Glasses NZ

The History of Glasses

While it is not clear when or where eyeglasses were first used, a lot of historians agree that the earliest records of the use of glasses or lenses for magnification can be traced back to the Roman empire. It was Roman scholars that used pieces of glass attached to wood or leather to read through scrolls that had tiny texts.

The first wearable eyeglasses appeared in Italy back in the 13th century. Because of the tremendous change, the glasses brought to the wearer a lot of people demanded to have a pair for themselves and so from that time many companies responded to the demand and started manufacturing and refining glasses to suit different preferences and needs.

Why Glasses are an Important Accessory

Here are just some of the reasons that make glasses an important accessory for people from all walks of life.

Certain health problems can compromise vision and one of the best ways to correct such problems is by the use of prescription glasses. Some examples of problems that require eyeglasses include the following.

Shortsightedness - also referred to as myopia is a common eye problem in which the individual is unable to view objects clearly unless they are nearby. Individuals with this condition tend to view things as being blurred when they are a great distance away. Researchers believe that approximately 30% of New Zealanders suffer from some sort of myopia. What’s more, by 2050 about 5 billion people across the world will be suffering from this condition.

Farsightedness - also referred to as hyperopia is a condition in which the individual can see objects that are far away but tends to experience blurred vision when looking at nearby objects. This condition occurs when light is not refracted properly on the cornea because of an uneven surface or damage to the lens. Farsightedness most commonly affects children with rates of 8% at 6 years and 1% at 15 years. The condition becomes common again after individuals hit the age of 40.

Astigmatism - this is a common imperfection that causes the front surface of the eye or the lens inside to curve. The result of this curvature is that the individual is unable to have a clear vision. Individuals that have this condition may experience fuzzy, blurry or distorted vision. Astigmatism may develop from birth or can be a result of an eye injury or some sort of surgery. Certain diseases may lead to the development of this condition.

Eye injury - injuries to the eyes can happen to anyone and at any time and while some injuries heal fully others leave the individual with vision problems. Eyeglasses can be one of the most effective ways to correct vision problems due to injury.

Eyes are a powerful organ because they act as a guide daily. However, they are also exposed to a lot of dangers and that is why it is important to have some kind of eye protection.

Individuals that spend a lot of their time in front of desktop or laptop screens are particularly at risk of suffering from blue light damage. It is worth pointing out that blue light passes directly to the back of the retina and may lead to macular degeneration. The use of special glasses to prevent such an unfortunate incident can be key.

A sportsperson can also benefit from the use of protective eyewear. When playing in areas that have a lot of dust or other particles, it is possible to have such things get into the eyes and cause problems. Skiing goggles, waterproof swimming glasses, hunting or shooting glasses and cycling goggles can be quite helpful in keeping the eyes safe.

Regular people walking out in the sun, riding their bicycle down the street or lounging at their favorite beach can also enjoy the benefits of eye protection. Shades or sunglasses are a particularly good choice for anyone that wants to keep their eyes safe from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Some glasses are specially designed to offer cosmetic value. They come in different shapes, designs and colours meaning you can find something to match different outfits. The best part is that at SmartBuyGlasses, we offer such glasses at a range of prices meaning you can find quality cosmetic glasses at a cost you are most comfortable with.

Picking the Right Glasses

Because of the variety of glasses on the market, it may be quite difficult to choose the most ideal for yourself. However, with the right information on what exactly to look for, your selection process should be relatively easy.

One of the most important things to consider is the frame material. Most glasses are designed with metal or plastic frames. Metallic frames are often thin and quite durable. Metal frames can accidentally bend out of shape but still be restored without requiring too much repair work.

Plastic frames are quite versatile because they allow manufacturers to include different designs and colours. Most cosmetic glasses have plastic frames. Another advantage of plastic is that it can have a semi-rimless design which is quite trendy. What’s more, plastic frames are poor heat conductors and will therefore not expand or contract depending on the prevailing temperatures.

There is also the option to get frames that are designed from unique materials including wood, buffalo horn and bones. Although such glasses are rare, you can place an order and have the company make custom glasses just for you.

The shape of the glasses you choose can either complement your whole look or compromise it. That is why you must be quite keen on this issue. For instance, people with round faces often look good in rectangular or square-shaped glasses while those with a heart-shaped face tend to look good in aviator or geometric-shaped glasses. If you do not know your face shape, it is prudent to use the SmartBuyGlasses Virtual Try-On to test different glasses and find the perfect match.

There are quite a variety of lens types to choose from. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lens can help you determine the most appropriate for your needs.

Wavefront technology lenses - these lenses are known to offer sharp visual clarity. They are often used to design prescription glasses.

Aspheric lenses - these are often quite slim and give a sleek outlook. They are known to offer sharper peripheral vision when compared to conventional lenses.

High-index plastic lenses - these lenses are also slim and lightweight making them ideal for anyone that desires comfort. They are best known for making sunglasses because they also protect against the harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Photochromic lenses - these lenses automatically turn dark as they are exposed to bright light. They also turn clear as brightness from light reduces. This effect ensures they protect your eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Polycarbonate and trivex lenses - these lenses are thin and lightweight yet manage to be quite sturdy. These properties make them the ideal choice for safety eyewear and children’s glasses.

Polarized lenses - these are specially designed to manage reflective glare from shiny surfaces such as water and snow. That is why they are commonly used to make eyewear for sports such as skiing and swimming.

Optometrists often determine the appropriate size of glasses for each client after measuring different aspects of the user’s head and face. The distance from one pupil to another is one of the most important measurements. The length and width of the face and head also play a role in determining the most appropriate size.

At SmartBuyGlasses, we have a huge collection of quality glasses. The best part is that our glasses can cost as low as NZ$24 and can go up to NZ$200 depending on your preferences. In case of any questions or inquiries, do not hesitate to get in touch with our customer support staff who are always on hand to assist.