Have you ever thought about buying cheap glasses online? It’s hard to resist a pair at only $39.

After all, it would seem that they should be similar to those that your eye doctor would make for you. While it’s very tempting to save some money wherever you can, online glasses may not be the place to skimp.

Here are a few things to be aware of with online glasses:

Disadvantages of Buying Glasses Online

1. Lower Prices Mean Cutting Corners

One thing that online glass retailers claim is that their products are cheap because they don’t have to hire a big team of professionals and pay the high rent associated with retail optical stores.

Unfortunately, what they don’t tell you is that by purchasing from an online retailer, you won’t get the professional help of a qualified optician to help you choose the right lens and frames to protect your vision.

There is a lot that goes into choosing appropriate frames and lens options; some good help goes a long way towards ensuring your glasses are perfect.

2. Lower Quality

In order to produce a product that is significantly cheaper, you have to cut costs along the way. Cutting costs can come in form of low quality materials, which could be more prone to breakage, and may even cause you bodily harm.

Online retailers often compromise on quality and your vision.

There will always be a difference in terms of scratch resistance, impact handling, coatings and levels of optical performance compared to ideal glasses.

3. You Are More Likely to Choose The Wrong Glasses from Bigger Selections

Online retailers will be quick to tell you that they have a biggest inventory of glasses for you to choose from but the problem comes to selecting your ideal glasses frames.

Remember you’ll be on your own when selecting these glasses.

Just how many of these glasses do you think will fit your face shape as well as your personality? Keep in mind you won’t have anyone to guide you.

A qualified optician knows your requirements as well as the glasses that are going to meet all of your needs depending on your lifestyle.

4. Cheap Sunglasses Can Do More Harm Than Good

Sunglasses can be quite deceiving if you do not know the brand behind them.

Most sunglasses have a grey tint and it’s easy to think that they have all the UV blocking features. The materials used to make sunglasses that can protect your vision from the UV rays and glare are not cheap.

It’s important to know that the level of protection that shades provide to shield your eyes from harmful rays is not solely a function of color of the lenses.

Additionally, it’s impossible to ‘feel’ how your eyes are being protected while you are wearing sunglasses.

Ensure that you buy sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV light.

5. Aggravated Eyestrain and Dizziness

Drug store readers will help you see more clearly especially if you’re nearing the age 40 and experiencing the normal age-related loss of focus known as presbyopia…

The only problem is that it’s very easy to choose the wrong power without proper guidance.

Over the counter readers also do not correct for the differences between the eyes to ensure that they are both focused at the same position, and they do not correct any potential astigmatism. Furthermore most ‘cheaters’ cannot protect your eyes from the blue light emitted by electronic devices.

Tips for Buying Glasses

Now that you know the possible pitfalls of buying cheap glasses online here are a few tips that you can utilize to your advantage to save money when you are buying glasses for you or your family:

Do you have an insurance plan? Many people have vision insurance plans such as VSP and EyeMed that they are enrolled in as a part of their benefits package at work. These plans are there to help you cut costs every time you’re buying glasses. Most people don’t know that you can utilize insurance towards distance glasses, prescription readers or sunglasses. We can look up your eligibility for you.
Ask about packages. Many authorized optical outlets offer discounts on package deals. Premium eye wear products such as photochromic lenses, anti-reflective coatings and progressive lens come with discounts when bought as a bundle. Always ask for details.
Take full advantage of warranties. Every time you buy a quality pair of glasses, ensure that you know read all the terms and conditions of the warranty. Quality eyewear is of better value if it comes with warranties for frame materials, lens scratches, and workmanship. Warranties are more valuable if your children wear glasses and/or you live or work in an harsh environment and generally cover scratches on the lenses for a whole year. Always ask your optician about the terms and conditions of the warranties that come with your newly owned glasses every time you make a purchase.

Ask your eye doctor about possible discounts or promotions on specific lenses and frames and financing plans if needed for your glasses.

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