering glasses for small faces in particular, it is actually not a problem if the frame size is equal to, if not wider than, the face width.

This means you should not worry if your glasses frames extend beyond your temples by about 3mm on each side. This widens the appearance of the face, creating a sense of balance with the length of the face.

For average face sizes, the frame width is generally 138mm wide. In contrast, a narrower face will require a frame width of nearer 126mm, which is quite a significant difference.

If you find your face measurements within these figure ranges, you might want to consider wearing glasses for narrow faces. Here are some typical measurements for glasses for small faces.

Tips for checking that your glasses for small faces fit you well

Simply put, small glasses that fit properly will have frames that closely match the width of your face. In addition, the bridge will sit comfortably on your nose.

A plastic fix bridge should sit flush at each side of the nose; there should be no gap at the top of the bridge on the frame and the bridge of the nose.

Metal frames with nose pads can be adjusted by moving the pads out or in to loosen or tighten the fit at the bridge. In addition, your eyes will be perfectly centred in the middle of the lens.

Those are the basics. Next, you want to double-check that the glasses fit securely on your face. If you can fit a finger down between the side of the frame and your temple, then it’s too big and won’t be able to be adjusted.

The issue will only worsen and get especially bad in warm weather.

If the frames pass this test, they can move on to the next round! In this next step, you want to be 100% sure that the glasses fit comfortably on your head and don’t feel too tight.

If when putting the glasses on, the sides stretch out, it will be too tight and will leave red marks down the side of the face. This would stop you from wearing the spectacles for long periods.

When trying on the frames, one way to check this is to see if there are any red marks or a hint of indentation behind your ears when you remove them. If you do find such a mark, choose a different pair.

Yet another checkpoint before buying petite glasses is how flush they are to your face. Consider whether your eyelashes are touching the lenses. This can be adjusted in most metal frames but not so easily in plastic frames.

9 out of 10 frames will have a slight tilt in them to accommodate this. You need to ensure that your eyes can move freely without your lashes coming into contact with the glasses.

At this point, it is important to remember that your prescription lenses will be thicker than the test pair.

One final pointer to consider before settling on a pair of eyeglasses for small faces is where they sit on your face. Make sure the frames rest on the bridge of your nose rather than your cheekbones.

The glasses don’t fit you correctly if the frames move as you switch between facial expressions.

Tips for choosing glasses for small faces

Once you’ve found a few pairs that meet the measurement criteria and pass all the good-fit and style tests, you can consider the frame design that will be most flattering for your narrow face.

People with smaller faces often find that more delicate frames, such as metal frames or thin acetate ones, are more flattering. Such petite frames complement their petite features and narrow face shapes.

Another thing with glasses for narrow faces is that narrow frames draw more attention to your eyes.

Therefore, it is recommended to find an acetate frame, the colour of which matches your eyes. It will make your eyes stand out and make the glasses look perfectly natural on your face.

Prescription glasses for narrow faces

The two most important things to consider when choosing a pair of glasses for small faces are your face shape and the lens index.

The lens index depends on your prescription details; the higher the prescription, the higher the index. Ask your eye doctor or one of our opticians for advice on the best lens index for your prescription.

Glasses that fit you properly are essential to ensure your prescription lenses do their job. Your eyes must be centred in the lenses to guarantee clarity of vision.

As a general rule, positive prescriptions result in larger-looking eyes. Therefore, those with higher prescriptions should be careful of looking “bug-eyed” due to thicker lenses.

On the other hand, high negative prescriptions can cause the lenses to peek out at the side of the frames. To help remedy this combination, avoid rimless glasses for small faces.

A solution for higher prescriptions could be choosing thinner lenses that will reduce the magnification of the eye. For high negative prescriptions, plastic frames will help hide the thickness.

What glasses look good on a small face?

In this article, we have gathered all the tips to find the perfect eyewear fit. The most important things to know when shopping for glasses for a smaller face are your face shape and size.

With this information and by following our tips and guidelines, it will be easy to find the perfect glasses. Remember that the same tips also apply to sunglasses, blue light glasses and any other type of glasses.

If you have any further doubts or questions, you can always reach out to our team of certified online opticians for support.

Eye Twitching- Meaning, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

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Why is My Eye Twitching?

Eye twitching occurs involuntarily when your eyelid blinks irregularly. This unusual blinking may occur several times per day.

