While it may seem like a convenient and affordable option, ordering glasses through online retailers can come with unexpected drawbacks. Before you click “buy,” here’s what you should know.
Are glasses truly less expensive online?
That answer depends on a lot of factors, but they usually cost about the same. Lens material and coatings, frame quality, and even the prescription itself can affect the overall cost. Oftentimes, vision insurance will not offer coverage when ordering online so there is little to no financial benefit.
What are those factors that could affect the cost?
The most important thing to consider is what kind of quality you’re getting. Online suppliers often do not have the same high standards and requirements as eye care providers. In fact, they frequently use lower-grade materials to keep costs down. This can cause your lenses to break down more easily or have the coatings flake off sooner, leading to visual disturbances and discomfort.
Not all “plastics” are the same. For example, would you use the same plastic in a soda bottle for your child’s car seat? Probably not. Yet they are both made of plastic. Low-quality plastics tend to cause “rainbow effects” (called aberrations) whereas materials like Trivex™ can reduce that significantly or almost completely.
Trivex is a lightweight, impact-resistant, urethane-based plastic known for its optical clarity. This is where a knowledgeable optician can really make a difference. They know how to look for lens distortions, make sure a pair of lenses meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications based on your prescription, or even notice if the edge of a lens is not centered correctly in a frame. Online retailers are free to use materials they have access to, so the physical and safety specifications are unknown. Also, opticians offer an extensive wealth of knowledge when it comes to frame and lens selections that online suppliers simply do not provide.
What if I just wanted a simple basic pair of glasses?
Even a “simple” pair of glasses requires precise measurements. An optician can take custom measurements during an in-person fitting, noting exactly how high or low you wear your frames and ensuring the optical center of the lenses aligns with your eyes. They’ll also consider preferences like whether you like a slight tilt to your glasses.
One significant drawback to ordering online is there is no way to get those measurements. Without having the frame actually on your face, those measurements can only be estimated. In optics, anything “estimated” leads to distorted vision. If any of these measurements are slightly off, your vision will be affected because you aren’t seeing out of the optical center of the lenses. Each person has a different interpretation of basic eyewear. For some, basic includes a frame and lens, while others want to include different coatings. An optician can sit down and discuss options that can be cost-effective but provide the best vision and comfort.
What is a custom (HD or premium) progressive?
Just like a television, progressive (no-line bifocals) can be designed to have “high definition.” Simply put, that means sharper, brighter, and more comfortable vision. Using customized measurements and new technologies, opticians can make the areas in a lens wider and longer. That gives you enhanced focus points. With an HD lens, an optician can talk with you about what you do for a living, your hobbies, and how you plan to use your glasses. Then they can customize your lenses specifically for you and your visual needs. A standard progressive does not have that option. They can often narrow the fields of vision, leading to distortion and less viewing area.
What happens if my lens is scratched or the frame breaks?
Online retailers typically offer limited warranties at best. For example, if a temple breaks or a nose pad falls off after 30 days, there’s not much they can do unless it’s a defective frame. In many cases, routine scratches or wear are not covered at all. So, if your lens gets scratched or your frames break after 30 days, you might need to invest in another pair of glasses.
Eye care providers and professionals often have far better warranty policies, including scratch-resistant coatings and other coatings. And while nothing is ever scratch-resistant, it certainly makes it much harder to damage the lens surface. While many opticians will adjust a frame from an outside source, or you could try and adjust or repair your own frame, there is always the possibility a frame could break. With the limited warranties of online retailers, you could be left without many options if something goes wrong.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, while ordering glasses online may seem like a convenient and cost-effective option, several factors can impact the true value and quality of your eyewear. From lower-grade materials and lack of precise measurements to limited warranties and the absence of personalized care, online glasses often fall short of the quality and durability offered by your local eye care provider. An experienced optician not only ensures you receive the highest quality lenses and frames but also considers your unique visual needs and lifestyle. Ultimately, investing in the expertise and personalized service of an optician can provide better long-term vision, comfort, and overall satisfaction.
If you’re ready to experience the difference personalized eye care can make, schedule an appointment with Lemoncelli Eyecare today! Our team is here to help you find the perfect glasses in Nashville for your vision and style needs.