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Is there a Difference Between Contact Lens and Glasses Prescription?

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Is there a Difference Between Contact Lens and Glasses Prescription?

If your vision needs correction, you may be prescribed a glasses prescription or contact lens prescription. Both help improve your vision, but are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same? A common query is if it’s possible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription. Read on to discover the answer to these intriguing questions regarding your prescription.

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

Even though the prescription for glasses vs contact lens prescription may look similar, they are quite different. Contact lenses and glasses correct refractive errors, such as myopia (finding it difficult to see objects far away), hyperopia (finding it difficult to see objects closeup), astigmatism (when your cornea or lens has a different shape than usual) and presbyopia (a refractive error that makes it hard for older adults to see things up close). 

Since prescription glasses rest slightly in front of your eyes, around 12 millimetres away, and contact lenses sit directly on them, you need two separate tests to determine their unique measurements. This means that the parameters specified on your glasses prescription may often differ from your contact lens prescription.

Prescription for glasses vs contacts: How to read glasses and contact lens prescriptions

After your eye test, you will receive a prescription card determining your specific prescription. Your glasses prescription and contact lens prescription will be provided on two different cards. Once you have these prescriptions, you can shop for your glasses or contact lenses online or in-store.

The key differences between a contact lens and a glasses prescription are shown in the image above. Contact lens prescriptions include certain specifications that are not on your glasses prescription, including: 

  1. Base Curve (BC): This measures the curvature of your lens and is based on your eye shape, measured in millimetres.
  2. Diameter (DIA): This specifies the size of the lens and how the lens fits on your actual eye in terms of width, measured in millimetres.
  3. Lens material: This includes the material of your contact lens, which can be either hydrogel or silicone.
  4. Brand manufacturer: There are thousands of contact lens brands out there, so placing the name of the contact lens brand helps with reordering in the future. The ‘brand’ section specifies the measurements and material.

The power/sph (sphere) indicates the lens power, which can be found on both glasses and contact lens prescriptions. On glasses prescriptions specifically, you can also find the cylinder (Cyl), which indicates the strength of astigmatism and the axis, which represents the orientation of the cylinder.  If you have multifocal lenses, an ‘ADD’ means the additional positive power required for the eyes to focus. The ‘prism’ section helps correct people with double vision, aiding in aligning two images so that only one image can be seen, which can only be found on glasses prescriptions. Furthermore, your contact lens prescription may also include an axis and cylinder if it is a lens for astigmatism or multifocal purposes. 

Can you convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription?

No, it is impossible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription directly. Furthermore, you cannot convert a contact lens prescription to a glasses prescription. Doctors can prescribe your contact lens prescription after you have completed a contact lens exam.

Can I use my glasses prescription for contact lenses?

As well as not being able to convert your prescriptions, you cannot use your glasses prescription to work out your contact lens prescription. It is important to note that only some people who wear glasses can also wear contact lenses. Therefore, it is recommended you get an eye test for both prescriptions. 

Are contact lenses or glasses better?

When choosing between contact lenses or glasses, we recommend you consider your lifestyle, comfort and price. For example, eyeglasses require little cleaning and maintenance, as well as not having to physically touch your eyes, helping to avoid the risk of eye infections. However, contact lenses do not fog up, which is useful when playing sports, but they can be more expensive than glasses. We recommend trying glasses and contact lenses to see which suits your lifestyle better.

Where to buy contact lenses and glasses online

You can find affordable glasses or contact lenses online or in-store at your local opticians as long as you have an up-to-date prescription. You can use our free Lens Scanner app to reveal your current glasses prescription in minutes. However, if you haven’t had an eye exam in the last two years, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure your prescription is accurate. You will need a separate eye test to determine your contact lens prescription, but often you can get your contact lens exam performed at the same time as your eye exam.

So, whether you prefer to wear contact lenses or glasses, you need to book an up-to-date eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy. Furthermore, remember that you cannot use the same prescription for your glasses and contact lenses and require two separate tests.

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Is there a Difference Between Contact Lens and Glasses Prescription?

If your vision needs correction, you may be prescribed a glasses prescription or contact lens prescription. Both help improve your vision, but are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same? A common query is if it’s possible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription. Read on to discover the answer to these intriguing questions regarding your prescription.

Are glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions the same?

Even though the prescription for glasses vs contact lens prescription may look similar, they are quite different. Contact lenses and glasses correct refractive errors, such as myopia (finding it difficult to see objects far away), hyperopia (finding it difficult to see objects closeup), astigmatism (when your cornea or lens has a different shape than usual) and presbyopia (a refractive error that makes it hard for older adults to see things up close). 

Since prescription glasses rest slightly in front of your eyes, around 12 millimetres away, and contact lenses sit directly on them, you need two separate tests to determine their unique measurements. This means that the parameters specified on your glasses prescription may often differ from your contact lens prescription.

Prescription for glasses vs contacts: How to read glasses and contact lens prescriptions

After your eye test, you will receive a prescription card determining your specific prescription. Your glasses prescription and contact lens prescription will be provided on two different cards. Once you have these prescriptions, you can shop for your glasses or contact lenses online or in-store.

The key differences between a contact lens and a glasses prescription are shown in the image above. Contact lens prescriptions include certain specifications that are not on your glasses prescription, including: 

  1. Base Curve (BC): This measures the curvature of your lens and is based on your eye shape, measured in millimetres.
  2. Diameter (DIA): This specifies the size of the lens and how the lens fits on your actual eye in terms of width, measured in millimetres.
  3. Lens material: This includes the material of your contact lens, which can be either hydrogel or silicone.
  4. Brand manufacturer: There are thousands of contact lens brands out there, so placing the name of the contact lens brand helps with reordering in the future. The ‘brand’ section specifies the measurements and material.

The power/sph (sphere) indicates the lens power, which can be found on both glasses and contact lens prescriptions. On glasses prescriptions specifically, you can also find the cylinder (Cyl), which indicates the strength of astigmatism and the axis, which represents the orientation of the cylinder.  If you have multifocal lenses, an ‘ADD’ means the additional positive power required for the eyes to focus. The ‘prism’ section helps correct people with double vision, aiding in aligning two images so that only one image can be seen, which can only be found on glasses prescriptions. Furthermore, your contact lens prescription may also include an axis and cylinder if it is a lens for astigmatism or multifocal purposes. 

Can you convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription?

No, it is impossible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription directly. Furthermore, you cannot convert a contact lens prescription to a glasses prescription. Doctors can prescribe your contact lens prescription after you have completed a contact lens exam.

Can I use my glasses prescription for contact lenses?

As well as not being able to convert your prescriptions, you cannot use your glasses prescription to work out your contact lens prescription. It is important to note that only some people who wear glasses can also wear contact lenses. Therefore, it is recommended you get an eye test for both prescriptions. 

Are contact lenses or glasses better?

When choosing between contact lenses or glasses, we recommend you consider your lifestyle, comfort and price. For example, eyeglasses require little cleaning and maintenance, as well as not having to physically touch your eyes, helping to avoid the risk of eye infections. However, contact lenses do not fog up, which is useful when playing sports, but they can be more expensive than glasses. We recommend trying glasses and contact lenses to see which suits your lifestyle better.

Where to buy contact lenses and glasses online

You can find affordable glasses or contact lenses online or in-store at your local opticians as long as you have an up-to-date prescription. You can use our free Lens Scanner app to reveal your current glasses prescription in minutes. However, if you haven’t had an eye exam in the last two years, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure your prescription is accurate. You will need a separate eye test to determine your contact lens prescription, but often you can get your contact lens exam performed at the same time as your eye exam.

So, whether you prefer to wear contact lenses or glasses, you need to book an up-to-date eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy. Furthermore, remember that you cannot use the same prescription for your glasses and contact lenses and require two separate tests.

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Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Night Driving?

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Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Night Driving?

Blue light glasses have become quite popular for those who use technology daily, which is likely most of us. Blue light glasses help filter the harmful blue light rays emitted from digital screens. While we understand how they work to protect against screens, we have begun to question the other benefits of blue light glasses.

