Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Extended periods of contact lens use can irritate the eyes. Silicone hydrogel lenses' properties make them an attractive choice for people with dry eyes.

The development of contact lenses

Arguably the main preoccupation of contact lens developers over the years has been increasing oxygen permeability. If worn for an extended period of time, traditional contact lenses deprive the cornea of much-needed oxygen. Without adequate oxygen, the cornea dries out and can become inflamed, which is a condition known as keratitis.

This can cause itchiness and pain, and in more severe cases, can impair vision and lead to long-term damage such as scarring. In the quest to find a longer lasting, comfortable contact lens, the ability to improve oxygen permeability is crucial. Thus, silicone hydrogel contact lenses have been a game-changer for all contact lens wearers.

Silicone hydrogel

Soft contact lenses were first created in the 1960s, after the development of ‘hydrophilic gels’ or hydrogels.

Problems of keratitis became more widespread with the introduction of extended wear contact lenses in the 90s because more people were wearing contact lenses for longer periods of time. This resulted in many people getting infections.

The first silicone hydrogel contact lenses were introduced to the public in 1999. This amazing new technology allowed up to seven times more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional hydrogel lenses, meaning that for the first time extended wear contact lenses did not lead to an increased health risk.

Oxygen permeability

The higher permeability of silicone means that the oxygen permeability of silicone hydrogel lenses is not tied to the amount of water in the lens.

For the wearer, this means increased comfort, and the ability to wear the lenses continuously for an extended period of time. Studies have also shown that any infections that do occur tend to be less severe than with traditional Hydrogel lenses.

Contact lenses for dry eyes

Whilst they are not perfect, there is no denying that Silicon Hydrogel represents a major step forward in contact lens technology, and it is no coincidence that the market has been heading in this direction for some years now.

Whilst they may not be for everyone, almost any contact lens wearer is in a position to try them out, though we will always recommend that you consult your optician before switching your contact lenses.

People who stand to benefit the most from Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses are those who tend to wear their lenses for more than twelve hours a day, particularly if they spend a lot of time in low humidity environments (offices with air-conditioning is one example of this).

Patients with high prescriptions, or younger people who haven’t yet got the hang of their contact lens wear and maintenance routine, will also benefit, as will anyone who regularly experiences dryness, redness, or any other discomfort towards the end of a day wearing traditional contact lenses.

Silicone Hydrogel Contact lenses come in a variety of brands and different duration of wear. Many Silicone Hydrogel lenses have been approved for overnight wear for up to seven nights, and there are even pairs that can be worn for up to 30 nights continuously.

DID YOU KNOW?

Silicone hydrogel lenses cause less irritation than other types of contact lenses when worn for long periods.

How to choose the right contact lenses

What are the differences between daily and monthly contact lenses? Choosing the right contact lenses for your needs comes down to two main things, your prescription and lifestyle.

Daily contact lenses are typically thinner than monthly contact lenses and have high water content. 1 day silicone hydrogel contact lenses should for example be word for around 12 hours a day and then removed overnight to let the eyes rehydrate. Residue from the eye easily build up and affects the quality of the lens.

Therefore, daily contacts should be disposed of and not reused after wearing them. If you play sports or engage in outdoor activities, daily contact lenses may be the better option for you as the lenses are likely to be exposed to dirt and can be replaced daily.

Monthly lenses are thicker and durable, making them more long-lasting. They do not dry out as easily if properly taken care of and stored and can therefore be reused multiple times. Your vision correction needs is important when choosing contact prescription lenses.

Since monthly contact lenses are made with a harder composition, they are more suitable for prescriptions that require higher magnification.

If you have a complex prescription, monthly lenses are typically more suitable for you. If you have sensitive or dry eyes, silicone hydrogel contact lenses are a good option and together with your eye doctor you can discuss the perfect fit for your needs.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we stock a wide range of the leading brands of silicone hydrogel lenses, including Acuvue Oasys, PureVision 2 and Air Optix. Check out all the silicone hydrogel lenses available on our website here.

What to Do About Watery Eyes

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What to Do About Watery Eyes

Watery eyes are a common problem that can affect people of any age. depending on th ecause, there are various ways to treat this issue.

Causes of watery eyes

Watery eyes, also known as teary eyes or weeping eyes, is a common complaint for people of all ages. Watery eyes are especially common for infants, as their tear duct can be slow to fully develop and open. A tear duct is a small tube that allows your tears to drain from your eyes to your nose

Adults can also have problems with their tear duct, such as a blockage, which will result in itchy watery eyes. Other common causes of watery eyes include seasonal allergies, viral infections, foreign objects in the eye, some medications, aging, and even dry eyes.

Watery eyes treatment

Your watery eyes treatment will depend largely on the cause. While teary eyes are not uncommon, you should always speak with your eye care professional when you have doubts, especially if you experience excessive or prolonged tearing.

Foreign Object: If there is a foreign object in your eye, such as an ingrown eyelash, your doctor will remove it and that should solve your watery eye problem.

Bacterial Infection: In cases of a bacterial infection, such as pink eye, your doctor may prescribe you some form of antibiotics.

Blocked Tear Duct: If you have a blocked tear duct, your eye care professional may perform an outpatient procedure to help flush it out with a saline solution.

Seasonal Allergies: If you have watery eyes due to seasonal allergies, you might want to consider getting a pair of protective sunglasses while you are outdoors.

Dry Eyes: If your watery eyes are a symptom of dry eyes, you might be prescribed eye drops to help solve the dry eyes and eliminate the symptoms.

DID YOU KNOW?

Strangely enough, watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eyes! Some eye drops may be in order to ensure regular hydration levels.

