Buying glasses can be very expensive and what’s even worse is that vision insurance doesn't always cover glasses — and in cases when it does, it may not cover the whole cost.
How To Buy Glasses Online In 5 Simple Steps1. Get A Prescription
2. Know Your Pupillary Distance (PD)
Another important piece of information you must have before placing your eyeglass order online is your pupillary distance measurement. Your pupillary distance (PD) is the distance, in millimeters, between the centers of the pupils of both eyes. Sometimes the PD can be listed on your prescription, but in cases when it’s not, give your eye doctor a quick call to find out what it is.
3. Finding Frames That Fit
Not trying glass frames on might seem like a problem when not buying in a store. But don’t fret, there is a solution even for that. Assuming that you already have a pair of glasses that fit, you will find three primary measurements engraved on the inside temple of the eyeglass frame. These measurements are the temple size (arm length), bridge width, and lens width.
4. Lens Types And Index
Whether you’re buying glasses online or in a store, the next thing you must decide on is what type of lenses you want to get. Getting anything beyond a basic, single-strength lens will add to the overall cost, but some upsells can be worth it. Lenses are often offered in three primary options, including photochromatic lenses, clear lenses, and tinted or Polarized Lenses, but of course there are other options as well.
5. Lens Coatings
Most of the coatings, if not all, that are about to be listed here, may be included with your lenses when you order glasses online. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be offered better (and more expensive) versions of these coatings. Also, be aware that the more you customize your prescription glasses online, the more likely it is you won’t be able to return them.
Pros And Cons To Buying Glasses OnlineAt first it does sound a bit scary if you have never purchased glasses online. But once you have tried and gotten the hang of it, you’ll never want to go back to those annoying salespeople who seem to know what they’re doing but don’t really. Plus, it is quite a bit cheaper buying online! Let’s take a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks of buying glasses online. Pros To Buying Glasses Online1. ConvenienceThis basically means buying from the comfort of your home or office without having to put time aside. Buying glasses online means that you don’t have to take almost any time out of your day but instead just put a few minutes aside. That is why many people nowadays have turned to purchasing glasses online.2. Pressure FreeSalespeople can sometimes be pushy, lack knowledge or simply not interested. When buying online you don’t have to worry about people chasing after their sales commission. Furthermore, many sites include integrated chat features where you can talk to a salesperson if you do need advice. Therefore, you won’t be alone to make your purchase should you need a hand. Nevertheless, thanks to the protective barrier of the internet, you won’t feel pressured into buying something you don’t want.3. TimeNo queues, crowds or closing times which means you can take as long as you want in finding the best frames. Also, you can shop any time you want, whether you’re a night or morning person, the site will be there 24/7. You can save links or create an account to compare frames later if you find some but you’re still not sure. However, if time is on your side, you can take your time and come back a few weeks later too.4. Price And QualitySites can afford to work with smaller tight-knit teams from offices and warehouses, and their running costs tend to be far less than stores. This means that because they sell more frames, they can lower their profits per sale and render them more accessible. Additionally, sites can offer the same quality as what you’d get in-store for far less.Cons to Buying Online1. Too Much ChoiceMany options can be daunting and leave you wondering if you bought the right thing from the right place. And because of that you have to be very sure of what fits you best and what not, that way you’ll avoid disappointments and doubts.2. Unreliable Online RetailersBuying online carries its own risks. From unsafe URLs to scammers or simply poorly-designed websites and spammy newsletters, it’s not easy finding the best places to buy online. Fortunately, it is easy to ask around and find some excellent sites that offer a customer service and quality that are even better than in stores.In the end, whether you’ll purchase your eyeglasses online or in a store, as always, is ultimately up to you. Here we have given you some simple steps to make your online shopping easier and not as daunting (if you are a first-time buyer). Have you ever purchased anything from our or any other sites? If so, let us know how it went. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions and would love to hear from you. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: How to Choose Eyeglasses10 Best Sunglasses Brands For Women Of 2020The Most Popular Sunglass Colors for Summer 2020 |
Apr 22nd 2023
5 Simple Steps for Buying Glasses Online
