What are blue light glasses?

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What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light explained |
Purpose |
Benefits |
When to use them
By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Aug 17, 2023
Discover how blue light affects our eyes and dive into how blue light glasses work.
Disclaimer: Blue light glasses are intended to benefit individuals who spend long hours in front of digital screens or are exposed to artificial blue light sources. However, it’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these benefits is still evolving, and individual experiences may vary.

Have you ever finished your gaming session or work day with tired and irritated eyes?

In today’s digital era, our lives are intricately intertwined with screens, from smartphones and laptops to tablets and e-readers.

As we navigate this digital landscape, we often overlook the potential implications of prolonged screen exposure on our eye health and overall well-being.

That’s where blue light-blocking glasses step in, offering a potential solution to the problems caused by blue light emitted from digital devices.

What is blue light?

Blue light refers to a specific range of electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum.

Blue light rays are at the high end of the visible light spectrum and have the shortest yet most powerful wavelength (380-460nm).

Blue light waves are the closest to invisible waves and ultraviolet rays, which are known to be the most dangerous of all light waves.

Because of its higher energy, blue light is more likely to scatter in the atmosphere, which is why the sky appears blue during the day.

So is blue light harmful?

It’s important to note that not all blue light is harmful. Blue light is present naturally in sunlight (largest source of blue light) and plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms.

The primary concern arises from excessive exposure to artificial sources of blue light, particularly from digital devices, LED lighting and energy-efficient light bulbs. 

Therefore, it is best to be safe and protect your eyes from blue light with a pair of blue light-blocking glasses.

The purpose of blue light glasses

The primary purpose of blue light-blocking glasses is to reduce digital eye strain and discomfort caused by digital devices (that emit blue light).

When we spend long hours in front of computers, smartphones, tablets or other electronic screens, we expose our eyes to higher levels of blue light than what they would naturally encounter from daylight.

Symptoms of digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome) may include eye fatigue, dry eye syndrome, blurry vision, headaches, discomfort in the neck and shoulders and difficulty falling asleep. 

Blue light-blocking glasses work by selectively blocking or filtering out a portion of the blue light spectrum, aiming to reduce these potential negative effects.

By wearing blue light-filtering glasses, some individuals report experiencing less eye strain and improved comfort while using a digital device for extended periods.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common symptoms of the negative effects of blue light are: eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

What are the benefits of blue light glasses?

Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to mitigate the potential negative effects of excessive blue light exposure from digital screens.

While the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is still evolving, many users who wear plano and prescription glasses with a blue light filter report experiencing some positive results.

Reduced eye strain

Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may cause symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and eye discomfort.

Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain by filtering out a portion of the blue light that contributes to these symptoms.

Improved sleep quality

Blue light exposure, especially during the evening or nighttime, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Wearing glasses that block blue light in the evening or using devices with blue light filters can help maintain the body’s natural circadian rhythms and improve sleep patterns.

Enhanced comfort

People often report feeling more comfortable when using a computer screen and other devices while wearing blue light glasses, as the glasses can help reduce the harsh glare and intensity of screens.

Potential retinal protection

Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to blue light, particularly high-energy blue-violet light, might contribute to retinal damage over time.

Blue light glasses with specific coatings may offer protection against potential long-term damage, although more research is needed to establish this and other benefits conclusively (Dawnie et al. 2019).

Minimised risk of macular degeneration

Some researchers believe that long-term exposure to blue light could be associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Zhao et al. 2018).

Wearing blue light glasses might help reduce this risk by limiting the amount of harmful blue light reaching the eyes, safeguarding your macular health.

When should you use blue light glasses?

Since blue-blocking glasses filter out possible harmful wavelengths of light, they are best worn in situations where you risk being exposed to too much blue light.

This includes almost all electronic devices with screens – so, whether you’re watching television, checking your phone or working at a computer, blue light-blocking glasses can prevent sleep issues and minimise your risk of eye strain, headaches and difficulty sleeping. 

We suggest wearing blue light-filtering glasses:

  • On extremely bright, sunny days
  • In front of a computer monitor (i.e. when playing video games)
  • When using your phone (especially at night)
  • When a migraine feels imminent

When having long sessions of extended screen time, it is strongly recommended to safeguard your visual performance by taking frequent breaks, wearing computer glasses and making sure the device is at least at arm’s length.

Are blue light glasses really necessary?

If you worry about the impact of blue light on your eyes and sleep patterns, you may consider trying a quality pair of blue light-blocking glasses, especially if you have a lifestyle that involves extensive screen use. 

As always, it’s a good idea to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

References

Downie, L. E., Keller, P. R., Busija, L., Lawrenson, J. G., & Hull, C. C. (2019), Blue‐light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(1), CD013244.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013244

Zhao, Z. C., Zhou, Y., Tan, G., & Li, J. (2018). Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. International journal of ophthalmology, 11(12), 1999–2003.
https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2018.12.20

How to Choose Glasses

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How to Choose Glasses

How to choose glasses: Some top tips | How to choose glasses based on face shape | How to choose reading glasses for computer | Try on glasses online

Deciding on a pair of glasses is harder than it seems, so we've put together some tips to help you make the best choice.

If you’re looking to buy some glasses, but just can’t seem to make your mind up, this guide is for you. We’ll be taking you through tips for how to choose glasses online, trying on glasses online and buying glasses online – all wrapped up in one little article!

How to choose glasses: Some top tips

  • Choose frames that contrast your face shape. The general rule of thumb for choosing what style of frames to go with is to choose the opposite of your face shape. For example, if you have a very angular or square face, then round frames are a good fit. If you have a round face, consider going with a pair of rectangular frames.
  • Choose frame size based on face shape. If you have an oval face, don’t use larger frames that will cover half of your face.
  • Choose frames that center your eyes. If your eyes appear too close to the inner corner of the frames, it will make you look cross-eyed. If your eyes appear too far towards the outside corners of the frames, then it will make the glasses look too small. If your eyes happen to be slightly narrow set, then you should avoid a pair of frames that are too wide.
  • Choose frames that fit your nose. Because you’ll be wearing your eyeglasses often, you’ll want to make sure that they are a comfortable fit. Avoid glasses that constantly slip down your nose, that leave red marks on your nose, or that cause your eyelashes to touch the lenses.
  • One way that you can tell if they will fit your face is by shaking your head. If the frames move as you shake your head, they are too big.

