|
Frequently Asked
Questions |
Be sure to check out our
Blog for posts of customer
question and answer sessions.
-
I'm getting an error message, have jumbled text, or can't see
all the options when I click on a link to look at a product.
- What is the difference between polycarbonate,
Trivex, glass, or CR-39 plastic lenses?
- What shipping methods do you offer?
- What do you need to fill my prescription?
- What does "eyesize" refer to or How do I
determine my size?
- How do I read a prescription?
- Do you fill bifocal or progressive prescriptions?
- Don't all sunglasses offer UV protection? Why do
I need 100%?
- What if I don't like the sunglasses after I get
them?
-
Is there any place I can try the glasses on before I purchase them?
- I have a gift certificate. How can I
use it?
- I have a GiveAnything.com Gift Certificate.
How can I use it?
- I have an on-line coupon. How do I redeem it?
- What is a PD (pupil distance) and how do I get it?
- What is the difference between the
different prescription symbols (i.e.
,
;
) ?
-
Why
don't you carry certain brands or not carry certain brands on-line?
- Can I get the lenses that change colors for
different light conditions?
- Do you accept insurance?
- Do you have any coupons?
- What do ASTM or ANSI
standards mean?
- How do I determine what power to get in step diopter swim goggles or
dive masks?
Also check our our blog for other answers to customer questions.
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displaying, this is a cache problem. Please clear your browser cache of old
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and "options".
Glass: Glass offers the
best optical clarity, meaning that there is virtually no distortion
in glass lenses. This is why it is the material of choice in
manufacturers such as Ray-Ban, Revo, Vuarnet, and Serengeti.
However, glass is the least impact resistant of all of the material,
and may shatter upon impact. Shattering means that the lens
will split into small pieces which can easily enter the eye and
cause permanent eye injuries or even blindness. Therefore,
glass is not recommended for any active sports where a fall or a hit
by a ball can shatter the lens. It is also the heaviest of all
the materials which may limit the length of time these lenses can be
worn. However, glass is the most scratch resistant of all
materials.
Plastic: CR-39 refers to the
type of plastic that is used to make prescription lenses. This
is optical plastic and provides very little distortion (more than
glass but less than polycarbonate). It is more lightweight and
thinner than glass making it comfortable to wear. It is more
impact resistant than glass, but may still break and shatter upon
impact. Therefore, it is not recommended for active sports.
It is more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, but will scratch if
not properly taken care of.
Polycarbonate:
Polycarbonate is an impact resistant material. Most good
polycarbonate can be shot at with a .38 caliber bullet and not
shatter. It is becoming used more and more today especially
for sports eyewear and sunglasses. Although polycarbonate is
impact resistant, it should not be consider breakproof or
shatterproof. However, polycarbonate is the strongest material
available and will have the tendency to break in large pieces versus
small pieces which are not as dangerous. Polycarbonate is the
thinnest and lightest of all materials. However, the lens also
has the most distortion of any lens, especially in wrap frames
unless the lens is decentered. However, only those very
sensitive to distortions will really notice it. Although tough, the
material is actually softer meaning it is more susceptible to
scratches. However, most polycarbonate lenses have scratch
resistant coatings built in to help prevent scratching.
Trivex(Phoenix):
Phoenix originated in the defense industry. It is as safe as
polycarbonate but offers better optical clarity (same as CR-39 plastic).
They are also more scratch resistant than standard polycarbonate and is more
resistant to chemicals. Trivex meets FDA and ANSI Z87.1 impact safety
standards at 1.3mm. It is the lightest lens available. 100% UV
protection is also standard and does not need to be added.
Click here
for on how to read a prescription.
Click here for shipping options.
We typically need the prescription numbers (sphere, and cylinder and axis if
applicable) and a PD (pupil distance) For additional
information on prescriptions, See the prescription information page
here.
Eyesize is a term we use in the optical industry to measure frames. The
first number in the eyesize refers to the distance in millimeters across
(horizontally) one lens. The second number in the eyesize refers to the
distance between the two lenses or bridge size (measured in millimeters).
This information can help assist you in sizing a frame for your face. To
better understand the frame size, double the first number and add the second.