As two facial muscles cause your eyelid to close and open, eye twitching may occur if there are problems with these muscles.

Eye twitching can also be caused by other muscles in the eyes. Even if you have the correct prescription glasses, other factors can play a part.

Many people experience eye twitching from time to time, especially when they are tired or have had a lot of caffeine. It’s incredibly common and affects almost everyone.

The majority of eye spasms or twitches are totally harmless and do not cause any significant issues. For most people, eye twitching on a continuous basis is infrequent.

Why does my eye twitch?

Your eye twitches from involuntary spasms in your eyelid muscles. In other words, it feels like your eyes are fluttering. You may not notice anything or may feel a small tug on your eyelid.

Although it might seem like everyone can see your eye twitching, it is usually quite subtle and difficult to notice, especially behind a pair of glasses or sunglasses.

A common cause of eye twitching is called ocular myokymia, also known as myokymia. Myokymia causes eye twitching that only affects the eyelid. This form of twitch or spasm is fairly prevalent and affects almost all people at some stage of their life.

While it affects either the upper or lower eyelid, only one eye is normally affected at a time.

The eye fluttering might be unobtrusive or become more noticeable and annoying. Although twitching normally stops after a few minutes, it can happen again after a few hours, days, or weeks.

Eye twitching from myokymia could be caused by any of the following:

Consuming too much caffeine
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
Blepharitis (inflammation)
Eye strain or irritation
Conjunctivitis
Allergies
A reaction to certain medications
Stress

There are other possible causes for eye spasms that are much less common. One is benign essential blepharospasm, which begins when both eyes blink excessively and eventually causes the eyelids to clench shut.

Although this sort of eye twitching is uncommon, it can be very severe and cause difficulties.

While researchers believe it could occur from issues with certain areas of the brain, there is uncertainty about the exact cause. However, we do know that it can create problems with the muscles that surround your eyes.

Hemifacial spasm is a nervous system condition that causes the muscles on one side of the face to twitch uncontrollably, including your eyelid. The most common cause is when a blood artery contacts or pulses against a facial nerve.

Very rarely, other conditions that impact the brain or nervous system can cause eye twitching:

Parkinsons disease
Brain damage
Meige syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Bells palsy

These conditions usually have other serious, identifiable symptoms that accompany the eye fluttering.

How to stop eye twitching

You know how annoying an eyelid twitch can be if you’ve ever had one. The severity of an eye twitch determines how it is treated. If your twitch is minor, there are certain things you can try at home before seeking medical care.

First, you can keep a journal and write down when your eye spasms happen. You should also make a note of your intake of some known triggers such as caffeine or tobacco.

In addition, record your stress level and amount of sleep. When you start to notice a correlation, adjust your habits and see if the problem resolves itself.

If you are less patient and want to try to remedy the situation as fast as possible, you can try to reduce your eye twitching by doing the following:

Get the proper amount of sleep. A twitchy eye could be resolved with something as simple as a nap. Having a regular sleep pattern will also help you feel more well-rested.
Reduce your stress level. Eliminating stress from your life can relieve eye twitching.
Eliminate caffeine. It is common for adults to consume caffeine. We find it in coffee, but also in tea and certain soft drinks. Try to reduce your intake as much as possible.
Apply a warm compress. Addressing the affected area with a warm compress can help to relax the muscles and stop the eye fluttering.
Take a break from screens. Reduce your eye strain by minimising your screen time. Alternatively, use blue light glasses to protect your eyes during screen use.
Use eye drops. Those who suffer from irritated or dry eyes may find that it contributes to eye twitching. You can address this with eye drops.

Eye spasms that are more severe or recurrent, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, likely require medical attention.

When to worry about eye twitching

If you have a twitchy eye, it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. If the spasms are persistent, you may have a more serious condition that warrants treatment. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist:

The eye twitching has persisted for more than 3 weeks
Your eyelid completely clamps down with each twitch or you find it difficult to open the eye
Other parts of your face or body are twitching as well
Your eye is red, swollen, or has a discharge
Your eyelids are drooping
You feel that there is “shaking” in your vision
You feel like there’s something in your eye and also feel light-sensitive

Now that you know all you need to know about eye twitching, you can take the measures to get some relief. While eye twitching has many causes, they are rarely a cause for concern and usually goes away without the help of a medical professional.

