The Importance of Trying On Glasses Before Buying Online
Purchasing prescription eyeglasses online has become increasingly popular in recent years. The convenience and affordability of buying glasses on the internet makes it an appealing option for many eyeglass wearers. However, while ordering glasses online can save time and money, it also comes with some risks. One of the biggest downsides of buying glasses online is not being able to try them on before making a purchase.
Trying on a pair of glasses in person is an important step that should not be skipped. When you try on glasses at an optical store, you can get a feel for the fit, weight, and style of the frames. You can also see how different lens options like anti-reflective coatings, tints, and progressive lenses look and function for your eyes. Being able to physically try on glasses allows you to make sure you are choosing the best pair for your needs and preferences.
Assessing Fit
One of the most important aspects of selecting eyeglasses is finding frames that fit your face and head properly. Each person's face has unique proportions and bone structure. The shape and size of the frames you choose needs to complement your facial features and sit comfortably on your nose and ears.
When you buy glasses online, you have to guess at what size frames might fit you best based on basic measurements like lens width, bridge width, and temple length. However, these numbers don't always translate directly to getting a properly fitted pair of glasses. Trying frames on is the only way to truly assess if a pair of glasses sits straight on your face and adequately covers your field of vision.
Checking Your Vision
Being able to look through the lenses is another key aspect of test driving a new pair of eyeglasses. When you try on frames at an optical shop, an optician can check that your prescription lenses are working well for your eyes and vision issues. They can make slight adjustments or detect potential problems that would require remaking the lenses.
If you order glasses online, you won't have an expert there to ensure the prescription is a good match and that the glasses are optimally aligned to your eyes. You'll have to rely on your own assessment of the lens quality and vision clarity. For those with more complex prescriptions like progressives or high cylinder amounts, verifying the accuracy of the lenses in-person is highly recommended.
Viewing Yourself Accurately
Seeing yourself in a mirror while trying on glasses is invaluable for determining if you like how a pair of frames looks on your face. The shapes and styles of eyewear frames can appear distorted in product photos online. Glasses that look great on the website might not be as flattering when you actually put them on due to differences in perspective.
Being able to view glasses on your face from all angles gives you a true representation of the aesthetic. You can also compare multiple styles and get input from others about which frames are most appealing. Choosing glasses without trying them on makes it harder to find a pair that complements and enhances your appearance.
Risks of Buying Glasses Online Without Trying on First
Ordering eyeglasses online without ever trying them on comes with inherent risks you need to be aware of. Some of the main potential issues include:
Ill-Fitting Frames
One of the biggest problems with buying glasses online is frames that don't fit your face correctly. Even when you take all your measurements, glasses can show up fitting loosely, sitting crooked on your face, pinching behind the ears, or pressing into your nose.
Poorly fitted frames not only feel uncomfortable, but they can also affect the performance of your lenses. If glasses don't sit straight on your face, it distorts your vision and negates the accuracy of your prescription lenses.
Unclear Vision
Speaking of lenses, ordering glasses without trying them on means you can’t verify your prescription is done correctly. Small errors in the lens curvature, material, or alignment can significantly impact the sharpness and clarity of your vision.
Those with progressive lenses are especially at risk for vision problems from incorrectly made lenses. It takes very precise measurements and lens positioning to get progressives right. Trying on lenses at the eye doctor's office allows small tweaks to be made to the frames or lenses to optimize the vision quality.
Frame Quality Issues
It can be hard to assess the build and material quality of frames bought online. Cheaply made frames often look decent enough in photos but have flaws or feel flimsy in person. Trying frames on in a store allows you to inspect their construction and durability more closely.
You also can't tell from photos if the frame shape and size will cause breakage issues. Some frames with sharp angles or oversized proportions are prone to snapping when being bent and adjusted to fit your face. Fragile materials like plastic acetate can crack and splinter if the wrong frames are chosen.
Disliking the Style
Photographs of glasses simply don't equate to seeing frames on your actual face. You may love how a certain style of frames looks on the model or displayed online. However, the proportions, shapes, or colors might not be as flattering when you try the glasses on in real life.
Trying on frames in person provides a realistic preview that ensures you pick eyeglass styles that complement your features. It also allows you to compare different looks side-by-side, rather than guessing at options that might work.
