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Sunglasses Lens Colour Guide

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Sunglass Lens Colour Guide

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter? | Lens colour recommendation by weather | Lens colour recommendation by activity

By Corina Iatisin
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene McKeeman FBDO

Reviewed by

Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
When buying a new pair of sunglasses and choosing the colour of your lenses, remember that different lens colours have different purposes.

Depending on weather conditions or the activities that are part of your daily routine, the colour of your lenses can enhance the overall performance of your glasses. Most people choose lens colours based on aesthetics, but did you know that different lens colours serve different purposes? In this article, we will guide you through the different colour options, explain the difference between each lens colour and help you understand how to choose the best one to suit your needs.

In this article, we will guide you through the different color options, explain the difference between each lens color and help you understand how to choose the best one to suit your needs.

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter?

Yes, colour has a noticeable effect on the sunglasses. Depending on your lifestyle, lens colour also affects your eye health during certain activities. This makes it essential for you to find a suitable lens compatible with your daily activities and needs.

What about mirrored lenses?

Mirrored sunglasses are the perfect stylish option to protect your eyes against UV rays. The fully reflective coating used for the lenses gives the mirrored look everyone loves these days. Combined with polarised lenses, they offer maximum protection against UV rays and increase clarity. Both polarised and mirrored lenses, either separate or combined, come in different colours. Below, we will be listing the most popular colours and what is the advantage of choosing each lens colour.

Lens colour guide

Gray and black lenses

Gray and black lenses are the best option if you’re looking for a neutral lens tint. These lenses are perfect for all weather conditions and are the top choice if you want to perceive colours in their purest form, even when wearing sunglasses.

Grey lenses are great at reducing the brightest glare and are perfect for outdoor activities and sports such as surfing, cycling, golfing and driving. If you’re looking for the everyday use type of tint, this is the one.

Amber and brown lenses

Amber and brown tints are extremely popular as they provide excellent depth perception. These lenses have a warm, reddish tone and are perfect for reducing glare, enhancing contrast, and helping maintain visual acuity. Amber and brown lens sunglasses are perfect for sunny days and outdoor activities such as fishing, shooting, tennis, or baseball.

Green lenses

Green Lenses are one of the trendiest when it comes to polarized or mirrored sunglasses. They are perfect for sunny days but also in low light conditions. Whether sunny, cloudy, or anything in between, green lenses will work amazingly well, giving you excellent vision and reducing glare.

Green lens sunglasses are one of the most popular ones for outdoor activities: no matter what sport you have on your agenda, these lenses will increase contrast and visual sharpness and enhance shadow.

Yellow lenses

Yellow lenses are more efficient in low-light environments like cloudy or rainy days. One of the benefits of using yellow lenses is that when playing sports, these lenses are great for focusing on moving objects. Another advantage is that when navigating, they are perfect in hazy or low-light conditions. Yellow lenses are also very popular amongst gamers as they filter blue light from computer screens and other screen devices.

DID YOU KNOW
Black lenses are perfect if you're looking for a neutral lens tint while brown lenses provide excellent depth perception. Blue lenses are suited for all water sports. For rainy days, yellow lenses are a must!

Blue lenses

Blue lenses are not only very trendy but also well-known for enhancing clarity and defining contours. These lenses improve colour perception and do wonders in low-light conditions. They’re suited well for all water sports, snow sports, and golf.

Red/pink lenses

Red and pink tints increase contrast by blocking blue light and enhancing depth perception. They are also soothing for the eyes and more comfortable than others for longer wear times. Pink and red lenses perform their best on extremely sunny days and snowy conditions.

Lens colour recommendation by weather

Lens colour recommendation by activity

Benefits of lens colours and tint

Now that you’ve read the guide to coloured lenses for sunglasses, choosing the next pair won’t be so daunting. Whether you need the perfect pair for your winter sports or the bright sunlight of summer, you’ll have the right tinted sunglasses to suit all your vision needs.

Sunglass Lens Colour Guide

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter? | Lens colour recommendation by weather | Lens colour recommendation by activity

By Corina Iatisin
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene McKeeman FBDO

Reviewed by

Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
When buying a new pair of sunglasses and choosing the colour of your lenses, remember that different lens colours have different purposes.

Depending on weather conditions or the activities that are part of your daily routine, the colour of your lenses can enhance the overall performance of your glasses. Most people choose lens colours based on aesthetics, but did you know that different lens colours serve different purposes? In this article, we will guide you through the different colour options, explain the difference between each lens colour and help you understand how to choose the best one to suit your needs.

Does the colour of sunglass lens matter?

Yes, colour has a noticeable effect on the sunglasses. Depending on your lifestyle, lens colour also affects your eye health during certain activities. This makes it essential for you to find a suitable lens compatible with your daily activities and needs.

