Tips on buying eyeglasses for first time?

[morosco]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 5:05pm

Need to buy prescription eyeglasses for the first time. Any tips on how not to get ripped off by paying too much? Are there options I really shouldn't waste money on (anti-glare, etc.)? Any tips for good prices? Sams Club?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 5:56pm

It really depends on your personal needs and taste. I've had to wear glasses all day every day for 32 years (oy), so I don't skimp on my glasses. A good pair of glasses can last many years if your eyes don't change rapidly. I get featherweight lenses, anti-glare and scratch-resistant coating because I do have to wear them all the time. The strength of my prescription with regular lenses would be too heavy and it can hurt my ears or cause a serious headache if worn for several hours at a stretch.

Because I don't want to buy frames often, I usually get rimless for a more discreet and classic look. Trendy colors and styles have to be replaced more often. I love the Silhouette line and have used them for about 10 years, only replacing the lenses when necessary. They are extremely lightweight and versatile. Like heavy lenses, bulky heavy frames can also cause pain behind the ears or on the bridge of your nose.

I do know a lot of people who only use glasses for reading or the computer who prefer to get their glasses at Costco as a less expensive option. My insurance coverage is pretty good and I plan ahead with an FSA when I know I'll need new glasses or lenses.

When you pick up your glasses, take your time with getting them fitted. If they are even slightly crooked or too tight behind the ears, you'll have to go back and have them refitted again. Don't try and fix them yourself! You could end up doing some permanent damage to the frames and have to buy new ones all over again.

Updated On: 8/18/14 at 05:56 PM

[~~tiny3~~]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 6:26pm

Zenni.com !!

I've been buying from them for years. The frames are just like the super-overpriced ones at the opticians. Just make sure to go to an opthamologist first, for an accurate prescription. The website will ask you for this info.
My eyes are TERRIBLE, and require very hi index lenses. I literally have saved hundreds of dollars with ZENNI, and no complaints, so far.
Just try on frames anywhere, and then look for comparable ones on the website. You want to make sure that they're comfortable.

Updated On: 8/18/14 at 06:26 PM

[~~tiny3~~]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 6:26pm

oops. duplicate.

Updated On: 8/18/14 at 06:26 PM

[The Glenbuck Laird]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 6:27pm

Go to an opticians?

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 9:54pm

I have heard really good things about Warby Parker.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/18/14 at 10:11pm

I've been very happy with Lenscrafters. If there is one in your area, they usually have an optometrist in-house and their prices are significantly lower than a private optometrist or ophthalmologist.

(If you need a fancier doctor or don't trust a discount house, you can go to your doctor and simply ask for a prescription instead of buying your glasses though him/her. Then take the prescription to Lenscrafters and make use of their lower prices.)

Whenever possible, Lenscrafters will also make simple repairs to your glasses (even if you didn't buy from them, but they probably don't want me to advertise that).

I've been wearing glasses during all waking hours for 50 years now (and I am legally blind without them). So like Mister Matt, I do have some experience on the subject. (Matt's suggestions re style are excellent, but let me add that the shape of your frames will depend on the shape of your face.)

[dtzumbrunnen]

Posted: 8/19/14 at 10:05am

Although I had Lasik several years ago, I've still got a slight bit of correction that prescription lenses can help with. I had way too much money left over in my FSA last year, so I bought a few pairs of glasses and sunglasses from Warby Parker. It's great that you can see exact measurements (easily) on their site, and that you can do in-home try on. So you can put the frames on and leave them on for an hour or more if you want.

If you're in the city, their store fronts are very nice and easy to deal with as well. You'll need your prescription from your eye doctor as well as your PD measurements so they make the lenses correctly - but speed of service is strong and the quality for the money is top notch! That said, they do skew more trendy, so you might not find frames that are going to be your style for several years.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/19/14 at 10:12am

"Like heavy lenses, bulky heavy frames can also cause pain behind the ears or on the bridge of your nose."

This bears repeating. If you are going to wear your glasses for long periods of time, take this into consideration.

Over the past few years, there's been a fad called "Geek chic" where the glasses were square, "nerd" type glasses. I bought a pair, and they are so heavy on the face.

