Eyewear Guide
Plain-English answers about frames, lenses, prescriptions, sun and screen protection, and looking after your glasses. Written by the team at our Panmure store.
Frames & fit
Glasses Frame Parts Explained: Every Part of Your Glasses
From the bridge to the temple tips, here is every part of a pair of glasses named and explained in plain English, plus why each...
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How to Read Glasses Size Numbers (52-18-145 Explained)
Those three numbers on the inside of your glasses arm tell you the lens width, bridge width and arm length. Here is how to read...
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Glasses Frame Materials Explained: Acetate, Metal, Titanium
Acetate, TR90, stainless steel, titanium or wood? Compare common glasses frame materials for weight, strength, comfort and styl...
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Eyewear Glossary A to Z: 40+ Glasses Terms Explained
Confused by SPH, PD, AR coating or TR90? Our A to Z eyewear glossary explains more than 40 glasses, lens and prescription terms...
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How Glasses Should Fit: Signs of a Good Fit and Easy Fixes
Glasses that fit well sit level, stay put and feel almost weightless. Learn the signs of a good fit, the common problems and ho...
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Full-Rim vs Semi-Rimless vs Rimless Glasses: What to Choose
Full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless glasses differ in strength, weight, lens options and look. Here is how to choose the right s...
Read the guideLenses
Single Vision vs Bifocal vs Progressive Lenses Explained
Single vision lenses have one prescription, bifocals have two zones and progressives blend distance to reading. Find out how ea...
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Lens Materials and Thickness: CR-39 to High-Index Explained
CR-39, polycarbonate, Trivex or high-index? Learn how lens materials affect thickness, weight and toughness, and which suits yo...
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Anti-Reflective Coating Explained: Benefits, Care and Options
What anti-reflective coating does, why it helps with night driving and screens, how to care for it, and how it compares with ot...
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Photochromic Transition Lenses Explained: How They Work
How photochromic (Transitions) lenses darken outdoors, their limits in cars and in hot or cold weather, and how they compare wi...
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Polarised vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses: Which Should You Pick?
How polarised lenses cut glare from water and roads, when non-polarised is better (like reading screens), and a simple test to ...
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Sunglasses Lens Colours and Categories: A Simple Guide
Grey, brown, green, rose or yellow? Learn what each sunglasses tint does, how filter categories 0 to 4 work, and why category 4...
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How to Read Your Glasses Prescription: SPH, CYL, AXIS and ADD
Understand every column on your glasses prescription, from SPH and CYL to AXIS, ADD and prism, with a simple example table and ...
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What Is Pupillary Distance (PD) and Why Does It Matter?
Pupillary distance is the gap between the centres of your pupils. Here is what single, dual and near PD mean, and why an accura...
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When to Update Your Glasses Prescription: Signs to Watch
Blurry vision, squinting and tired eyes can all be signs it's time for a new prescription. Here's what to watch for and what to...
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UV Protection and Sunglasses in NZ: What You Need to Know
New Zealand's UV levels are high for much of the year. Here's how sunglasses help protect your eyes, what UV400 means and when ...
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Blue Light Glasses Explained: What They Can and Can't Do
Blue light glasses filter some blue light from screens. Here's an honest look at what they do, what the evidence says, and who ...
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Digital Eye Strain and the 20-20-20 Rule: Simple Relief
Long hours on screens can leave eyes tired, dry and sore. Learn the 20-20-20 rule and easy setup changes that may help.
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Sunglasses for Sport and Outdoors: How to Choose Well
Sports sunglasses need to stay put, resist impact and suit the light. Here's how to choose for cycling, running, skiing and wat...
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Eyewear for Kids: Glasses and Sunglasses Parents Should Know
From durable frames to UV sunglasses, here's what parents should know about kids' eyewear, fit, and encouraging children to wea...
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How to Clean Glasses Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
A simple, step-by-step routine for cleaning your glasses without scratching the lenses or damaging coatings, plus what never to...
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How to Care for Sunglasses: Heat, Sand, Salt and Storage
Practical tips for keeping your sunglasses in good shape through Kiwi summers, beach days and car trips, including polarised an...
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How to Store and Carry Glasses Safely at Home and Away
Simple habits for storing and carrying your glasses so they stay scratch-free and in shape, whether you are at home, at work or...
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Glasses Repairs: What Can Be Fixed and What Can't
A plain guide to common glasses breakages, the quick fixes that make things worse, and what an eyewear repair service can usual...
Read the guideEye health
Everyday Eye Care Habits for Healthier, Comfortable Eyes
Simple daily habits that support comfortable eyes, from screen breaks and sunglasses to sleep and regular eye exams with an opt...
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Glasses for Driving and Night Driving: What Actually Helps
What helps you see clearly on the road, day and night: up-to-date prescriptions, anti-reflective lenses, the right sunglasses a...
Read the guideStill have a question? Visit our Panmure store or get in touch. For eye tests and eye health concerns, please see an optometrist.