FAQs
Whether you get glasses from a local shop or the Internet, you need a current prescription. You can get one from an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care) or an optometrist (a healthcare professional with a degree in optometry).
What to look for when buying glasses online? ›
You typically only need the following three things to shop for glasses online:
- Your eye prescription.
- Your pupillary distance.
- Your insurance information (if you have vision insurance)
Can I order glasses online if I have astigmatism? ›
Yes, no problem at all. Your optician provides your prescription so that it corrects your astigmatism by default. We do thousands of them each year!
Is it OK to buy progressive lenses online? ›
Contrary to what some think, you don't absolutely have to buy progressive glasses locally. They can be purchased online and you can even save a substantial amount compared to what you might pay at a local store.
Can I order glasses online with an old prescription? ›
No, you cannot use an expired eyeglass prescription to buy new glasses. The reason for this is simple: our eyes change as we age, and a prescription from several years ago may no longer guarantee clear vision. You may not realize how much your vision has deteriorated since your last eye exam.
Is it better to buy glasses from optometrist? ›
An optometrist is an expert regarding eyes. A significant advantage of buying your glasses from them is that they can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. With an eye doctor's help, you can be assured you'll get the best frames and lenses for your eyes.
How long do online glasses take? ›
After your eye exam and when you place your order will determine the time, but it usually takes around 7 to 10 business days to receive new prescription eyeglasses.
Why are Zenni glasses so cheap? ›
Why are Zenni Optical glasses so cheap? There are various reasons why Zenni Optical can keep the cost of its eyeglasses low. Zenni glasses are made at a dedicated factory and shipped directly to the consumer. Also, because Zenni sells its glasses online, they don't pay for brick-and-mortar retail space.
What causes astigmatism to worsen? ›
Astigmatism frequently worsens with age. Your cornea can become more irregular due to pressure from your eyelids as they lose muscle tone. Astigmatism generally stays stable until your turn 50.
What does it look like when you have astigmatism? ›
If you have astigmatism, light that enters your eye is bent more than it should be. The light can't properly focus on your retina. This means only parts of an object you're looking at are in focus. That uneven focus makes objects look blurry or wavy.
The most common symptoms of astigmatism are:
- Blurry vision.
- Needing to squint to see clearly.
- Headaches.
- Eye strain.
- Trouble seeing at night.
What is the downside of progressive lenses? ›
Progressive lenses also have some disadvantages. They can be more expensive than bifocals or trifocals. These lenses also require a larger frame size to accommodate the multiple corrective zones. Also, because of how they work, progressive lenses can cause peripheral blurriness.
Why not to get progressive lenses? ›
Drawbacks of Progressive Lenses
Some people never adjust, but most do. During the learning period, you may feel dizzy and nauseous from looking through the wrong section of lens. There may also be some distortion of your peripheral vision (what you see on the edges when looking straight ahead).
Why are my progressive lenses so expensive? ›
Progressive lenses are significantly more expensive than single or multi-focal glasses because of the extra time that goes into creating a lens with multiple prescriptions and no lines.
What does PD mean for glasses? ›
WHAT IS PD? A personalized fit starts with measuring your pupillary distance—that's the space between the centers of each of your pupils. It's measured in millimeters and tells the lens maker where to put the optical center on each lens.
How long is a eye prescription good for? ›
So how long is an eyeglass prescription good for? Typically one to two years, but we recommend checking your prescription expiration date. That being said, if you are at higher risk of vision changes, your glasses prescription expiration date might be one year, rather than two, after your last exam.
Do glasses prescriptions expire? ›
The eyeglass lens prescription you receive from an optometrist includes an expiration date. This date indicates the last day you can purchase new eyeglasses or replacement lenses using that prescription. It is illegal for an optician to create lenses from an expired prescription.
Why are glasses at my eye doctor so expensive? ›
4. Lenses are billed on top of frame prices. The vast majority of optometrists don't have their own in-house lens processing labs, so plan for additional lab fees to be added to your frame cost.
Are Costco glasses cheaper than Walmart? ›
Costco charges $130 for high-definition progressive lenses, which, as with all Costco lenses, include an anti-reflective coating. That's about half what you'd pay at many walk-in stores. But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Walmart, about half as much as at Costco.
Why are glasses at the optometrist so expensive? ›
Have you ever wondered why glasses cost so much? When you buy glasses from a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer, you're not just paying for the frame and lenses; you're also paying big money to cover the retailer's hefty outsourcing costs, which usually include manufacturing, licensing fees, warehousing, and more.
Today, nearly 900 stores across the USA, Puerto Rico and Canada have fully-equipped in-store laboratories to produce glasses in about one hour. This is no small investment. But to us, it is the best way to provide the best service we can. Visit the Lenscrafters Product Catalog.