Driving at night can sometimes be stressful. With low levels of natural light combined with bright headlight glare, it’s no wonder some people tend to stay off the road at night. Driving at night may be even more difficult for people who wear glasses, or suffer from vision issues. But what if the blue light glasses we reach for at our computer screens could also help us drive at night?

What is blue light?

Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. Although the eyes can see blue light, they cannot effectively filter it, allowing more to pass through the front (cornea and lens) to the back of the eye (retina).

Wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm). Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is within the 380-500 nm range, giving it the shortest wavelength and the highest energy. Sunlight is the most significant source of blue light. Other sources include fluorescent light, LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones and tablet screens.

What are blue light blocking glasses?

Over time, constant exposure to blue light could damage cells in the retina and cause vision problems. Blue light glasses help to reduce the possible harm and adverse effects of extended blue light exposure from electronics. They have lenses with a special coating or tinted glass designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes. Too much blue light could cause eyestrain, headaches, eye damage and reduced sleep. According to the Vision Council (Vision Watch, 2019), nearly six out of 10 American adults report digital eye strain symptoms.

Does wearing blue light glasses help with headlight glare?

Headlights and most street lights are now made with LED lights which emit high levels of blue light. This can make driving at night challenging because of the blue light glare these bulbs cause. Blue light has the shortest wavelength but the highest amount of energy, making it the most likely to cause glare. For some, these glares, combined with existing vision issues, can make driving at night dangerous.

While blue light glasses won’t correct your vision, they may help you see more clearly while driving at night. Luckily, the coatings and tinted lenses on blue light glasses don’t only block the blue light from screens. They also reduce glare by scattering the blue light from these light sources.

Are night driving glasses and blue light glasses the same? 

Night driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses and are usually non-prescription. They often have some anti-reflective coating to help with night driving by minimising reflections. The two have similar purposes, to filter blue light, but are generally used in different situations. Nighttime driving glasses have mixed reviews when it comes to driving at night. Many studies have shown that they do not provide any visual benefits for night driving.

What type of glasses help with night driving?

The best pair of glasses might not be the same for everyone, so it is important to speak with your eye doctor if you have trouble seeing or driving at night. Research has shown that nighttime driving glasses may not help with night driving and were not reported to improve vision, especially in pedestrian detection.

While there is no research regarding blue light blocking glasses and nighttime driving, if the lenses are not tinted, they will likely not impact your vision or field of view. The best pair of glasses will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. If you have questions about different lenses, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our Opticians.

The safest option might be adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses. This coating reduces reflections on your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Fewer reflections mean more light can reach your eyes, improving vision.

How can I improve my vision for driving at night?

There are many things to consider when heading out on the road at night. If you wear prescription glasses, keep your lenses fit with your up-to-date prescription. Consider an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating or anti-glare blue light glasses. Ensure your glasses are clean, as smudges can enhance glare. Do the same for your windshield; streaks and dust can amplify glare. Keeping your dashboard lights dim can help reduce eye strain.

Driving at night with blue light glasses

Blue light glasses have become more popular as we spend more time in front of screens. Clear blue light glasses are now gaining popularity in front of windshields, providing drivers with blue light blocking benefits. Blue light glasses may be an excellent solution for those who experience glare while driving at night and do not have serious vision needs.

Additionally, for those who wear prescription glasses, SmartBuyGlasses offers the option to add blue light-blocking tints directly to your prescription lenses to give you both clear vision and the benefits of blue light glasses. If you still have questions about blue light glasses and their effect on driving, speak with your eye doctor or one of our opticians for more information.

Vision Watch. (2019, January 7). The Vision Council shines light on protecting sight – and health – in a multi-screen era. Vision Council. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-shines-light-protecting-sight-and-health-multi-screen-era

Ask the Optician

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Do Blue Light Glasses Help With Night Driving?

Blue light glasses have become quite popular for those who use technology daily, which is likely most of us. Blue light glasses help filter the harmful blue light rays emitted from digital screens. While we understand how they work to protect against screens, we have begun to question the other benefits of blue light glasses.

Driving at night can sometimes be stressful. With low levels of natural light combined with bright headlight glare, it’s no wonder some people tend to stay off the road at night. Driving at night may be even more difficult for people who wear glasses, or suffer from vision issues. But what if the blue light glasses we reach for at our computer screens could also help us drive at night?

What is blue light?

Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a colour in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. Although the eyes can see blue light, they cannot effectively filter it, allowing more to pass through the front (cornea and lens) to the back of the eye (retina).

Wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm). Generally, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is within the 380-500 nm range, giving it the shortest wavelength and the highest energy. Sunlight is the most significant source of blue light. Other sources include fluorescent light, LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones and tablet screens.

What are blue light blocking glasses?

Over time, constant exposure to blue light could damage cells in the retina and cause vision problems. Blue light glasses help to reduce the possible harm and adverse effects of extended blue light exposure from electronics. They have lenses with a special coating or tinted glass designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes. Too much blue light could cause eyestrain, headaches, eye damage and reduced sleep. According to the Vision Council (Vision Watch, 2019), nearly six out of 10 American adults report digital eye strain symptoms.

Does wearing blue light glasses help with headlight glare?

Headlights and most street lights are now made with LED lights which emit high levels of blue light. This can make driving at night challenging because of the blue light glare these bulbs cause. Blue light has the shortest wavelength but the highest amount of energy, making it the most likely to cause glare. For some, these glares, combined with existing vision issues, can make driving at night dangerous.

While blue light glasses won’t correct your vision, they may help you see more clearly while driving at night. Luckily, the coatings and tinted lenses on blue light glasses don’t only block the blue light from screens. They also reduce glare by scattering the blue light from these light sources.

Are night driving glasses and blue light glasses the same? 

Night driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses and are usually non-prescription. They often have some anti-reflective coating to help with night driving by minimising reflections. The two have similar purposes, to filter blue light, but are generally used in different situations. Nighttime driving glasses have mixed reviews when it comes to driving at night. Many studies have shown that they do not provide any visual benefits for night driving.

What type of glasses help with night driving?

The best pair of glasses might not be the same for everyone, so it is important to speak with your eye doctor if you have trouble seeing or driving at night. Research has shown that nighttime driving glasses may not help with night driving and were not reported to improve vision, especially in pedestrian detection.

While there is no research regarding blue light blocking glasses and nighttime driving, if the lenses are not tinted, they will likely not impact your vision or field of view. The best pair of glasses will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. If you have questions about different lenses, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our Opticians.

The safest option might be adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses. This coating reduces reflections on your eyeglasses or sunglasses. Fewer reflections mean more light can reach your eyes, improving vision.

How can I improve my vision for driving at night?

There are many things to consider when heading out on the road at night. If you wear prescription glasses, keep your lenses fit with your up-to-date prescription. Consider an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating or anti-glare blue light glasses. Ensure your glasses are clean, as smudges can enhance glare. Do the same for your windshield; streaks and dust can amplify glare. Keeping your dashboard lights dim can help reduce eye strain.

Driving at night with blue light glasses

Blue light glasses have become more popular as we spend more time in front of screens. Clear blue light glasses are now gaining popularity in front of windshields, providing drivers with blue light blocking benefits. Blue light glasses may be an excellent solution for those who experience glare while driving at night and do not have serious vision needs.

Additionally, for those who wear prescription glasses, SmartBuyGlasses offers the option to add blue light-blocking tints directly to your prescription lenses to give you both clear vision and the benefits of blue light glasses. If you still have questions about blue light glasses and their effect on driving, speak with your eye doctor or one of our opticians for more information.

 

Vision Watch. (2019, January 7). The Vision Council shines light on protecting sight – and health – in a multi-screen era. Vision Council. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-shines-light-protecting-sight-and-health-multi-screen-era

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Glasses Measurements: Everything You Need To Know

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Glasses Measurements: Everything You Need To Know

In the past, shopping for eyeglasses involved tedious trips to eyewear stores, fitting frames, and perusing a few shelves of glasses. That’s not so much the case anymore; online retailers like SmartBuyGlasses have been established for years, and, as a result, there is a near-unlimited amount of colours, sizes, and eyewear designs on sale.

