The Basics: What You Need to Know First

Before we dive into the technical details, let's cover the fundamental questions everyone asks. These will help you understand why custom lenses matter and what makes SpeCiC lenses different from regular eyeglasses.

Do I really need custom lenses for my SpeCiC glasses?

If you can see clearly without any glasses, congratulations—you're one of the lucky ones! You can stick with the standard clear lenses that come with your SpeCiC glasses and call it a day.

For the rest of us? Yes, you absolutely need custom lenses.

SpeCiC glasses are precision-engineered wearable devices that balance cameras, microphones, speakers, batteries, and touch controls in an incredibly lightweight frame. The lenses aren't just pieces of plastic you look through—they're an integral part of the device's design and functionality.

If your lenses aren't made specifically for your eyes, you'll experience eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision. While the built-in POV camera is a separate component and won't be affected by your custom lenses, ill-fitting lenses can throw off the weight balance of the glasses, making them uncomfortable to wear for long periods.

Think of it like putting the wrong tires on a sports car. It doesn't matter how good the engine is; if the tires aren't right, you'll never get the performance you paid for.

Can I just wear my regular glasses under my SpeCiC glasses?

Ah, the classic "double stack" method. We've all tried it at least once. And let's be honest—it's terrible.

First, it's incredibly uncomfortable. Two frames pressing on your nose bridge will leave painful red marks after about 20 minutes. Try wearing that for an 8-hour workday, and you'll be counting down the minutes until you can take them off.

Second, it looks ridiculous. You'll look like you're about to perform eye surgery, not record a POV video of your hike or translate a menu on your trip abroad.

Third, the lenses will scratch each other. The hard plastic of your regular glasses will rub against the delicate lenses of your SpeCiC glasses, ruining both pairs in days.

Worst of all, it ruins the entire point of smart glasses. SpeCiC designed their glasses to be lightweight, discreet, and comfortable enough to wear all day. Adding another pair of glasses on top turns them into a bulky, cumbersome accessory that you'll never want to wear.

What's the difference between custom lenses for regular glasses and SpeCiC glasses?

Great question! While they might look similar, lenses for smart glasses have three crucial differences that make generic regular glasses lenses a bad fit.

First, they need to be precisely cut to the exact dimensions of the SpeCiC frame. Regular glasses frames come in thousands of different shapes and sizes, but SpeCiC glasses have a unique frame design that requires perfectly matched lenses. If the lenses are even a fraction of a millimeter too big or too small, they won't fit properly in the frame.

Second, they need special anti-reflective (AR) coatings optimized for both your vision and camera use. Regular AR coatings are designed to reduce reflections from the outside world so you can see better. But lenses for SpeCiC glasses also need to reduce internal reflections that could otherwise cause distracting glares in your field of view.

Third, they need to be thin and lightweight. SpeCiC glasses are already balancing a lot of technology—batteries, speakers, cameras, and microphones. Adding thick, heavy lenses would throw off the weight balance, making them slide down your nose constantly and causing neck strain after prolonged wear.

That's why we always recommend getting official SpeCiC custom lenses. They're specifically designed and calibrated for our glasses, ensuring perfect fit, optimal performance, and all-day comfort. We're proud to offer some of the best custom lens ready smart glasses on the market.

How long do custom lenses for SpeCiC glasses last?

With proper care, your custom lenses should last 2-3 years—about the same as regular eyeglass lenses. The exact lifespan depends on how well you take care of them and how often you wear your glasses.

If you're someone who wears your SpeCiC glasses every single day, you might need to replace them sooner. Scratches, smudges, and general wear and tear will eventually take their toll.

If you notice that your lenses are looking cloudy, or that scratches are interfering with your vision, it's probably time for a new pair.

The good news is that replacing your SpeCiC lenses is incredibly easy. You don't need to send your entire glasses back to us. Just order a new set of lenses online, and they'll arrive pre-cut and ready to install. You can swap them out in about 10 minutes from the comfort of your couch.

Custom Lenses: Getting the Perfect Fit

Now that you understand why custom lenses are essential, let's dive into the most critical part of the process: getting the right lens parameters for your eyes. This is where most people make mistakes that lead to blurry vision and discomfort.

What information do I need to provide for custom lenses?

To make your custom lenses, we need four key pieces of information from your latest eye checkup:

• Sphere (SPH): This measures how nearsighted (-) or farsighted (+) you are.
• Cylinder (CYL): This measures astigmatism (if you have it).
• Axis: This tells us the orientation of your astigmatism (only needed if you have a CYL value).
• Pupillary Distance (PD): This is the distance between the centers of your pupils, measured in millimeters.

