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Frequently Asked Questions on Eyewear

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All of our sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and a one year warranty. Styles marked with are available with a prescription lens. 


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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I'm getting an error message when I click on a link to look at a product.
  2. What is the difference between polycarbonate, Trivex, glass, or CR-39 plastic lenses?
  3. What shipping methods do you offer?
  4. What do you need to fill my prescription?
  5. What does "eyesize" refer to?
  6. How do I read a prescription?
  7. Don't all sunglasses offer UV protection?  Why do I need 100%?
  8. What if I don't like the sunglasses after I get them?
  9. Is there any place I can try the glasses on before I purchase them?
  10. I have a gift certificate.  How can I use it?
  11. I have a GiveAnything.com Gift Certificate.  How can I use it?
  12. I have an on-line coupon. How do I redeem it?
  13. What is a PD and how do I get it?
  14. What is the difference between the different prescription symbols (i.e. , ; )  ? 
  15. Why don't you carry certain brands or not carry certain brands on-line?
  16. Can I get the lenses that change colors for different light conditions?
  17. Do you accept insurance?
  18. Do you have any coupons?

Also check our our blog for other answers to customer questions.


I get a error message when I click a link to look at a product.

Our new shopping cart system only works with Internet Explorer 7.0 and above.  If you have an older browser, unfortunately our product site won't work. Please upgrade your browser at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/worldwide-sites.aspx

What is the difference between polycarbonate, glass or CR-39 plastic lenses?

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.

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How do I read a prescription?

Click here for on how to read a prescription.

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What shipping methods are offered?

Click here for shipping options.

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What do you need to fill my prescription?

See the prescription information page here.

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What does "eyesize" refer to?

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.

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Don't all sunglasses have UV protection?  Why do I have to have 100%?

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)

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What happens if I don't like the sunglasses once I get them?

See return information here.

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Is there any place I can try the glasses on before I purchase them?

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.

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I have a gift certificate. How can I use it?

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.

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I have a GiveAnything.com gift certificate. How can I use it?

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.

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I have an on-line coupon.  How do I use it?

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.

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What is a PD and how do I get it?

 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.

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What is the difference between the different prescription symbols (i.e. , ; )  ?

  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.

 
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Why don't you carry certain brands or don't carry them on-line?

There are many popular brands such as Oakley, Costa del Mar, Ray-Ban and Revo.  We have tried very hard to carry this product, however, these companies will not let us carry their brands.  If you would like to see us carry these brands in the future, please contact the manufacturer directly (see below) and request that Sporteyes should be allowed to sell their product.  We are not sure why they will not allow us to sell their product, as one would think they would want the money.  However, some of these companies are "snobby" and the vendor must have the right "look" to sell the product.  Other companies do not want their product sold on-line (such as Nike and Adidas) and hold us under contract not to do so.  

Here is where you can contact the manufacturers directly to request that Sporteyes should be a vendor:

Oakleyinfo@oakley.com
Ray-Ban and Revo: 1-800-343-5594 or write Ray-Ban Sun Optics, Inc., P.O. Box 1247, Port Washington, NY 11050

 

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Can I get lenses that change color in different light conditions?

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).   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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Do you accept insurance?

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.

Do you have any coupons?

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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