Disadvantages of Buying Glasses Online

In today’s world, you can do just about anything online including buying glasses. Many of the popular online glasses stores offer “discounted” frames or BOGO deals. Although these websites might seem appealing, there are some disadvantages to shopping online for glasses. So what’s the advantage of visiting our office to find your new pair of specs?

Quality

Have you ever heard the phrase “you get what you pay for?” In this case, it’s the truth. When you purchase a low cost pair of glasses online, you get a product made with inexpensive, poor materials. This lack in quality affects the safety of a pair of glasses, as well as the prescription accuracy.

A study completed by the American Optometric Association with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council took a look at the quality of glasses purchased online. They tested eyeglasses from 10 of the most popular online glasses vendors and found that 44.8% of the eyeglasses had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues. An inaccurate prescription can cause blurred vision and eye fatigue.

In addition, 29% of the children’s glasses ordered failed impact resistance testing, which highlights a major safety issue for kids. Many of these onlines stores do not offer impact resistant lenses that meet the FDA’s impact resistance requirements. This means that frames purchased online lack in durability and will likely need to be replaced more often.

Having an Optician’s Guidance

When you order glasses online, you don’t have the ability to work with a trained optician. An optician helps you choose frames that fit your face, style, and lifestyle. They’ll also ensure that your glasses fit well and are not too big or too small. They will measure your temples, bridge, and face width to help you find frames that will fit comfortably.

Opticians will also mark exactly where you are looking through your lenses and ensure that you are looking through the exact spot that will correct your focus. When you order glasses online, you don’t have this extra check in place. Although a misalignment might not be too noticeable for someone with a mild prescription, it may be obvious to those with stronger prescription lenses.

Support Local

When you choose to purchase your glasses in-person at our office, you are supporting a locally owned business. You have the care and support of our experienced team members from start to finish. We know that your glasses are an extension of your style, so you can count on personalized guidance through the whole process, even after you pick up your glasses! If needed, our team is available to help with fit adjustments, repairs, or even lens swaps if your prescription changes down the road.

As always, we’re here to help! If you have questions about this topic or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today.