How to choose glasses based on face shape

We think that getting the right glasses for your face is the most important part of buying glasses online. If you’re still struggling with how to choose glasses, this face shape guide should really clear things up and get you started!

DID YOU KNOW?

There are four basic face shapes: square, round, oval and heart-shaped. You’l need to figure out which one you have in order to find some glasses that complement your features.

If you have a square face:

You have a well-defined face with a wide forehead, strong cheekbones, jawline and chin. Your most prominent feature is mostly likely your prominent jawline. Round glasses or thinner frames would be a great contrast to your strong features and be better suited to you.

All the curves can help soften your features and compliment your natural looks. We recommend round and oval frames, but aviators or pilot frames are worth a look too!

The best frames for square faces are:

Oval. Oval frames are the perfect accessory for pretty much any occasion. These frames give off a naturally stylish look with minimal effort required. Take it easy, and let these glasses do all the work for you. 

Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centred. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realise that being cool, calm and collected suits you.

Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.

If you have a round face:

The typical features of a round face are wide foreheads, full cheeks and rounded chins. Your face is normally nearly equal in length and width. We recommend glasses with strong details and angles to contrast your soft features.

By adding some contrast, your face can look thinner and longer. We recommend rectangular, butterfly and wayfarer frames.

The best frames for round faces are:

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

Butterfly. These are glasses for the experimental individual. With a cool fusion of round and geometric shapes, designs and silhouettes, our butterfly glasses range has unique frames for everyone.

Rectangle. These are the perfect frames for the quintessential gentleman or the professional woman. If you’re looking to revamp your look or simply make a bold statement, then shop our best looks and get your rectangle on!

If you have a oval face:

You have balanced features and high cheekbones, with a slightly narrower chin compared to your forehead. A lot of people consider this to be the most ideal face shape, with the most balanced proportions.

People with oval-shaped faces are really lucky as pretty much any pair of glasses will suit them! However, you should be careful with oversized glasses as they can detract from your naturally balanced features.

The best frames for oval faces are:

Cat Eye. If you appreciate old-school glamour, then cat-eye glasses are the shades for you. You love wearing your vintage coats in winter but would probably prefer the summer months to go on forever! You have a flair for drama and these glasses only enhance your classy vibe.

Round. No matter how big or small your round frames are, they look exactly how you’d imagine they would – chilled and centred. After choosing this frame, you’ll soon realise that being cool, calm and collected suits you.

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

If you have a heart face:

The typical complexion of a heart shaped face is a wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrow jaw and a well-defined chin. Your face resembles a heart shape since it is widest at the top and narrowest at the bottom.

The aim when choosing glasses for heart shaped faces is to help create the illusion of a smaller forehead and a broader chin. This can be achieved by choosing glasses that are wider than your forehead. We recommend Pilot/Aviator, wraparound and wayfarer frames.

The best frames for heart-shaped faces are:

Pilot. Aviator glasses will always be on-trend. They look best when worn during those warmer months and add a touch of cool to any outfit.

Wraparound. Generally known for their sporty and practical look, wraparounds are the perfect glasses to wear whenever your adventurous side emerges. Head off to distant shores or hike up a mountain in these sporty, protective glasses.

Wayfarer. They are simply iconic. The end. On a semi-serious note though, these glasses have become the most recognisable and most worn glasses of all time. It’s no exaggeration to say that these are a must-have pair for both men and women.

How to choose reading glasses for computer

Computer reading glasses are reading glasses with a blue light filter, or prescription computer glasses. Blue light readers improve both your vision and eye health while using a digital screen. With blue light reading glasses, you don’t have to choose between one pair of glasses or the other.

You can now read small print on the computer while also protecting your eyes from harmful blue light rays. There are over the-the-counter options for both computer glasses and reading glasses online, making blue light blocking reading glasses an accessible option for almost anyone.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we’ve got a huge selection of computer reading glasses with blue light blocking technology – we’ve found that they’re one of the best ways out there to protect your eyes from short-wavelength light (and look great doing it).

With affordable blue light glasses from SmartBuy Collection, to high-style frames from luxury brands like Tom Ford, our range really does have something for everyone.

Try on glasses online

Our groundbreaking Virtual Try-On tool is a giant leap for buying glasses online. This forward-thinking technology lets you see how our glasses look without even having to leave your home – perfect for a socially distanced try-before-you-buy!

Just find a pair of glasses you love and click the VTO button to model designer frames and more from home!

If you’ve found this guide and informative, don’t forget to check out our interesting and educational pieces from our Optical Centre. Of course, if this has got you in the mood for buying glasses online, head on over to SmartBuyGlasses and check out thousands of pairs from the world’s leading online eyewear destination.

Trivex vs Polycarbonate Lenses

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Trivex vs Polycarbonate Lenses

Should I get Trivex or polycarbonate? | What are polycarbonate lenses? | Do polycarbonate lenses block UV? | How to clean polycarbonate lenses | What are trivex lenses? | Are Trivex lenses worth it? How thick are trivex lenses? | Are Trivex lenses better than polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses have a ot of similar properties. In this article, we weigh up the differences between the two lens materials.

Even more than the frame or design, the lenses you choose have a big influence on how happy you are with your glasses.

When buying glasses, one of the most common mistakes people make is not giving enough thought to the lens materials, designs, and lens coatings. Your lens choice impacts your comfort, vision, and safety, as well as appearance.

Should I get trivex or polycarbonate?

Buying prescription glasses is a difficult task. With so many lens material options and coatings, it’s easy to become overwhelmed about which ones are best for you. This article will give you insight into different types of lenses and help you to choose the best lenses for your needs.

Trivex vs Polycarbonate: Let’s look at the difference between the two lens materials

What are polycarbonate lenses?

DID YOU KNOW?

You can rest assured that Trivex lenses are tough. Trivex was originally designed for military use, specifically in the windshields of helicopters and fighter jets!