When buying online, knowing your glasses’ measurements is crucial. That is why we’ll explain what glasses measurements are and how to find them. 

Eyeglass size explained

You may have noticed all glasses have three numbers engraved on the temples. They represent the glasses’ measurements: the lens width, bridge size, and temple arm length, respectively. Dots, dashes, or vertical bars usually separate these numbers. Some frames may have a fourth number, which refers to the height of the frames. In some cases, acetate frames will have the eye size and bridge size on the nose pads on a plastic frame. All these glasses measurements are measured in millimetres (mm). 

 

 

Eyeglass frame measurements

The frame width is the horizontal measurement of the frames, including hinges or designs that stick out at the sides. To measure the width of the frames, take a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the entire horizontal front of the frame from the further extended point to the other.

Eyeglass lens measurements

Lenses can be measured both in height and width. The lens height is the vertical measurement of the eyeglass lenses. This is important for bifocal lenses and progressive lenses. Lens width refers to the width of the lenses, which must be measured horizontally. 

This typically ranges from 40 mm to 60 mm. To take these measurements, place the measuring tape on the lenses, first vertically, then horizontally, and only measure from one side of the lens to the other, ensuring no part of the frames is included.  

How to measure your bridge size for glasses 

The bridge size is the distance between the two rims or lenses of the eyeglasses where the nose pads are located. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm. Place the measuring tape right between the two lenses to measure the bridge and see how many millimetres are between the nearest points. 

 

How to measure your temple length for glasses

This refers to how long the temple is. Measure your temples from the hinge to the tip, and you’ll come up with the temple length. Usually, it’s between 120mm and 150mm.

How to find out PD for glasses

The pupillary distance is another crucial measurement when ordering glasses online. To find out your pupillary distance, you can either use our online tool or do it manually with the help of a ruler. 

Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler up to the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrows.

Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking in the mirror, align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.

Step 3: Keeping the ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.

Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s centre. This number is your pupillary distance.

Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate result.​​​​

If you struggle doing it yourself, you can ask a friend to help you with this and check out our quick and easy tutorial.

I’ve measured my glasses. Now what?

Now that you have all the information on your glasses’ measurements and know how to take them, it will be way easier when shopping online. Glasses’ measurements won’t be a mystery anymore, and you will confidently be able to choose the right pair of glasses.

If you need help determining what glasses size will fit best, we have an easy guide to help with that. You will have to measure your temples from one side to the other and check out our size table to find the recommended size based on your measurements.


If you have more questions regarding your glasses size or prescription, head out to our Optical Centre. Our informative articles will help answer your questions, or ask one of our certified online opticians to clarify your doubts.

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Ask the Optician

ASK NOW

Glasses Measurements: Everything You Need To Know

In the past, shopping for eyeglasses involved tedious trips to eyewear stores, fitting frames, and perusing a few shelves of glasses. That’s not so much the case anymore; online retailers like SmartBuyGlasses have been established for years, and, as a result, there is a near-unlimited amount of colours, sizes, and eyewear designs on sale. 

When buying online, knowing your glasses’ measurements is crucial. That is why we’ll explain what glasses measurements are and how to find them.

Eyeglass size explained


You may have noticed all glasses have three numbers engraved on the temples. They represent the glasses’ measurements: the lens width, bridge size, and temple arm length, respectively. Dots, dashes, or vertical bars usually separate these numbers. Some frames may have a fourth number, which refers to the height of the frames. In some cases, acetate frames will have the eye size and bridge size on the nose pads on a plastic frame. All these glasses measurements are measured in millimetres (mm).

Eyeglass frame measurements

The frame width is the horizontal measurement of the frames, including hinges or designs that stick out at the sides. To measure the width of the frames, take a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the entire horizontal front of the frame from the further extended point to the other.

Eyeglass lens measurements

Lenses can be measured both in height and width. The lens height is the vertical measurement of the eyeglass lenses. This is important for bifocal lenses and progressive lenses. Lens width refers to the width of the lenses, which must be measured horizontally. 

This typically ranges from 40 mm to 60 mm. To take these measurements, place the measuring tape on the lenses, first vertically, then horizontally, and only measure from one side of the lens to the other, ensuring no part of the frames is included. 

How to measure your bridge size for glasses

The bridge size is the distance between the two rims or lenses of the eyeglasses where the nose pads are located. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm. Place the measuring tape right between the two lenses to measure the bridge and see how many millimetres are between the nearest points. 

How to measure your temple length for glasses

This refers to how long the temple is. Measure your temples from the hinge to the tip, and you’ll come up with the temple length. Usually, it’s between 120mm and 150mm. 

How to find out PD for glasses

The pupillary distance is another crucial measurement when ordering glasses online. To find out your pupillary distance, you can either use our online tool or do it manually with the help of a ruler. 

Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, hold the ruler up to the bridge of your nose or against your eyebrows.

Step 2: Close your right eye. While looking in the mirror, align the ruler’s zero with your left pupil.

Step 3: Keeping the ruler still, close your left eye and open your right eye.

Step 4: Read the number aligned with your right pupil’s centre. This number is your pupillary distance.

Step 5: Repeat the process to ensure you get the most accurate result.​​​​

If you struggle doing it yourself, you can ask a friend to help you with this and check out our quick and easy tutorial.

I’ve measured my glasses. Now what?

Now that you have all the information on your glasses’ measurements and know how to take them, it will be way easier when shopping online. Glasses’ measurements won’t be a mystery anymore, and you will confidently be able to choose the right pair of glasses. 

If you need help determining what glasses size will fit best, we have an easy guide to help with that. You will have to measure your temples from one side to the other and check out our size table to find the recommended size based on your measurements.


If you have more questions regarding your glasses size or prescription, head out to our Optical Centre. Our informative articles will help answer your questions, or ask one of our certified online opticians to clarify your doubts. 

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Anti-Glare Glasses

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Anti-glare Glasses

Did you know that standard lenses transmit around 91% of light to the eye? The rest is lost due to surface reflections. Anti-glare glasses help solve that problem. If you didn’t know the role played by reflection when wearing prescription glasses and are not sure whether or not to get anti-glare glasses, this article will help you understand better.

What are anti-glare glasses?

Lens coatings are significant because they are vital in providing durable and long-lasting lenses for your eyeglasses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the different types of lens coatings you can choose from; or worse, some don’t even know such protective layers exist.

Lens coatings enhance the lens performance of your glasses whether you wear single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.  

One of the lens coatings you can choose from is anti-glare coatings, also called anti-reflective coating. These lenses are provided with a microscopic multilayered coating that eliminates glare and reflections from the back and front of your eyeglass lenses. As a result, it helps with clearer vision.

What does anti-glare do on glasses?

Thanks to the coating, anti-glare glasses reduce the light reflecting off the lenses, resulting in more light passing through and having more clarity. Not only will you be able to see better, but the glasses will also help with surface reflections and give you greater visual performance.

Anti-glare glasses benefits

There are more benefits to anti-reflective glasses than you might think; here are some of the advantages of choosing anti-glare coatings: 

  1. Improved vision while driving at night, which results in being more aware and in control while driving.
  2. Better clarity when working in front of a screen.
  3. Less visual fatigue caused by reflections. 
  4. Your eyes are more visible, which helps with eye contact and looking better in photos. 
  5. If you wear glasses all day every day, anti-reflective coating gives the most natural visual experience and places less strain on your eyes.

Disadvantages of anti-glare glasses

There are also a few disadvantages when getting anti-glare glasses, including the increased need for cleaning. After getting your pair of anti-glare glasses, you might want to clean them more often because anti-glare glasses highlight dirt or dust. This also happens with scratches, which means glasses must be handled with extra care. To learn more on how to properly take care of your glasses, check out our tutorial below.

Do I need anti-glare on my glasses?

Anti-glare coating is not mandatory, but it is advised as it enhances the overall performance of your glasses. Not only will you have clearer vision, but you will also look better and struggle less while doing your everyday activities.

Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

No, anti-glare cannot be added to your lenses after the purchase. If you need to decide whether or not to add anti-glare coatings to your glasses because of the price, remember there are many affordable online options that let you add an anti-glare coating to your lenses without breaking the bank.

Are anti-glare and blue light glasses the same

No, anti-glare and blue light glasses are not the same, as they are two types of coatings and are designed for different purposes. AG coatings are designed to increase the amount of light passing through the lenses, while blue light glasses are designed to block the blue light coming off screens. Blue light block can be added as an additional coating to your lenses when purchasing your glasses.

How to care for glasses with anti-glare coating

As mentioned above, anti-glare glasses might need to be handled with more care than regular glasses. To make sure your glasses are always cared for properly, remember to: 

  • Store the glasses in their protective case when you’re not wearing them.
  • Always use a microfiber cloth during the cleaning process.
  • You also might want to use an optical spray. 

Remember to avoid cleaning your glasses with shirts or chemical cleaners, as this might be damaging to your glasses. If you want to read more about lens coatings, we have an informative article right here.

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Anti-glare Glasses

Did you know that standard lenses transmit around 91% of light to the eye? The rest is lost due to surface reflections. Anti-glare glasses help solve that problem. If you didn’t know the role played by reflection when wearing prescription glasses and are not sure whether or not to get anti-glare glasses, this article will help you understand better.

What are anti-glare glasses?

Lens coatings are significant because they are vital in providing durable and long-lasting lenses for your eyeglasses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the different types of lens coatings you can choose from; or worse, some don’t even know such protective layers exist.

Lens coatings enhance the lens performance of your glasses whether you wear single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.

Lens coatings enhance the lens performance of your glasses whether you wear single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.  

One of the lens coatings you can choose from is anti-glare coatings, also called anti-reflective coating. These lenses are provided with a microscopic multilayered coating that eliminates glare and reflections from the back and front of your eyeglass lenses. As a result, it helps with clearer vision.

What does anti-glare do on glasses?

Thanks to the coating, anti-glare glasses reduce the light reflecting off the lenses, resulting in more light passing through and having more clarity. Not only will you be able to see better, but the glasses will also help with surface reflections and give you greater visual performance.

Anti-glare glasses benefits

There are more benefits to anti-reflective glasses than you might think; here are some of the advantages of choosing anti-glare coatings: 

  1. Improved vision while driving at night, which results in being more aware and in control while driving.
  2. Better clarity when working in front of a screen.
  3. Less visual fatigue caused by reflections. 
  4. Your eyes are more visible, which helps with eye contact and looking better in photos. 
  5. If you wear glasses all day every day, anti-reflective coating gives the most natural visual experience and places less strain on your eyes.

Disadvantages of anti-glare glasses

There are also a few disadvantages when getting anti-glare glasses, including the increased need for cleaning. After getting your pair of anti-glare glasses, you might want to clean them more often because anti-glare glasses highlight dirt or dust. This also happens with scratches, which means glasses must be handled with extra care. To learn more on how to properly take care of your glasses, check out our tutorial below. 

Do I need anti-glare on my glasses?

Anti-glare coating is not mandatory, but it is advised as it enhances the overall performance of your glasses. Not only will you have clearer vision, but you will also look better and struggle less while doing your everyday activities.

Can you add anti-glare to glasses after purchase?

No, anti-glare cannot be added to your lenses after the purchase. If you need to decide whether or not to add anti-glare coatings to your glasses because of the price, remember there are many affordable online options that let you add an anti-glare coating to your lenses without breaking the bank.

Are anti-glare and blue light glasses the same

No, anti-glare and blue light glasses are not the same, as they are two types of coatings and are designed for different purposes. AG coatings are designed to increase the amount of light passing through the lenses, while blue light glasses are designed to block the blue light coming off screens. Blue light block can be added as an additional coating to your lenses when purchasing your glasses.

How to care for glasses with anti-glare coating

As mentioned above, anti-glare glasses might need to be handled with more care than regular glasses. To make sure your glasses are always cared for properly, remember to: 

  • Store the glasses in their protective case when you’re not wearing them.
  • Always use a microfiber cloth during the cleaning process.
  • You also might want to use an optical spray. 

Remember to avoid cleaning your glasses with shirts or chemical cleaners, as this might be damaging to your glasses. If you want to read more about lens coatings, we have an informative article right here.

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 When were Glasses invented

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When were Glasses invented?

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

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

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

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

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

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

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

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

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

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

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

When did eyeglasses become common?

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

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

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

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

What if glasses were never invented

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

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

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

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

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When were Glasses invented?

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

When were the first glasses invented – The early stages 

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

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

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

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

Who invented the eyeglasses, and how were glasses made

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

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

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

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

When did eyeglasses become common?

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

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


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

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

What if glasses were never invented

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

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

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

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

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses? 

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses?

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So you’ve seen an optician, got your new glasses prescription, chosen a new pair of glasses, started wearing them and now they feel weird. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It takes time to adjust to new glasses. For some people, it could take a few hours; for others, it could take a few weeks. But why? It’s very individual and comes down to a few things like your eye health, the strength of the prescription, how much the prescription has changed, or the types of lenses and frames. Just like with anything new, glasses need to be worn in.

You may experience discomfort while adjusting, but know that this period is necessary. If you remain calm, continue to wear the new glasses and follow our advice in this article, you should be able to adjust quickly and easily. 

Why does it take so long to get used to new glasses?

Experiencing discomfort while adjusting to new glasses is normal. Whether you’ve renewed your prescription, are correcting astigmatism, or changed your lenses or frames, it takes time for your eyes and brain to adapt. Your eyes are complex, and during this period, they’re learning to work with your brain to adjust to your new prescription to give you improved vision. 

Problems getting used to new glasses

If your eyes hurt with new glasses, know that this is probably completely normal, but if anything is continuously disrupting you, see your optometrist. Though generally mild, there are a few common problems that people may experience. Eye strain with new glasses is one of the most frequently reported, followed by blurry vision and dizziness. You may also experience difficulty focusing, depth perception, the fishbowl effect, headaches, or nausea. 

What are the symptoms of adjusting to new glasses?

Most of the symptoms listed above shouldn’t cause long-term issues and will improve as you begin to adjust. Distortion, like the fishbowl effect, may cause images to appear bent at the edges. Depth perception could make it difficult to detect how near or far an object is. 

Eye strain occurs when you are overexerting your eyes during the adjustment period and can cause other symptoms like tired, irritated, or burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or headaches. Minor instances of these symptoms are all common problems that people experience at the beginning of wearing new glasses. 

Why would new glasses feel weird if the prescription is the same?

Generally, you should not face discomfort for too long when you retain your old prescription, but it is possible. Different lenses and frames can vary from what you’re used to. Did the size or structure change? Is the alignment different? Changing between frame styles can affect your vision and cause an adjustment period. Even how new frames feel on your face can require a period of adjustment. Understanding prescription glasses measurements and what you need to consider when buying and adjusting to new ones is essential. 

If the new lenses are physically bigger or smaller than your last pair, your field of vision will be different. A change in structure (full-frame, half-frame, rimless) could also cause visual differences. For example, if you always wore rimless glasses and switched to full-frame, you may feel your field of view is limited. A change in shape may also take time to adjust; for example, switching from a round to a rectangular-shaped frame causes the lens shape to change as well, affecting your field of vision. 

Increased or decreased peripheral vision may take time to get used to. Peripheral vision is the part of your visual field that is not right in the centre of your gaze, usually for detecting motion, colours, or lights at the edge of your vision. 

How to get used to wearing new glasses fast

While it might seem tempting to ditch your new prescription glasses and reach for your old ones, switching between new and old glasses will confuse your eyes and brain, slowing the adjustment to your new glasses. Put your new glasses on first thing in the morning when your eyes are ‘fresh,’ and continue wearing them as much as possible throughout the day. 

Wear your glasses consistently 

Wearing your new glasses regularly will shorten the adjustment period and make it easier for your eyes to adjust to the change. 