This will give you the distance across the full front of the frame. For
example, an eyesize of 51/16 means that the frame measures 118 mm across (51 x 2
+ 16 = 118). You can then put the ruler up on your face to see how big the frame
will be on you. If you only have inches on your ruler, 25mm equals 1 inch.
So, in our example, this frame would measure 4.72 inches (118 divided by 25).
Or, if you wear glasses, you can easily compare this measurement to your
glasses. Look on the bridge of your frame or on the temples. You
should see a similar number separated by a box. This is your frame's
measurements. You can see how it compares to the frame you are looking at
on our website. Note: If you are wearing a metal frame, most likely your
frame has a small eyesize and doesn't go to the end of your face. If this is the
case, the first method is a better way of calculating eyesize. You want
the frames to be larger than your regular glasses for more coverage and better
peripheral vision.
Some brands may also give other measurements. The "B" is the height of
the lens top to bottom in millimeters. The "ED" is the distance
diagonally across the lens in mm. "A" is the distance across the lens
(same as mentioned above) The DBL is the bridge size (same as referred
to above). The TPL is the length of the temple or earpiece.
You can also watch the video here on
how to measure
the eyesize.
We do if you are local and can come into our retail store in the Portland, OR
metro area. Otherwise, no. There are companies that do offer
progressives or bifocals online. We think this is unethical.
Bifocals and progressives require taking precise measurements with the frame on
your face. It is frame dependent so the measurements you have from your regular
glasses don't help us determine what the proper placement of the bifocal line or
progressive starting point will be without seeing the new glasses frame on your
face. If we made it with just a standard height (like we assume
online dealers who offer these online do), you run the risk of having them be
unusable (as line is too high or too low) or having to use them with your head
in an unnatural position causing neck strain.
We do have a work around. You can order the frame only (no
prescription) and then take it locally to have someone measure what is
called the segment height. This is the measurement we need to properly fit
bifocal and progressive lenses. Then once you have this precise
measurement, send them back to us to have the prescription lenses made.
This is a great option for manufacture direct lenses that your local optical
shop can't duplicate the technology. Please Note: Prices listed on the
website are for single vision lenses only. Please call first for
bifocal or progressive pricing. Also, your local optical shop should be able
to also make multifocal lenses for you in your new frame if no special
technology is required.
See UV information page here. All
sunglasses A Sight for Sport Eyes carries have 100% UVABC protection. All
products with Polycarbonate lenses (ie. ski goggles, sports goggles, swim
goggles, etc. also have 100% UVABC protection. Refer to brand pages for
any exceptions, but there are only a few things we offer that don't have UV
protection (Barracuda CR-39 lenses). Also, 100% UV can be added to all
custom prescription lenses for an additional charge (included on polycarbonate
lenses)
See return information here.
Unfortunately, we only have one retail location in Portland, Oregon.
However, we do offer a buy, try and return option. You simply order all
the styles you would like to try (limit 3). You will be charged, but your
order should come to over $50 so there will be no shipping charge. Try on
the items, and return the ones that you don't like for a full refund. The
only thing you have to lose is the small shipping charges to return the items to
us, which is equivalent to what you would pay to ship the glasses to you if you
knew exactly what you wanted. We don't discourage this policy as we know
sunglasses are a difficult item to purchase without trying them on. This
is especially true for prescriptions. Since prescriptions are not
returnable, it is best to try them on first, then send them back to have the
prescription lenses made.
To use your gift certificate with an on-line purchase, simply place the code
located on the certificate in the comments section of the order form. We
will apply the gift certificate to your order when we process it. You will
only be charged for the difference between your order and the certificate
amount.
To use your gift certificate when ordering by phone, simply tell the operator
your code and we will apply the gift certificate at the time of the order.
If your order total is less than the amount of your GiveAnything.com Gift
Certificate, simply select the GiveAnything.com payment method, then place the
certificate number in the comments section of the order form. We will
verify the certificate, and then ship your order.
If you order total is greater than the amount of your GiveAnything.com Gift
Certificate, select a payment method for the balance (i.e. credit card, check,
money order, etc.) Then place the certificate number in the comments
section. We will verify the certificate and then apply the certificate to your
order total. You will be charged only for the difference between the order total
and the gift certificate.