Polycarbonate first appeared in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that companies first started to use it as an alternative to glass lenses.

Polycarbonate pellets are heated to their melting point and inserted into lens molds, while normal plastic lenses are manufactured using cast molding. This alternative production method strengthens and improves the impact resistance of polycarbonate.

Therefore, polycarbonate lenses are made of a more impact-resistant plastic than regular plastic lenses. This material lenses are also significantly thinner and lighter than glass lenses. These qualities make it the best material for kid’s glasses, sports glasses, and safety glasses.

There are both advantages and fallbacks of polycarbonate lenses that are important to consider. Polycarbonate is more scratch resistant than plastic, but less than trivex lenses. However, this can be mitigated if you apply a scratch-resistant coating to the lenses.

The abbe value of a lens material correlates to the quality of vision through the lens. Due to the fact that polycarbonate lenses have a low abbe value, certain people with higher prescriptions and high astigmatism frequently complain that the lenses have poor optical clarity, distortion, or disrupt their peripheral vision.

Do polycarbonate lenses block UV?

Polycarbonate lenses block nearly the entire UV spectrum, including UVA and UVB. UV radiation is absorbed by the material, which prevents it from passing through. It is so effective, that even a small layer of the material can effectively absorb UV rays. This shields the skin and eyes significantly better than any sun lotion could.

In addition, polycarbonate lenses transmit visible light, the part of the spectrum that allows us to perceive colour. Despite the fact that you may have to consider scratch-resistant coatings for polycarbonate lenses, an extra lens treatment for UV Protection is not required.

How to clean polycarbonate lenses

If you wear glasses, you know how aggravating it is to have dirt or grit on your lenses. In addition to being annoying, it can also cause eye strain and headaches.

Make sure to keep your lenses clean for optimal optical clarity, whatever lens option you opt for. When cleaning your polycarbonate lenses, you should always take care. Here are some great tips to take the best care of your lenses. 

Before rubbing your lenses, gently rinse them with warm water to remove any dust or debris that could scratch them. If you live somewhere with hard water, use distilled water instead of tap water.

A microfiber cloth is the safest and most effective way to clean your glasses without creating stains or damage. Don’t be tempted to use your sleeve or the edge of your shirt!

It’s preferable to use a glasses cleaning solution or spray safe for polycarbonate and lens coatings. You can alternatively use lotion-free dish soap.

Shake off any excess water droplets from your glasses. Dry them using an air canister to avoid streaks and watermarks.

Now that you know more about polycarbonate lenses, let’s take a look at trivex lenses.

What are trivex lenses?

Trivex is a type of durable, lightweight plastic that has hit the market in recent years. While polycarbonate has been the industry standard for safety glasses, sports goggles, and children’s glasses for many years, many optometrists now recommend trivex lenses as an alternative.

While trivex is comparable to polycarbonate, it has a few key differences. Trivex was initially designed for military use in helicopter and fighter aircraft windows. The material’s chemistry was tailored for use in optical lenses in 2002, making trivex lenses one of the most durable and desirable lenses on the market.

Are trivex lenses worth it?

To put it simply, trivex lenses are more comfortable than other plastic glasses lens materials, which is one of the most significant advantages. Trivex lenses are thinner than ordinary plastic lenses, with a 1.53 index.

They are also made from a lighter material than plastic lenses, so you won’t notice the weight of your lenses as you go about your day. Additionally, lightweight lenses are more comfortable and prevent the glasses from sliding down your nose or falling off your face.

Similar to a polycarbonate lens, trivex lenses provide full UV protection. UV protection is built into the material of trivex lenses, which means the protection will not degrade over time. The UV protection only degrades if it is applied to the lens through a coating, which is not the case with trivex lenses.

A lot of people wonder, “Does Trivex scratch easily?”. Although trivex is clearer and lighter than polycarbonate, it’s just as tough. Trivex lenses have strong impact resistance and robustness, which makes them durable and resistant to cracks and breaks. These characteristics are ideal for designs such as rimless glasses.

Trivex lenses have a higher Abbe value of 45, whereas polycarbonate lenses have an Abbe value of 30. This means that trivex will give you exceptionally clear vision thanks to their higher abbe value.

When you choose trivex lenses, you don’t have to compromise in terms of core features, but they may be more costly. Although they are more expensive than polycarbonate lenses, they are considered the ideal lens by many eye care specialists.

How thick are trivex lenses?

Unlike lenses made from standard plastic, which tend to be around 2mm thick, trivex lenses are around 1.2mm. Since polycarbonate has a greater refraction index than trivex (1.58 vs. 1.53), polycarbonate lenses are around 10% thinner. However, they are both excellent choices for thin lenses.

Are trivex lenses better than polycarbonate?

Finding the best lens material for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. You can use this guide to decide if polycarbonate is the right match for your lenses, or if you want to spend the extra money on trivex lenses.

While we do not currently stock polycarbonate or trivex lenses, you can find a range of excellent lens choices for prescription eyeglasses when purchasing online with us.

Still unsure and need more information to make your lens material choice? Our optician is always available to help!

What is hyperopia?

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What is Hyperopia?

What does hyperopia mean? | What does hyperopia look like? | What causes hyperopia, and what are the symptoms? | How to correct hyperopia | Conclusion

Hyperopia is better known as farsightedness. Learn all about the condition, its causes, symptoms and treatments in this article.

At any stage in life, you can develop refractive errors that blur or distort your eyesight. One of these eye conditions is farsightedness, otherwise known as hyperopia. So, what is hyperopia exactly? 

If your eyes find it hard to focus and you do not see nearby objects clearly, you likely have hyperopia. You can use prescription eyewear to comfortably correct hyperopia and regain clarity when reading a book or taking a photo. 

Let’s have a look at what it means to have hyperopia.

What does hyperopia mean?

Hyperopia is a common eye condition where you can see distant objects clearly but may find nearby objects blurry. In short, your eyes focus on distant objects better than on nearby ones. Sometimes, hyperopia is also referred to as hypermetropia.

So, are hyperopia and farsightedness the same? Yes, you can say hyperopia to refer to someone who is farsighted rather than nearsighted.

