The number of people ordering their glasses online continues to climb. Are you considering this growing trend?

In 2019, 9.3% of prescription lenses were purchased online. While this may seem like a small number, this is a significant increase from 2017, when just 4.2% of the prescription eyeglass market was made up of online purchases.

It is easy to warm up to the idea of ordering your glasses online with the promise of lower prices and the convenience of shopping from home. Keep in mind, these conveniences come at a risk. Just like any other online purchase, you’re not able to physically see and inspect items before purchase, and this could lead to issues such as:

• Ill-fitting frames
• Frames should not only look good, but fit comfortably. The only way to be sure they fit properly is to try them on and have an optician make necessary adjustments. Although some online stores mail frames for you to try before purchase, others only offer a virtual fitting, which leaves room for error.
• Lenses that don’t line up
• All lenses require accurate measurements to ensure proper alignment. Many online retailers require you take your own measurements – which can be tricky– or use average measurements to make the lens.
• Returning Flawed Products
• With the product shipped directly to you, you miss out on the benefit of a professional dispensing them to you. If there is an error in prescription or other flaw, you may be responsible for shipping fees to return the glasses before a new pair is issued. 

The best way to eliminate these problems? Purchasing your glasses at a brick-and-mortar location.

With the help of an optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist, you can find glasses that fit your budget, style and face. This will prevent you from settling for a pair of glasses that don’t meet your needs.  As an added bonus, you will have the comfort of knowing a professional took your measurements and will inspect your eyeglasses before handing them over to you.