However, be cautious of a persistent eye twitch and consult a professional if symptoms remain or worsen.

Why High Curvature And 3D Edging Lenses Are Important

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Why High Curvature and 3D Edging Lenses are Important

For some glasses wearers, such as those with presbyopia, there may be a need for two or more lens powers to be applied onto the same lens.

For this reason, bifocal and trifocal lenses were invented.

Bifocal lenses have two lens powers applied (one for distance and one for near vision).

Trifocal lenses have the lens powers for near and distance vision, with the addition of a lens power for intermediate vision.

Most bifocal and trifocal lens have visible lines where the lens powers change from near to distance or intermediate and this can be bothersome to some wearers.

The advancement of blending technology means that the lens segments can now be blended so the division of the segments is less visible, flowing smoothly between distances rather than having rigid division.

The only drawback with blended lenses (not to be confused with progressive lenses) is that some wearers experience reduced optical clarity, specifically at the points when the lens segments transition.

High curvature lenses

The differences in the thickness of the lenses is the result from the differences in the curvature.

A higher power lens results from a high curvature. A lower power lens results from a low curvature.

When a prescription is applied to a lens, the lens front remains unaffected. All of the lens power is applied to the back of the lens i.e. the surface which faces your eyes directly.

The prescription of wraparound lenses that we often see being used for sports and safety glasses usually has a base curve of 8 or so. It is worth noting that there are limits to the lens power with such a high base curve.

Where the sum of the lens power of one or both of your eyes falls outside the range of -4.00 to +3.00, there is a chance that wraparound lenses will not correct your eye condition effectively.

Beveling lenses has never been an easy task but the evolution of high base curve eyewear presents even bigger challenges.

The primary reason for this stems from having to cut (or bevel) the lenses in such a way that it comfortably sits in the groove of a frame.

This is not always an easy task with minus (i.e. thinner) lenses and there are even more complications with high curvature lenses.

3D edging

The introduction of 3D edging technology has resolved many problems caused by traditional lens technologies, the most common being the lens slipping during the edging process.

One of the main benefits of 3D edging technology is that it comes with an advanced tracer, which measures the base curve of the eyewire, also known as the lens frame.

With a 3D tracer, this can be measured with extremely accurate precision and the system can also measure the curve of the lens to the exact dioptric value.

Other benefits include cutting-edge features which allow the shape of the lens to be modified with greater precision, with the result of an improved lens fit.

The development of anti-reflective coatings has been a blessing for glasses wearers, however for lens manufacturers, this poses a problem in that they make the lenses too slippery to handle during the beveling process.

The ‘advanced torque feedback’ feature of 3D edging systems means that the roughing and finishing cycles of the grinding process are monitored and adjusted more frequently than traditional lens technologies.

Alternatively, you can check out our wide range of eyeglasses here or have a look at our exclusive Arise Collective Collection.

DID YOU KNOW?

Telemedicine has made medical appointments more accessible. It allows you to have access to a medical professional in a timely manner, via a computer, tablet, or phone screen.

What Your Eye Color Says About Your Personality

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What Your Eye Colour Says About Your Personality

Our eye colours can tell us a lot about our genetics, but can they indicate specific personality traits as well?

Do different eye colours mean anything?

Often referred to as the window to the soul, our eyes are one of the first things people notice about us. The most important organ regarding our senses, our eyes, can be a mesmerising point of beauty thanks to the pool of colours that swirl around.

But do they mean something other than the obvious?

While the colour of our eyes is determined by a combination of pigmentation and genes, some of the world’s population and cultures play with the idea that eye colour holds a deeper meaning about a person and may literally be a window to our personalities.

What determines your eye colour?

Scientifically speaking, the colour of our eyes comes down to genetics and pigmentation.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for our eye colour that sits in the front layer of the iris (MedlinePlus 2022). Melanin comes in two main forms that contribute to dark and light-coloured eyes: eumelanin and pheomelanin.

The more eumelanin melanin you have in your iris, the darker your eyes are. Therefore, people with brown eyes have the most melanin. People with pheomelanin melanin have lighter hues like blue, grey or green eyes.

What are the 4 main eye colours?

The four most common eye colours are brown, blue, hazel and green. Brown eyes are one of the most common eye colours there is.

