Buying Prescription Glasses Online

Prescription glasses can be significant, so checking return and warranty policies is essential. Some online retailers, like Eyebuydirect and GlassesUSA, offer a prepaid return label, while others accept FSA and HSA funds for reimbursement.

You’ll also need to know your pupillary distance (PD) if you choose lenses that require it. You can get this measurement from your doctor or take it yourself.

Choosing the Right Frames

Finding a frame size that fits your face can be tricky when shopping for prescription glasses online. Fortunately, online retailers make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Many have virtual try-on applications that allow you to see what a pair of frames will look like on your face, and some even offer home try-on programs that’ll ship a selection of frames to your house for you to try on before choosing one or more to purchase.

It’s also essential to find out which online eyewear retailers accept your vision insurance, as this could help reduce the cost of your new prescription glasses. Finally, check out each retailer’s return and warranty policies. These can vary widely, and it’s best to have a backup plan in case you need to return or exchange your glasses for any reason.

Choosing the Right Lenses

When shopping for glasses, it’s essential to consider the lenses that will meet your unique visual needs. Online retailers typically offer various lens options, including bifocals and progressive lenses that seamlessly transition from near to far-sightedness.

It’s also important to consider your lifestyle and activity level when choosing lenses. For example, if you’re active and play contact sports, select durable, impact-resistant lenses, such as polycarbonate or Trivex. Conversely, if you’re a professional in a high-stress field such as photography or video editing, lenses with a higher Abbe value will help reduce the distracting halos around light sources and colors that can interfere with your vision.

Purchasing eyeglasses online can offer numerous advantages, such as a vast selection, convenience, competitive pricing, and home try-on programs. However, weighing the pros and cons of buying glasses online is essential before deciding.

Customizing Your Frames and Lenses

In-person shopping at an eye doctor’s office or a brick-and-mortar store means you can physically try on frames and get professional advice on lens options. But online shopping is also convenient, offering a more excellent selection of styles and brands at lower prices. Many retailers, such as Warby Parker, offer a home-try-on feature and a generous return policy.

Once you’ve found the perfect frames, enter your prescription and select any extras or upgrades you want, such as anti-reflective coating or photochromic lenses (transitions that darken in sunlight). Check out the retailer’s return/exchange policies and product warranties before you buy.

Some retailers, such as Liingo and GlassesUSA, are in-network providers with insurance companies. Others, like Alexander Daas, make it easier to use HSAs and FSAs by providing forms and itemized receipts for out-of-network reimbursement. Also, consider whether you’re interested in charitable giving, as some glasses retailers support programs to provide eye care in underserved communities.

Ordering Your Frames

One of the biggest challenges in buying prescription glasses online is ensuring your frames are comfortable on your face and correctly fitted to your eyes. That requires accurate and up-to-date prescription information and a few measurements, including pupillary distance (PD).

An independent direct-to-consumer retailer specializing in eyeglasses offers a small, curated selection of stylish frames at reasonable prices with a home try-on kit and a two-month return window. It also provides a full refund and helps shoppers file for insurance reimbursement by providing itemized receipts and guides to submitting claims.

Another independent online retailer makes it easy to find high-quality, designer frames and sunglasses at reasonable prices with quick shipping times. Its PD calculator and lens-ordering tools help ensure a comfortable fit. Most sites let you upload your prescription directly from your optometrist or enter it manually. The first number in your prescription, the spherical refractive index, determines whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. The second number, the cylinder value, is used to correct astigmatism and is abbreviated CYL.