How long does your eyes take to adjust to new glasses? ›
It typically takes two or three days for a person to adjust to new glasses, but sometimes it can take a week or more.
Can I get my glasses on the same day? ›
Yes, it's possible to get an eye exam and prescription glasses on the same day. But unless it's an emergency, you might want to wait a few days and get the best eyeglasses for your needs. Not all glasses are available in "an hour" or on the same day as your eye exam.
What color of glasses suit me? ›
Brown or hazel eyes: Most brown eyes work well with warmer tones, such as golds, greens and darker yellows. Blue eyes: Blue eyes complement blue, grey tones and also complement darker tortoiseshell patterns, or frames with rich browns. Green eyes: Go for darker earthy colours with gold tones.
How do I know what color glasses suit my face? ›
Matching glasses frames colour to eye colour
For a subdued and understated look, choose frames in a colour that match with the neutral tones in your eyes, such as brown, beige, or black. If you want to channel a fun, statement-making look, choose a colour that's contrasting but complementary to your eye colour.
What is the actual cost of Zenni? ›
You can find men's and women's glasses starting at $6.95 with select styles on the higher end of the scale at $49.95. Children's glasses begin at $6.95 and go up to $45.95. In addition to basic prescription lenses, Zenni also offers progressives and bifocals for equally impressive prices.
Is Zenni good or bad? ›
Customer reviews and brand reputation
Zenni Optical has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. The company has over customer 140,800 reviews. Some of the positive reviews frequently comment on affordable prices, excellent customer service, and a good range of frames to choose from.
Does insurance cover Zenni? ›
Do you accept insurance? We do not accept insurance. However, some insurance companies will accept an invoice copy for reimbursem*nt. Check with your insurance company, and if they do, you can request an emailed invoice copy from our Customer Service department.
Why can I suddenly see better without my glasses? ›
Why is that? Answer: Some call this "second sight" which has a simple physiological explanation. As the lens of the eye hardens as we age (the predecessor of frank cataracts) it changes the way light is "bent" as it enters the eye much the way different prescriptions in a pair of glasses do.
What do people with bad astigmatism see? ›
Astigmatism symptoms generally include: Blurry vision. Trouble seeing objects both close up and far away. Fluctuating vision.
One natural way to treat astigmatism is to be aware of your head tilting. If you're tilting to one side, try tilting your head in the opposite direction of what feels most comfortable. It will feel uncomfortable at first. Your muscles are used to doing the wrong thing and need retraining.
What does a person with astigmatism see at night? ›
Astigmatism can distort lights in several ways, and instead of a clear image, you might see: Streaky lights. Haloed lights. Blurry lights.
Should I wear glasses all the time for astigmatism? ›
Astigmatism does not always require the use of glasses. A person can have slight astigmatism and still see clearly. Similar to the rest of the body, the eyes change over time, so regular eye checks with your local optometrist are of importance.
Can Lasik fix astigmatism? ›
LASIK eye surgery is an effective type of laser-assisted refractive surgery that can be used to treat common vision problems including astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), and hyperopia (farsightedness).
What happens if astigmatism is left untreated? ›
If left untreated, astigmatism can cause complications. For example, a lazy eye (amblyopia) can occur when a person has astigmatism in only one eye, or the astigmatism in one eye is worse than the other, and the condition isn't corrected. Additionally, astigmatism can sometimes cause eye strain and headaches.
How do they fix astigmatism? ›
There are three main ways to treat astigmatism: glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.
What is the difference between astigmatism and stigmatism? ›
Stigmatism is a general term used to describe an irregular shape of any of a number of parts of the eye. An astigmatism is also an eye condition, but only affecting the shape of the cornea. Astigmatisms are relatively common and occur whenever the cornea has an irregular curvature.
Is it difficult to drive in progressive lenses? ›
The reading section at the bottom of the lens doesn't interfere with your car dashboard, and you can use it for more everyday tasks. So, in short, if you're already comfortable with progressives, you can wear them for driving with no difficulties!
Are progressive lenses good for astigmatism? ›
Progressive lenses correct nearsightedness and farsightedness and can also be used to combat astigmatism or blurry vision.
Why can't I see my computer with my progressive lenses? ›
Progressive lenses don't work well for computer screens because the intermediate part of the lens isn't wide enough to allow you to see the width of your monitor simply by moving your eyes. This forces you to move your head from side to side to see the entire screen.
', the answer is yes. Here's why: Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription. Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you'll need bigger lenses to go with them.
Should you drive with progressive lenses? ›
Progressive lenses are an all-inclusive type of eyewear that helps you see up close, far away, and everywhere in between. That means that progressive lenses are good for driving, so if you plan to take a road trip or drive to work, you can feel confident in your choice of vision correction.
