Best Glasses Online

1. Find the right selection

Since glasses are an accessory that most wearers put on every day, they want to be able to find the exact right pair to go with everything.

• Brand availability: Sometimes a particular glasses brand works best for someone, especially if they have loyalty to that brand.
• Color choices: Some people don't want to wear neutral tones, and instead look for glasses stores with a selection of both neutral frames and ones with pops of color.
• Style choice: Shape and style options can be both fashionable and functional decisions. A smaller pair of glasses are lighter, while a larger frame does not have to be obtrusive with floating lens designs. Shapes can include square, round, oval, cat eye and more, while styles go from vintage to modern.

2. Choose your glasses frames

When you start to compare glasses online, make sure to consider things like the shape of your face, your skin tone and your lifestyle.

• Face shape: Take a look in the mirror and examine your face’s shape. Is the outline of your face oval? Do you have a square jaw? Do you have angular features? Take some time to consider which frames will complement your face’s shape before ordering, and you will be far happier with your purchase.
• Skin tone: When you look at your face in natural light, is your skin tone warmer or cooler? Make sure you determine your skin’s shade and complexion, as this will help you decide which color lenses and frames best complement your face.
• Lifestyle: Think about your lifestyle. Are you active on the weekends? Do you spend more time in front of the computer than most? Are you a social person that likes to impress your friends? These factors can determine how strong you want your frames, what types of glasses lenses you should choose and even where to shop for your glasses online.

3. Determine your budget

Cost, particularly unexpected expenses, can play an important role when purchasing glasses online.

• Lenses included: Some retailers charge extra for lenses, while others may offer a variety of different lens options. When lenses are included in the price, it typically only covers single vision options.
• Special pricing: Many retailers offer two pair pricing, where purchasers get a deal when they buy two pairs of glasses at the same time.
• Tinting: Tint levels are available for free through many stores, so check to see if there is an upcharge before ordering a darker lens.

4. Decide what type of lenses you need

Different lenses can have dramatically different price points depending on their functionality and appearance.

• Thinner lenses: By paying more, buyers can get hi-index lenses that are up to 50 percent thinner than 1.5 index plastic. The thinner the lens, the more it costs and the lighter it is. Most retailers offer the 1.5 index plastic lenses as a standard option with a small upcharge for the 1.67 index lenses and a higher fee for the hi-index 1.74 lenses.
• Transitional lenses: Lenses that go from clear to tinted and back depending on the lighting situation are available at some retailers. These lenses allow a single pair of glasses to act as both indoor glasses and sunglasses, for an additional fee.
• Progressive lenses: This special bifocal option can help those who need two prescriptions in a single lens, but who also don't want a distracting line across their visual field. Traditional bifocal lenses are less expensive, but Progressive lenses get rid of the distracting and unattractive line across the lens.

5. Factor in delivery time

The length of time it takes to get in an order can be a critical factor in deciding on a retailer. When glasses break, wearers often need immediate replacement.

• One hour ordering: Due to an impressive level of inventory, there are retailers that can fill most prescriptions in a single hour. Some stores have on-site fulfillment centers so they can assemble an order quickly.
• Same day glasses: Even those stores that do not offer glasses within the hour might offer a same- day option for some of the most common prescriptions. As long as the frames and lenses are in stock, buyers can pick them up later the same day.
• Less than a month: It is not uncommon for unusual prescriptions to take several weeks to come in, but it should never take longer than a month. Some retailers that sell at a big discount may take longer to ship the finished glasses.

6. Check if repair services are offered

Like any product that gets daily use, glasses break. If something happens, retailers should be able to offer repairs for the most common issues.

• Lens replacement: If lenses break, is it possible to order replacement lenses and have them installed in existing frames? Some retailers offer repair and replacement services for a limited time. Others may offer the repair option, as long as the customer buys a new pair of lenses.
• Nose guard repair: One of the most common problems with glasses is a broken nose guard. This repair is difficult to accomplish at home, but with the parts available at a retailer may only take moments. A free or low-cost repair can help prevent the need for an entirely new pair of glasses.
• Loose lens socket: It is not uncommon for the lens to gradually work itself loose, at which point it can fall out of one or both sides of the frame. Once this happens, it is likely to happen repeatedly without a professional repair. Some frames are more difficult to repair than others, so it is important to ensure that the retailer offers tightening services to avoid the cost of a replacement.