Give your eyes a rest 

Since it takes time for your eyes to adjust, give them a break when they feel strained or you feel a headache coming on. You can increase the amount of time you wear them each day, starting with simple tasks and working up from there. 

Exercise your eyes

If you experience eye strain, a simple eye exercise might help it. Take a moment to focus on an object far in the distance, then look down and focus on something close. Continue switching from the near and far thing for a few moments. This exercise is especially helpful if you’re adjusting to bifocals or progressive lenses. Another exercise is 20/20/20, when using a computer screen, every 20 minutes look 20 meters away for 20 seconds to rest the eyes. 

Ensure your frames fit your face shape and head size 

It is important to find a pair of glasses that fit correctly, and not only for aesthetics. Misfitting glasses can cause further eye strain, headaches and disruptions to your vision. Understanding your facial and glasses measurements is essential. Before buying, use our size guide and Virtual Try-On tool to find your perfect pair. 

Adjust your prescription 

While most people will adjust to their new glasses on their own, if your symptoms last more than two to three weeks, you may have the wrong prescription. If your prescription is wrong, your eyes and brain will not adjust, and you will need to speak to your optometrist. 

Getting used to new glasses just takes a little time 

While you may be looking forward to wearing your new glasses and seeing clearly, it might not happen right away. There is no need to worry, as an adjustment period is a normal response to new glasses. Be patient, and remember this should only last about a week. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more, head to our Optical Centre and speak to one of our opticians online today. 

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust to New Glasses?

So you’ve seen an optician, got your new glasses prescription, chosen a new pair of glasses, started wearing them and now they feel weird. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It takes time to adjust to new glasses. For some people, it could take a few hours; for others, it could take a few weeks. But why? It’s very individual and comes down to a few things like your eye health, the strength of the prescription, how much the prescription has changed, or the types of lenses and frames. Just like with anything new, glasses need to be worn in.

You may experience discomfort while adjusting, but know that this period is necessary. If you remain calm, continue to wear the new glasses and follow our advice in this article, you should be able to adjust quickly and easily. 

Why does it take so long to get used to new glasses?

Experiencing discomfort while adjusting to new glasses is normal. Whether you’ve renewed your prescription, are correcting astigmatism, or changed your lenses or frames, it takes time for your eyes and brain to adapt. Your eyes are complex, and during this period, they’re learning to work with your brain to adjust to your new prescription to give you improved vision. 

Problems getting used to new glasses

If your eyes hurt with new glasses, know that this is probably completely normal, but if anything is continuously disrupting you, see your optometrist. Though generally mild, there are a few common problems that people may experience. Eye strain with new glasses is one of the most frequently reported, followed by blurry vision and dizziness. You may also experience difficulty focusing, depth perception, the fishbowl effect, headaches, or nausea. 

What are the symptoms of adjusting to new glasses?

Most of the symptoms listed above shouldn’t cause long-term issues and will improve as you begin to adjust. Distortion, like the fishbowl effect, may cause images to appear bent at the edges. Depth perception could make it difficult to detect how near or far an object is. 

Eye strain occurs when you are overexerting your eyes during the adjustment period and can cause other symptoms like tired, irritated, or burning eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or headaches. Minor instances of these symptoms are all common problems that people experience at the beginning of wearing new glasses. 

Why would new glasses feel weird if the prescription is the same?

Generally, you should not face discomfort for too long when you retain your old prescription, but it is possible. Different lenses and frames can vary from what you’re used to. Did the size or structure change? Is the alignment different? Changing between frame styles can affect your vision and cause an adjustment period. Even how new frames feel on your face can require a period of adjustment. Understanding prescription glasses measurements and what you need to consider when buying and adjusting to new ones is essential. 

If the new lenses are physically bigger or smaller than your last pair, your field of vision will be different. A change in structure (full-frame, half-frame, rimless) could also cause visual differences. For example, if you always wore rimless glasses and switched to full-frame, you may feel your field of view is limited. A change in shape may also take time to adjust; for example, switching from a round to a rectangular-shaped frame causes the lens shape to change as well, affecting your field of vision. 

Increased or decreased peripheral vision may take time to get used to. Peripheral vision is the part of your visual field that is not right in the centre of your gaze, usually for detecting motion, colours, or lights at the edge of your vision. 

How to get used to wearing new glasses fast

While it might seem tempting to ditch your new prescription glasses and reach for your old ones, switching between new and old glasses will confuse your eyes and brain, slowing the adjustment to your new glasses. Put your new glasses on first thing in the morning when your eyes are ‘fresh,’ and continue wearing them as much as possible throughout the day. 

Wear your glasses consistently 

Wearing your new glasses regularly will shorten the adjustment period and make it easier for your eyes to adjust to the change. 

Give your eyes a rest 

Since it takes time for your eyes to adjust, give them a break when they feel strained or you feel a headache coming on. You can increase the amount of time you wear them each day, starting with simple tasks and working up from there. 

Exercise your eyes

If you experience eye strain, a simple eye exercise might help it. Take a moment to focus on an object far in the distance, then look down and focus on something close. Continue switching from the near and far thing for a few moments. This exercise is especially helpful if you’re adjusting to bifocals or progressive lenses. Another exercise is 20/20/20, when using a computer screen, every 20 minutes look 20 meters away for 20 seconds to rest the eyes. 

Ensure your frames fit your face shape and head size 

It is important to find a pair of glasses that fit correctly, and not only for aesthetics. Misfitting glasses can cause further eye strain, headaches and disruptions to your vision. Understanding your facial and glasses measurements is essential. Before buying, use our size guide and Virtual Try-On tool to find your perfect pair. 

Adjust your prescription 

While most people will adjust to their new glasses on their own, if your symptoms last more than two to three weeks, you may have the wrong prescription. If your prescription is wrong, your eyes and brain will not adjust, and you will need to speak to your optometrist. 

 

Getting used to new glasses just takes a little time 

While you may be looking forward to wearing your new glasses and seeing clearly, it might not happen right away. There is no need to worry, as an adjustment period is a normal response to new glasses. Be patient, and remember this should only last about a week. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more, head to our Optical Centre and speak to one of our opticians online today.

Nighttime Driving Glasses

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Nighttime Driving Glasses

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous. Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work? 

Many people have reduced vision in low light, especially older people. You may need twice as much light at 50 to see as well as you did when you were 30. Glare from headlights and traffic is one of the biggest issues that affect night driving. This glare can affect colour recognition, depth perception and peripheral vision.

What are night driving glasses?

Nighttime driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses, usually non-prescription and can be purchased over the counter. They often have some kind of anti-reflective coating to help minimise reflections and filter out blue light from streetlights and oncoming headlights. Blue light is most likely to cause glare when it enters the eye. 

Nighttime driving glasses are similar to the glasses that some people wear for hunting and other sports. They have been found to increase the contrast of objects against an overcast sky, which may help detect objects in an unclear environment. 

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

Certain eye conditions may make it harder to see well at night and, therefore, may affect your driving. 

  1. Nyctalopia: also called night blindness, is a combination of vision problems that occur at night, including difficulty adjusting to dim and bright lights.
  2. Myopia: also known as nearsightedness, may make it harder to see in low-light conditions. 
  3. Glaucoma: when fluid builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, reducing peripheral vision.  
  4. Astigmatism: an irregularly shaped cornea that may cause blurry vision and worsen when driving in low light conditions.
  5. Diabetes: can damage nerves and blood vessels in the retina, which may lead to difficulty adjusting vision in different light settings. 
  6. Vitamin Deficiency: vitamin A helps to produce pigments that assist your retina in processing images correctly. A deficiency may cause night vision problems. 
  7. Cataracts: a condition that can result in blurry vision; cataracts may also cause light from traffic or headlights to dominate your field of vision and appear as a halo or glare.

These conditions do not always lead to difficulty driving at night. If you have a concern, start by scheduling an eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss options that are right for you. 

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Nighttime driving glasses are designed to reduce glare by scattering and filtering blue light. Blue light, a part of the light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength and the largest amount of energy. Blue light is more likely to cause glare when it enters the eye.

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them. Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see. 

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult. 