What about mirrored lenses?

Mirrored sunglasses are the perfect stylish option to protect your eyes against UV rays. The fully reflective coating used for the lenses gives the mirrored look everyone loves these days. Combined with polarised lenses, they offer maximum protection against UV rays and increase clarity. Both polarised and mirrored lenses, either separate or combined, come in different colours. Below, we will be listing the most popular colours and what is the advantage of choosing each lens colour.

Lens color guide

Gray and black lenses

Gray and black lenses are the best option if you’re looking for a neutral lens tint. These lenses are perfect for all weather conditions and are the top choice if you want to perceive colours in their purest form, even when wearing sunglasses.

Grey lenses are great at reducing the brightest glare and are perfect for outdoor activities and sports such as surfing, cycling, golfing and driving. If you’re looking for the everyday use type of tint, this is the one.

Amber and brown lenses

Amber and brown tints are extremely popular as they provide excellent depth perception. These lenses have a warm, reddish tone and are perfect for reducing glare, enhancing contrast, and helping maintain visual acuity. Amber and brown lens sunglasses are perfect for sunny days and outdoor activities such as fishing, shooting, tennis, or baseball.

Green lenses

Green Lenses are one of the trendiest when it comes to polarized or mirrored sunglasses. They are perfect for sunny days but also in low light conditions. Whether sunny, cloudy, or anything in between, green lenses will work amazingly well, giving you excellent vision and reducing glare.

Green lens sunglasses are one of the most popular ones for outdoor activities: no matter what sport you have on your agenda, these lenses will increase contrast and visual sharpness and enhance shadow.

Yellow lenses

Yellow lenses are more efficient in low-light environments like cloudy or rainy days. One of the benefits of using yellow lenses is that when playing sports, these lenses are great for focusing on moving objects. Another advantage is that when navigating, they are perfect in hazy or low-light conditions. Yellow lenses are also very popular amongst gamers as they filter blue light from computer screens and other screen devices.

DID YOU KNOW
Black lenses are perfect if you're looking for a neutral lens tint while brown lenses provide excellent depth perception. Blue lenses are suited for all water sports. For rainy days, yellow lenses are a must!

Blue lenses

Blue lenses are not only very trendy but also well-known for enhancing clarity and defining contours. These lenses improve colour perception and do wonders in low-light conditions. They’re suited well for all water sports, snow sports, and golf.

Red/pink lenses

Red and pink tints increase contrast by blocking blue light and enhancing depth perception. They are also soothing for the eyes and more comfortable than others for longer wear times. Pink and red lenses perform their best on extremely sunny days and snowy conditions.

Lens color recommendation by weather

Lens color recommendation by activity

Benefits of lens colors and tint

Now that you’ve read the guide to coloured lenses for sunglasses, choosing the next pair won’t be so daunting. Whether you need the perfect pair for your winter sports or the bright sunlight of summer, you’ll have the right tinted sunglasses to suit all your vision needs.

Lowest Prescription for Contacts

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Lowest Prescription for Contacts

Is a glasses prescription the same? | How to read your prescription | Numbers in the prescription | How long does it last? | How low does it go? | Strongest prescription | Advantages

By Claire Capuano
Reviewed by Beck Jinette
Beck Jinette

Reviewed by

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

Contact lenses have become much more comfortable, breathable and versatile since they were first designed in the 19th century. The earliest versions were blown from glass, so it’s no wonder they were less popular than they are now. Today, contact lenses are thin, plastic lenses used for vision correction. Contact lenses differ from glasses as they are worn directly on the cornea, the front surface of the eye. Contact lenses adhere to the shape of the eye, allowing a wider field of vision and fewer distortions or obstacles than prescription glasses.

Contact lenses have become much more comfortable, breathable and versatile since they were first designed in the 19th century. The earliest versions were blown from glass, so it’s no wonder they were less popular than they are now. Today, contact lenses are thin, plastic lenses used for vision correction.

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

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

The lens power in glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Just as contact lenses and glasses are not worn in the same way, their prescriptions also differ. Glasses generally rest about 12 mm from the eyes, whereas contacts are worn directly on the eyes and have a much smaller surface area. The distance from the eye directly impacts the difference in lens power.

A prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses will require separate eye exams and measurements from your optometrist as the prescriptions will differ. Additionally, with so many types of contact lenses available it is important a correct fit and brand is prescribed. Ordering contact lenses with the wrong prescription can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, eye strain or fatigue and eye pain (AAO, 2012).

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

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

A prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses will require separate eye exams and measurements from your optometrist as the prescriptions will differ. Additionally, with so many types of contact lenses available it is important a correct fit and brand is prescribed.

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

How to read a contact prescription

If you’ve received an eye exam, got your new prescription and are ready to buy contact lenses online but need clarification, you’re not alone! Codes like “D, CYL and AXIS” are all over your prescription, but what do they mean?