[morosco]

Posted: 8/19/14 at 5:02pm

Thanks everyone for the great advice. Thanks tiny for mentioning Zenni.com. I just placed an order. Can't beat those prices!

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 1:24am

I get my glasses at Zenni, too! I bought two pairs, one $6.99 with no add-ons, one $9.99 and added anti-glare. I really just planned to test the quality before buying a more expensive pair. I have worn the $9.99 pair for over a year now and they are absolutely perfect. I have never had a pair last this long without scratching. I love that they have the same frames, which I really like, in different colors. I planned on ordering more, but these are so great, I just never got around to it. I want to get a pair of prescription sunglasses next. You can afford to buy MANY pairs and just switch them out to match outfits. I also like that you can email them a copy of your prescription and they will double check it before making the glasses. I recommend them to anyone who wears glasses.

For those interested:
Go to any eye doctor and tell them you just need your prescription up front. The exam is usually around $50. Some may tell you that you have to order glasses from them, but legally, they have to give it to you. Friends have found that telling them you are just there for the prescription helps. I like to try on some frames there and write down the numbers on the ones I like, so I have an idea what to aim for as far as size. Bridge width and temple width are really important. You want something comfortable on your nose and that will fit the width of your face, so writing down the best fit in the store makes shopping online much more foolproof. Then go to Zenni.com, upload a picture of yourself and virtually try on the frames. Then you just plug in your prescription. It's really simple.

Updated On: 8/20/14 at 01:24 AM

[~~tiny3~~]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 5:33am

ohm you too, jersey? Cool. I love Zenni, and if you ever have a prob, you can call them in CA and their C/s is really nice and helpful. Good Company.

I usually get titanium, frames. They are virtually indestructible

Jersey, you mean your entire glasses/lenses are less that 10??? My frames are usually about 20.00, not 400.00 like the GLASSES STORE, but my script for my 20/200 eyes is about 120.00, less than about half of what I used to pay!!(280.00) $150.00 for my specs complete with hi index very liteweight lenses, coated, are really cheap. I used to end up paying a fortune - for what? Sometimes 500.00. Don't get ripped off, people, get a deal.

[Ex-Siny]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 9:49am

I buy mine at Costco. I have a complex prescription (bi-focal, astigmatism) and paid $246 a few weeks ago (frame was $79). That's about half of what I paid at an optical store 4 years ago. I can't imagine buying glasses online, without trying them on and having optician adjust the lenses according to my measurements.

And what I like about Costco is that the frames are out in the open and I can try them on to my heart's content without having an annoying salesman pressuring me into buying expensive frames with bells and whistles.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 10:48am

I've never heard of Zenni, but I may use them for prescription sunglasses, since I don't have to wear them all the time.

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 1:40pm

I have a simple prescription so I can use one of the two "included" lens options. $6.95 is the cheapest frame they have and include the two thinner lens options. My problem is astigmatism and the weighted contact lenses give me headaches. I like my glasses. If you have a simple prescription, you can get glasses at a steal. I chose one pair of metal frames and one plastic they are cute and stylish and rectangular, which works on my big oval head. lol

So, yes. $28 for two complete pairs, one with anti-reflective coating, tax and shipping.

Updated On: 8/20/14 at 01:40 PM

[Wickedlover56]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 6:13pm

My family likes Pearl Vision very much. Great customer service, wide selection, and repairs have always been a breeze. I prefer transitions as the magnetic sunglasses attachment is very unpractical and like scratch resistant coatings. Hope you find a great pair!

Updated On: 8/21/14 at 06:13 PM

[morosco]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 9:19pm

Using the virtual "try on glasses" function here is an approximation of what the glasses that I choose look on my face. Did I make an okay choice for the shape of my face? You won't hurt my feelings... I can always return them and exchange them.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/20/14 at 9:23pm

I think they look great!

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/21/14 at 6:14am

I agree. Well done!

[morosco]

Posted: 9/3/14 at 4:38pm

Glasses came yesterday from Zenni. Took a day for my eyes to adjust to them. Today that are working wonderful. I like Zenni, just ordered a second pair. Can't beat their prices!