How to put in eye drops

While the thought of putting in eye drops can scare some people, it is actually a rather simple process. When you are prescribed eye drops for watery eyes, your doctor should give you specific instructions on how to apply eye drops.

If you’re still now sure how to put in eye drops, you can follow these simple instructions, always keeping in mind that the instructions may vary depending on your specific condition.

Wash your hands: Whenever you do anything that involves close contact between your eyes and your hands, you should make sure your hands are clean of germs and bacteria to avoid infections.
Take out contact lenses: If you wear contacts you should always take them out before using eye drops unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to leave them in.
Tilt head back and look up: This is the first step to creating space between your lower eyelid and your eyeball, where the drops will go.
Pull lower eyelid down with one hand:This is the final step to creating a pocket where your eye drops will go.
Squeeze drops over eyelid pocket: You should have specific instructions on how many eye drops for watery eyes you should put in at one time.

Repeat these steps on the other eye only if instructed to do so. If you only have one watery eye, this may not be necessary.

After you put in eye drops for watery eyes

Always be sure that when you use eye drops for watery eyes, you do not touch the actual bottle to any part of your eye. The eyes are very delicate and doing so could risk scratching the cornea or spreading germs. When you’re learning how to use eye drops,

it is important to remember that once they have been applied, you should close your eyes, rather than blink. This will stop the eye drops for watery eyes from escaping before they have a chance to be effective. Lastly, you should wipe any unabsorbed drops with a tissue and wash your hands.

For better eye health, read about what foods can protect your eyes, or vitamins that are good for your eye health.

Vitamins for Eyes

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Vitamins for Eyes

Find out which vitamins and minerals play a role in maintaining good eye health.

Disclaimer: We at SmartBuyGlasses are not medical doctors. This article contains general advice. Always consult an eye doctor for personalised recommendations for your specific nutritional needs.

The eyes are not typically as closely associated with nutrition as other body parts, but should not be overlooked when considering what constitutes a good diet. We’re all well aware of the importance of diet as far as staying in shape is concerned, and you’ve probably heard about the properties of certain “brain foods.”

But how much do you know about the nutritional needs of your eyes?

Like other organs, the eyes can succumb to various diseases and conditions as we age. Unlike other tissues in the body, many of the cells in our eyes don’t grow back or repair themselves when they’re damaged.

This means you need to take proper care of your eyes while you’re young for the best chance of keeping them in good condition when you reach old age. Managing your nutrient intake effectively goes a long way to maintaining good eye health.

There is a range of vitamins and minerals that can help prevent the onset of certain diseases and allow your eyes to function as they are intended to. Read on to find out which ones you should be sure to include in your diet to keep your eyes strong and healthy.

What are the best vitamins for eye health?

The food we eat generally provides us with high proportions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which our bodies need in large amounts. These are known as macronutrients. Micronutrients, on the other hand, are the dietary components that are needed in smaller quantities.

There are 27 different types of micronutrients, and all are extremely important in the proper functioning of the human body. Studies by the National Eye Institute have found that certain vitamins and minerals can help prevent certain conditions from occurring, or worsening in cases where they already exist.

Here we will provide an overview of which ones are the most beneficial to eye health and which foods they can be found in.

Vitamin A (Beta carotene)

Vitamin A is one of the most essential vitamins for overall eye health as it aids with a number of different parts and functions. The eye needs vitamin A to see in low-light conditions, and a dietary deficiency of it can lead to night blindness, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The cornea, the eye’s outer protective layer, also requires vitamin A. A lack of vitamin A can inhibit the eyes from producing the normal amount of moisture to keep them lubricated. Vitamin A is found primarily in beta carotene, a type of plant pigment present in colourful fruits and vegetables.

The following foods are good sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A:

Orange and yellow vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins
Red pepper
Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli

The daily recommended dietary intake (RDA)of vitamin A is no more than 1.5mg. Too much vitamin A over an extended period could have adverse effects on bone health.

B vitamins

There are eight types of B vitamins, and research suggests that several of them promote eye health. Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, has been identified as having the potential to reduce the risk of getting cataracts, although the current research is not definitive. Vitamin B1 also reduces inflammation.

There is also research that suggests Vitamins B6 and B12 may help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration(AMD), a disease that causes vision loss and can lead to blindness. In addition, a deficiency in B vitamins poses a risk of problems with the optic nerve at the back of the eye.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is an antioxidant and can reduce oxidative stress in your eyes and other parts of your body. Scientists have noticed links between riboflavin deficiency and the occurrence of cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, indicating that riboflavin may help prevent this disease. 1.1-1.3mg of riboflavin per day is the recommended dietary dose.

Recent studies have found that vitamin B3, also called niacin, could play a role in preventing glsucoma. In the subjects observed during the research, there was a correlation between low niacin intake and the occurrence of glaucoma, but more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is also required to make collagen, the protein that gives the eye its structure. The results of several studies indicate that vitamin C may help lower the risk of developing cataracts.

Vitamin C is found in plenty of everyday foods, so it’s one of the easier ones to incorporate into your diet:

Citrus and tropical fruits like oranges, lemons, and pineapple
Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale
Bell peppers and broccoli

DID YOU KNOW

Vitamin C boosts your immune system, helping your body to fight off infections and heal wounds quickly.

Vitamin E

Like vitamin C, vitamin E also has antioxidizing properties, which are required to protect your body’s cells from harmful, unstable molecules called free radicals. Vitamin E may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and reduce the risk of it reaching the advanced stages.

Vitamin E can be found in the following foods:

Nuts, seeds, and cooking oils
Salmon
Avocado and leafy green vegetables

Zinc

Zinc plays a part in the formation of visual pigments in the retina. As such, a lack of zinc in the diet may contribute to the occurrence of night blindness. One study showed that zinc had positive results in slowing the progress of age-related macular degeneration in affected patients, although more research is necessary to verify this.

