Online shopping has become increasingly popular and convenient in recent years, allowing consumers to purchase a wide range of items from the comfort of their own homes. These items include everyday essentials such as diapers, groceries, clothing, and footwear. Even prescription medicine can be ordered online, making it easy for people to access the medications they need.

However, purchasing eyeglasses online may present a different set of challenges. While buying eyeglasses online can save time and money, there are essential considerations when making this purchase.

Cheap Doesn’t Necessarily Translate Money Savings

When buying eyeglasses, it is essential to be mindful of deals that seem too good to be true. While saving money is always desirable, it is crucial to remember that purchasing a product at a significantly discounted price may result in a product that does not meet your expectations. Additionally, cheap eyewear may even cause harm to your eyes without your knowledge.

To be a responsible consumer when buying eyewear, it is essential to understand the factors that affect the quality and value of the glasses. This includes researching the materials used to make the frames, the quality of the lenses, and the manufacturer’s reputation. By taking the time to do your due diligence, you can ensure that you are purchasing a pair of glasses that will save you money and meet your needs.

Here are a few reasons why buying eyeglasses online can lead to disappointment:

1.) Cheap Online-Bought Eyeglasses Tend To Cut Corners

Inexpensive eyeglasses sold online tend to cut corners to offer reasonable prices. This can result in lower-quality materials for frames and lenses and less precise manufacturing processes. Additionally, cheap online eyeglasses often skimp on features such as UV protection and glare reduction, which can cause harm to your eyes over time. The lack of a proper fitting process and professional advice can also lead to glasses that don’t fit well and are uncomfortable to wear, which can cause headaches and eye strain.

Furthermore, Cheap online glasses can also have a shorter lifespan than more expensive options, which means you may have to replace them more frequently, ultimately costing you more in the long run.

2.) You Don’t Know What You Got Till You Wear It

When it comes to purchasing eyeglasses online, one of the biggest concerns is the accuracy of the prescription. Without a proper examination by an optometrist, it can be challenging to ensure that the glasses you receive will have the correct prescription for your eyes. This can lead to several problems, including difficulty seeing clearly, headaches, and eye strain.

Another issue with buying eyeglasses online is the need for a proper fitting process. Many online retailers rely on customers to measure their pupillary distance (PD), the distance between the center of one pupil to the center of the other. This measurement is crucial to ensure the lenses are correctly aligned with the eyes, and an optometrist or an optician usually does it. Without an accurate PD measurement, the glasses may not fit properly and can cause discomfort, leading to headaches and eye strain.

Additionally, more professional advice is needed to make it easier for customers to select the proper frames and lenses for their face shape and lifestyle. This can result in glasses that don’t look or feel good, which can be frustrating and may lead to customers not wearing them as frequently as they should.

3.) Eyeglasses Sold Online Are Less Regulated

Eyeglasses sold online are not subject to the same regulations as those sold in physical stores or by licensed optometrists or opticians. This means that the glasses’ quality and accuracy may differ from those sold through traditional channels.

One of the main concerns is that online retailers may sometimes use a different level of quality control than brick-and-mortar stores. This can result in glasses that are not correctly aligned or that have defects in the frames or lenses. Additionally, online retailers may not be required to use the same materials or manufacturing processes as traditional stores, resulting in glasses that are not as durable or have lower-quality lenses.

Likewise, since online eyeglasses are not regulated by the same organizations that regulate stores and licensed eye-care professionals, it is harder for customers to hold them accountable for any issues that may arise.

4.) Most Online Eyeglasses Retailers Don’t Offer A Warranty

Eyeglasses sold online generally do not have the same level of warranty as those sold in physical stores or by licensed optometrists or opticians. This can be a significant drawback for customers concerned about their glasses’ quality and longevity.

When you buy eyeglasses from a physical store or licensed optometrist, they often come with a warranty that covers defects in the frames or lenses and issues with the prescription. If something goes wrong with the glasses, the customer can have them repaired or replaced at no additional cost.

On the other hand, when you buy eyeglasses online, the warranty, if any, is often limited and may not cover all types of defects or issues. Online retailers are not required to provide the same level of warranty as stores and licensed optometrists, which can leave customers responsible for the cost of repairs or replacements if something needs to be fixed with the glasses.

Additionally, returning or exchanging glasses purchased online can be more complicated than in-store. Many online retailers have strict return policies, and customers may be required to pay shipping and handling fees.

5.) Buying Eyeglasses Online Doesn’t Come With The Know-How

When you visit an optometrist, they will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine your prescription, check for any eye health issues, and provide personalized recommendations for glasses that best meet your needs. They will also consider your lifestyle, occupation, hobbies, and other factors that may influence your choice of glasses.

They will also educate you on the importance of regular eye exams and the signs to look for when your glasses need to be adjusted or replaced.

Invest In Your Eye’s Health

Always put your eyes’ health first while purchasing eyewear like glasses. While saving money by purchasing discount eyeglasses online is a good idea, doing so can have severe consequences for your eyes.

Buying eyewear from a store or an authorized optometrist ensures that the glasses have passed a comprehensive quality assurance test and are up to code. You can examine your eyes thoroughly and have your prescription for glasses explicitly tailored to your needs by visiting an optometrist or optician.

Don’t compromise your vision and eye health to save a few bucks. Invest in your eye’s well-being by making an appointment with Mountain West Eyecare today. Our services ensure you can maximize your eye health investment and not waste a single penny.