Do night driving glasses work? 

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving. According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians. In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving. It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes. 

The best glasses for driving at night  

There might not be a one-size-fits-all pair of nighttime driving glasses. The best pair for you will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. 

Apart from eyewear, anything that reduces blurriness or glare will help with night driving vision. Here are some other elements which may help improve eyesight while driving:

  1. Clean your eyeglasses and keep them free of smudges, as they can amplify glare
  2. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield; dirt and dust can make it harder to see
  3. Replace your windshield wipers regularly 
  4. Keep your dashboard lights dim to avoid eye strain 

Don’t let the wrong eyewear keep you off the road at night. Protect yourself and others by finding the best solution for you. Always keep your prescriptions up-to-date, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

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Nighttime Driving Glasses

For many, driving at night poses no problems. But for some, driving at night can sometimes be stressful and even dangerous. Compromised vision combined with low levels of natural light or sensitivity to bright lights when driving may make you want to stay off the road at night. Nighttime driving glasses exist, and many people use them, but do they work? 

Many people have reduced vision in low light, especially older people. You may need twice as much light at 50 to see as well as you did when you were 30. Glare from headlights and traffic is one of the biggest issues that affect night driving. This glare can affect colour recognition, depth perception and peripheral vision.

What are night driving glasses?

Nighttime driving glasses are glasses with yellow-tinted lenses, usually non-prescription and can be purchased over the counter. They often have some kind of anti-reflective coating to help minimise reflections and filter out blue light from streetlights and oncoming headlights. Blue light is most likely to cause glare when it enters the eye. 

Nighttime driving glasses are similar to the glasses that some people wear for hunting and other sports. They have been found to increase the contrast of objects against an overcast sky, which may help detect objects in an unclear environment. 

Factors that make it harder to see at night 

Certain eye conditions may make it harder to see well at night and, therefore, may affect your driving. 

  1. Nyctalopia: also called night blindness, is a combination of vision problems that occur at night, including difficulty adjusting to dim and bright lights.
  2. Myopia: also known as nearsightedness, may make it harder to see in low-light conditions. 
  3. Glaucoma: when fluid builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, reducing peripheral vision.  
  4. Astigmatism: an irregularly shaped cornea that may cause blurry vision and worsen when driving in low light conditions.
  5. Diabetes: can damage nerves and blood vessels in the retina, which may lead to difficulty adjusting vision in different light settings. 
  6. Vitamin Deficiency: vitamin A helps to produce pigments that assist your retina in processing images correctly. A deficiency may cause night vision problems. 
  7. Cataracts: a condition that can result in blurry vision; cataracts may also cause light from traffic or headlights to dominate your field of vision and appear as a halo or glare.

These conditions do not always lead to difficulty driving at night. If you have a concern, start by scheduling an eye exam with your eye doctor to discuss options that are right for you. 

Nighttime driving glasses to reduce glare

Nighttime driving glasses are designed to reduce glare by scattering and filtering blue light. Blue light, a part of the light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength and the largest amount of energy. Blue light is more likely to cause glare when it enters the eye.

While nighttime driving glasses may reduce glare for some, some research suggests drivers are better off without them. Ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach has discussed his doubts and said that tinted lenses used in night vision glasses are designed to limit or reduce the amount of light getting to the eye. According to Dr. Iwach, anything that does this at night will make it harder to see. 

Adding an anti-glare coating to your prescription or non-prescription lenses might be a safer choice. This coating reduces reflections from appearing on your eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Without reflections, more light can reach your eyes, improving your vision. With the addition of this coating to your lenses, your vision in the dark may improve, making this a good option if you find nighttime driving difficult. 

Do night driving glasses work? 

As mentioned above, night driving glasses have received mixed reviews. Some wearers claim that they can see better while driving at night, but researchers are not so sure. Researchers conducted a study to determine whether night driving glasses provided any visual benefit for nighttime driving. According to the results, the data suggested that wearing yellow-lens glasses when driving at night does not improve performance in the most critical task: detecting pedestrians. In fact, “these findings do not appear to support having eye care professionals advise patients to use yellow-lens night-driving glasses,” the authors concluded.

Are there prescription glasses for driving at night?

Standard nighttime driving glasses are usually sold over the counter without a prescription. If you wear prescription glasses and have trouble driving at night, consider wearing them while driving. It is recommended that you speak to your eye doctor to better make an educated decision about driving and finding the right option for you and your eyes. 

The best glasses for driving at night  

There might not be a one-size-fits-all pair of nighttime driving glasses. The best pair for you will depend on your overall eye health, needs and preference. 

Apart from eyewear, anything that reduces blurriness or glare will help with night driving vision. Here are some other elements which may help improve eyesight while driving:

  1. Clean your eyeglasses and keep them free of smudges, as they can amplify glare
  2. Clean the inside and outside of your windshield; dirt and dust can make it harder to see
  3. Replace your windshield wipers regularly 
  4. Keep your dashboard lights dim to avoid eye strain 

Don’t let the wrong eyewear keep you off the road at night. Protect yourself and others by finding the best solution for you. Always keep your prescriptions up-to-date, consult with your optometrist and visit our Optical Centre to speak with one of our opticians.

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What are Bifocal Glasses?

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What are Bifocal Glasses?

Bifocal glasses have come a long way since the 1700s when Benjamin Franklin created the first pair. He coined them “double spectacles,” as they contained two different types of lenses in one pair of glasses. If you’re tired of constantly switching between glasses, bifocals might be the solution. And don’t worry, the lenses and style have significantly evolved since Ben Franklin’s pair. 

What are bifocals? 

Bifocals are unique multifocal lenses that allow you to have one pair of prescription glasses that can improve both near and far eyesight. If you look closely at bifocal lenses, you may notice a difference between the long-distance and close-range lenses, and that’s because they are two different prescriptions. To others looking at you, the difference is almost undetectable. This lens is designed to work as both reading and prescription glasses, all in one frame. 

How do bifocal lenses work?

The lens is divided in two, the larger part of the lens, located at the top, is for seeing long-distance. It can help you see far away, read street signs or watch television from across the room. The smaller part, located at the bottom of the lens, allows for improved close-up vision. This part enables you to check your smartphone or read a book. Bifocal lenses may take some time to adjust, but they are easy to use. You use bifocals by moving your eyes depending on the distance you wish to see. Generally, you look up and through the larger portion when looking farther away, and you look down through the smaller segment when focusing on objects nearer to your eyes. 

Bifocals are an excellent option for people with presbyopia, an age-related loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Bifocals can also be worn with contact lenses, making them a versatile option for many. 

Bifocal vs progressive lenses

Both bifocal and progressive lenses allow you to transition from near to far prescriptions all in one lens. Both can also be used as a solution for presbyopia and provide comfortable vision for people with multiple prescriptions. While similar, there are a few distinct differences between the two. 

Bifocal lenses

  1. Two vision segments (one for near and one for distance vision)
  2. Has a distinct line separating the segments
  3. May cause difficulty reading a computer screen 

Progressive lenses 

  1. Progression between all distances (near, intermediate and far vision)
  2. No distinction between distance powers in the lens (no line)
  3. Middle segment for better computer vision 

While many immediately choose a progressive lens because of the seamless transition, some find the strong distinction between prescriptions in a bifocal lens more comfortable. It is important to consider your lifestyle and preference when choosing your lenses. If you’re curious or want more information, visit our Optical Centre and speak with one of our opticians. 

 

Advantages and disadvantages of bifocal lenses

As is the case with most things, bifocal lenses have advantages and disadvantages. It is important to remember that everyone has different needs when it comes to glasses. Speaking with an optician and finding the right lenses is just as important as how they look. 

Advantages

  1. One pair of glasses for near and far vision 
  2. Typically more affordable than progressive lenses 
  3. May be easier to adjust to than progressive lenses 

Disadvantages 

  1. Distinct separation lines may be distracting or “unfashionable”
  2. Visual distortion is more likely than wearing two separate pairs of glasses 
  3. They may take more time to adjust to than single vision glasses   

Can you have LASIK if you wear bifocals?