Zinc can be found in:

Oysters and shellfish
Meat
Pine nuts and cashews

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have a whole host of health benefits for the body, especially in relation to cardiovascular functions. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a particular type of omega-3, is present in the retina in large amounts. It is very important for healthy brain and eye development during infancy, so if you have young kids, ensure it’s in their diet.

Studies have shown signs that DHA, as well as another omega-3 called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), could aid in the production of tears, therefore benefitting sufferers of dry eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids may also help prevent diabetic retinopathy.

The following foods are sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

Oily fish such as tuna and sardines
Nuts and seeds
Plant oils like olive oil and canola oil

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, the same category that beta carotene falls into. They are present in the macula and the retina of the eye. As they are antioxidants, they may help to reduce oxidative damage to and pressure in the eye.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have been part of scientific studies, with results suggesting that they may help decrease the risk of developing both AMD and glaucoma. Lutein has also shown signs of helping improve vision in people with cataracts. Food sources of Lutein and zeaxanthin include:

Green leafy vegetables like kale, lettuce, and spinach
Egg yolks
Asparagus and broccoli

Can I get enough of these nutrients from food or do I need supplements?

In terms of both general health and eye health, it is always desirable for your nutritional needs to be met by whole foods alone. A balanced diet rich in all of these micronutrients, as well as the quantities and proportions of macronutrients necessary for the healthy functioning of the rest of the body, is the best way to go about it.

This is achievable, although it can take a lot of careful planning to cover all the bases. As outlined above, there are plenty of dietary sources of these vitamins and minerals, but if you are struggling to fit everything in, nutritional supplements are an option.

Before deciding to take any kind of supplement, speak with your doctor and follow their advice on the matter. If they tell you that it is safe for you to do so, there are a range of multivitamin options available that contain the vitamins and minerals listed here. There are also vision supplements designed specifically to promote eye health.

If you do go down the supplement route, always be conscious of expiration dates, and do your research on various manufacturers before settling on one. Organic supplements are preferable to non-organic ones. Once you’ve found one that seems suitable, double-check with your doctor and get their approval on it before you take it.

Good habits for eye health

Proper nutrition is just one way to take care of your eyes. There are many other simple measures that can play a role in maintaining good eye health and keeping problems at bay.

Prioritise good UV protection when choosing sunglasses to negate the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Get regular eye tests to ensure your vision is adequately corrected so that eye strain is minimal.

Stay active. Regular exercise does wonders for the body and reduces the risk of vision problems that are linked to obesity. Similarly, smoking is detrimental to your overall health and increases the risk of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Finally, practising good hygiene when it comes to using contact lenses is vital for eye health. Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and change the saline solution every time you use your lenses.

Keep your eyes healthy

Eyesight is something that most people take for granted, and it is sorely missed when it goes. In most cases, when your sight starts to deteriorate, the vision that you lose cannot be regained, so start doing what you can now to preserve your vision and eye health.

Looking after your diet and making an effort to follow the tips in the section above can go some way to keeping your eyes as healthy as possible for as long as possible. If you have any questions regarding eye health, ask one of our opticians today.

Reference list

Aimin Wang, Jing Han, Yunxia Jiang, Dongfeng Zhang (2014), Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis, National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25194611/

Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group (2001), A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8, National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11594942/

S E Hankinson, M J Stampfer, J M Seddon, G A Colditz, B Rosner, F E Speizer, W C Willett (1992), Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study, National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1392884/

William G Christen, Robert J Glynn, Emily Y Chew, Christine M Albert, Joann E Manson (2009), Folic acid, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin combination treatment and age-related macular degeneration in women: the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study, National Library of Medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19237716/

Rong Liu, Tian Wang, Bao Zhang, Li Qin, Changrui Wu, Qingshan Li, Le Ma (2014), Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration, National Library of Medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25515572/

Mark Y.Z Wong, Ryan E. K. Man, Eva K. Fenwick, Ling-Jun Li, Rob M. van Dam, Preeti Gupta, Mary F. Chong, Ecosse L. Lamoureux (2018), Dietary intake and diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review, National Library of Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5764236/

N W Solomons, R M Russell (1980), The interaction of vitamin A and zinc: implications for human nutrition, National Library of Medicine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6774607/

How to Choose The Best Lenses For Your Sunglasses

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Choosing The Best Lenses For Sunglasses

The key to getting the best sunglasses is finding the right set of lenses to go with them.

The key to a great pair of sunglasses is finding the right set of lenses to go with them. You want your sunglass lenses to fit properly, look great, and help correct any eye conditions you may have – but most importantly, you want them to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays.

There are three important factors to consider when choosing the lenses for your sunglasses: lens material, lens color and lens treatment.

Sunglass lens material

The first plastic sunglass lenses ever made were constructed from a plastic polymer called CR-39. Polycarbonate lenses were later introduced in the 80’s, and to this day, they are the most common material that sunglasses lenses are made of.

Polycarbonate lenses are very popular because they are significantly lighter than standard plastic lenses and also more impact resistant, so they are less likely to break if you encounter any knocks and bumps. As a choice of material, polycarbonate lenses are great if you are choosing sunglasses for kids, contemporary sunglasses or for sport activities.

High-index plastic is the latest and greatest type of material used for sunglass lenses. They are even lighter, thinner and flatter than polycarbonate lenses. In fact, if you have a very powerful prescription then you may find that high-index plastic is the best type of material to choose for your sunglasses lenses.

DID YOU KNOW?

High-index plastic is the latest and greatest type of material used for sunglasses lenses.

Sunglass lens colour

Most people believe that darker lenses offer better UV protection, but you may be surprised to discover that the color of the sunglass lenses has no relationship to the amount of protection you are getting.