Your lens parameters should be from a vision care professional and issued within the last 2 years. If your parameters are older than that, we recommend getting a new eye checkup to ensure your vision hasn't changed.

What ranges of lens parameters does SpeCiC support?

SpeCiC supports a wide range of single-vision lens parameters to accommodate most vision needs:

• Sphere: From -6.00 to +4.00 diopters
• Cylinder: Up to -2.00 diopters
• Axis: 0 to 180 degrees

This covers about 95% of people who wear glasses.

If your parameters fall outside these ranges, please contact our customer support team. We may be able to accommodate more complex lens requirements on a case-by-case basis for an additional fee.

How do I measure my pupillary distance (PD)?

Your PD is one of the most important measurements for getting clear, comfortable vision. If your PD is off by even 2-3 millimeters, your lenses won't be aligned correctly with your eyes, leading to blurry vision and eye strain.

There are three ways to get your PD, listed from most to least accurate:

1. Ask your vision care professional: This is the gold standard. Most opticians will include your PD on your lens parameter sheet, or they can measure it for you in a few seconds during your checkup.
2. Use a PD ruler: You can buy a cheap PD ruler online or print one out at home. Have a friend help you measure the distance between your pupils while you look at a distant object (at least 10 feet away).
3. Use a smartphone app: There are several free apps available that can measure your PD using your phone's camera. While not as accurate as a professional measurement, they work well for most people with simple lens requirements.

For SpeCiC glasses, we recommend getting your monocular PD (the distance from each pupil to the center of your nose) rather than your binocular PD (the total distance between both pupils). This allows us to align each lens perfectly with your individual eyes, resulting in better clarity and comfort.

What if my vision changes after I order my lenses?

We understand that vision can change over time. That's why all SpeCiC custom lenses come with a 7-day accuracy guarantee. If you receive your lenses and they don't match your parameters exactly, we'll remake them for free.

If your vision changes after the 7-day period, you'll need to order a new set of lenses. The good news is that our lens replacement process is quick and affordable. You can order new lenses online in just a few minutes, and they'll be shipped to you within approximately 5 business days.

Lens Types & Materials: Match Your Lifestyle

Now that you have your lens parameters ready, it's time to choose the right lens type for your lifestyle. We offer three premium lens materials, and the best part is—you don't need to choose which one to use. Our optical experts will automatically select the most appropriate material based on your specific parameters, ensuring optimal thinness, lightness, and comfort.

What lens materials do you offer?

SpeCiC uses only the highest quality optical materials for all our custom lenses. Here's an overview of the materials we use:

1. Standard Polycarbonate: Our most popular and affordable option. Polycarbonate is lightweight, impact-resistant, and provides 100% UV protection. It's perfect for people with mild parameters (up to -3.00 sphere).
2. High-Index 1.61: This material is thinner and lighter than standard polycarbonate, making it ideal for people with moderate to strong parameters (-3.00 to -5.00 sphere). It also offers superior optical clarity compared to standard polycarbonate.
3. High-Index 1.67: Our thinnest and lightest material, designed specifically for people with strong parameters (-5.00 to -6.00 sphere). It effectively reduces the "coke bottle" effect common with thick lenses, making your glasses look more stylish and comfortable to wear.

Important note: You don't need to worry about selecting the right material yourself. Our team will automatically recommend and use the most suitable lens material based on your specific lens parameters. This ensures you always get the thinnest, lightest, and most comfortable lenses possible for your glasses.

What's the Abbe number, and why does it matter?

The Abbe number is a measure of how much a lens material disperses light. A higher Abbe number means less chromatic aberration—those annoying color fringes you might see around bright objects like streetlights at night.

Standard polycarbonate has an Abbe number of about 30, which is acceptable for most people but can cause some color fringing in certain situations. High-index 1.61 has an Abbe number of about 40, and high-index 1.67 has an Abbe number of about 32.

For most people, the difference in Abbe number between these materials won't be noticeable. However, if you're very sensitive to color fringing, or if you spend a lot of time looking at high-contrast objects (like text on a white background), our optical experts will take this into consideration when selecting the best material for you.

Do you offer polarized lenses?

Yes! We offer polarized sunglass lenses for SpeCiC glasses. These are perfect for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, making them ideal for driving, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Our polarized lenses come in a variety of tints, including gray, brown, and green. They also provide 100% UV protection and include all our standard premium coatings.

Keep in mind that polarized lenses can make it harder to see certain digital screens, like LCD displays on car dashboards or ATMs. If you spend a lot of time looking at these types of screens, you might want to consider our photochromic lenses instead.