Nearly half the population has this eye colour. On the other end, green eyes are considered one of the most rare colours, with less than 10% of the population having this unique colour hue.

Of course, there are other eye colours that people can have, but these are less common, like grey eyes, or can stem from conditions such as albinism.

Black eyes are also another interesting colour. Technically these don’t really exist, but you may have such dark brown eyes that they seem black in some lights.

What type of person are you if you have brown eyes?

Studies have shown that brown-eyed people tend to be sociable, have a high level of self-confidence and are extremely ambitious (Chandola, R 2016, p. 124). Brown-eyed individuals are determined to achieve their goals and possess strong mental strength.

Whether you have dark or light brown eyes, people feel calm and secure in your presence. This could be due to the fact that your eye colour feels familiar and safe, considering it is the most common.

What kind of trait are blue eyes?

Known to be a child’s eye colour when they are first born, blue-eyed individuals give a sense of youthfulness to others.

Common traits for people with blue eyes are that they are cheerful, have a pleasant demeanour and are kind to everyone. This could be thanks to their younger looks.

Psychologists have also said that blue-eyed people are meant to have a high pain tolerance. Whether this is due to others underestimating them for their looks, blue-eyed people aren’t ones to be messed with just because they seem innocent.

DID YOU KNOW?

Contrary to popular belief, black eyes do not exist. This pigmentation and hue can not naturally occur in our eyes unless the appearance is altered with coloured contact lenses.

What personality type are green eyes?

Green-eyed people tend to be mysterious, all thanks to the amount of melanin that makes up their eye colour. Individuals with this eye colour have a creative outlook and are curious enough to ask tough questions.

Much like blue eyes, these light eyes are also associated with a vibrant and youthful personality.

People with green eyes have also been known to be more jealous than others, but this may also be due to the fact that they are extremely passionate, whether in their work or personal life.

What hazel eyes say about you?

Hazel eyes are like looking into a pool of warm honey and amber hues, so it’s only a given that people with hazel eyes tend to be warm and inviting. These people also enjoy taking chances and are bursting with powerful, vivacious energy.

People with hazel eyes are also courageous and determined to tackle the challenges that they face.

They possess a variety of original perspectives and methods and will almost certainly think of original answers related to any issues, making them great to have on your team.

What do black eyes say about someone?

Even if this is not a real eye colour, people with deep dark eyes are seen to be very optimistic and responsible. They are constantly alert and eager to establish their value with others but tend to keep to themselves and are frequently secretive.

People with more melanin resulting in dark brown, almost black-looking eyes, are also known to have stronger eye contact skills, which some people may find intimidating.

What do grey eyes signify about your personality traits?

Those with grey eyes are hard to come by, but they’ll leave an impact when you do. People with grey eyes are calm and organised and often make great leaders by remaining strong when faced with stressful situations.

These individuals may keep to themselves, but when given the right environment and encouragement, they will shine and show you their sharp minds and true personality of strength and determination.

Eye colour personality - does it really mean anything?

Whether or not you believe eye colour is a significant factor in personality traits or if our eye colour reveals anything about us other than our genetics, there’s no harm in seeing if it rings true.

Study participants may or may not be biased in their beliefs, but one thing is for sure, our eyes are important and can tell us a lot about someone.

Our eyes can indicate whether we are tired, stressed, sad, happy or healthy. So whatever eye colour you have, taking care of them is important. Remember to check up on your eye health and wear the correct prescription glasses you need.

If you have any other questions, speak to one of our certified online Opticians who are there to help.

Reference list

MedlinePlus. (2022). Is Eye Color Determined by Genetics?. MedlinePlus. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/eyecolor

Chandola, Rupali. (2016). Eye Colour: A Physical Trait Correlates with Personality & Mental Health. The International Journal of Indian Psychology. 3. 119-125. 10.1155/2014/291882. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305221695_Eye_Colour_A_Physical_Trait_Correlates_with_Personality_Mental_Health

Which Type of Reading Glasses Are Right For You?

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How Do You Know What Strength Reading Glasses to Get?

As the name suggests, reading glasses are glasses that help read, see objects in close range or complete daunting tasks like threading a needle.

When buying a pair of readers, there are several types to choose from, which can be good but also confusing. What lenses work best? How do you know what strength to get?

Will the reading glasses help your astigmatism? We are here to answer all these questions and more.

Do I need reading glasses?