This is because the coating which blocks UV rays is actually transparent, meaning that darker lenses do not necessarily offer the most UV protection.

However, the hue of your lenses still plays an important factor regarding visual performance. Some colors are more suited for certain activities, so it is still worth considering which lens color will be best for your sunglasses.

Generally speaking, darker sunglass lenses are a good choice if you are looking for lenses that will reduce glare but not distort color. These lenses will be great if you are likely to be wearing your sunglasses all day.

Green lenses are also good for all day use as they protect your eyes while providing visual clarity that most resembles natural human eyesight. Brown or amber tinted lenses have a red tint which is known to enhance color contrasts, so they are best suited for sports or activities where accurate depth perception is key, such as tennis, fishing, golf, and sailing.

Color enhancement does not only extend to full tinted lenses. Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, are also available. These photochromic lenses darken when directly exposed to UV light and become transparent when not exposed, which is extremely convenient if you will be moving frequently between indoors and outdoors.

Sunglass lens treatments

There is an endless list of lens treatments which you can apply to your sunglass lenses, such as anti-scratch, anti-glare, anti-reflective, a UV protective coating, a mirrored coating or even a polarized coating.

However when it comes down to it, if you are investing in a great pair of sunglasses that you want to last for a long time, then it is highly recommended that you should choose lenses which have at least the first four types of lens treatments.

An anti-scratch coating ensures that your sunglass lenses will avoid being scratched and ruined by surfaces like sand, the inner contents of your purse or your shirt sleeve (because you know they always end up being cleaned that way).

Anti-glare, anti-reflective and polarized lens coatings all enhance your visual quality and are great for activities where you will be under intense sunlight (i.e. exposure of more than 10 minutes) and need to reduce sun glare.

A UV protective coating is essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses should have this coating. Mirrored sunglasses lenses deflect light, but they are often chosen for aesthetic purposes so it advisable to choose lenses which also have an anti-glare, anti-reflective and anti-scratch lens treatment applied.

Can I Use My Contact Lens Prescription When Ordering Glasses?

Is there a Difference Between Contact Lens and Glasses Prescription

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Can I Use My Contact Lens Prescription When Ordering Glasses?

Discover the key differences between your glasses and contact lens prescriptions.

If your vision needs correction, you may be prescribed a glasses prescription or contact lens prescription. This decision is usually made between yourself and your optical dispenser depending on your preference and lifestyle needs.

Many eyeglass wearers and contact wearers wonder if it’s possible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription, or vice versa. Though they seem similar, they are actually quite different. Here’s why.

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 (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (your cornea or lens has a different shape than usual), and presbyopia (a refractive error that generally develops with age).

Since prescription glasses sit in front of your eyes, around 12 millimetres away, and contact lenses sit on the surface of the eye, you need two separate tests to determine each lens’ unique measurements.

This means that the parameters specified on your glasses prescription often differ from your contact lens prescription.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first contact lens was designed by Leonardo da Vinci in 1508.

How prescriptions for contacts and glasses differ

After your eye test, you will receive a prescription card specifying the measurements for your prescription lenses. Your glasses prescription and contact lens prescription will be provided separately.

Once you have these prescriptions, you can shop for your glasses or contact lenses online or in-store.

You’ll notice that the information provided on these prescriptions will be different, as they are not the same prescription. Contact lens prescriptions include certain specifications that are not on your glasses prescription, including:

Base Curve (BC): This measures the curvature of your lens and is based on your eye shape, measured in millimetres.
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.
Lens material: This includes the material of your contact lens, which can be either hydrogel or silicone.
Brand manufacturer: Including the name of the contact lens’ brand on your prescription helps with reordering in the future. The ‘brand’ section will specify the measurements and material.

Aside from these, there are other values you can find on a contact or glasses lens prescription.

For example, the power/sph (sphere) indicates the lens power, which can be found on both glasses and contact lens prescriptions.

On glasses prescriptions, you can also find the cylinder (Cyl) and the axis, which respectively indicate the strength of astigmatism and the orientation of the cylinder.

Your contact lens prescription may also include an axis and cylinder if it’s a lens for astigmatism correction or multifocal purposes.

Additionally, if you have multifocal lenses, an ‘ADD’ value will also be present as it’s needed to specify the additional positive power required for the eyes to focus.

Last but not least, the ‘prism’ section will be present in your glasses prescription if you struggle with diplopia (double vision) and need prism glasses.

Can you convert an eyeglasses prescription to a contact lens prescription?

No, it is impossible to convert a glasses prescription to a contact 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 contact lens prescription for glasses?

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 and speak to your eye doctor about your options for vision correction.

Are contact lenses or glasses better?

When choosing between contact lenses or glasses, we recommend you consider your lifestyle, comfort, and budget.

For example, eyeglasses require little cleaning and maintenance, as well as not having to physically touch your eyes which helps avoid the risk of eye infections.

However, contact lenses do not fog up, which is useful when playing sports or in certain weather conditions. That said, contact lenses can also be more expensive than glasses, and not everyone finds them comfortable.

Ultimately, we recommend trying glasses and contact lenses to see which suits your lifestyle best.

Where can I buy affordable glasses and contact lenses online?

You can find affordable glasses or contact lenses online or in-store at your local dispensing optician, as long as you have an up-to-date prescription.

You can use our online Lens Scanner 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 eye exam to ensure your prescription hasn’t changed.

You will need a separate eye test to determine your contact lens prescription, but you can generally get your contact lens exam performed at the same time as your eye exam so remember to ask for both if you’re unsure which you prefer.

And if you have any doubts about your prescription or the differences about contact lenses and glasses prescriptions, feel free to reach out to one of our certified dispensing opticians. They’ll be happy to help and give you advice.