Many people need different levels of vision correction in each eye, so a contact lens prescription may have two sets of numbers—one for your right eye and one for your left eye. OD, oculus dexter, refers to your right eye, while OS, oculus sinister, refers to your left eye.

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

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

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

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

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

Your prescription will also include a brand of contact lenses. Contact lens boxes will include most of the prescription details on them as well. Different contact lens brands have distinct features and measurements, so it is important only to order the brand prescribed. If you want or need to switch brands, it is essential to let your eye doctor know.

If you’ve received an eye exam, got your new prescription and are ready to buy contact lenses online but need clarification, you’re not alone! Codes like “D, CYL and AXIS” are all over your prescription, but what do they mean?

Many people need different levels of vision correction in each eye, so a contact lens prescription may have two sets of numbers—one for your right eye and one for your left eye. OD, oculus dexter, refers to your right eye, while OS, oculus sinister, refers to your left eye.

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Your prescription will also include a brand of contact lenses. Contact lens boxes will include most of the prescription details on them as well. Different contact lens brands have distinct features and measurements, so it is important only to order the brand prescribed. If you want or need to switch brands, it is essential to let your eye doctor know.

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

What do the numbers mean in a contact prescription?

If you understand what the codes mean, you may still wonder what the numbers mean. BC and DIA will not be present on your glasses prescription, as they refer only to a contact lens prescription. Measured in millimetres, the BC is always a number between 8 and 9 and will align with the curvature of your eye. DIA is typically between 14 and 14.5 millimetres and determines the entire width of your contact lens.

The PWR or SPH (prescription strength) is measured in increments of 0.25 diopters. The further from zero, the stronger the vision correction needed. A negative number, -1.00, indicates nearsightedness. A positive number, for example, +2.00, indicates farsightedness.

CYL is always a negative number measured in increments of 0.25, showing the amount of astigmatism. AX is a number between 0 and 180 degrees, referring to the angle of correction needed. For those with presbyopia, the ADD figure is a positive number between 0.50 and 3.00.

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

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

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

The PWR or SPH (prescription strength) is measured in increments of 0.25 diopters. The further from zero, the stronger the vision correction needed. A negative number, -1.00, indicates nearsightedness. A positive number, for example, +2.00, indicates farsightedness.

CYL is always a negative number measured in increments of 0.25, showing the amount of astigmatism. AX is a number between 0 and 180 degrees, referring to the angle of correction needed. For those with presbyopia, the ADD figure is a positive number between 0.50 and 3.00.

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

How long is a contact prescription good for?

Most contact lens prescriptions expire within one to two years of your last eye exam. Once your prescription has expired, it is important to see your eye doctor for a new contact lens prescription. Wearing the wrong prescription contacts may create discomfort and lead to further vision problems.

How low do contact prescriptions go?

Contact lenses are becoming more and more diverse and available for those in need of vision correction. Contact lenses are now offered at the lowest prescription of -0.25/+0.25. Many people neglect to wear their low-prescription eyeglasses because of inconvenience, but wearing low-prescription contacts might be a good solution as they can be considered less obstructive.

Contact lenses don’t interfere with equipment such as helmets, hats, or goggles. During sports or exercise, contact lenses don’t get in the way. They’re not at risk of falling off or breaking. Contact lenses are not usually affected by weather as they don’t fog up in the cold.

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

What is the strongest contact lens prescription?

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

Standard contact lenses are readily available in prescriptions from -12.00 to +8.00, and cylinder powers up to -2.25 or -2.75 for astigmatism correction. Extended-range lenses are also available with spherical powers of +15.00D to –20.00D and up to –5.75D in cylindrical powers (Contact Lens Spectrum, 2016).

Soft contact lenses with high powers have thicker edges compared to low-powered ones. These thicker edges may be less comfortable to wear and cause more dry eyes. Many people with high-power prescriptions choose RGP lenses (rigid gas permeable or ‘hard’) as they are smaller and thinner than a soft lens. RGP lenses don’t bend like soft lenses, but they let oxygen through so your eyes can breathe.

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

Standard contact lenses are readily available in prescriptions from -12.00 to +8.00, and cylinder powers up to -2.25 or -2.75 for astigmatism correction. Extended-range lenses are also available with spherical powers of +15.00D to –20.00D and up to –5.75D in cylindrical powers (Contact Lens Spectrum, 2016).

Soft contact lenses with high powers have thicker edges compared to low-powered ones. These thicker edges may be less comfortable to wear and cause more dry eyes. Many people with high-power prescriptions choose RGP lenses (rigid gas permeable or ‘hard’) as they are smaller and thinner than a soft lens. RGP lenses don’t bend like soft lenses, but they let oxygen through so your eyes can breathe.