What are photochromic lenses, and how do they work?

Photochromic lenses (sometimes called "transition lenses") are clear indoors and automatically darken when exposed to UV light from the sun. They're perfect for people who want the convenience of having both glasses and sunglasses in one pair.

Our photochromic lenses darken in about 30 seconds when exposed to sunlight and fade back to clear in about 2-3 minutes when you go indoors. They provide 100% UV protection and include all our standard premium coatings.

There are a few limitations to keep in mind:

• They don't darken as much in cars, because car windows block most UV light.
• They work best in direct sunlight. On cloudy days, they will only darken slightly.
• They may not get as dark as regular sunglasses in very bright conditions.

If you do a lot of driving, we recommend getting a separate pair of polarized sunglass lenses for your SpeCiC glasses. You can easily swap them out depending on your needs.

Specialized Coatings: Enhance Your Experience

Once you've chosen your lens type, it's time to consider specialized coatings. These small additions can make a huge difference in how your lenses perform and how long they last.

What coatings come standard on SpeCiC lenses?

All SpeCiC custom lenses come with our premium multi-layer coating package included at no extra cost. We believe these coatings are essential for a great user experience, so we don't nickel-and-dime you for every little feature.

Our standard package includes:

1. Dual-Side Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: Reduces reflections from both the outside world and the inside of the lens. This not only improves your vision but also eliminates distracting glares in your field of view.
2. 100% UV Protection: Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays, protecting your eyes from sun damage.
3. Hydrophobic/Oleophobic Coating: Repels water, oil, and fingerprints, making your lenses easier to clean and keeping them looking clearer for longer.
4. Scratch-Resistant Coating: Helps protect your lenses from everyday scratches and scuffs.

Do I need blue light blocking lenses?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is: it depends.

Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital screens like phones, computers, and TVs. Many people find that prolonged exposure to blue light can contribute to digital eye strain and may disrupt their sleep cycle.

Our blue light blocking lenses selectively filter out the blue light wavelengths that are linked to these issues, while preserving the natural colors you see.

If you spend more than 4 hours a day looking at digital screens, or if you often use your SpeCiC glasses in the evening before bed, blue light blocking lenses are definitely worth considering. Many of our customers report less eye fatigue and better sleep after switching to blue light lenses.

However, if you don't spend a lot of time in front of screens, or if you already use blue light filters on your other devices, you probably don't need them. Our standard lenses already provide excellent clarity and protection without the blue light filter.

Will blue light lenses make everything look yellow?

No! This is a common misconception about blue light blocking lenses.

Our blue light blocking lenses use advanced multi-layer coating technology, not dyes or tints. This means they filter out blue light without distorting colors. You'll still see the world in natural, vibrant colors—no yellow tint, no washed-out images.

Do you offer anti-fog coatings?

Yes! We offer an optional anti-fog coating for an additional fee. This coating prevents your lenses from fogging up when you go from a cold environment to a warm one—like walking from an air-conditioned building into the summer heat, or coming in from the cold in winter.

Our anti-fog coating is long-lasting and durable, and it works with all our lens types and other coatings. It's perfect for people who live in humid climates, or who often experience foggy lenses during their daily activities.

Keep in mind that no anti-fog coating is 100% effective in all situations. If you're sweating heavily or exposed to extreme temperature changes, you may still experience some fogging. But our anti-fog coating will significantly reduce it and make it clear up much faster.

The SpeCiC Customization Process: Step-by-Step

Ordering custom lenses for your SpeCiC glasses is quick and easy. We've streamlined the process to make it as simple as possible, even if you've never ordered custom glasses online before.

How do I order custom lenses for my SpeCiC glasses?

Custom lens parameters are entered directly during the initial purchase of your SpeCiC glasses. Here's exactly how it works:

1. Go to the product page for your chosen SpeCiC glasses (either SpeCiC Smart Glasses or SpeCiC Pro Cycling Glasses)
2. Select "Custom Lenses" as your preferred lens option
3. Choose your lens type: Clear, blue light blocking, photochromic, or polarized sunglass lenses
4. Enter your lens parameters: Sphere, cylinder, axis, and PD values. You can also upload a photo of your parameter sheet, and our team will verify it for you
5. Add any optional coatings: Select the anti-fog coating if you need it
6. Complete your purchase: Enter your shipping and payment details, and place your order

That's it! Our optical team will automatically select the most appropriate lens material based on your parameters, and we'll start manufacturing your custom lenses right away. Your complete glasses with custom lenses will be shipped to you within approximately 5 business days.