However, do not confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which causes blurry vision while looking at nearby objects. 

Presbyopia is the condition where nearby objects appear blurry, even with glasses. It usually develops around the age of 40 and progresses through the age of 60. To help with presbyopia,  people use reading glasses or eventually upgrade to more corrective multifocal lenses.

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 14 million people in the United States have hyperopia.

What does hyperopia look like?

See the image below to visualize  what it looks like to have hyperopia (farsightedness) compared to ‘normal’ vision:

This problem occurs when rays of light enter your eye and focus behind the retina rather than on it. A hyperopic patient’s eyeball is shorter than average. In fact, many children are born hyperopic but outgrow the condition as their eyeballs grow.

What causes hyperopia, and what are the symptoms?

Hyperopia stems from a refractive error that occurs when your cornea or lens isn’t evenly curved. This leads to improper refraction of light rays.

Causes of hyperopia

Your eye has two parts that focus on images.

  1. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue that forms the front of the eye. It acts as a window and allows light to enter the eye. It helps your eye process light rays to allow you to see words and images.
  2. The lens is a transparent and flexible tissue found directly behind the iris and pupil. It helps focus light and images on your retina.

In an eye without refractive error, these eye parts have flawlessly smooth curvatures. All incoming light is refracted (or bent) by the cornea and lens, which creates a tightly focused image on the retina at the rear of the eye.

Light rays aren’t correctly refracted if your cornea or lens isn’t bent evenly, which results in a refractive error. When your eye is shorter or your cornea is not curved enough, it creates hazy near vision, which is known as hyperopia or farsightedness.

For example, astigmatism is a refractive error that happens when your cornea or lens is bent more sharply in one direction. When left unchecked, this causes blurry vision.

Symptoms of hyperopia 

The initial signs of farsightedness are:

  • Nearby objects may appear blurry
  • Difficulty concentrating or focusing on nearby objects, which may cause squinting
  • Eye strain or fatigue when working on something in close range. You may also feel burning eyes and aching around the eyes

When to see a doctor

Adults

Getting an eye exam every year, from the age of 40, can help prevent or determine the risk of eye conditions such as glaucoma.

If you don’t wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, and are at low risk of eye diseases or present no eye troubles, then you should still consider routine eye tests.

In general,  you should follow this exam schedule:

  • An initial exam at the age of 40
  • Between 40-54, every 2-4 years
  • Between 55-64, every 1-3 years
  • 65 onwards, every 1-2 years

If you have eye-related health conditions like diabetes or wear glasses regularly, then consult your optician or eye doctor for regular appointments.

Children

Ideally, children should be screened for eye diseases or vision correction by a pediatrician, optometrist, or trained screener with the following schedule:

  1. Starting at 6 months
  2. An eye test at 3 years
  3. Before 1st grade and every 2 years during school years

If hyperopia isn’t treated, some children may face problems such as the lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), development delays, and learning difficulties.

How to correct hyperopia

There are three main corrections to help with hyperopia:

  1. Prescription glasses
  2. Contact lenses
  3. LASIK surgery

Typically, you only need to wear prescription eyeglasses for activities with close-up objects such as reading a book or using the computer. Farsightedness prescriptions are indicated with a plus sign before the corrective value.

High-index aspheric lenses are an excellent option for stronger prescriptions. They can reduce thickness in the center of the lens, which is typical for higher hyperopic prescriptions. This will make the lenses more appealing and lighter.

For the most comfortable, clear vision, we recommend opting for high-performance Arise HD Clarity lenses. For children, we recommend polycarbonate lenses that are highly durable, lightweight, and impact resistant.

Refractive surgeries such as Lasik help correct hyperopia and reduce or eliminate the need to wear prescription eyeglasses. The surgery may implicate certain side effects, so always consult an eye doctor first.

Conclusion

If you find it difficult to see up close but the objects in the distance are crystal clear, then you may have hyperopia (farsightedness).

An activity as simple as reading a book might be difficult, as your vision finds it hard to focus on the words right in front of you. Untreated hyperopia can cause eye strain, headaches,  and eye conditions such as strabismus.

Luckily, you can easily use Prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct farsightedness with any low or high prescription. For a more permanent solution, you can also consider LASIK surgery after a consultation with your eye doctor.

At SmartyBuyGlasses, you can find a range of prescription glasses and contact lenses that can meet any prescription, from single vision to progressive lenses. We are here to help you correct hyperopia through quality eyeglasses and sunglasses with endless styles and colours.

Parts of Glasses: All You Need to Know

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Parts Of Glasses: All You Need To Know

What are the parts of glasses called? | Frame | Rim | Bridge | Top bar or brow bar or sweat bar | Nose pads | Pad arms | End pieces | Hinges | Screws | Temples or arms

How many of the 11 different parts that makeup glasses can you name? By the end of this article, you'll know them all.

Did you know that glasses are not just lenses and frames? Many other subparts make up the structure of spectacles, and they all have a name and a specific function.

Vision is an aspect of our life that we often take for granted. For many of us, it’s only when we are told that we require vision correction that we realize how much vision improves our quality of life every day.

Seeing that they are such fragile objects, we need to know the parts of eyeglasses so that if ever the need be, we are empowered to explain our requirements to an optical professional, or we can look for replacement glasses parts by ourselves at a store.

What are the parts of glasses called?

Essentially, any pair of eyeglasses has three parts: the front of the frame and the two arms,  known as temples. Each of these has its subparts depending on the design and materials used. The subparts are all indicated in the labeled picture here and then explained in the list below.

DID YOU KNOW?

Half rim andrimless glasses often have a nylon rope that holds thelenses in place.

  • Frame

By frame, it’s meant everything that surrounds the lenses. It is the structure of the glasses. Frames can be made of many materials, such as plastic, acetate, metal, wood, and other eco-friendly materials. They can also have different shapes and features, and they have many separate parts with specific names.

  • Rim

Glasses can have full-rim, semi-rim, or rimless frames. The rim is the front part of the frame, which holds the lenses. It is the part of the glasses that gives them their characteristic style.