To use your gift certificate when ordering by phone, simply tell the operator
your code and we will apply the gift certificate at the time of the order.
To use your coupon with an on-line purchase, simply place the code located on
the coupon in the comments section of the order form. We will apply the
gift certificate to your order when we process it. You will only be
charged for the difference between the order amount and the coupon amount.
To use your coupon when ordering by phone, simply tell the operator your code
and we will apply the coupon at the time of the order.
This is usually not written
on your prescription, but is a measurement taken by the optician filling the
prescription. However, since we do not have you sitting in front of us to take
the measurement, we need you to provide this information to us. A PD
refers to your pupilary distance, or the distance between your pupils. Do not
attempt to take this measurement yourself as it is taken with your
eyes looking in different directions. But you can have another
person measure this for you. It is the distance from the center of one pupil to
to center of the other pupil in millimeters. A PD ensures that the
center of the lenses line up with the center of your pupils where
you will get the best vision. If you don't provide one, we will use a
standard unless we feel that your prescription is too high and too much
distortion will be induced if we use a standard one.
PD is not necessary for step diopter products. PD is usually written
like this: PD=60. Or it could be split per eye like 30/30.
Frame is an 8-base wrap. It is available with a prescription up to a -4.00
with a $20 base curve charge. Because of the curvature, vision may be
subject to distortion.
Frame is
available with a prescription lens built directly into the frame with no special
charges.
Available with a prescription insert or adapter. This is a frame that is
the carrier of the prescription and then snaps in behind the front lenses of the
frame. This creates a double frame effect but is advantageous for those
who want interchangeable lenses. This allows you to essentially have
several pairs of sunglasses with only one prescription lens.
Certain brands are trying to maintain a brand image and do not want their
product sold online. Thus, we can't offer them online. But we can order anything
from these brands lines (Nike, Adidas, Kaenon, Zeal, Maui Jim, etc.) by phone or
online chat. We also encourage you to go their corporate websites and
request that vendors be allowed to sell online. Some companies don't
realize the future is online and maybe we can help convince them!
There are other popular brand names that we don't sell because we don't
believe in their product. They either have poor quality/price relationships
where you are basically paying for a brand name but not getting the quality
at the price point, or they don't have good customer service where they
stand behind their product line or make it difficult for the consumer to
claim warranty. We stick to only good quality brands that have good
customer relationships to ensure you are satisfied with what you buy from us
for years to come!
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Yes. These are commonly referred to as photochromic or photochromatic lenses.
In prescription glass lenses, we use the PhotoGray or PhotoBrown lenses. In all
other lens materials, we use Transitions lenses (most
current generation--we do not use past generations of lenses--be warned that
some places may charge less because they are using previous technology. We
only use the most current technology for all our lenses). We
also offer NXT branded lenses for Trivex. These can be ordered from
our Prescription Information page to
almost any style. Many of the manufacturers are offering light changing
lenses as well in non-prescription. Rudy Project has the ImpactX lens. Wiley-X
has the Light Adjusting (LA) lenses. Panoptx has Day & Night lenses.
You can also go with an interchangeable lens style. This allows you to manually
change the lenses out of the frame for various light conditions. Many brands
have this option.
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Yes and no. We don't accept insurance currently in lieu of payment but
can fill out any paperwork you need so you can be reimbursed by your insurance
company. Because we only have opticians here and no doctors, most
insurance companies will not allow us to become a provider. If you have a
plan that will accept opticians, let us know and we will see if we can easily
become a provider for you. We also do accept Care
Credit which is a medical financing program to help break the cost up into
reasonable payments.
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Occasionally we do have coupons and specials. We post all the general
promotions on our home page. For limited time offers, we post these on our
Twitter account or via our newsletter. You can follow us on Twitter for
the weekly deals, or subscribe to our newsletter for monthly deals. Create
an account at
https://www3.corecommerce.com/~asightforspo247/login.php?m=client_login to
sign up for newsletters or Twitter ID is sporteyes. We post different
deals often to newsletters and Twitter so you'll want to sign up for both.
With Twitter, you can also see past deals that still may be active.
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What do ASTM or ANSI
standards mean?