How long does it take to get my custom lenses?

Most custom lens orders are processed and shipped within approximately 5 business days. If you have more complex lens requirements, it may take an additional 1-2 business days.

We'll send you a tracking number as soon as your order ships, so you can follow its progress. If you need your glasses sooner, we offer expedited shipping options for an additional fee.

How do I install my new lenses?

Installing replacement SpeCiC lenses is incredibly easy—no tools or professional help required. You can do it in about 10 minutes from the comfort of your own home.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the old lenses: Gently push on the back of one lens from the inside of the frame. The lens will pop out easily. Repeat for the other lens.
2. Clean the frame: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the frame, removing any dust or debris.
3. Install the new lenses: Align the new lens with the frame, making sure the notch in the lens lines up with the tab in the frame. Gently press the lens into place until you hear a click. Repeat for the other lens.
4. Check the fit: Put on your glasses and make sure the lenses are secure and aligned correctly. Your vision should be clear and sharp, and the glasses should feel comfortable on your face.

If you have any trouble installing your lenses, our customer support team is always happy to help. We can walk you through the process over the phone or send you a video tutorial.

What if my lenses don't fit or aren't clear?

We take quality very seriously, and every pair of lenses is inspected before shipping. However, if you receive your glasses and the lenses don't fit properly, or if your vision isn't clear, please contact our customer support team right away.

We offer a 7-day accuracy guarantee and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If there's any problem with your lenses, we'll remake them for free or issue a full refund—no questions asked.

Maintenance & Care: Keep Lenses Like New

Proper maintenance and care are essential for keeping your lenses clear, scratch-free, and performing their best for years to come. Follow these simple tips to extend the life of your SpeCiC lenses.

How do I clean my SpeCiC lenses?

Proper cleaning is essential for keeping your lenses clear and scratch-free.

Here's the right way to clean your SpeCiC lenses:

1. Rinse with water: First, rinse your lenses under lukewarm water to remove any dust or debris. This prevents scratches from abrasive particles when you wipe them.
2. Apply lens cleaner: Spray a small amount of lens cleaner on both sides of the lenses. Avoid using harsh chemicals like window cleaner, bleach, or alcohol, as these can damage the coatings.
3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth: Gently wipe the lenses with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth. Use a circular motion to remove smudges and fingerprints.
4. Dry if needed: If there are any water spots left, gently pat them dry with the microfiber cloth.

Never use your shirt, a paper towel, or a tissue to clean your lenses. These materials are abrasive and will scratch the surface over time. Always use a dedicated microfiber cloth designed for cleaning eyeglasses.

How can I prevent scratches on my lenses?

Even with our scratch-resistant coating, lenses can still get scratched if you're not careful. Here are some simple tips to prevent scratches:

• Always store your glasses in a case: When you're not wearing your SpeCiC glasses, put them in their protective case. This is the single best way to prevent scratches.
• Don't lay them lens-down: Never lay your glasses face down on a surface. This will scratch the lenses immediately.
• Avoid abrasive materials: As mentioned above, never use paper towels, tissues, or your shirt to clean your lenses.
• Keep them away from chemicals: Avoid exposing your lenses to harsh chemicals like hairspray, perfume, or cleaning products. These can damage the coatings.
• Handle with clean hands: Always wash your hands before handling your glasses. Oil and dirt from your fingers can transfer to the lenses and cause smudges.

When should I replace my lenses?

As a general rule, you should replace your lenses every 2-3 years, or sooner if you notice any of the following:

• Scratches that interfere with your vision
• Cloudiness or yellowing of the lenses
• Peeling or cracking of the coatings
• Changes in your vision
• Damage to the lenses from impact or chemicals

If you take good care of your lenses, they can last longer than 3 years. But if you notice any of the signs above, it's time for a new pair. Wearing damaged or outdated lenses can cause eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision.

Can I get my lenses re-coated?

Unfortunately, no. Once the coatings on your lenses start to peel or wear off, they can't be re-coated. The only solution is to replace the lenses.

That's why it's so important to take good care of your lenses and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. With proper care, our premium coatings should last the entire lifespan of the lenses.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the perfect lenses, you might encounter some common issues from time to time. Here are the most frequent problems our customers face and how to fix them quickly.

My lenses keep fogging up. What can I do?