Have you noticed your vision is blurry lately while reading a book or using your mobile? This is one of the key signs that it’s time to buy reading glasses.

Other symptoms include squinting when looking at something within close range, difficulties reading small print text, headaches and eye strain after reading, holding your reading material at arm’s length to see better, and increased eye fatigue.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely need a pair of reading glasses.

Eye test for readers glasses: how to find out if you need readers

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. The symptoms of presbyopia are typically an age-related condition that occurs and deteriorates over a period of time.

The best way to find out what strength reading glasses to get is by consulting an eye doctor and getting medical advice.

Because it is an age-related condition, we advise seeing an eye doctor regularly as the age progresses, especially if you are already experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above.

Even though presbyopia tends to be an age-related condition, people younger than 40 also tend to get it because of the modern-day nature of working on near-distance objects, especially on digital devices.

A comfortable pair of prescription reading glasses can help with vision correction; they magnify vision, making smaller print larger and easier to read.

At-home reading glasses test

When looking for reading glasses and not knowing what power to select, it can be very tempting to search for at-home tests to give you that information.

Unfortunately, determining the strength of the glasses on your own can lead to selecting the wrong power and damaging your eyes.

By deciding what power to get on your own, you could end up using more power than you truly need; this could lead to your eyes getting used to it and making your vision worse.

If you need a pair of reading glasses, the best way to find out which power works for you is by consulting an eye specialist. This will prevent you from getting the wrong glasses and damaging your vision.

What if my reading glasses don’t work?

If you’re already wearing reading glasses and find yourself experiencing headaches or still having difficulties reading, you might start to wonder if your reading glasses are effective or not.

Chances are you got your prescription a very long time ago and now need more power in your lenses, which means you should probably get your eyes checked.

Another reason why your reading glasses might not be working for you is that you chose the power without consulting a specialist.

If you still struggle reading, you probably chose the wrong power and need to consult a specialist. Once you have that sorted, you will be able to choose between different types of lenses.

What are reading glasses and the many different types you can choose from

The most common type of lenses for reading glasses are single-vision lenses; in this case, both lenses have the same power.

Multifocal/progressive lenses, on the other hand, have multiple prescriptions in one lens, which makes it easier to switch between seeing close-up, in-between, and far away.

Multifocal lenses are the best choice for those looking to correct more than one problem, while single-vision lenses can be a good option if you need the same power for both eyes and only have one prescription.

Another option to consider is adding a blue light block to your lenses. This will help with eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches whenever being in front of a screen for many hours.

Check out our guide for more information on buying glasses online and the types of lenses we offer.

Will reading glasses help astigmatism?

Although the symptoms of astigmatism and presbyopia may seem similar, reading glasses cannot help all individuals with astigmatism. It is important to remember that generic reading glasses only magnify whatever you look up close.

Because people with astigmatism may also be nearsighted or farsighted, reading glasses are not advised if you suffer from astigmatism. To determine whether you have astigmatism, we advise seeing an eye professional.

DID YOU KNOW?

Telemedicine has made medical appointments more accessible. It allows you to have access to a medical professional in a timely manner, via a computer, tablet, or phone screen.

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Crazed Lenses

What are crazed lenses? | What causes it? | Can Transitions craze? Heat damage and crazing | How to spot it | How to prevent it | How to fix it

What is crazing on my eyeglasses lenses?

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All The Benefits of Essilor Crizal Forte UV Lenses

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5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

Aurora Gould

1. Armani is here to stay

2. Feel divine in cat-eye

3. Luxury is my middle name

4. Don’t be frigid – buy Polar

5. Clip-on with a SmartBuy

Clip-on, clip-off – it’s that easy!

5 Clip-On Sunglasses to Embrace ‘90s Style

Aurora Gould

1. Armani is here to stay

2. Feel divine in cat-eye

3. Luxury is my middle name

4. Don’t be frigid – buy Polar

5. Clip-on with a SmartBuy

Clip-on, clip-off – it’s that easy!

Thinnest Lenses for High Prescription Glasses- What Are My Options?

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What are the thinnest lenses for high-prescription glasses?

Thinnest eyeglass lenses at SmartBuyGlasses

Thinnest eyeglass lenses at SmartBuyGlasses

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Glasses for Small Faces: Tips on Getting the Perfect Eyewear Fit

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