  • Bridge

It bridges the two lenses over your nose and holds most of the weight of your glasses. It’s a determining factor for how well the glasses will fit your face. Indeed, bridges vary by style to suit different face shapes.

  • Top bar or brow bar or sweat bar

Some glasses have a top bar placed just above the bridge between the lenses. Its purpose is either to make the frame more sturdy or to add a fashion detail. For example, most pilot models have a top bar. This piece can also be known as a double bridge.

  • Nose pads

These refer to the small oval pads that rest on your nose for a perfect fit and to prevent the glasses from slipping down. Nose pads can be set up in two ways:

Full-rim nose pads: in this case, the nose pads are sculpted as part of the frame front. They’re polished to not be rough on your nose. Acetate or Plastic frames most often have sculpted nose pads which are a part of the frame front.

Push-in nose pads: in this case, the nose pads are attached to the rim. They are usually made of soft clear plastic. The bigger the pad, the more visible it is, and the lesser it is likely to “dig” into the skin. Metal frames have small bars that hold soft plastic nose pads that are adjustable. You can opt for adjustable nose pads for the best comfort.

  • Pad arms

These small pieces (“arms”) attach the nose pads to the rim. They can be adjustable so you can find the best fit, and they are mainly built on metal frames.

  • End pieces

The end pieces are found at the top outer corners of the rim. They connect the hinges to the temples and can be decorated to insert fashion details into the frame.

  • Hinges

The hinges are the metal joints of your glasses, held together by screws or sometimes by intricate metal joins. They connect the end pieces (or frame front, as not all frames have end pieces) to the temples. Thanks to the hinges, you can easily fold and move the temples. There’s a variety of hinges available which are secured in different ways, such as spring hinges.

  • Screws

The screws are the parts of glasses that are easier to replace if broken or lost. They hold together the two halves of a hinge and can be tightened or loosened with a little screwdriver. Most glasses repair kits include screws and a screwdriver specifically made for them.

  • Temples or arms

Temples are the “arms” of your frames and are located on the sides of your head, sitting on your ears. Their core function is to keep your glasses secure as you go through the day wearing them. Temples can be of the following types:

Paddle or blade or straight temple: it’s a temple without a bend to it and is, therefore, completely straight.

Curl sides: also known as cable temples and typically found in metal frames, the part of the temple close to the ear curls at the ends for a comfortable fit.

Drop or hockey end or swan neck: it is the most common design found in modern eyeglass frames. These frames bend downward to create a secure fit behind your ears.

  • Temple tips

The temple tips are placed at the end of the temples. They are made from a different and more comfortable material because they aim to protect the skin behind your ear from irritation.

  • Lenses

Lenses are the most crucial part of your prescription glasses. They’re chosen according to the prescription details from your optometrist for correcting your vision problems (like astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia).

Lenses can be made of various materials and then customized with many different coatings, such as anti-scratch, anti-fog, and anti-glare, and add-ons like transitions, polarization,  zFORT® blue block, tinting, and mirror.

According to your prescription and needs, your optician will point you in the right direction regarding which lenses to choose.

5 Advantages of Titanium Frames

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5 Advantages Of Titanium Frames

1. Durability | 2. Lightweight | 3. Flexiblility | 4. Corrosion Resistant | 5. Hypoallergenic

Titanium has a lot of properties that make it a great, long-lasting choice of material for glasses frames.

Titanium is a transition metal that is often used in the production of eyeglass frames. Titanium metal is high strength and low density. While titanium frames can cost more than some materials like plastic, wood or other metals, there are some clear advantages that can make it worth the investment.

Before purchasing your next pair of glasses, read about these 5 advantages of having titanium eyeglass frames:

1. Durability

Titanium metal is extremely strong and that’s what makes titanium frames last longer than others. Titanium eyeglasses frames can survive more than just the average wear and tear, which means your investment could be saving you money in the long run.

If you’re somebody that is typically rougher with your glasses than others, you should consider titanium glasses frames.

DID YOU KNOW?

Titanium is also well-suited to hip replacements and tooth implants!

2. Lightweight

While titanium metal is very strong, you wouldn’t know it just by feeling them. This is because titanium metal is low density, giving titanium glasses frames their lightweight quality. This feature also makes titanium glasses a good option for anyone with higher prescriptions. 

3. Flexiblility

Another misleading feature of titanium frames is their flexibility. Titanium metal has a certain amount of bend and flexibility that most metals do not.

This flexibility might make the titanium frames seem fragile, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Their flexible quality, on the contrary, is what makes titanium glasses more suited for everyday wear-and-tear. 

4. Corrosion Resistant

While many people prefer metal frames to plastic, metal has a rusting quality over time, especially when in contact with water. Titanium metal, on the other hand, is rust-resistant. With titanium glasses, you won’t have to worry about moisture corroding your frames.

5. Hypoallergenic

If you have sensitive skin or are bothered by most eyeglass frame materials, then titanium glasses are definitely the right choice for you. Titanium is hypoallergenic meaning it will not cause you any negative skin reactions. Titanium frames are often the preferred option for anyone who has sensitive skin.

You can read about titanium rimless glasses or click here for information about the right lens materials for you. Interested in purchasing titanium frames? Shop the best range of titanium glasses frames here.

Do Computer Glasses Work?

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Do Computer Glasses Work?

What are computer glasses? | How do they work? | What is CVS? | What is blue light? | Computer glasses vs. blue light glasses | Do you need a prescription? | Are they worth it?

With more time being spent behind digital screens, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to computer glasses.

We are spending more time than ever in front of digital screens, and this amount will likely continue to increase. We have all been there, staring, or possibly squinting, at a phone or computer screen for long hours. Our necks are aching and our eyes burning, but the work must be done! 

Don’t freight! Thanks to evolving lens technology, opticians are working hard to ensure our eyes can keep up with the digital changes we are facing. You’ve likely heard of computer glasses and their benefits, but do they work?

What are computer glasses?

Computer glasses are designed to ease digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome (CVS) caused by prolonged screen use. There are several varieties of computer glasses, including anti-glare lenses, blue light filters, and computer progressive lenses. 

