Shop the Best Places for Online Glasses in 2023

Here are a few important things to consider when shopping for online prescription glasses stores.

Prescription

Make sure you submit your prescription for eyeglasses or sunglasses accurately online. Filling out prescriptions online might be difficult because of the unusual terminology, such as “axis,” “sphere,” and “cylinder.” Some online glasses retailers may request that you provide a snapshot of the prescription to eliminate any errors. It would be best to have your eyes examined by an eye-care specialist once a year to discover any changes in your vision or illnesses, such as glaucoma, which slowly leads to blindness, or macular deterioration, which causes blurred vision. Not all prescription lenses can be filled through online stores. If you have a severe astigmatism that causes blurred vision or requires extensive progressive lenses, doctors recommend purchasing prescription glasses in person to guarantee the best outcome for excellent vision.

Cost

Buying eyeglasses can be expensive, especially if your vision plan does not cover them. The quality of your online prescription glasses is determined by the type of materials and protective coatings on the lenses, which may drive up prices. You should avoid spending money on extra features that you may not need.

Check if online retailers take vision insurance, HSAs, or FSAs. Eyebuydirect, for example, does not accept vision insurance but does accept funds from HSAs and FSAs. GlassesUSA, on the other hand, accepts both spending accounts and vision insurance. You may be able to get a reimbursement form if the online glasses store doesn’t take vision insurance, and you can submit that paperwork to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) also offers a list of programs and options for free or low-cost eye care, including eye exams and eyeglasses.

Frames

One pair of frames may not fit as well as another set, especially regarding facial contour and features. Your frames should be comfortable on your face, and the lenses should be carefully made and well-placed. These variables may be harder to identify while shopping for prescription glasses online. Various name-brand or designer manufacturers build their frames using materials tailored to specific facial characteristics, ensuring long-lasting comfort and a secure fit.

When purchasing glasses online, remember essential features such as the bridge fit, adjustable nose pads with rubberized or silicone tips, and temple styles that can bend behind your ear or remain straight. People who already know what type of glasses they want can use the measurements from frames they own to get a pair that fits similarly. If not, you can use the measurement guidelines provided by many of the online glasses stores on our list, but your eye doctor will be able to give a more precise figure.

Lenses and Coatings

Online glasses stores provide extra choices for customizing prescription lenses. According to the NEI, the different types of glasses available include reading glasses, single vision prescription lenses, and multifocal prescription lenses, which include progressive lenses and bifocal lenses.

Lens coatings are helpful features that increase the durability of your eyeglasses.

• Anti-scratch and anti-reflective lens coatings are scratch resistant and minimize glare off the lens’s surface.
• Tints are coatings that provide color to a lens to increase the vibrancy and contrast within your surroundings.
• Mirror coatings are reflective top coverings added to the front surface of a lens to offer a polished finish while restricting light transmission, particularly from strong, bright lights.
• Lenses with a coating for blue-light blocking diminish blue light waves from digital displays.
• Photochromic or transition lenses darken when exposed to sunshine.
• High-index lenses are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable if you have a strong prescription.

Return Policy

Pay particular attention to any online eyewear retailer’s return policy. While some will offer you a complete refund if you don’t like your glasses, others will only give you credit toward another pair of glasses from the same brand, rather than giving you your money back. If your glasses don’t last as long as you hope, make a note of any warranty information included with your order.