The internet has really changed the game for a lot of industries and eyeglasses are no exception.
There’s no denying that internet shopping is convenient. But is the internet the best place to buy your eyeglasses?
See, every pair of eyeglasses is a custom-made item. Every person’s head and eyes are different. Accurate measurements are important to achieve a comfortable fit.
Frames and lens are made of different materials and different lens treatments.
Buying eyeglasses from a traditional optical store allows a skilled optometrist to guide you through the process. When you order online you must do these things on your own and the choices can be overwhelming.
Use this article to help you determine if buying eyeglasses online is right for you. And if you have multifocal or bifocal need, you most likely can’t purchase those online. Keep reading to learn why.
Where to Begin
If you are shopping online, most sites have you start by selecting frames and frame materials. You’ll choose from a catalog of options describing frame materials, designs, hinge types and other information.
You’ll also need to decide the type of lens materials and coatings you would like. Do you need plastic, polycarbonate or high-index lenses? How about photochromatic lenses? Do you need protection from ultraviolet lights? And what about anti-reflective coatings?
Lots of decisions to make that impact your vision, your comfort and the life of your glasses. Most people benefit from the guidance of a trained optical technician.
About Pupil Distance (PD Measurement)
This is an area that messes up most people when ordering glasses online.
For you to see properly through your new glasses, the eyeglass lab must know the distance between your pupils. Online eyeglass sellers realize that, and thus provide tips for you to measure pupil distance on your own.
Here’s the challenge of measuring pupil distance on your own – it’s hard to do it right. Although online eyeglass sellers give you step by step instructions, it’s kind of like trying to be your own dentist. Just because you have instructions how to do it doesn’t mean it will be done right.
Incorrect pupil distance is one of the bigger challenges faced by people who buy eyeglasses online. That’s why we recommend your local optical store.
Getting the Right Fit
Glasses that are too large can slip. It’s uncomfortable, annoying and can cause headaches if you aren’t looking through the optical centers of the lenses.
Glasses that are too small can pinch the sides of your head and often leave red marks on your temples. And I can remember as a kid having a pair of glasses so small, they rubbed my ears raw.
Some online eyeglass stores offer tips concerning fit, things like measuring your head or using your hat size. These are inexact at best. Things like the type of your prescription and weight of your lenses will also impact fit.
An experienced optical technician at a traditional optical store can guide you through such issues. They can help you select frames and lenses that work best for you.
Do You Like How You Look?
Optical websites do all sorts of things to give you an idea how glasses will look on you. Some allow you to upload pictures and superimpose frames on your photo. Others offer suggestions based upon the shape of your face.
As you know, in a traditional optical store, seeing how glasses look on your face is easy. You simply try them on!
What About Bifocals and Progressive Lenses?
These types of lenses are challenging, as they require special measurements and power. They also come in different styles. Determining the right one for your vision needs is best handled with the guidance of your optician or trained optical technician.
For these reasons, most online optical sites stay away from these kinds of lens.
How About Price?
Due to lower overhead, some online sellers can offer eyeglasses as lower prices than traditional optical stores.
Some optical stores do so much volume that they’re able to offer lower prices than online sellers.
Do your research but always remember this – the best deal you can get is on eyeglasses that work.
There’s no disputing that it’s easier to get it right when shopping at an optical store instead of online. It’s easier to resolve a problem with your glasses with your local optical store than most online sellers.
Although we don’t sell new prescription eyeglasses at All American Eyeglass Repair, we do wear them and fix them. We prefer the service and expertise of our local optician at our local optical center. We get the right glasses and lenses for our vision and lifestyle needs without having to do it ourselves.
We hope this guide helps you. And if you have eyeglasses that need repaired, we’d be honored to help you. Visit our website for more information.
