Online shopping has never been easier. A quick internet search for ‘buying glasses online’ will show up dozens of websites selling eyewear, sunglasses, contact lenses, eyewear accessories and more. So, why should one hold back? It’s convenient and secure. Moreover, buying glasses online can be an inexpensive way to get the eyewear you need without paying a huge margin offline retailers tend to charge. Interested so far? We’re letting you in on a handy guide on all you need to know about buying glasses online.
Know Your Prescription Status
Shopping for glasses online does not mean you don’t need a prescription. To buy a new pair of glasses, you’d need your previous prescription. Ensure it is still valid. If it is not, or you never wore glasses before, take an eye exam. To make it easier for you, Lenksart’s Home Try-on feature helps you connect with a certified optometrist who’ll take you through a 12-step eye test. Use the copy of the prescription they give you to get your glasses from anywhere in the next 12 months. Also ensure that the optometrist mentions your pupillary distance or PD, on the prescription. If it isn’t mentioned, be sure to ask for it — you’ll need this to order glasses online. Your optometrist will also bring with them over 100 bestselling frames for you to choose from. Rest assured; your eyes are in safe hands.
Know Your Frame Size
The best part about browsing for eyewear online is the fact that most platforms that sell it have catalogs brimming with loads of choices for both men, women and kids. Additionally, they provide you with enough information to help you choose the right pair for your needs. Be it size, material, lens type or other specifications. Still not convinced? Opt for Lenskart’s 3D Try-on feature, which helps you make a video to try glasses on yourself from all angles. With over 1000+ frames to try, you’ll surely be spoilt for choice.
If this does not suffice, check which frame suits your face type here to make a decision.
Know Which Lens Is Right For You
No matter where you decide to get your eyeglasses from, you’re bound to be upsold on lenses and coatings. Remember, anything beyond a basic, single-strength lens will add to the cost, but some upsells can be worth it. Here’s a list of a few types of lenses that you will come across when you do your research:
- Polycarbonate and Trivex Lenses – These are lightweight, plastic lenses that come with great durability. Ideal for kids.
- High-Index Plastic Lenses – As the name suggests, these have a higher index of refraction. In layman’s terms, they are the thinnest lenses you can get on your eyeglasses.
- Progressive Lenses – These are made for people who wear bifocal or trifocal lenses.
- Photochromic Lenses – These lenses change color in the sun, making your standard glasses double up as sunglasses, too. However, they won’t necessarily get as dark as sunglasses.
As for coatings, almost all of these that are mentioned below may be included with your lenses. However, you can always opt for a better (and more expensive) lens coating if you wish to.
- Anti-reflective coating makes your eyes more visible, but can also help reduce glare. This is especially suitable for individuals who spend long hours in front of computer screens.
- Scratch-resistant coating is exactly what its name suggests. Not every eyewear is 100 percent scratch-proof, but having a scratch-resistant coating does not hurt.
- Ultraviolet protection helps block exposure to harmful UV rays. Although, it would be good to know, most lenses are made in a way that they block UV light without any additional coating.
- Anti-fog coating can keep your glasses from fogging up when you come in from the cold, or sip a hot beverage. It is useful especially now, when you have masks all the way up your nose, which sometimes results in fogging up your glasses.
Know the Return Policy
Let’s discuss the worst-case scenario: you get your glasses online and you somehow end up not liking the fit, or the frame does not suit your face as much as you’d hoped it would. Now what? In such cases, it’s wise to read over the fine print on return/exchange policies and product warranties.
