The invention of the Internet has exponentially grown in the past decade. With it came infinite conveniences – as well as a plethora of questions. As security gets tighter, buying things online is much more secure; it’s becoming second nature to shop from the comfort of our own homes. While shopping for glasses online is still a fairly new concept, it too is growing due to the great selections and extremely affordable prices. As it becomes more accepted to shop from the comfort of your home for your new spectacles, a few questions may arise. ‘What exactly do I need when I order online?’ ‘How do I know if the frames will fit me?’ ‘I’m not a doctor; how am I going to ensure I get the correct prescription?’ Let’s dig a little deeper…
Every optical online store is going to be a bit different. However, when it comes to ordering anything online, you probably already know that you will need to have either a credit card or a Paypal account readily available. Also, while the sites may differ, when dealing with eyeglasses, there is typically one main thing that you will need to have handy: your prescription. As long as you have gone to the doctor and had your eyes checked, by law, those details are yours to have. So just ask. Also, please note that your glasses prescription is not exactly the same as your contact lenses prescription, so keep that in mind when ordering.
Ensuring that your new frames fit you is probably the biggest worry when choosing to buy glasses online – but it shouldn’t be! Most glasses frames have three numbers written on the inside of one of the arms. You can either try checking your existing pair, or go into a local shop and get fitted for frames. The numbers that you’re looking for should be similar to 48, 15, 135. Also, note that glasses are always measured in millimeters. The first number will let you know that the width of each of your lenses is 48mm. The 15 value signifies that the bridge of your glasses is 15mm wide. Lastly, the 135 lets you know that your temples (the arms of the glasses) are 135mm long. Typically you have a little bit of leeway with the first two numbers to go up and down 1-2mm, whereas the temple should stay the same.
Lastly, when it comes to your prescription, the safest way to be sure that your glasses are made exactly to your needs is to get any and all information and measurements you’ll need and then send the company your prescription. Besides your actual prescription, you’ll want to be sure to find out your PD (or pupillary distance) number. This number indicates the distance between the middle of your pupils and is significant in determining where exactly to place the middle of the lenses into your glasses. You should be able to get this number from your doctor; however, you can always try using the average PD: 63mm.
Sometimes ordering things over the Internet can be complicated – especially something that needs specifics, like eyeglasses. However, it really isn’t! Try getting your next pair of eyeglasses online! You’ll save a bundle, and be glad you did. Just remember: take out your credit card, check out the size frame that you’ll need, and be sure to get your eyeglasses prescription from your doctor – along with your PD value. Happy Shopping!
Hillary Glaser is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for GlassesUSA – the easiest way to buy glasses online. She oversees day-to-day operations for all marketing and promotions of eyeglasses for the company.