LASIK is an eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue that covers the eye and helps focus light. LASIK can treat vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. 

As we’ve discussed, bifocal wearers need glasses for both near and far vision correction. So is LASIK an alternative to regularly wearing bifocals? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people who regularly wear bifocals can undergo a particular form of LASIK called monovision LASIK. Monovision LASIK is when one eye is treated for distance vision and the other for close-up vision. 

Another option for bifocal wearers is full distance LASIK, focusing on correcting both eyes for distance. People who choose this form of LASIK will typically continue to wear reading glasses for close-range tasks and computer work. 

LASIK may not be a solution for everyone, and speaking with your eye doctor about the procedure, results and possible complications is imperative. 

Bifocal lenses

Having progressed since Benjamin Franklin first wore them, bifocals are different from the same old lenses. Bifocals are a great option for people who are sick of switching between glasses. With the ability to wear one pair and see both near and far clearly and accurately, bifocals are an easy and economical solution.

Ask the Optician

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What are Bifocal Glasses?

Bifocal glasses have come a long way since the 1700s when Benjamin Franklin created the first pair. He coined them “double spectacles,” as they contained two different types of lenses in one pair of glasses. If you’re tired of constantly switching between glasses, bifocals might be the solution. And don’t worry, the lenses and style have significantly evolved since Ben Franklin’s pair. 

What are bifocals? 

Bifocals are unique multifocal lenses that allow you to have one pair of prescription glasses that can improve both near and far eyesight. If you look closely at bifocal lenses, you may notice a difference between the long-distance and close-range lenses, and that’s because they are two different prescriptions. To others looking at you, the difference is almost undetectable. This lens is designed to work as both reading and prescription glasses, all in one frame. 

How do bifocal lenses work?

The lens is divided in two, the larger part of the lens, located at the top, is for seeing long-distance. It can help you see far away, read street signs or watch television from across the room. The smaller part, located at the bottom of the lens, allows for improved close-up vision. This part enables you to check your smartphone or read a book. Bifocal lenses may take some time to adjust, but they are easy to use. You use bifocals by moving your eyes depending on the distance you wish to see. Generally, you look up and through the larger portion when looking farther away, and you look down through the smaller segment when focusing on objects nearer to your eyes. 

Bifocals are an excellent option for people with presbyopia, an age-related loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Bifocals can also be worn with contact lenses, making them a versatile option for many. 

Bifocal vs progressive lenses

Both bifocal and progressive lenses allow you to transition from near to far prescriptions all in one lens. Both can also be used as a solution for presbyopia and provide comfortable vision for people with multiple prescriptions. While similar, there are a few distinct differences between the two. 

Bifocal lenses

  1. Two vision segments (one for near and one for distance vision)
  2. Has a distinct line separating the segments
  3. May cause difficulty reading a computer screen 

Progressive lenses 

  1. Progression between all distances (near, intermediate and far vision)
  2. No distinction between distance powers in the lens (no line)
  3. Middle segment for better computer vision 

While many immediately choose a progressive lens because of the seamless transition, some find the strong distinction between prescriptions in a bifocal lens more comfortable. It is important to consider your lifestyle and preference when choosing your lenses. If you’re curious or want more information, visit our Optical Centre and speak with one of our opticians. 

 

Advantages and disadvantages of bifocal lenses

As is the case with most things, bifocal lenses have advantages and disadvantages. It is important to remember that everyone has different needs when it comes to glasses. Speaking with an optician and finding the right lenses is just as important as how they look. 

Advantages

  1. One pair of glasses for near and far vision 
  2. Typically more affordable than progressive lenses 
  3. May be easier to adjust to than progressive lenses 

Disadvantages 

  1. Distinct separation lines may be distracting or “unfashionable”
  2. Visual distortion is more likely than wearing two separate pairs of glasses 
  3. They may take more time to adjust to than single vision glasses   

Can you have LASIK if you wear bifocals?

LASIK is an eye surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue that covers the eye and helps focus light. LASIK can treat vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. 

As we’ve discussed, bifocal wearers need glasses for both near and far vision correction. So is LASIK an alternative to regularly wearing bifocals? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people who regularly wear bifocals can undergo a particular form of LASIK called monovision LASIK. Monovision LASIK is when one eye is treated for distance vision and the other for close-up vision. 

Another option for bifocal wearers is full distance LASIK, focusing on correcting both eyes for distance. People who choose this form of LASIK will typically continue to wear reading glasses for close-range tasks and computer work. 

LASIK may not be a solution for everyone, and speaking with your eye doctor about the procedure, results and possible complications is imperative. 

Bifocal lenses

Having progressed since Benjamin Franklin first wore them, bifocals are different from the same old lenses. Bifocals are a great option for people who are sick of switching between glasses. With the ability to wear one pair and see both near and far clearly and accurately, bifocals are an easy and economical solution.

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What Is My Eye Colour?

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What Is My Eye Colour?

What determines eye colour? It’s a genetic trait, just like our hair and skin. In fact, it’s the same chemical that affects the colour of all three: melanin. The more melanin-producing cells (or melanocytes) you have, the darker your hair, skin and eyes are likely to be. But beyond that, the science of eye colour is rather complicated. Read on to learn more about where your eye colour comes from and how you can change it if you don’t like it.

 

Different eye colours

The iris is the coloured part of your eye around the pupil. Its colour is due to the amount of melanin in it. The lower the melanin, the bluer the eyes look because more wavelengths of light are reflected. The same applies to green eyes, amber eyes, hazel eyes and every shade in between. These are all caused by varying degrees of melanin. In people with albinism, there is no melanin whatsoever in the eye, and as such, they appear to have red or purple colour eyes: not because they’re reflecting red light, but because we can see the blood in the eyes. This lack of melanin also makes albino eyes highly susceptible to UV, making sunglasses necessary outdoors.

 

Blue eyes

Did you know blue eyes are not actually blue? Blue eyes do not contain any blue pigment. They appear blue for the same reason the sky does. Light entering the eye is scattered through the iris and perceived as blue because blue is the shortest wavelength of visible light; therefore, more of it is reflected back out. So technically, the eyes themselves are not blue at all.

 

Grey eyes

Grey eyes are sometimes mistaken for a greyish blue, but studies revealed hints of gold and brown in this eye colour. This type of colour may also appear slightly different depending on clothing, lighting and mood (when the dilation of the pupil compresses the iris).

 

Hazel eyes

Hazel eyes are mostly made of shades of brown and green. People with hazel eyes often have one colour closest to the pupil, a different one after that and another colour ring around the edge of the iris. Depending on the lighting, this type of eye may appear more brown than green and vice versa.

 

Green eyes

Green is the least common eye colour. This is because green eyes only occur when a specific set of genes is combined with a specific amount of melanin. This eye colour is found most frequently in Northern and Central Europe.

 

What is the most common eye colour?

Brown eyes are by far the most common worldwide, and in many areas of the world, such as East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s rare to find any other colour. That’s because brown is a “dominant” gene, so any child of brown and non-brown-eyed parents is much more likely (though not certain) to have brown eyes too. There is no confirmed advantage of having brown eyes, but research has indicated that they may be slightly better at absorbing bright light and blocking UV rays.

 

What is the rarest eye colour?

The rarest eye colour is green. If you have this eye colour, consider yourself among the rarer population; only 2% of people worldwide have green eyes.

 

Can eyes change colour?

Even if you’re born with blue, grey or green eyes, there’s no guarantee you’ll keep them throughout your life. The melanin-producing cells in your eyes may only become active after a few months or years and, in rare cases, even longer. When this happens, brown pigment will start to be created, leading to darker eyes.

 

If, for whatever reason, you want to have a different eye colour, what you can do is wear coloured contacts. These are available in both prescription and plano forms. In any case, coloured contact lenses are medical devices, so you will need a valid eye prescription from a licensed optician before buying your first pair. Even if you want plano lenses, you must visit a vision specialist beforehand and have them write you a prescription specifically for wearing coloured contacts. Learn more about coloured contacts at SmartBuyGlasses’ Optical Center.