You might also be wondering how long is an eye prescription good for. Eye prescriptions often expire in two years. Your optometrist should include the date of issue and expiration on your prescription.

We recommend always checking your country’s laws regarding eye prescriptions and contacting your dispensing optician for regular check-ups.

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EnChroma Glasses for the Colour Blind

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Colour Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses

By Emma Moletto

Reviewed by

Updated On Apr 23, 2023

Colour blindness is a type of vision deficiency which affects the way people perceive colours. There are different types of colour blindness and different options to correct it.

Did you know that humans are born completely colour-blind? Then by the age of 6 months, they should be able to see the full-colour spectrum. In some cases, though, this ability doesn’t fully develop due to genetics, resulting in colour blindness. This colour vision deficiency can also happen due to damage to the eye or brain.

Fortunately, colour vision technology has improved enormously in the past years. EnChroma colourblindness glasses are revolutionary in helping people see a larger spectrum of bright, crisp tints and shades.

Read on to learn more about colour blindness and how EnChroma glasses work. Please keep in mind that this article is purely informative, as we do not sell EnChroma or any other type of colour-blindness eyeglasses at SmartBuyGlasses.

What are the types of colour blindness?

White light is actually made up of the different colours of the rainbow. When it enters the eye, three different parts of the visible spectrum are recognised: blue, green and red.

These colours are picked up by colour-sensitive photoreceptors found within photopigments (pigments that react to light, contained in nerve cells in the retina). When these receptors do not function efficiently, a colour vision deficiency occurs.

Colourblindness includes:

Red-green colourblindness (deuteranomaly or deuteranopia)
Blue-yellow colourblindness (tritanomaly or tritanopia)
Complete colour blindness (monochromacy)

Red-green colour blinding is caused by being unable to differentiate between red and green colours. It is the most common type of colour blindness. Blue-yellow colour blindness is caused by the ability to distinguish between blue and white. In the worst cases, the various shades of a hue can be reduced by up to 90%.

To determine if you are colour-blind, take this quick and easy online test here. We recommend visiting a qualified eye care professional for more accurate results, especially for kids.

What are EnChroma glasses?

EnChroma glasses are lenses specifically engineered to help correct colour blindness. The colour-blind glasses allow them to see a broader spectrum of bright colours. This innovation has been proven to help 80% of people with a lack of colour perception.

They are made of an EnChroma lens technology with a patented light filter. This is applied incredibly carefully and primarily targets red-green vision deficiency, which is the most common kind.

It is worth noting that EnChroma lenses are not a cure for colour blindness. An eye exam from a professional optician is required to establish whether it is possible to have the condition treated.

Who are EnChroma glasses for?

Red-green colour deficiency is the most frequently found form of the condition. It affects just under 5% of the global population, representing about 350 million people. However, men are more likely to suffer from colour blindness than women.

It is estimated that around one in twelve men experience difficulties distinguishing red from green, compared to just one in 200 women. This is caused by how our genetics work, with the genes for colour blindness appearing on the X-chromosome. Consequently, the condition is passed on by women but rarely affects them.

As for colour blindness between blue and yellow, this is thought to affect a similar number of people worldwide as red-green colour blindness. However, rather than occurring at birth, this condition tends to worsen over time. As a result, the number of cases of blue-yellow blindness is increasing because of our ageing population.

Other types of colour blindness do exist, but they are so rare that they only impact 1 in 2000 people. Nevertheless, this can vary between different subpopulations.

As red-green colour blindness is experienced on the largest scale, this is what is targeted by EnChroma glasses.

DID YOU KNOW?

EnChroma glasses target mainly red-green colour deficiency, as it is the most frequently found form of color blindness. It affects just under 5% of the global population, representing about 350 million people.

How do colourblind glasses work?

The EnChroma lens was initially developed by a glass scientist in the early 2000s (National Institutes of Health, 2020). The technology was supposedly discovered by accident and has undergone intense clinical research for over a decade.

It works by filtering out light wavelengths at the exact spot where the colour receptors overlap. The two photoreceptors are changed to increase differentiation between colours along the line of confusion for that person’s eyes.

It is worth considering that less light is permitted to enter the eye as part of the process. As a consequence, it is not advisable to wear such lenses at night. Users are also warned not to wear them while driving for safety reasons.

Do EnChroma glasses really work?

EnChroma glasses* aim to support four out of five cases of red-green colour blindness. It cannot guarantee a 100% success rate because there are different levels of severity for colour blindness, ranging from mild to severe.

In strong cases, the colourblind person will achieve limited results from EnChroma glasses owing to their complete lack of colour vision. However, most people with red-green colour blindness will be able to see much brighter, vibrant colours while wearing the glasses.

Extra Features

EnChroma glasses don’t just solve colour blindness; they also offer other perks. One example is that they ensure 100% protection from the sun’s UV rays. In addition, the lenses are oleophobic and hydrophobic. This means that the surface repels dust, water and sweat, making them very easy to clean.

Colour-blind contact lenses

An excellent alternative to EnChroma glasses is wearing contact lenses. Some well-known brands are:

ColorMax, developed by Dr Thomas Azman. This brand’s colour correction system can be applied to both glasses and contacts.
Chroma-Gen, which the Brits invented. It offers contacts and glasses and claims to correct more than just red and green colour deficiencies, with 8 colour tints on offer. An extra benefit of ChromaGen is that the lenses can also support those with dyslexia, as the colour tints help clarify the words on the page.

Colour blindness possible solutions

Colour blindness is the inability of the eye to see the colours clearly. To correct this vision deficiency, there are a few options available.

EnChroma glasses* are one of the best solutions for people suffering from red-green colour blindness, but there are also great contact lenses available such as the ColorMax and Chroma-Gen ones. These all use innovative technology to help people see colours correctly.