Foggy lenses are a common problem, especially in humid climates or when going from cold to warm environments. Here are four solutions, from most to least effective:

1. Get our anti-fog coating: This is the most effective long-term solution. Our anti-fog coating prevents condensation from forming on the lenses.
2. Use an anti-fog spray: If you don't have the anti-fog coating, you can use a commercial anti-fog spray designed for eyeglasses. Apply it according to the instructions on the bottle.
3. Improve ventilation: Make sure your glasses are fitting properly and not too tight against your face. A little bit of air circulation can help prevent fogging.
4. Avoid touching the inside of the lenses: Oil from your fingers can make fogging worse.

My POV photos have glare or lens flare. What's wrong?

If your photos and videos have annoying glare or lens flare, it's usually one of two things:

First, check the camera lens itself. Smudges or fingerprints on the camera lens are the most common cause of glare in photos. Clean the camera lens gently with a microfiber cloth.

If cleaning the camera lens doesn't help, make sure you're using official SpeCiC custom lenses. All our lenses come with our advanced dual-side anti-reflective coating that reduces internal reflections that could otherwise affect your view. Third-party lenses often don't have this specialized coating, which can result in more distracting glares in your field of view.

My glasses slide down my nose constantly. What can I do?

If your glasses slide down your nose, it's usually because the lenses are too heavy or the frame isn't adjusted properly.

First, rest assured that our team automatically selects the thinnest and lightest possible material for your parameters. This ensures the best possible weight balance for your glasses.

You can also adjust the nose pads on your SpeCiC glasses for a better fit. Gently squeeze the nose pads together to make them tighter, or spread them apart to make them looser. If you're not comfortable adjusting them yourself, any local optician can do it for you in a few minutes.

My lenses are scratched. Can they be repaired?

Unfortunately, scratches on eyeglass lenses can't be repaired. Once the surface is scratched, it's permanent. The only solution is to replace the lenses.

That's why it's so important to take good care of your lenses and prevent scratches from happening in the first place. Our scratch-resistant coating helps protect against minor scratches, but it won't prevent all damage.

If you have a small scratch that's not in your line of sight, you can probably continue using the lenses. But if the scratch is large or in the center of the lens, it will interfere with your vision, and you should replace the lenses.

Why Choose Official SpeCiC Lenses?

With so many third-party lens providers out there, you might be wondering why you should choose SpeCiC's official service. Here are six compelling reasons that make the choice easy.

Perfect Fit and Precision Cutting

Our lenses are specifically designed and cut for SpeCiC glasses using state-of-the-art digital cutting technology. We use exact CAD models of our frames to ensure that each lens fits perfectly, with no gaps or misalignment.

Third-party lenses are often cut using generic templates or manual methods, which can result in lenses that don't fit properly. Ill-fitting lenses can fall out easily, cause discomfort, and even damage your frame.

Optimized Anti-Reflective Coating

Our dual-side anti-reflective coating is specifically formulated for smart glasses. It reduces reflections from both the outside world and the inside of the lens, resulting in clearer vision and fewer distracting glares in your field of view.

Most third-party lenses use standard AR coatings that are designed for regular glasses. These coatings don't address the unique reflection issues that affect smart glasses, leading to more eye strain and discomfort.

High-Quality Materials & Expert Selection

We only use the highest quality optical materials for our lenses. All our lenses are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate or high-index materials, and they include our premium multi-layer coating package at no extra cost.

Unlike other providers that make you guess which material is best for you, our team of optical experts will automatically select the most appropriate material based on your specific parameters. This ensures you always get the thinnest, lightest, and most comfortable lenses possible.

Some third-party providers cut corners by using cheap, low-quality materials that scratch easily, have poor optical clarity, and don't provide adequate UV protection.

Easy Installation

Our lenses come pre-cut and ready to install. You don't need any tools or professional help—you can swap them out in about 10 minutes from the comfort of your own home.

Third-party lenses often require you to send your entire glasses away for installation, which means you'll be without them for weeks. Or they may send you lenses that don't fit properly, requiring you to go to a local optician to have them adjusted.

Excellent Customer Support

Our customer support team is made up of experts who know SpeCiC glasses inside and out. If you have any questions or issues with your lenses, we're here to help.

We offer a 7-day accuracy guarantee and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can order with confidence. Most third-party providers offer little to no support for smart glasses lenses. If something goes wrong, you're on your own.

Seamless Integration with SpeCiC Technology

Our lenses are designed to work perfectly with all SpeCiC features, including the POV camera, real time translation glasses functionality, AI voice assistant, and media management. We test every lens type with our glasses to ensure optimal performance.

Third-party lenses can sometimes be too thick or heavy, throwing off the weight balance of your SpeCiC glasses and making them uncomfortable to wear for long periods.