According to Prevent Blindness America (PBA), more than
850,000 Americans injure their eyes annually during home and work activities
or while playing sports. Yet wearing protective eyewear can substantially
reduce the risk of injury. There are different ways of classifying the
safety ratings of eyewear. ASTM F803 and ANSI Z87 are the ones
we most commonly use on our website and for sports eye protection.
These are performance standards set by American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Sports frames typically must meet ASTM F803, which covers
most ball/stick sports including squash, tennis, basketball, badminton and
handball, racquetball, paddleball and three levels of baseball (youth: 40
mph, mid: 55 mph and adult: 85 mph). All of these standards involve
performance tests using head forms with various balls being shot at
different speeds and angles. For eyewear to pass the tests, there
cannot be any displacement of the lens from the frame, any displaced
fragments or complete fracture of a frame or any touching of eye socket or
face form. Some sports, like girl's lacrosse, also require independent
certification for that particular sport so the blanket ASTM standard doesn't
always apply. All this means is that in addition to the ASTM F803 that
covers sports in general, the eyewear is also tested separately using a
lacrosse ball instead of just a general test projectile at a certain speed.
Note: When you see on our site that a frame meets ASTM for this or that
sport, it doesn't mean that these are the only sports they are good for.
This means that they have independently certified in addition to the general
ASTM F803 for that particular sport. For instance, for
basketball, there is an additional test called the finger poke test where a
dowel of a specific width cannot fit anywhere between the head form and the
frame. But if a frame meets the ASTM F803 standard, this covers all ball and
stick sports, even if not mentioned or not independently certified. If a
brand/style pays essentially for the extra certification for that particular
sport, that is just a bonus. But as long as the eyewear is ASTM F803
rated, most leagues (except girl's lacrosse) will accept the eyewear as safe
for the sport. ASTM rated frames typically are installed with 3mm
thick polycarbonate lenses and when doing a prescription in them, you want
to make sure that wherever you get lenses made, they are using at least 2mm
thick polycarbonate and not 1mm standard polycarbonate. This is why
you may see price differences between us and other sites. The thicker
polycarbonate lenses are not stock lenses and must be custom ground for you.
Places using mass produced stock 1mm polycarbonate can obviously do it
cheaper because they are using stock lenses and not custom making the lenses
specifically for you. Make sure if you are not using us to do
prescription lenses that whomever you use is using 3mm polycarbonate when
making the lenses for you.
ANSI standards are usually referring more to actual
lenses or frames that meet more of an occupational standard. The
frames we sell with ANSI ratings are typically for military use, so useful
for sports like hunting where shrapnel is the concern. Although some
of our ANSI frames are also used for things like medical professionals
trying to avoid blood or other fluid splatter, or contractors being
protected from sawdust, etc. However, if doing other sports, having an
ANSI rated frame is far better than having a sunglass with no safety rating
at all. With the ANSI rating, frames and lenses have been subjected to
similar tests as the ASTM standard. Typically ANSI standard frames
have 2mm polycarbonate lenses over the 3mm polycarbonate used in ASTM rated
frames. *According to the recently
updated American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1-2003 standard,
protective Rx frames and lenses used for high impact must meet have the
following: Lenses must be marketed with the manufacturer’s monogram and a
“+” mark to indicate they meet the high-impact testing standard. All
special tints and photochromic lenses require a marking as well.
Frames are tested with 2.0mm polycarbonate lenses to ensure they can
withstand the impact from a 1/4-inch steel ball traveling at 150 fps without
dislodging the lenses. All parts of the frame are marked with Z87-2,
indicating they have been tested to withstand high impact. Again,
legally anyone making the lenses has to make the lenses according to the
ANSI standard marked on the frame which means 2.0mm lenses. However,
there are companies that don't follow the rules and will make them cheaply
for you without the standard. With some brands, this will void the
warranty on the frame so look out for that. If lenses are made
properly to ANSI standards, they will have etching in them indicating the
ANSI rating. If you get the lenses somewhere else and they don't have
the etching in the lenses, beware that theses lenses are not properly
protecting you to the government standard.
Sources: "Socket it to Me" 20/20 Magazine
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Copyright © 1999 A Sight for Sport Eyes. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 18, 2011 .
are
available with a prescription lens. 