Dealing with Returns & Exchanges
Ordering glasses online comes with the risk of having to return or exchange ill-fitting or visually unsatisfactory glasses. This means added time and expense to ship back the original glasses, wait for a refund or replacement pair, and potentially pay restocking fees.
Being able to try on glasses in an optical shop significantly reduces the chances of returns. You can walk out of the store with glasses that you know look good and work well for your eyes. There's no worry about repackaging up glasses and arranging returns or exchanges.
Tips for Trying Glasses Before Buying Online
Trying on frames before purchasing prescription eyeglasses online is the ideal approach. However, if you don't have easy access to an optical store, there are some things you can do to get a better idea of fit and style before ordering glasses online:
Use a Virtual Try-On Tool
Many online glasses retailers offer virtual try-on tools on their websites. These allow you to upload a photo and see simulated images of different frames on your face. While not as accurate as trying glasses on in real life, it does provide a better visual of how frames might look on you.
Read Sizing Guides Carefully
Consult the sizing guides provided by online retailers and compare them to measurements of frames you already own. This can give you a starting point for selecting frame sizes that might be a good fit for your face shape and proportions. You can also search for video tutorials on techniques for properly measuring your face, eyes, and bridge.
Buy Adjustable Frames
Choose frames made from flexible and durable materials like titanium. Avoid frames with rigid shapes that can't be adjusted for fit. Flexible frames and temples allow for some slight tweaks to get a better fit if the original sizing is off. Also look for adjustable nose pads to get the proper angle and placement on your nose.
Order Two Sizes
If you're unsure between frame sizes, order your top two size choices. Try them both on when they arrive and return the pair that doesn't fit as well. Just make sure the retailer has a generous return policy and doesn't charge restocking fees. The extra shipping time and cost may be worth getting the optimal fit.
Search for Frame Reviews
Look for reviews of specific eyeglass frames that mention sizing and fit issues. Fellow customers can provide insight into how certain models and styles tend to fit. Look for feedback on frames feeling large, small, tight, loose, or anatomically incompatible for some face types. This can give clues into whether a frame might work for your proportions.
Partner With a Local Optical Shop
If online vision retailers don't offer virtual try-on or fit guarantee options, consider partnering with a local optical shop. You can visit the store to try on frames and identify styles that suit your face and work with your vision prescription.
Once you've selected frames you like, ask the optical shop if they will price match the eyeglasses if you buy them online. Many stores are willing to do this to recoup some of the business lost to online retailers. This allows you to get the best of both worlds—in-person frame selection and online pricing and convenience.
Have Frames Properly Fitted
If you purchase glasses online after trying them on in-store, return to the optical shop once the eyeglasses arrive. Have them make final adjustments so the frames sit straight on your face and comfortably on your ears and nose. They can also verify that the lenses are correctly made and optimally suited to your vision issues.
Troubleshoot Vision Problems
An optical shop can examine your new lenses and troubleshoot any vision clarity problems you might experience with glasses ordered online. They may be able to identify prescription errors and get corrections or remakes handled through the online retailer. Their expertise can save you time and frustration trying to diagnose issues on your own.
Shop Online With In-Network Vision Benefits
One instance where buying eyeglasses online without trying them on may make sense is if your vision insurance plan has an in-network online retailer. In this case, your initial eye exam and prescription would be done in person by your eye doctor.
The online store would have your prescription and pupil measurements and could remake your glasses if any vision issues popped up. Your insurance coverage could significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs compared to buying from a local optical shop.
Just be sure to choose adjustable frames and confirm return policies before placing the order. If you don't love the fit or style when the eyeglasses arrive, you'll want to be able to send them back with no hassle.
Take Your Time Finding the Perfect Pair
Finding eyeglasses that look stylish, fit comfortably, and provide clear vision takes effort. While the convenience of online optical stores is certainly appealing, taking the time to try on frames in person is an important part of the process. Being able to physically assess the fit and lens quality helps reduce surprises and minimizes the need for returns down the road.
If trying glasses on at a store isn't feasible, use virtual try-on tools, read reviews, and buy adjustable frames to better gauge what works for your face and eyes. Partnering with a local optical shop for fittings and adjustments can also ensure your online purchase meets your vision needs and suits your personal style.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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