Designed to help you work on devices without worrying about eye strain or headaches, computer glasses can be an excellent solution for those who suffer from common symptoms.  

How do computer glasses work?

Computer glasses are designed to reduce eye strain caused by spending too much time in front of our digital devices. There are several types of computer glasses and they all work differently.

  • Anti-glare coatings help to reduce the glare given off by our devices. Fewer reflections and glare allow more light to enter the eye, giving you clearer vision. 
  • Blue light filters minimize blue light exposure and the amount of it entering the eye. 
  • Computer progressive lenses optimize your vision to see clearly from computer distance. They differ from standard progressive lenses as they are only made to provide intermediate and near vision correction.
DID YOU KNOW?
Computer glasses may be an effective way to protect our eyes and reduce digital eye strain.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain, is a temporary vision condition caused by staring at a screen for long periods. The most common symptoms include eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck or shoulder pain. If your symptoms do not improve and your eye strain worsens, or you notice changes in your vision, it is crucial to visit your optometrist.

In addition to wearing computer glasses, additional tips to reduce symptoms and protect your eyes include:

  • Taking breaks from viewing devices
  • Blinking more
  • Increasing the font size on your device
  • Positioning your screens correctly
  • Doing  eye exercises, like the 20/20/20 rule

The 20/20/20 rule includes taking a break every 20 minutes and looking 20 meters away for 20 seconds to help the eye muscles relax.

What is blue light?

Blue light, also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, is a colour in the visible light spectrum that human eyes can see. 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).

The wavelength of visible light is between 380-780 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.

What is the difference between computer glasses and blue light glasses?

Blue light-blocking glasses are considered a type of computer glasses. Blue light glasses are only designed to block out and reduce the possible harm of extended blue light exposure. They have lenses with a special lens add-on or tinted glass designed to reflect or block blue light from reaching your eyes. 

Generally, the best computer glasses will feature some kind of blue light filter. Depending on the wearer’s use and needs, they may include an anti-glare coating or progressive or prescription lens.

Do you need a prescription for computer glasses?

Most computer glasses do not require a prescription if they only feature anti-reflective coatings or blue light filters. If you require computer reading glasses or computer progressive lenses, you will need an eye exam and up-to-date prescription from your optometrist.

Regular eyeglasses and computer glasses are different. As mentioned, computer glasses are only designed to reduce and relieve digital eye strain. They may have an anti-reflective coating, filter blue light, or include progressive lenses designed for computer use.

For those who wear glasses, SmartBuyGlasses offers the option to add blue light-blocking tints or anti-glare coatings directly to your prescription lenses, giving you both clear vision and the benefits of computer glasses.

Are computer glasses worth it?

While computer glasses effectively reduce the amount of harmful blue light and reflections that enter the eyes, there is no research to suggest that they can improve or protect your eye health.

But, if you spend a lot of time on your computer or smartphone, they are a great aid in reducing glare and digital eye strain.

Should I be using computer glasses?

Computer glasses, including blue light glasses, anti-glare coatings, or computer progressive or reading glasses, may help to reduce digital eye strain. If you’re experiencing eye strain, it may benefit you to invest in a pair. 

Eye health should always be a priority. If you want to learn more about computer glasses or have any questions, head to our Optical Center to speak with one of our in-house opticians.

Digital Eye Strain

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How to Recognize and Prevent Digital Eye Strain

What is it? | Causes | Symptoms | Treatments | Prevention

Digital eye strain is a common issue caused by using digital screens. Learn more about what it is and how to prevent it.

There’s no denying that our world is shifting to even more screen time with our access to TV, computers, and phones. As we now spend an average of 8 hours a day looking at digital screens, it’s time to focus on taking care of our eye health. Unfortunately, there is no avoiding this issue, but there are things we can do to prevent eye strain. 

We must take our eye health seriously, just like we do for our physical and mental health. If you’re worried about your vision or someone close to you, keep reading to learn more about digital eye strain, its symptoms, and ways to avoid it.

What is digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, is an unfortunate eye and vision-related problem caused by prolonged computer use (American Optometric Association 2022). Over the last few decades, these issues have become more common, with 2 out of 3 people reporting symptoms (Chu, A 2023). 

If you use a computer or digital screen for extended periods, you most likely suffer from symptoms whether you realize it or not. Computer Vision Syndrome is common in children and adults and can lead to severe effects if left untreated. 

What does a strained eye feel like?

When you suffer from strained eyes, they may feel sore, achy, or tired. You may experience light sensitivity and discomfort when moving your eyes or focusing on everyday objects. In severe cases, you might even experience headaches or blurred vision.

What causes digital eye strain?

Digital eye strain can be caused by concentrating on reading text on a computer screen or digital device, which causes more strain than reading a book. Other causes of digital eye strain include:

  • Screen glare
  • Inadequate lighting 
  • Poor posture while using a digital device
  • Using a digital device too close or far from your eyes
  • Uncorrected/detected eye-vision problems
  • Less frequent blinking than usual when using a digital device
  • Extended exposure to blue light emitted from digital screens 
  • Infrequent breaks from your digital devices

Unfortunately, what causes digital eye strain is not just one factor but a combination of them all. It’s important to be aware of all the factors to ensure you adjust each one that applies to you. 

What causes eye strain in one eye?

It’s not uncommon to feel the symptoms of eye strain in just one eye rather than both. This can be caused by a variety of factors, like a change in your glasses prescription or an eye injury. Of course, looking at digital screens, reading in low light, or performing tasks that require intense focus can all contribute to eye strain in one eye. 

Other factors such as allergies, dry eyes, or eye infections can also cause a feeling of eye strain in just one eye. It’s important to identify the underlying cause of eye strain to prevent further discomfort and protect your vision.

Digital eye strain symptoms

Computer Vision Syndrome and digital eye strain can be highly uncomfortable, resulting in painful physical symptoms like eye fatigue, blurred or double vision, neck and shoulder pain, and more.

Much like the causes of digital eye strain, the symptoms you feel may be a combination of a few or all of them in worst-case scenarios. If symptoms aren’t treated, you may also suffer from extreme digital eye strain that can cause vertigo, nausea, and twitching of facial muscles like the area around your eyes.