Advantages of contact lenses

While contact lenses might not be for everyone, many contact lens wearers won’t go back to standard eyeglasses. Contacts conform to your eye, reducing distortion and obstructions. They won’t stop you from playing sports or competing in outdoor activities. Contact lenses are also available in coloured lenses, so you can experiment with your eye colour.

With varying contact lens power, affordable contact lenses and varying lens materials, there are contact lenses for everyone. Based on your lifestyle, you can speak with your eye doctor about purchasing daily disposable lenses, weekly or monthly lenses.

Contact lenses prescription

Buying contact lenses doesn’t have to be confusing. They’re an excellent alternative for those looking to ditch their eyeglasses. It is important to remember that glasses and contact lens prescriptions are different.Do not assume that any numbers on your glasses prescription will match your contact lens prescription. If you want to try contact lenses, schedule an eye exam to determine what you need and what lens type will best suit you. 

For people with vision problems, contacts are an effective, almost invisible tool. The thin lenses correct vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. You can even wear contacts if you have presbyopia and need bifocals. As technology and medicine continue to advance, contact lenses are only improving. Speak with your eye doctor about getting a prescription for contact lenses and start seeing clearer and more comfortably. 

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

Do not assume that any numbers on your glasses prescription will match your contact lens prescription. If you want to try contact lenses, schedule an eye exam to determine what you need and what lens type will best suit you. 

For people with vision problems, contacts are an effective, almost invisible tool. The thin lenses correct vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. You can even wear contacts if you have presbyopia and need bifocals. 

As technology and medicine continue to advance, contact lenses are only improving. Speak with your eye doctor about getting a prescription for contact lenses and start seeing clearer and more comfortably. 

REFERENCES

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

What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

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Ask the Optician

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What Are Prescription Sunglasses?

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?| How to order online | Cost | How to choose prescription sunglasses

By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Caitlyn Gibiault
Caitlyn Gibiault

Reviewed by

Caitlyn Gibiault
Aurora is a Digital Marketing Specialist for SmartBuyGlasses. She’s enthusiastic about supporting the marketing.
Updated On Mar 23, 2023
Prescription sunglasses combine prescription lenses with sun protection. Order them online in just 4 easy steps!

Are you constantly straining your eyes to see while wearing non-prescription sunglasses outside? If you wear prescription glasses every day, it’s time to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses to wear outdoors.

Prescription shades will give you the best of both worlds: clear vision and protected eyes. Indeed, in addition to protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, prescription sunglasses will help you see, reduce eye strain and help avoid squinting.

Continue reading to learn more about what rx sunglasses are, their benefits, how to add your prescription online and how to choose the best pair.

People who need prescription lenses sometimes still wear non-prescription sunglasses. Doing so can result in eye strain, headache and frustration from being unable to see clearly in the sun.

These irritating symptoms are far from ideal when combined with the sun, sea, sand and sunscreen. 

With prescription lens sunglasses, you can sunbathe, hike and easily play outdoor sports. Sunglasses are available with prescriptions for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. You can also get sunglasses with progressive lenses.

Are prescription sunglasses worth it?

Your everyday lifestyle in the sun will transform once you invest in prescription sunglasses. Here is why:

  • They provide clear and protected vision on sunny days
  • They ensure you are not straining your eyes outside to avoid future eye issues
  • No need to carry around two pairs of glasses wherever you go
  • More comfortable than wearing contact lenses and sunglasses

How to order prescription sunglasses online

How to order prescription sunglasses online

We recommend booking an appointment with your eye care provider for an up-to-date prescription before ordering your prescription lens sunglasses. 

However, if you have your current prescription details but they’re misplaced, try our Prescription Lens Scanner app to reveal them in minutes. 

Unlike contact lenses, your prescription will not differ for your eyeglasses and sunglasses. Once you have your prescription, you must follow these steps at SmartBuyGlasses:

At the customisation stage, you can tailor the sunglasses lenses with options such as anti-reflective lenses that are UV400 protected. You can also choose popular mirrored prescription sunglasses or polarisation lenses for your sunglasses. For more information, see the section ‘how to choose your prescription sunglasses’ later in this article.

How much do prescription sunglasses cost?

Sunglasses with a prescription cost a bit more than non-prescription sunglasses since your specific prescription needs to be built into the lenses. 

However, in-store prescription lens sunglasses are often more expensive than buying them online.

How to choose prescription sunglasses

Firstly, choose the frame model you like. Read our short guide for some tips to determine what frame shape will suit you. You can also use our revolutionary Virtual Try-On tool to wear your chosen frames digitally before you buy!

Sunglasses with prescription lenses can be made with various materials, including high-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, CR-39 plastic lenses, trivex lenses and even glass lenses. When selecting prescription lenses for your sunnies, there are several types of lenses to consider.