Frequently Asked Questions
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Sport Specific Information
Frame Size Information
Specifications and Comparison Chart
General
Does Silverfish eyewear stay on in the surf / white water?
Yes, yes, yes! Silverfish eyewear was designed specifically to perform in pounding surf. Duck diving is not an issue at all.Also, a removable leash is included (optional on Standard model), just in case.
I am concerned about the frame fitting my face, what to do?
Link to: Frame Size Information
What about fogging and water droplets?
Proper ventilation is important to combat fogging (usually in colder climates). Silverfish's Elite series (Whistler 2 and Surf Rat)
utilizes our revolutionary removable Snapper™ nose piece, which displaces the entire frame just enough distance from the face to provide the necessary ventilation to combat fogging. And, the Standard and Whistler frames have strategically placed openings in the frame to allow for air passage. The Surf Rat's "open air" design allows for easy passage of air. Spotting is often mistaken for water drops and is dealt with by utilizing proper ventilation, as described above. While water droplets can occur, the Silverfish Cleaning Solution creates a sheeting property on the lenses to minimize droplets.
What's special about Silverfish eyewear?
- Only Silverfish combines the stylish aspects of sunglasses with the revolutionary performance capabilities of Interference Fit™ technology (see next item below. U.S. Patent 6,629,760; Australia Patent 60/079224; and South Africa Patent 2000/5241)- Silverfish frames come with Extremely Secure, proprietary , removable straps (U.S. Patent #8,517,533), so that the eyewear can also be worn as casual sunglasses.
- Silverfish frames come with removable leashes designed and sold exclusively by Silverfish.
- Our removable Snapper™ nose piece provides for extra ventilation and an optional fit. (Whistler and Surf Rat models).
- Other proprietary innovations, including both unmentioned-subtle and listed features, have also been incorporated.
While some other companies claim patents, these companies don't actually own the patents. These patents are non-exclusive, licensed, possibly expired and broadly available, like Velcro.
Always ask for a patent number. Ask who owns the patent (or look it up online). Make sure the patent is for a utility patent (function based) and not a design patent (aesthetics).
What is Interference Fit™ technology?
Interference Fit™ technology is a new technology for which Silverfish holds U.S. Patent 6,629,760; Australia Patent 60/079224; and South Africa Patent 2000/5241. By eliminating elasticity and concentrating on the structure of the human skull, it allows eyewear to be worn securely, comfortably and with maximum ventilation in the most extreme of sports and conditions.
What is the difference between Silverfish's Standard style and less expensive knock-offs?
You will likely find the following shortcomings in the cheaper sunglasses:The lenses will not be of the same quality - cheaper lenses can cause headaches.
The rubber ear stems are not of the same quality, are not as strong, and will stretch and break much easier.
The glue holding the ear stems and nose piece will not hold as well.
The fit will not be as good - the lenses will be so close to the eyes that eye lashes will brush against the lenses.
Other sunglass manufacturers are prohibited from using our patented inventions. Some tend to disparage what they can't offer.
Beware of companies who claim patents that they don't own. Always ask for a patent number. Ask who owns the patent (or look it up online). Make sure the patent is for a utility patent (function based) and not a design patent (aesthetics).
For which sports can Silverfish eyewear be used?
While we initially designed our eyewear with surfing in mind, we have discovered that Silverfish eyewear works equally well in most other extreme conditions, including those found in most other water sports (wakeboarding, wind surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, Stand up Paddling-SUP), sky diving, biking,
snowboarding, and motorcycling.
Why are high quality, distortion-free, polarized lenses important?
Polarized lenses reduce glare caused by water, wet surfaces, snow, etc. Inexpensive polarized lenses compromise quality often resulting in headaches from straining the eyes. Our polarized lenses are specially imported from Japan.
Why are polycarbonate lenses important?
Polycarbonate lenses provide far greater protection against shattering than glass or plastic lenses.
How was the Silverfish eyewear tested?
Since 2002, our eyewear has been tested all over the world, by many top athletes in many sports, in extreme water, wind and snow conditions and our eyewear meets or exceeds all FDA requirements. Our test lab, originally, was Newport Beach, CA's infamous Wedge. The Wedge is known for its sandblasting, body pounding shore breaks. And, since bodysurfers are necessarily in the thick of it, who better to test our gear?
How strong is the frame?
To ensure that the frame exceeds the demands of extreme sports and conditions, we use light weight, mold-injected nylon materials
(Silverlite™ for the Whistler, Road Trip and Surf Rat frames and TR Nylon for the Standard frame), which create the strongest workable solution available.