Digital eye strain treatments

Small changes in your everyday behaviors and environment are generally enough to treat digital eye strain. But if you are frequently suffering, you may need to combine a mix of different treatments and implement them in your daily activities.

1. Update your prescription glasses

As our eyes and vision needs can continuously change over time, it’s essential to make sure you are updating your glasses or contact lenses and having yearly eye checks. Up-to-date contact lens prescription and lenses may be required to match your vision needs for computer viewing.

You can also customize your corrective lenses to include coatings that improve your eyesight and comfort.

DID YOU KNOW?

2 out of 3 people suffer from painful symptoms of digital eye strain, which can be prevented with small, easy changes to your everyday routine and computer setup.

2. Rest your eyes with the 20-20-20 rule

Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a well-deserved rest. The 20-20-20 rule is an easy exercise that you can implement everywhere. Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a 20-second rest by focusing on something 20 feet away. Repeating this throughout the day will help with eye fatigue and soreness.

3. Make sure your posture and computer position is correct

If your job is computer-based or you study online, ensure you have the ideal posture and computer position to reduce your Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms. Your screen should be 4-5 inches below your eyesight and 20-28 inches away from your eyes. Sitting upright with a well-supported back is vital. Add a footrest to support your feet and back to increase comfort.

4. Ensure your lighting works for you

Poor lighting, brightness, and harsh glare from direct sunlight can affect what you see on your screen. Try to relocate your monitor, close your curtains or shades to fix these issues, and experiment with your screen settings. Increasing your font size and adjusting your screen to the warmer end of the colour spectrum can help alleviate the effects of eye strain.

5. Try some blue light blocking lenses

Add blue light blocking lenses to your prescription glasses to stay protected from the harmful blue light rays emitted from your screen. These lenses can be added to any glasses easily and will help reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by digital devices.

How long does eye strain take to heal?

Depending on the severity of your eye strain and the cause, you can recover within a few minutes to a few days. It’s important to remember that your digital eye strain won’t heal unless you are taking active steps to relieve your symptoms. 

Who is at risk of getting digital eye strain?

No matter your age, you’re at risk if you have access to screens. Anyone looking at their computer, phone, or TV for two or more hours in a row can be at risk of developing painful symptoms. Of course, anyone who works, studies or spends prolonged time on digital screens can be at a higher risk than others.

How to prevent digital eye strain?

Now that you know what causes digital eye strain and how to treat your screen fatigue at home, you should be able to adjust your regular habits to reduce strain and avoid severe symptoms. If you feel your computer screen is the biggest trigger, consider looking into computer glasses that could also prevent painful cases of eye strain.

Ensure you get a regular eye exam from your eye doctor so you can stay on top of any underlining eye issues and keep your overall eye health in check.

Reference list

National Center for Health Research. (2023). Digital screens can cause eye strain for children and adults. Are blue light glasses the solution?. National Center for Health Research. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.center4research.org/digital-screens-eye-strain-blue-light-glasses/

American Optometric Association. (2022). Computer vision syndrome. American Optometric Association. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from  https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome

How Do Glasses Work?

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How Do Glasses Work?

How do glasses correct vision? | What types of glasses are there? | How do prism glasses work? | How do progressive glasses work?

You might wear them every day, but do you know how your glasses actually work? Wonder no more.

Prescription glasses are an everyday necessity for over 60% of our population. The history of these seemingly simple objects is hazy. Some say the earliest pairs of glasses were founded in the 13th century in Italy. Some say that an English Friar designed them. Nonetheless, prescription glasses are an everyday staple that have come a long way in design, trends, and comfort. But what are prescription glasses, and what do glasses do to correct our vision?

How do glasses correct vision?

Prescription glasses work by bending the light as it enters your eye. This allows your eyes to focus light on the correct spot of your retina. The retina is a layer of cells in the rear of the eye that reacts to light.

This reaction gets sent to the brain, which converts the cell’s actions into pictures. Put simply, glasses work by bending light through the curved lenses and, with the right prescription, manipulate it to reach the correct spot on your retina. The result is a clear, crisp image.

DID YOU KNOW?

Although the exact origin and date of invention is unknown, there are indications that glasses were invented in Italy in the 13th century.

What types of glasses are there?

Of course, not everyone has the same eyesight issues. Depending on your prescription, you need lenses tailored to your specific needs. Images you see don’t focus on the right place of the retina when you have nearsightedness or farsightedness. Nearsightedness causes the image to focus at the front of the retina. Whereas farsightedness causes the image to focus behind the retina.

Other issues, such as astigmatism, occur when the cornea is unevenly shaped, which bends light in different directions. Another common issue is presbyopia which is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. When getting an eye exam, you’ll learn exactly which type of glasses you need to fit your prescription. But how do glasses differ from each other to correct your vision?

How do prism glasses work?

If you suffer from double vision, prism glasses help align your eyes, allowing you to perceive only one clear picture. The prism in your spectacles bends the light before it reaches your eye. The light is then diverted to the correct location on each eye’s retina. In effect, your brain combines the two pictures to form a single, distinct image.

How do progressive glasses work?

Three prescriptions are combined into one pair of progressive glasses, which help with presbyopia. You can conduct close-up work (like reading a book), middle-distance work (like browsing a website on a computer), and distant viewing (like driving) without changing your glasses. To focus on the different sections of the lens, you simply adjust your head position.

Prism and progressive lenses aren’t the only prescription glasses type. If you want to learn more about how glasses work and the different prescription lenses offered, check out our Optical Center. Glasses can be a complex topic, and understanding the exact science can take a lot of reading. But by now, you should know the basics of how glasses work and feel more confident when buying your next pair.

For all your prescription glasses needs, shop from our range of designer and affordable glasses. For any questions you might still have, our opticians are ready and available to help with just a few clicks.

Everything You Need to Know About What Causes Bloodshot Eyes

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What Causes Bloodshot Eyes

What do bloodshot eyes look like? | What causes bloodshot eyes? | How to get rid of bloodshot eyes | How long does it take for bloodshot eyes to go away? | Can bloodshot eyes be serious? | Conclusion

Bloodshot eyes can be a symptom of some quite serious eye conditions, or just a mild irritation. Find out what's responsible in your case and how you can remedy it.