Make sure to choose the best colourblind glasses or contact lenses only after adequate research and a consultation with your healthcare provider. You can also contact our online certified opticians for free advice on anything related to glasses and vision health.

*SmartBuyGlasses does not sell EnChroma glasses.

Reference list

National Institutes of Health. (2020, February 12). Accidental Discovery Leads to Glasses for the Color Blind. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://seed.nih.gov/portfolio/stories/EnChroma

How to Relieve Tired Eyes

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How to Relieve Tired Eyes

Just like in the rest of your body, the muscles in your eyes get tired when you use them a lot. Here are a few ways to relieve that feeling.

While heavy eyes could be a sign of overall body fatigue, the term “tired eyes” is usually another way of referring to eye strain. Eye strain occurs when the muscles in your eyes are overused and become tired.

While tired eyes do not cause any eye health damage, they can make everyday tasks more difficult to complete. Tired eyes might also be caused by outside conditions such as headaches or computer vision syndrome. Read on for more information surrounding eye fatigue symptoms, causes, and remedies.

Eyes feel heavy

Symptoms of tired eyes could include trouble focusing, irritated eyes, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, dry eyes, and a sore neck, shoulders, or back. One characteristic of eye strain might be the sensation that your eyes feel heavy. This can be a result of focusing your eyes for long periods of time, without properly resting them.

Tired eyes occur when the eye muscles have not had the opportunity to rest after intense or long periods of use. Some activities that might give you tired eyes could include driving, reading, and excessive screen time.

These activities all require you to visually focus on a task for an extended period of time, resulting in eye fatigue. While tired eyes are usually a result of eye muscle overuse, in some rare cases, heavy eyes could also be a sign of an underlying eye health problem.

Remedies for tired eyes

Solving eye fatigue is usually a matter of changing your daily habits. That is why there are plenty of at-home remedies for tired eyes that you can try. One way to get rid of tired eyes is to work on a task under proper lighting.

Poorly lit areas could result in tired eyes as the eye muscles have to work harder to see. Another way to avoid tired eyes is to take longer, more frequent breaks from visual focusing activities. This will allow your heavy eyes a chance to rest and recuperate.

Other ways to treat eye fatigue could include limiting your screen time and choosing the right eyewear for you. Wearing glasses for driving, reading, and using the computer is a great way to prevent tired eyes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Aside form letting your eyes rest, using the right glasses when reading, mdriving or looking at a screen can also reduce the strain on them.

Glasses for tired eyes

Driving Glasses: Do you get sleepy eyes when you drive? Focusing on the road for an extended period of time is likely to cause sleepy eyes. Driving sunglasses are designed to adjust to light, so your eyes don’t have to work as hard to see clearly.

Giving your eye muscles a break with driving glasses could prevent sleepy eyes while focusing on the road.

Blue Light Glasses: Blue light glasses are one way to avoid digital eye strain or tired eyes.

Our eyes are not designed to properly filter out blue light rays emitted by our LED screens, which is why a pair of computer glasses are beneficial. zFORT® is a transparent lens that uses blue light blocking technology to help prevent tired eyes as well as other vision and eye health problems.

At SmartBuyGlasses you can add zFORT® blue-blocking technology to any frames at checkout!

Reading Glasses: As you age, you may begin to have trouble focusing on objects up close. This is especially true when looking at small text, making it difficult to read. Reading glasses are a great way to correct this slight vision problem and prevent tired eyes.

Click here for more information about zFORT® blue blocking technology and find out how it could help prevent tired eyes as well as other health and vision problems.

What Are the Three Types of Eye Doctors?

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What Are the Three Types of Eye Doctors?

Learn about the different roles of ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians, and the services they offer.

SUMMARY

The three types of eye doctors are:

1. Ophthalmologists: Medical professionals specialised in eye and vision care. Their services include diagnosis, treatment of eye diseases and surgical procedures.

2. Optometrists: Doctors of Optometry who provide primary vision care, such as eye exams, sight tests and corrective lens prescriptions.

3. Opticians: Technicians trained to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions. They are not qualified to diagnose or treat eye conditions.

People tend to take their health for granted, and eye health is no exception. The general vision comfort and lack of eye pain that most of us enjoy on a daily basis isn’t given a second thought, until that situation changes. When it does, we become acutely aware that something isn’t right, but we can’t diagnose and treat it ourselves.

So who should you seek eye care from? An optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician? Are they all eye doctors? Are they all medical doctors? Choosing the right eye care professional plays an important role in maintaining your eye health.

There are actually just two main types of eye doctors: optometrists and ophthalmologists. Opticians can provide certain optical services but they are not healthcare professionals. If you are confused about the role of each one and what they can do to help, here is our guide explaining the key differences between them.

What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specialises in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are the most highly qualified eye care specialists and are licensed to practice medicine.

This enables them to diagnose and treat a wide range of vision disorders and eye health problems, and to perform eye surgery. To see an ophthalmologist, you need a referral from an optometrist or a GP.

DID YOU KNOW

Most ophthalmologists participate in academic research at some stage in their training, and many continue it throughout their careers.

Ophthalmologists generally complete 12-14 years of education, including medical school and additional medical training. They can specialise in a specific area, meaning they may have more in-depth training and knowledge on certain complex conditions and eye diseases.

Ophthalmologists provide the following services:

Vision services: performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and fitting eyeglasses to correct vision problems.
Diagnosing and prescribing medications to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
Performing eye surgery for trauma, cataracts
Plastic surgery relevant to the eyes, such as eyelid surgery
Implementing laser therapy

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is a doctor of optometry as opposed to a medical doctor. This is the main difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. After college, they complete an average of four years (this can vary from country to country) of optometry school rather than medical school.

