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Considering the fact that eyeglasses have been around in some form for almost a 1,000 years, it’s shocking how little consumers know about prescription eyeglasses.
Around 50% of women and 42% of men use prescription glasses, but it can be hard for most consumers to find quality eyeglasses at a reasonable price.
In recent years, online purchasing options have certainly added convenience and cost-saving advantages. However, no matter where you buy glasses, it’s crucial that you do your research before making a final decision. Here’s what you need to know before you shell out any money for spectacles.
Tips for Buying Prescription Glasses
Visit Your Optometrist
The first thing you should do is visit an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. If you have a history or family history of more severe eye diseases than just being near or farsighted, it may be wise to consult an ophthalmologist.
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat vision changes. However, they don’t have the medical and surgical expertise of ophthalmologists. Getting your eye examination done should be your first step. It will provide you with several essential measurements, such as the required lens power, magnification, and axis.
Types of Lenses
There are different types of lenses, satisfying different requirements, so this is something that you should again discuss with your optometrist. Acuvue contacts are a popular choice among contact lenses.
It’s also an important consideration when buying eyeglasses because this is what influences both quality and cost significantly. What you should know is that there are four basic types of lenses for eyeglasses.
Standard optical plastic lenses are the cheapest ones and can be suitable for low to high strength prescriptions. The downside is that they’re prone to scratches unless they come with an anti-scratch coat.
Polycarbonate lenses are hardy and also provide UV protection, but are known to produce a rainbow effect in your peripheral vision.
High-index lenses made from special plastic are thin, light, and excellent for strong prescriptions. Unfortunately, these can be rather pricey.
There are also progressive lenses, which are a step up from bifocals and trifocals. They’re great if you need to switch between looking at navigation and the road without changing glasses. However, they’re more expensive, and aging adults can have difficulty adjusting to them.
Spectacle Frames
Frames are what add aesthetic value to eyeglasses, but you shouldn’t let your fashion sense dictate your choice of glasses. After all, this is a health care decision, not a fashion statement.
While you can choose frame styles that accentuate your features, there are more important considerations if your focus is on high-quality eyeglasses. Eyeglasses with spring or flex hinges and materials like titanium can improve the comfort, flexibility, and durability of the glasses.
They may cost a bit more, but your glasses are less likely to break or cause discomfort. These features are particularly useful if your prescription is for reading glasses that need to be taken on and off frequently.
On this note, trendy designer glasses may seem fashionable and high quality, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Unbranded eyeglasses can be just as effective and durable as both types are usually manufactured using the same equipment, materials, and quality control tests.
With designer frames, there’s a good chance you’re just paying for a brand name, not a better product.
And, this would be the perfect time to introduce you to TimetoShade.
TimetoShade is a small, USA based eyeglasses company that focuses on offering quality eyewear at a reasonable price. Their eyewear is often at least 30% cheaper than other online glasses companies.
Glasses Add-ons
It’s easy to get carried away when speaking to a sales rep, but remember that it’s their job to have you spend more. Many of the add-ons that consumers agree to are not necessary or all that useful.
Depending on your requirements, how you use your glasses, and how long you need them to last, you can decide to opt for or avoid add-ons. When you add up the cost of all of these add-ons, they can significantly raise the price of your eyeglasses.
Most eyewear companies charge extra for things like anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings but not TimetoShade.
All of their prescription glasses come standard with thin polycarbonate lenses that have an antiglare scratch-resistant coating. They are also cut and assembled right here in New York City.
TimetoShade also offers blue light lens, polarized, mirrored, and digital progressive (multi-focal) lenses at a fantastic price too!
In addition to using the tips mentioned above, it would also be a good idea to be patient and invest more time in research before making a purchase. Get a second or third quote if needed and always check with your optometrist for advice.
Ready to purchase some designer frames with a prescription?
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I turned 50 and had to get prescription glasses. I’m still learning the ins and outs but this post helped to answer a few questions. The prices are great and I really need prescription sunglasses.
I had to get prescription glasses in elementary school. My eyesight is pretty bad 🙁