What are Mirrored Sunglasses?

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What are Mirrored Sunglasses?

What do mirrored sunglasses do? | Is mirrored better than polarised? | How to clean mirrored sunglasses | Where to buy mirrored sunglasses | Conclusion

Mirrored glasses shield your eyes, guarantee privacy, give you clear vision and, to top it all off, they look great!
What are Mirrored Sunglasses

If you are an adventure-seeker looking for a pair of sunglasses to make an effortless fashion statement without sacrificing functionality, mirrored sunglasses are the perfect choice for you! So, what are mirrored sunglasses?

Mirrored sunglasses, also known as reflective sunglasses, are one of the most popular styles of sunglasses on the market. They come in diverse colours and styles and are made with durable lenses with a reflective coating on the outside, giving them a mirrored look with major functional benefits.

What do mirrored sunglasses do?

What are Mirrored Sunglasses

When wearing mirrored sunglasses, you will not only look fashion-forward, but you will also experience the many benefits that the style offers, including:

1. Protection against UV Light –  Too much direct UV light on your eyes can cause damage, so it is important to protect your eyes as much as possible. Mirrored sunglasses offer great protection because the reflective surface on mirrored lenses has 10-60% higher sunlight reflection compared to normal tinted variations and can often be found with 100% UV protection. 

2. Reduced Glare – The glare from the sun can cause headaches for those with sensitive eyes, and for those doing water and snow sports, the glare can make performance much more difficult. Luckily, reflective sunglasses can reduce glares for a more comfortable outdoor experience, making the style a go-to for many athletes. They are also often used for snow goggles!

3. Brighter field of vision – Since mirrored sunglasses reflect light rather than absorb it, they offer brighter vision when wearing them. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, this benefit is great because it will ensure less strain on your eyes throughout the day.

4. Durability – The mirrored coating on the lenses is one of the most durable coatings available. Many brands also include a scratch-resistant layer, which protects against the wear and tear of everyday life. If you are looking for extra protection, be sure to check that this option is available before purchasing.

5. Anonymity – Say goodbye to awkward eye contact! While mirrored lenses can certainly make you stand out in the crowd, they can also significantly increase your privacy. The reflective lenses will hide your eyes, so you can go about your day feeling a bit more under the radar. 

6. Style – Mirrored sunglasses are also extremely stylish! With colours ranging from silver, pink, blue, green, gold, and more, there are limitless options to fit any personality. Brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley and Carrera offer an endless number of colour and frame combinations for an instant boost in confidence and style.

DID YOU KNOW

Mirrored sunglasses are sometimes called “cop shades”. This stems from their popularity among US police officers.

Is mirrored better than polarised?

Mirrored and polarised sunglasses have many similar benefits as well as some differences, and the preference of one over the other totally depends on what you are looking for. Both offer great UV protection, reduce glare, and are suitable for spending excessive amounts of time in bright conditions. 

The most notable difference is that mirrored lenses are usually less costly and offer a more extensive array of lens colours. While polarised sunglasses often have grey, green, and amber tints, mirrored choices come in bright and bold colours. 

However, before you choose, you can discover the many benefits of polarised lenses to compare them and determine the best choice for you! If you are still undecided, you can combine both options for a polarised, mirrored pair of sunglasses.

How to clean mirrored sunglasses

As with all sunglasses, it is important to clean them thoroughly to ensure they last as long as possible. Mirrored lenses can appear smudged more easily than normal tinted lenses, so you should clean them often. 

While there are many methods online that explain how to remove scratches from sunglasses, we do not recommend trying this because it can ruin your lenses. Instead, it is best to get replacement lenses so your sunglasses last.

Where to buy mirrored sunglasses

Ready to try out a pair of mirrored sunglasses? At SmartBuyGlasses, we offer a vast selection of sunglasses with mirrored lenses. You are sure to find a pair that best suits you among our options from over 180 designer brands that feature bold colours, diverse frames, and unbeatable customer service.

Use our Virtual Try-On technology to make your purchase with 100% confidence. Try on an endless number of styles from the comfort of your own home. Once you choose, you can make the purchase and relax knowing we have a 100-day return policy, free shipping, and the best price guarantee.

Conclusion

Whether you are walking through the city streets, making waves during water sports, or feeling adventurous to try a new outdoor activity, mirrored sunglasses are the perfect choice to ensure style and success for any occasion.

What are Plano Lenses?

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What are Plano Lenses?

What are they? | What do they mean? | Plano vs Demo lenses | What are they used for? | Do you need them?