What is the average price of progressive lenses? ›
Average cost of progressive lenses
Compared to the slightly lower cost of bifocal lenses, the average consumer pays between $150 and $250 for their progressive lenses. For this price range, you should be able to purchase a decent set of progressive lenses.
Which is better bifocal or progressive? ›
Progressive lenses provide a transition from near, intermediate, and far vision prescription. As compared to bifocal lenses, progressives provide a wider zone of clear vision to make activities like computer use and reading easier for the wearer. Early progressive lens designs had a soft blur during movement.
What is the difference between progressive lenses and premium progressive lenses? ›
What is the difference between the premium progressives and standard progressives? Our high-definition premium progressives feature wider intermediate and reading areas of the lens than standard progressives. Peripheral (side) distortion is reduced by up to 40% compared to the standard design.
Can I get new glasses with an old prescription? ›
Unfortunately, you won't be able to get a prescription filled without a new exam if your prescription has expired. It is actually illegal for someone to fill an expired glasses prescription. Even if you think your vision hasn't changed, you still need to get a new exam before you get new glasses.
Do you need an up to date prescription to get glasses? ›
You should never try to buy replacement glasses if your prescription has expired, as it's illegal for anyone to sell you glasses if you don't have a valid prescription. Reputable eyewear websites and retailers will reject expired glasses prescriptions.
Do you need a current prescription for Eyebuydirect? ›
Before ordering a new pair of eyeglasses with us, ensure that you have an up to date prescription. Once you have your prescription, the rest is easy. Simply enter the numbers on your prescription when you make your order and we'll do the rest.
Do I need a new prescription for computer glasses? ›
Do I Need a Prescription for Computer Glasses? No, you don't need a prescription. However, you should have your eyes examined to ensure that you don't need corrective lenses before ordering computer glasses. If you do need vision correction, you can order prescription lenses with added features for computer use.
What happens if you wear the wrong prescription glasses for a year? ›
Wearing the wrong prescription for a prolonged period of time can cause eye strain, resulting in pain around and behind the eye. People often compare this pain to a headache.
Using these numbers, you can see that, on average, a complete pair of glasses will run you between $200-$300+ if you don't have vision insurance. However, average cost of a complete pair of eyeglasses in the U.S. truly runs the gamut.
Why are my new glasses the same prescription but blurry? ›
Sometimes, new glasses with the same prescription still feel different or odd when you first wear them. This comes down to the lens type and the frame. The lenses might have a slightly different alignment than what you're used to, and the frame style might feel unfamiliar if your last frames were drastically different.
How fast can I get prescription glasses? ›
Expect to wait 7–10 business days to get new prescription glasses following your eye exam, though quicker turnaround times are possible (especially with expedited shipping). And remember, once you get your prescription from an eye exam, you can use it to order glasses at any optical retailer (online or in person).
Can you get glasses same day? ›
Yes, it's possible to get an eye exam and prescription glasses on the same day. But unless it's an emergency, you might want to wait a few days and get the best eyeglasses for your needs. Not all glasses are available in "an hour" or on the same day as your eye exam.
How long does it take to get a prescription for glasses? ›
After your eye exam and when you place your order will determine the time, but it usually takes around 7 to 10 business days to receive new prescription eyeglasses.
Is it safe to buy from EyeBuyDirect? ›
EyeBuyDirect has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with over 18,000 Trustpilot reviews and counting. People tend to be pleased with their purchase and feel the product is of comparable quality to other retailers that sell eyewear.
Is EyeBuyDirect owned by Amazon? ›
Is EyeBuyDirect Owned by Amazon? No, EyeBuyDirect is owned by the company Essilor.
How long does it usually take to get glasses from EyeBuyDirect? ›
How long do I have to wait for my glasses after I have ordered them? Your order will be delivered within 7 - 14 business days. Your glasses will usually reach you faster, but may take the full 14 business days depending on the complexity of your prescription and the package you selected.
What's the difference between computer glasses and regular glasses? ›
A lot of us wear glasses to correct vision problems. But regular eyeglasses are not the same as computer glasses. Computer reading glasses are specially made to help reduce eye strain. They have an anti-reflective coating to help reduce glare and a tint that helps increase contrast for easier viewing.
What is the difference between computer glasses and progressive glasses? ›
Bifocal lenses are split between one part that helps the wearer see far away, and another part that helps the wearer read things that are close. They do nothing to help you see at intermediate distances like a computer screen. Progressive lenses correct your vision both at a distance and up close.
Prescription single-vision reading or computer glasses can be made for a specific task within working distance. With prescription glasses, the prescription is the same throughout the lens. These are best used for tasks where the focal point does not change.