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Ask the Optician

ASK NOW

What Is My Eye Colour?

What determines eye colour? It’s a genetic trait, just like our hair and skin. In fact, it’s the same chemical that affects the colour of all three: melanin. The more melanin-producing cells (or melanocytes) you have, the darker your hair, skin and eyes are likely to be. But beyond that, the science of eye colour is rather complicated. Read on to learn more about where your eye colour comes from and how you can change it if you don’t like it.

 

Different eye colours

The iris is the coloured part of your eye around the pupil. Its colour is due to the amount of melanin in it. The lower the melanin, the bluer the eyes look because more wavelengths of light are reflected. The same applies to green eyes, amber eyes, hazel eyes and every shade in between. These are all caused by varying degrees of melanin. In people with albinism, there is no melanin whatsoever in the eye, and as such, they appear to have red or purple colour eyes: not because they’re reflecting red light, but because we can see the blood in the eyes. This lack of melanin also makes albino eyes highly susceptible to UV, making sunglasses necessary outdoors.

 

Blue eyes

Did you know blue eyes are not actually blue? Blue eyes do not contain any blue pigment. They appear blue for the same reason the sky does. Light entering the eye is scattered through the iris and perceived as blue because blue is the shortest wavelength of visible light; therefore, more of it is reflected back out. So technically, the eyes themselves are not blue at all.

 

Grey eyes

Grey eyes are sometimes mistaken for a greyish blue, but studies revealed hints of gold and brown in this eye colour. This type of colour may also appear slightly different depending on clothing, lighting and mood (when the dilation of the pupil compresses the iris).

 

Hazel eyes

Hazel eyes are mostly made of shades of brown and green. People with hazel eyes often have one colour closest to the pupil, a different one after that and another colour ring around the edge of the iris. Depending on the lighting, this type of eye may appear more brown than green and vice versa.

 

Green eyes

Green is the least common eye colour. This is because green eyes only occur when a specific set of genes is combined with a specific amount of melanin. This eye colour is found most frequently in Northern and Central Europe.

 

What is the most common eye colour?

Brown eyes are by far the most common worldwide, and in many areas of the world, such as East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s rare to find any other colour. That’s because brown is a “dominant” gene, so any child of brown and non-brown-eyed parents is much more likely (though not certain) to have brown eyes too. There is no confirmed advantage of having brown eyes, but research has indicated that they may be slightly better at absorbing bright light and blocking UV rays.

 

What is the rarest eye colour?

The rarest eye colour is green. If you have this eye colour, consider yourself among the rarer population; only 2% of people worldwide have green eyes.

 

Can eyes change colour?

Even if you’re born with blue, grey or green eyes, there’s no guarantee you’ll keep them throughout your life. The melanin-producing cells in your eyes may only become active after a few months or years and, in rare cases, even longer. When this happens, brown pigment will start to be created, leading to darker eyes.

 

If, for whatever reason, you want to have a different eye colour, what you can do is wear coloured contacts. These are available in both prescription and plano forms. In any case, coloured contact lenses are medical devices, so you will need a valid eye prescription from a licensed optician before buying your first pair. Even if you want plano lenses, you must visit a vision specialist beforehand and have them write you a prescription specifically for wearing coloured contacts. Learn more about coloured contacts at SmartBuyGlasses’ Optical Center.

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How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

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How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

Scratched glasses can be an annoyance for glasses wearers, affecting the appearance and functionality of the frames. The only way to remove scratches from a glasses lens is to replace it. However, sometimes DIY methods are suggested online. The reality is that these methods are much more likely to cause further damage than to help repair scratched glasses.

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good. Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

Some DIY suggestions for removing scratches from glasses include everyday household items like toothpaste, baking soda and furniture polish. One of the significant issues with these fixes is that they all rely on the abrasive nature of the chemicals found in these items.

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly! If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so using this to remove scratches from your lenses could further scratch them. Baking soda can warp your lenses and erode lens coating, therefore worsening your vision. Using this material to remove scratches is risky, so we do not recommend it.

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

Similarly to baking soda, toothpaste is not recommended to remove scratches on glasses. The idea behind using toothpaste to improve scratched lenses is that the paste will wear down the coating enough to hide the scratches. However, this will only cause even more permanent scratches and will polish the scratches already on your glasses.

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

As aforementioned, any DIY suggestions, such as using polish to remove scratches, will only further damage the lens. Using wax is a method to try and fill in scratches, making it harder to see through them. Therefore, we do not recommend using wax or polish to remove scratches.

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

Unfortunately, going to an optician will get you no closer to removing scratches from prescription glasses. When a lens is damaged in such a way, the lens coating, as well as the damage to the lens itself, is permanent, and no amount of expertise will get you closer to a solution. The best option is to get your lenses replaced and then take the necessary precautions in the future.

How to replace lenses in glasses?

To replace the lenses of your glasses, you can visit SmartBuyGlasses and explore thousands of frames at affordable prices. You can also use our Virtual Try-On tool to try on the frames virtually and order them from the comfort of your own home. You can also visit your local optician, where they can replace the lenses in your original frame. Typically, optical stores can replace lenses if your frames are in good condition and the shape of the lenses is not complex, or you can purchase new glasses.

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

Even getting one scratch on your glasses lens can be annoying, so preventing doing so is crucial. Consider these steps for ongoing care and avoid future damage to your lenses:

 

– Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.

– Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

– Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.

– Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.

 

As enticing as the easy DIY methods may seem, there is no way to resolve this issue at home, and you run a real risk of damaging your scratched lenses even more. As outlined above, the only real and concrete solution is to replace your lenses and protect your glasses with all the necessary steps. Our in-house opticians are available online if you have any further questions about your scratched lenses.

Ask the Optician

ASK NOW

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

Scratched glasses can be an annoyance for glasses wearers, affecting the appearance and functionality of the frames. The only way to remove scratches from a glasses lens is to replace it. However, sometimes DIY methods are suggested online. The reality is that these methods are much more likely to cause further damage than to help repair scratched glasses.

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good. Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

Some DIY suggestions for removing scratches from glasses include everyday household items like toothpaste, baking soda and furniture polish. One of the significant issues with these fixes is that they all rely on the abrasive nature of the chemicals found in these items.

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly! If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so using this to remove scratches from your lenses could further scratch them. Baking soda can warp your lenses and erode lens coating, therefore worsening your vision. Using this material to remove scratches is risky, so we do not recommend it.

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

Similarly to baking soda, toothpaste is not recommended to remove scratches on glasses. The idea behind using toothpaste to improve scratched lenses is that the paste will wear down the coating enough to hide the scratches. However, this will only cause even more permanent scratches and will polish the scratches already on your glasses.

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

As aforementioned, any DIY suggestions, such as using polish to remove scratches, will only further damage the lens. Using wax is a method to try and fill in scratches, making it harder to see through them. Therefore, we do not recommend using wax or polish to remove scratches.

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

Unfortunately, going to an optician will get you no closer to removing scratches from prescription glasses. When a lens is damaged in such a way, the lens coating, as well as the damage to the lens itself, is permanent, and no amount of expertise will get you closer to a solution. The best option is to get your lenses replaced and then take the necessary precautions in the future.

How to replace lenses in glasses?

To replace the lenses of your glasses, you can visit SmartBuyGlasses and explore thousands of frames at affordable prices. You can also use our Virtual Try-On tool to try on the frames virtually and order them from the comfort of your own home. You can also visit your local optician, where they can replace the lenses in your original frame. Typically, optical stores can replace lenses if your frames are in good condition and the shape of the lenses is not complex, or you can purchase new glasses.

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

Even getting one scratch on your glasses lens can be annoying, so preventing doing so is crucial. Consider these steps for ongoing care and avoid future damage to your lenses:

 

– Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.

– Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

– Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.

– Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.

 

As enticing as the easy DIY methods may seem, there is no way to resolve this issue at home, and you run a real risk of damaging your scratched lenses even more. As outlined above, the only real and concrete solution is to replace your lenses and protect your glasses with all the necessary steps. Our in-house opticians are available online if you have any further questions about your scratched lenses.