Are you looking to buy your first pair of glasses? Here are some tips for getting new glasses that look great and won’t break the bank.
60% of the US population wears glasses or contact lenses. Since you’re reading this post, we’re willing to bet that you make up part of that massive figure.
We don’t have to tell you that corrective vision tools like glasses are great! They look good, they are easy to carry around and they keep us from driving off the road. While glasses function effortlessly, the process that one has to go through to buy a pair of glasses isn’t as seamless.
If you’re stressing out over getting new glasses because you’re not sure where to start your search or how to buy the right pair, take a deep breath!
Below, our team steps you through 11 stellar tips that will turn you into outstanding glasses at an excellent price.
1. Before You Start Shopping, Get Your Eyes Checked
If you want to find a pair of glasses that are going to help you see clearly (which we’re assuming is your main goal) check in with an optometrist before making a purchase. Even if you know how your lenses should be formatted based on prior prescriptions, your eyes can change dramatically every year.
Eye checks are often under $100.00 even without insurance so you’ve got very little to lose by ensuring that your prescription is in lock step with your medical needs.
2. Check Your Pupillary Distance
You’d be shocked by how many people don’t buy glasses that account for their correct pupillary distance. Pupillary distance is a medical term that refers to the amount of space between your pupils. Glasses should weigh that distance to ensure that your lenses are positioned adequately.
Pupillary distance doesn’t change too much over time but it’s worth asking about yours during an eye exam, even if you know your distance from a prior checkup.
3. See If Your Old Frames Are Salvageable
Are you getting new glasses because of a lens issue? If you are, you could save a lot of money by having an optometrist insert new lenses into your existing frames.
Frames for glasses can easily run over $100.00. If you don’t mind your old frames, save that cash and use it to reimburse yourself for any money that you had to spend on your eye exam.
4. Get Educated on Frame Types
Ready to get rid of your old frames? No problem!
Shopping for frames is one of the most fun parts of getting new glasses. Despite that fun, frame shopping can also be overwhelming.
Frames boast a variety of styles including rectangles, squares, way frames, browlines, ovals, aviators, circles, wasps, and more. If some of those choices sounded like a foreign language to you, talk to a frames specialist so they can educate you on which frames best suit your facial structure.
5. See If Your Insurance Can Cover Portions of Your Frames
Vision insurance should subsidize some or all of your lenses. Things can get a lot trickier when it comes to your frames though.
Generally speaking, you should be able to get insurance to subsidize at least a portion of low-end frames. Designer frames, on the other hand, will almost certainly mean dipping into your own pocket.
Call your insurance provider so you know what to expect.
6. Don’t Get Sucked Into Add-ons
When you buy glasses, you’ll get hit with a number of add-on options. Things like scratch-resistant coatings or extended warranties almost always end up being worthless. Do yourself a favor and just say no.
7. Weigh Your Online/Offline Buying Options
Most people will buy their lenses and frames directly from their optometrist. While that is a convenient option, it may not be the most cost-effective one.
There are a number of domestic and international glasses providers that sell quality frames and lenses at discount rates online. All they need from you is the information your optometrist compiled during your exam.
Do a quick search for online glasses retailers to see if you can get a better deal on eye ware online than you can from your optometrist or from local chain stores like Lens Crafters.
8. Always Look for a Great Return Policy
The big disadvantage of buying glasses online is that you can’t try them on. The best way to ensure that you don’t get stuck with a dud pair of glasses is to double-check a store’s return policy before buying.
Any online retailer that doesn’t offer free returns is best avoided.
9. Keep Skin Conditions in Mind
Skin sensitivities can be exacerbated by mass-market glasses. If you have sensitivities to things like rubber, plastic, or certain kinds of metals, buy glasses that advertise being free of those elements so you can use them comfortably.
An optometrist is a great resource when it comes to finding niche frames that are built for people with rare skin conditions.
10. Consider a Backup Pair
When you find a pair of glasses that you really like, buying a second pair can be a good idea, especially if your seller is offering a discount on multiples. For the record, you don’t have to get two of the exact same glasses.
You could, for example, purchase one pair that’s appropriate for casual use and another pair that’s more suited for professional settings.
11. Always Keep Your Glasses in a Great Case
There’s nothing worse than getting new glasses just to have them break within a couple of weeks. Avoid that fate by purchasing a case that’s every bit as awesome as your new lenses/frames!
Getting New Glasses Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
For some people, getting new glasses is a stressful process. Given the number of sellers and options that are out there though, it doesn’t have to be!
Follow our steps and proceed confidently as you find the perfect corrective vision companion for your lifestyle.
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Learning more about glasses frames from this article was extremely helpful for someone like me. Since I’m trying to get a pair of glasses for myself, I need to know how to properly wear them and manage them in the future. Frames really do sound like they contribute a lot to that, so I’ll look for any optical goods stores I can start shopping around so I can choose the right kind.