They receive a doctor of optometry degree upon completion of their professional program. As they are licensed to practice optometry, their primary responsibility is to provide vision care services such as eye exams and vision tests, as well as to detect certain eye conditions and prescribe medications.

They are not trained or licensed to perform surgical procedures and will refer you to an ophthalmologist if surgery is required.

Optometrists provide the following services:

Primary vision care services: eye exams, sight testing, and routine eye care
Writing prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses
Fitting corrective lenses and other visual aids to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
Prescribing medications to treat eye conditions and some eye diseases
Providing post-surgical eye care and vision therapy

What is an optician?

Opticians, also called optical dispensers in some countries, are not eye doctors, so performing medical and surgical procedures is beyond their remit. An optician is a customer care representative in a vision care store or in an optometrist’s office. They sometimes also provide online assistance, as is the case with our ask the optician feature.

They are technicians trained to design, verify, and fit the frames and lenses of eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye conditions, give medications or perform surgeries to treat eye diseases.

Opticians provide the following services:

Fitting and dispensing corrective lenses for eyeglasses or contact lenses based on the prescription written by the optometrist/ophthalmologist
Selling, adjusting, and repairing eyeglasses and contact lenses
Providing information related to types of lenses and frames to help you decide which works best for you

Which type of eye doctor should I see?

The type of eye doctor you choose will depend largely on your condition and the type of eye care required. If your eyes are healthy and you do not need any prescription medications or surgical treatment, you can go to either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, as both can perform routine eye checks.

If you have common, minor eye problems such as dry eyes or eye infections, you can seek out medical treatment from an optometrist.

If your eye problems are more severe such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts, you need a highly trained and skilled eye specialist as they have the ability to monitor and treat your condition.

In these situations, an ophthalmologist is your ideal choice. The ophthalmologist may be required to perform surgery if needed to treat your eye disease. You’ll need a referral from your GP or optometrist should this be the case.

Last but not least, referrals are often a good idea when you are choosing an eye doctor. You can look for recommendations from friends and family to help you to find a competent eye specialist who you trust.

How often should I get an eye test?

Regular eye tests are key to maintaining healthy vision. Due to the nature of the eye and the processes of growth and aging, the recommended frequency of eye tests is not the same for every age group.

6 months – 5 years old: In the absence of signs of vision loss, a child should have their first eye test at 6 months old. They should then have another one between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. If you ever have concerns about your child’s vision, for example, if they often walk into things or are accident prone, seek to see a professional.
6-18 years old: Children and teenagers grow rapidly, which means that vision problems can develop suddenly. Annual eye tests ensure that any potential vision changes are detected and the cause treated as soon as possible.
19-64 years old: An eye test every two years is advised for people in this age bracket. More regular tests could be necessary depending on eye health and family medical history
.
65+ years old: Many eye problems can develop or worsen as we get older, sometimes as a result of other existing health conditions. Yearly eye tests are recommended for those over the age of 65, in order to monitor the progress or potential development of conditions like presbyopia, cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.
These are just general guidelines. You should always follow the advice of your eye doctor in relation to how often you need to get your eyes tested. People with different vision and eye health issues may require check-ups more frequently than what is outlined above.

Choosing the right eye care professional

Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians are all different types of eye care professionals, educated and trained to perform different functions. When you have a problem with your eyes or eyewear, try to evaluate the severity of the situation before deciding on the best course of action.

For example, ophthalmologists are the most highly qualified eye health professionals capable of providing the most complete eye care. As such, there could be a longer waiting list for an appointment with an ophthalmologist than an optometrist. But depending on the eye care you require, an optometrist may be able to provide the same service, possibly at an earlier date.

When your prescription is up to date, and your needs are strictly related to your eyewear, you can go to an optician. They can give advice and recommendations on which types of lenses and frames would work best for you, provide new eyewear, and repair or adjust your glasses.

At the same time, remember that an optician is not a medical doctor and therefore cannot diagnose or treat your eye disease. An optometrist can write prescriptions to treat certain conditions, but will not be able to provide surgical intervention if it’s needed.

Consulting the wrong person can be a waste of time for both you and the eye health professionals, and will only prolong and possibly exacerbate your problem. To ensure you get the necessary eye care as efficiently as possible, bookmark this article for quick access and check it whenever you have doubts about who you should see.

You can ask our opticians if you’re still unsure, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

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What is Macular Degeneration?

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Macular degeneration is a condition affecting a part of the eye called the macula. It can be hereditary, although there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing it.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition which usually happens to people in their 50’s and 60’s. Age-related macular degeneration causes deterioration of the central area of the retina of the eyes.

This area is known as the macula and it controls our visual acuity, ensuring our ability to read, see, drive and perform other visual tasks. Macular degeneration doesn’t cause complete blindness, but it can significantly reduce our ability to see and perform daily tasks which require us to see fine details.

Dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration

How long does it take to lose your vision with macular degeneration? It depends on the type of AMD you have. There are 2 types of AMD: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. You can gradually lose your vision over several years with dry AMD whereas with wet AMD, you can lose it very quickly in a matter of weeks or even days.

Dry macular degeneration is caused by an accumulation of a fatty substance known as drusen at the back of the eye around the macula area. Dry AMD is the early stage of the disease. Even though the visual loss is not as significant as that caused by wet AMD, dry AMD can get gradually worse over several years and can eventually become severe.
Wet macular degeneration is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eye. These vessels can leak blood and fluid into the macula. This damages the light-sensitive retinal cells, creating a central blind spot. In contrast to dry AMD, wet AMD can get worse much more quickly, sometimes in days or weeks. Wet AMD is a less common type of AMD and it can severely affect a person’s vision.