Do Silverfish sunglasses protect against ultraviolet light (UVA/UVB)?
Yes, Silverfish sunglasses shield 100% of the harmful UVA and UVB sunlight.
(See Protection)
Is it important to wear sunglasses in the water?
Yes. Sunlight exposure has been linked to cataracts, pterygiums and retinal melanoma - cancer on the eye
(See Dangers). And, because sunlight can be magnified by the reflective ocean surface, it is all the more important to protect your eyes in and around water.
Is it okay to wear contact lenses in the ocean?
Most people can manage to not lose their contact lenses while surfing or doing other water sports.
However, there are risks: (See Contact Lens Risks).
Is a water tight seal created?
No. Creating a water tight seal around the eyes is both futile and unfunctional. Trying to create a water tight seal leads to fogging, squeezing the face, and, after a surfing wipe-out, a half water-filled goggle.
Do they float or come with a leash?
We believe that leashes are better than floating frames because you don't have to scramble to locate the glasses if the glasses should happen to come off while you are being thrown around in white wash, as they will be attached to you by the leash.
The Whistler, Road Trip and Surf Rat do not float but include a leash (in addition to the strap) as an excellent second line of defense. The Standard frame floats without the extra weight of a prescription, and a leash can be purchased separately.
Prescription
How much time will it take to receive my order?
Link to: Shipping Policy
I am concerned about the frame fitting my face, what to do?
Link to: Frame Size Information
I have a very thick prescription, can you fill it without distortion?
Yes, we can fill any prescription in our Surf Rat frame without distortion.
Distortion generally occurs in "wrap" (curved) frames. Our Surf Rat frame has very little curvature.Users of our Whistler or Road Trip frames may feel distortion on prescriptions with cylinder readings (the middle number on Rx's - a.k.a. astigmatism) beyond -2.00. (Most people are fine up to -3.50.) This is a rule of thumb however, and each person's sensitivity to distortion is different. Sphere + Cylinder should be within +/-6.50 for our Whistler frame and +/-9.00 for our Road Trip frame.
Users of our Standard frame may feel distortion on prescriptions with cylinder readings (the middle number on Rx's - a.k.a. astigmatism) beyond -1.50. (Most people are fine up to -3.00.) This is a rule of thumb however, and each person's sensitivity to distortion is different. Sphere + Cylinder should be within +/-5.50 for our Standard frame.
How much will the prescription cost?
The cost depends on the options (frame, lens, lab, etc.) chosen. The best way to find the cost is to select the options you want in the online store. Make selections in all of the required (bold) fields and you will see the total (before shipping - $6.95 within US and $14.95 International). There is no tax on prescriptions.
I want to purchase a prescription as a gift, but don't know the recipients prescription
Place the prescription order. For the prescription, type "to come".
The gift recipient can then send in their prescription at their leisure.
What is the P.D. (Pupilary Distance) and is it necessary?
Click Here for P.D. explanation.
Can you help explain my prescription?
Click Here for Prescription Explanation.
Can you make multi-focal lenses (bi-focals, tri-focals, progressives)?
Yes, a bi-focal, tri-focal or progressive lens is possible.Multi-focal lenses incur an additional charge. When ordering (and/or to see pricing), select the multi-focal option from this Additional Rx Options link, which is also found on the prescription order pages (towards the bottom, under Suggested Items).
Two ways to proceed:
1. Recommended: You take a Silverfish frame (without the prescription lenses) to your optometrist to get your seg. height (the height, measured from the bottom of the lens, in millimeters, to where you want the lens to change from near to far). The optometrist needs the frame (and you) to do this because it depends on how the frame sits on your face and your personal preference. Click Here for Segment Height explanation.
So, you order a non-prescription frame(s) first. Take it to your optometrist to get the Seg. Ht. You will return this initial order for a refund (excluding shipping). Once you have the information, you can place the 2nd prescription order (independent of the return). Upon request and after ordering prescription, we will send a return shipping label, if within the U.S. This way, we split the shipping for the trial pair(s).
2. You have us use an average Segment Height. According to our Lab Manager 90% of people will be fine with this method. (This option may not be possible for stronger prescriptions.)
Do you accept vision plans or deal with FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), HSAs, etc.?
We do not deal directly with them. However, you can submit our receipts for reimbursement. We do not keep track of
what is reimbursable or acceptable for the many plans (check with your plan provider or accountant). We can itemize a receipt that breaks out your frame and lens costs as needed - just send us an email of what you need.
If you have a special credit or debit card for your plan, you may have to use the PayPal option during checkout,
as our internal system may not be able to accept that type of card.
