In today’s digital society, you can avoid shopping in-store and purchase just about anything from the comfort of your own home. For those who wear contact lenses and glasses, this means that you’re able to order a second set of eyes straight from your mobile device.
While having the option to shop online is great, there are still things to consider before buying your custom-fit, prescription glasses from the internet without assistance from an optician. Here are 5 tips (from an optometrist) to think about before buying eyeglasses online
Although we all love to shop online, having an optician (an expert in eye glasses and spectacle lens optics) style you in a frame that fits your face best is highly recommended. A frame should have an appropriate temple length, have a bridge that fits your nose, and have the correct shape for your unique prescription. When you purchase a frame online, you do not get to experience the difference or feel of a variety of frame sizes, shapes, and colors. If you are unable to meet with an optician and purchase your glasses in person, it’s important to research these details as best as possible.
Historically, it is thought that approximately 50% of glasses made online are fabricated incorrectly. As an optometrist, it is not uncommon to have new patients with vision issues that are directly related to the quality of their glasses that were ordered online. This is important to consider before choosing to order online, especially if you are able to schedule an appointment with an optician.
I definitely have more patients return with issues from online orders than those that purchase through our office. The most common issue is that the prescription is not centered correctly in the lenses in relation to the eyes because the glasses are made using only the pupillary distance (PD), which is the minimal measurement necessary to make a pair of glasses. Where your eyes sit within the frame you select is very important for all types of prescriptions.
As with anything, you can always buy it cheaper. Typically, the price you pay for a product or service is directly proportional to the quality of the product and the customer service you are provided. In the eye glass frame industry, there are a lot of great companies that take pride in the materials they use and the process they use to build the frame versus the mass manufacturing process of many cheap frame companies. Quality frames made of the finest materials will provide both fashion and function while ensuring comfort, but they typically cost more.
Everyone has a unique spectacle prescription and in order to see your very best the frame has to fit well, the material of the frame and lenses should be optimal based on your prescription, and the measurements of where your eyes sit in the frame are all very important. Those with mild, uncomplicated prescriptions will fare better than those who have high prescriptions, an astigmatism, or those that need multi-focal lenses (ie. bifocal, trifocals, or progressive lenses), when ordering glasses online without a professional properly fitting the spectacles. If you are someone that struggles with any of these issues, it is probably best to avoid ordering glasses online and instead consult with your local optician.
An important reminder, your frame is often the first thing people see when they look at you and they provide you the ability to see for at least 1-2 years. Choose wisely, your eyes deserve it!
If you need to reach Dr. Morrow after business hours please call our main office at 912-483-6600. Our voicemail will prompt you to dial #1 for emergencies which will transfer your call directly to Dr. Morrow’s cell phone.
NOTE: There is a $100 after-hours service fee for eye emergencies seen after normal business hours listed below.
Mon – Wed: 7:30am – 6pm
Thurs – Fri: 7:30am – 4pm
Sat – Sun: Closed