DID YOU KNOW?

Smoking increases your risk of developing AMD and a host of other eye conditions.

Age-related macular degeneration symptoms

Age-related macular degeneration is usually a slow and painless process of losing vision. It does not create any change in the appearance of the eye. Early signs of vision loss from AMD include a blurred and distorted area in your vision. Patients usually struggle to see the middle area of their field of vision.

People suffering from AMD usually see straight lines as being wavy or crooked, things look smaller than normal, colours seem less bright and they see things that aren’t there.

What causes macular degeneration?

The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown however, research has shown that a combination of different factors may increase your risk of suffering from age-related macular degeneration.

Ageing: All parts of the body change as we age so it is normal that your risk of AMD significantly increases when you turn 40. This is the most common reason why you could get AMD.
Smoking: If you smoke, you are more likely to develop AMD as smoking kills the cells of the retina, reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the eye and damages blood vessels.
High blood pressure: This can be another cause of macular degeneration.
Obesity: Obesity doubles the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Family history and genetics: Macular degeneration is more likely to be inherited from family members who suffer with the same disease.
Sedentary lifestyle: Research has shown that people who are more active reduce their risk of developing advanced AMD compared to those who are inactive.

Age-related macular degeneration treatments

Dry AMD: No treatment
Wet AMD: This can be treated with regular eye injections or photodynamic therapy.

How to prevent age-related macular degeneration?

AMD is usually linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. The following may help to reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration:

Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of AMD and makes it progress faster.
Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to provide your body with good nutrition and reduce the risk of AMD. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are thought to be important for eye health.
Exercise regularly: Exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and normal blood pressure.
Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and HEV radiation.

Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

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Eye Exercises to Improve Vision

Giving your eye muscles a workout can help improve your eye health. There are plenty of simple exercises you can do to keep them strong and decrease your risk of visual impairment as you age.

One effective way to decrease your chance of vision impairment with age is to exercise your eye muscles. Weak eye muscles could lead to poor vision later in life and that’s why incorporating eye exercises could be an easy way for you to keep your eye muscles strong and healthy.

When your eye muscles are strong, you increase your chance of good vision. By doing eye exercises you also decrease the risk of visual impairments as you and your eyes age.

What is vision therapy?

While vision therapy can include eye exercises, as a whole, it is a physical therapy treatment for your eyes put in place by eyecare specialists. Vision therapy can be used to strengthen the eye muscles or deal with certain visual impairments.

If your optometrist does not recommend vision therapy, there are still fast and simple eye exercises that you can implement yourself into your daily routine in order to improve your eye health.

What eye exercises are good for eye strain?

Activities such as excessive screen time or other tasks that require you to focus your eyes on an object for a long period of time can lead to eye strain. Eye strain happens in the muscle of the eye. By producing healthier eye muscles you could avoid the risk of eye strain in the future. One such eye exercise is so obvious that it might surprise you: blinking.

Blinking is one of the most important eye exercises to improve vision because it prevents you from getting dry eye, allowing your eye muscles to focus for longer periods of time.

Blinking eye exercise

While it’s true that blinking is supposed to be a natural occurrence, the introduction of digital screens into our daily lives can interfere with the optical frequency and cause us to blink less than we should. One way to perform a blinking eye exercise is to set a timer for a couple of minutes.

Blink every five seconds until the two minutes are up in order to complete this eye exercise to improve eyesight. Blinking is one easy eye exercise that you can practice each day to avoid eye strain and strengthen your eye muscles.

Why are lazy eye exercises important?

Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye”, is a condition where one eye has poorer vision than the other, typically caused by eye muscle underuse. Lazy eye exercises are especially helpful for Amblyopia patients as they can strengthen the weaker eye muscle that causes lazy eye.

Lazy eye exercises often include covering the healthier eye so that the brain is forced to process the weaker eye’s image. This trains the weaker eye to make up for the loss of vision in the healthier one and consequently the muscle becomes stronger.

DID YOU KNOW?

Blinking keps our eyes hydrated and is a natural reflex, but looking at digital screens makes us blink less than normal.

Focusing eye exercise

Eye exercises for lazy eye include working on puzzles or reading small print while wearing an eye patch on the stronger eye. Another quick and easy eye exercise is holding your finger out in front of you and focusing both eyes on it.

Slowly move your finger to the tip of your nose keeping it in focus. Stop when things become blurry. This eye exercise will train your eyes to work together to focus on an indicated point.

Yoga eye exercises

Did you know there is such a thing as yoga for the eyes? Most yoga eye exercises involve shifting your eye focus. Shifting your eye focus can help engage your eye muscles in needed activity in order to build their strength. One way to shift your focus is to practice eye rolling.

In order for eye rolling to be an effective eye exercise you have to start by sitting with your shoulders back and focus your eyes straight out in front of you. Begin by looking up towards the sky, then to the left, and finally down to the ground. Repeat on the other side. You should do this eye exercise ten times in a row, twice a day.

Eye exercises are a quick and simple way to strengthen your eye muscles and decrease your risk of visual impairment as you age. Just like the other muscles in your body, it is important to exercise your eyes every day to build their strength and improve your overall eye health.

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Choosing The Best Lenses For Sunglasses

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Colour Blindness Glasses: EnChroma Glasses

What are the types of colour blindness?

What are EnChroma glasses?

Who are EnChroma glasses for?

DID YOU KNOW?

How do colourblind glasses work?

Do EnChroma glasses really work?

Extra Features

Colour-blind contact lenses

Colour blindness possible solutions

Reference list

Ask our dispensing opticians

How to Relieve Tired Eyes

Eyes feel heavy

Remedies for tired eyes

DID YOU KNOW?

Glasses for tired eyes

Ask our dispensing opticians