Purchasing
I am concerned about the frame fitting my face, what to do?
Link to: Frame Size Information
Do you have any retail locations nearby?
On our CONTACT page, we list a few retail outlets that we are pretty sure have our full line in stock. Still, it is recommended to call them first for
their hours and/or to make sure that they have any specific model/ color that you want.
(If they don't have a style in stock, they will generally get it within a week, if you request it.)Alternatively, and conveniently, you can order the eyewear on-line from us, in (non-Rx), and return any that you are not interested in for a refund.
Link to: Returns Policy
Is it safe to purchase on-line?
Yes. We use Chase Paymentech which provides secure and reliable payment solutions, and handles all processing data with strict confidence.
Chase Paymentech, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase, is a global leader in payment processing.
What are the SHIPPING Rates and Times?
Link to: Shipping Policy
Returns, Refunds, Warranty
Link to: Returns, Refunds, Warranty
How much will it cost in my currency (not $US)?
Link to Currency Converter(Credit card issuers may charge more or less than the rate and may have fees associated with converting currency)
I am trying to Check Out, but I can't change the address.
Problems usually stem from using PayPal, and PayPal's inability to allow you to change the address during checkout.
If you want to use PayPal, DO NOT select PayPal on the VIEW CART / CHECKOUT (Basket Contents) page. Choose PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. You can Select PayPal later,
after entering your address. If that doesn't work, try the options below.There are three ways to proceed:
1. Change the address in PayPal by going directly to your PayPal account at paypal.com, before ordering.
2. Ask us to send you a PayPal invoice for your order.
- A. Email a screen shot of your checkout screen (for PCs, press Print Screen key, then Ctrl-V to paste it into your email) or send an email listing the items that you want and your address.
- B. All we need to know then is how you would like to ship: Within U.S. - $6.95; Standard International - $14.95; FedEx $? Address dependent.
3. Checkout without using PayPal.
Your website isn't accepting my (HSA/FSA) credit card
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are unable to accept HSA/FSA credit cards. You will have to use a regular credit card and submit for reimbursement.
Is there sales tax?
There is sales tax in California only. No tax is charged on Prescriptions.
Other
How can I get Silverfish stickers and decals?
Send in a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a note requesting stickers to:Silverfish
32392 South Coast Highway, Suite 160
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Tips
Tip 1 - Care/ Cleaning
After using Silverfish in the water, clean the lenses with warm water and mild soap or
Silverfish Lens Cleaner. Dry completely.
To dry lenses, only use a soft 100% cotton cloth, the Silverfish Micro Fiber Pouch, or the Silverfish Cleaning Cloth (included with the cleaning kit).
Do not use chemical cleaners or cleaning agents containing ammonia. Do not lick lenses as saliva can damage the lens coating.
Tip 2 - Can't See/ Keep Clean
1. Make sure the lenses are clean when you start - either soap & water or Silverfish Cleaning Spray.
(Use a double coat of the Silverfish Lens Cleaner on both sides of the lenses, just before entering the ocean.)
If applying sunblock, do so after cleaning the lenses.2. Too Dark/ Can't See - Sunblock on the lenses is no fun.
If you are wearing sunblock or sunscreen lotion, that can come off your face and onto you lenses which can appear to be fogging. Sunblock on the lenses will also attract water droplets and other gunk to the lens. Make sure there isn't any sunblock on the palm side of your hands before going out. This reduces the possibility of sunblock getting on the lenses. Sunscreen can wash off and create a film on the inside of the lens. The film can be quickly removed from the lens by wiping it off with a finger (that is free of sunblock). If this is still a major problem, experiment with different sunscreen lotions. We recommend Badger sunscreen, as it generally doesn't wash off the face, onto the lenses, is healthy, works well, and stays on your face.
Tip 3 - If fogging is a problem
1. If you are using the Surf Rat or Whistler frames, be sure to wear the nose piece.2. Try loosening the strap a bit so that the sunglasses can fit looser on your face. Allow the sunglasses to sit a bit further from your face to give more airflow to the inside of the lenses - be sure to wear the leash if you do this.
3. Dunk your head in the water to flush out any fogging.
4. If the sun is out, face the sun in order that fogging droplets can evaporate.
Tip 4 - The strap seems to loosen-up quicker than when new.
The ribs on the strap can wear down, causing the strap to loosen-up easier. Replacement parts can be ordered here.Have a tip? Click here to send us your tip.
Tip 5 - Wearing glasses with wetsuit hood
Wear the glasses on the outside of the hood. Otherwise, the frame temples will likely be uncomfortably squeezed.