Do you have sore, irritated, red eyes? Bloodshot eyes, also known as red eyes, can often look worse than they feel and usually go away on their own.

The redness occurs when tiny blood vessels under the eye get larger or become inflamed from something irritating your eye. Read on to learn more about this common reaction and the main symptoms, causes, and best solutions to help treat bloodshot eyes.

What do bloodshot eyes look like?

The following symptoms indicate that you have bloodshot eyes:

  • Bright red area in the white of your eye – caused by a burst blood vessel (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
  • Gritty or burning feeling, sticky eyes – caused by conjunctivitis
  • Sore, blurry, or watery eyes – caused by dry eyes
  • Itchy, painful, or red eyelids – caused by Blepharitis
  • Feel like there’s something in your eye – caused by an ingrown eyelash or something in your eye causing the irritation
  • Swollen, drooping or twitching eyelid, or a lump on your eyelid – caused by eyelid issues

Each of these symptoms can give you an idea of what is causing your eye to be red, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

What causes bloodshot eyes?

Red-eye has many different causes. Sometimes it might be that you have left your contact lenses in too long, lack of sleep or have bloodshot eyes from computer usage. Other primary causes of bloodshot eyes are allergies, Blepharitis (inflamed eyelid), conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye or glaucoma.

A more severe cause of bloodshot eyes is high blood pressure, but typically there is simply something external irritating your eye.

Other causes are inflammation in the middle part of your eye or a blood vessel in your eye that can break from rubbing your eyes too hard. Finally, you may also have an eye injury, corneal ulcers, angle-closure glaucoma, or eyelid stye

Read below to find out how to treat bloodshot eyes depending on the cause.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bloodshot eyes alone are usually nothing to worry about. If combined with pain, light sensitivity,mucus or other factors, it’s best to consult an eye doctor.

How to get rid of bloodshot eyes:

Once you have determined the cause of your bloodshot eyes, you can often treat your bloodshot eyes from home or with over-the-counter treatments.

Bloodshot eyes from allergies

Pollen, certain foods, dust, and other foreign substances can cause bloodshot eyes and an itchy sensation. If you think your eyes are red due to allergies, you can take antihistamine eye drops from your local pharmacy.

Cool compresses or washcloths on your closed eyes can also provide some relief. We also recommend washing your hands frequently to prevent these allergens from entering your eye if you rub them.

Bloodshot eyes from computer

If you spend a significant amount of time staring at digital screens, then investing in some blue light glasses can help. Wearing these frames while using electronics will help reduce eye irritability, strain, headaches, and sleep issues by blocking the harmful blue light.

Bloodshot eyes from dry eye

When your tears don’t lubricate your eyes correctly, they become dry, leading to red and irritated eyes. This can happen when the eyes don’t make enough tears so your eye is not lubricated or nourished, causing dryness.

To soothe dry eyes, try over-the-counter eye drops designed to lubricate them. If this does not help, we advise contacting your doctor or optician for alternative treatment.

Bloodshot eyes from contact lenses

If your contact lenses are irritating your eyes and causing inflammation, you need to give your eyes a break from wearing contacts. However, if the issue persists, we recommend switching contact lens brands or wearing glasses more often.

This is because you may react to the contact lens material itself or the solution used to clean the lenses. SmartBuyGlasses has a range of prescription glasses for you to choose from if you need a new pair of glasses. In the meantime, you can also try some anti-inflammatory eye drops to ease the irritation.

Bloodshot eyes from Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation and a common cause of sore red eyelids or crusty eyelashes. The most effective treatment is over-the-counter lid scrubs.

Bloodshot eyes from Uveitis

If you have inflammation in the middle of your eye, which can lead to eye redness, you may have Uveitis. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, eye pain, eye floaters, and sensitivity to light. You must seek medical help to get treatment if you have these symptoms.

Bloodshot eyes from Corneal ulcers 

Corneal ulcers are ulcers, or sores, that affect the outer part of your eye, called the cornea. Along with bloodshot eyes, you may feel like there is something in your eye, pus discharge, sensitivity to light, increased tearing, and severe eye pain. If this is the case, you must seek timely medical attention as ulcers can permanently damage your eye.

Other bloodshot eye treatments

  • You can also try using decongestants to reduce the redness in your eyes. Do not use these drops for more than three days, as long-term use can worsen the redness.
  • Dehumidifiers can help absorb the excess moisture in your home, that may irritate your eyes.
  • Use clean bedding and towels daily.
  • If you suspect you have conjunctivitis, it’s essential to get a diagnosis from a doctor because treatments differ based on the kind of infection.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma is when the pressure in your eye increases due to the eye producing more fluid than the average rate. If you have intense pain in your eye, see rainbow-colored rings, or decreased vision, seek medical attention immediately.

How long does it take for bloodshot eyes to go away?

The severity and cause of bloodshot eyes can impact the duration. A burst blood vessel typically lasts only seven to ten days, but if the redness persists, you must seek medical attention.

If you continue to be exposed to an allergen or keep wearing your contact lenses, your bloodshot eyes will stay longer. This is why it is crucial to identify the cause.

Can bloodshot eyes be serious?

Often, bloodshot eyes is nothing to worry about and there is likely something irritating your eye. However, sometimes bloodshot eyes can indicate a more serious medical condition, especially if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • If your eyes are seeping or crusty, yellow, green, or brown mucus, this could be a sign of an eye infection.
  • Pain around your eyes
  • Unusual sensitivity to light combined with bloodshot eyes
  • A fever or sickness combined with bloodshot eyes
  • Redness or discomfort that lasts for more than a week and doesn’t respond to home remedies discussed above

If you have any of the above symptoms, we recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible to avoid worsening the condition.

Conclusion

Bloodshot eyes are a widespread eye problem that is caused by many factors and should go away within a week. If your red eye persists, book an appointment with your doctor to get your eyes checked, as it is likely an eye infection.

When in doubt, always contact your optician or doctor to receive the best advice on how to maintain eye health.