By Caitlin Biwer
Reviewed by Sharlene Mckeeman
Sharlene Mckeeman

Reviewed by

Sharlene Mckeeman
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.
Discover why plano lenses are great for the workplace, sports, or to provide a realistic aesthetic to your look!
Plano lenses

Glasses have many benefits, even if you have perfect vision. In this article, we will explain plano lenses, demo lenses and the difference between plano lenses and prescription lenses. Discover why plano lenses are great for the workplace, sports or to provide a realistic aesthetic to your look!

What are Plano lenses

Not all glasses require corrective lenses, and when this occurs, glasses can be fitted with two types of non-prescription lenses: demo or plano lenses. 

Furthermore, plano lenses are optical lenses that do not have any value power. Therefore, they do not help correct your vision. In the eyewear industry, plano-convex lenses are described as flat and do not refract or focus light through the lens. So if you have blurry vision, see double or can’t read the words right in front of you, then plano glasses are not going to help.

We recommend that you have an eye test to find out if you do not require any prescription to correct your vision. For example, you may need a prescription from your eye doctor to correct astigmatism to improve distance vision (progressive lenses) or you may even need a prescription suitable for reading glasses. If you notice any changes in vision or have not had an eye test with your doctor in two years, we recommend booking an appointment.

What does Plano mean on eye prescription?

The word plano is Latin for ‘flat’, and if this is found in the SPH section of your prescription, it means you do not require nearsighted or farsighted correction. You will know if you require plano lenses if your eye prescription refers to ‘plano’, ‘PL’ or ‘0.00’, found under the sphere box (SPH) measurement section.

DID YOU KNOW
If 0.00 is written on your eyeglass prescription, this is equivalent to plano. This indicates that there is no refractive power and no corrective power is needed. Therefore, you do not have any distance problems with your sight, astigmatism or anything to be corrected.

What are Demo lenses?

Another type of non-prescription is demo lenses, and they are mainly used for demonstration purposes, such as for glasses displays in retail stores. Demo lenses can help you understand what prescription glasses or sunglasses look like before you purchase them.

Plano vs Demo lenses

Plano and demo lenses are not the same and should not be confused. Plano lenses are often made from CR39 lens material and are thicker than demo lenses. In addition to this, extra protective lens coatings can be added to a plano lens that can’t be added to demo lenses, like the following:

Demo lenses are thinner, do not have any additional lens coatings, and sometimes also have printed brand labels on the lens. They are like a simulation of what the glasses can look like.

What are Plano lenses used for?

The various reasons why you’d want or need to wear plano glasses are:

  1. Aesthetic reasons: If you’re looking to change up your look, make a fashion statement, or add the finishing touch to your outfit, you might opt for plano lenses. They can be helpful in boosting a look or helping to frame an outfit without any vision correction.
  2. Safety reasons: In many workplaces, companies have to follow protective eyewear regulations to help prevent eye-related injuries. Safety glasses can help protect from hazardous elements such as chemicals. During the working day, you can also protect your eyes from glare or blue light emitted from digital devices with blue light glasses. Once you have chosen a pair of glasses you like, you can add blue light to them.
  3. Eye health issues: If you are blind in one eye or suffer from eye health issues, you may benefit from protecting your eyes with plano lenses.
Worker wearing safety Plano glasses

Do you need Plano lenses?

If you are looking for eyewear for any of the reasons mentioned previously, then you may need plano glasses. 

You can wear any style of glasses or sunglasses with plano lenses and benefit from protective lens filters, such as UV protection. Plano lenses in glasses can also serve as protective eyewear, whether or not you need vision correction or prescription lenses.

You can even find plano contact lenses. So what does plano mean in contact lenses? Plano contact lenses are the same as plano in glasses; they do not help correct visual impairments. Usually, plano-coloured contact lenses fall into this category of non-prescription contacts that people wear mostly for cosmetic purposes.

Wear Plano glasses

Don’t need prescription glasses but still want to benefit from the trends, styles and protective lens coatings that eyeglasses and sunglasses provide? Plano lenses are what you are looking for.

Eyewear with plano lenses does not have any power values for vision correction and can also be used as PPE (personal protective eyewear). Whether you need to protect your eyes at work, on holiday or simply want to look fashionable, you can try to wear plano lenses. You can find a variety of eyewear with quality protective filters to help correct vision or improve your look with SmartBuyGlasses.

We recommend visiting your local optometrist for an up-to-date prescription to ensure you do not require single-vision lenses or progressive lenses with corrective power. If you need some quick advice, contact our online optician!

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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 

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