5 Essential Tips For Buying Glasses Online with Confidence

Finding the perfect pair of glasses can be a long process of choosing and waiting for the optometrist to give them to you. Now, people are choosing to buy glasses online as an alternative to the long wait times at optometrists. 

Additionally, online sites for glasses typically have more choices available, giving people the chance to find their perfect pair. Glasses shoppers should follow a few tips before ordering online, including ensuring their prescription is adjusted correctly. 

Know Your Prescription Details

The first step towards buying glasses online is getting your prescription right. Your regular optometrist should have a record of your most recent prescription. Using the right prescription for your glasses is essential for better eye health. Not wearing the correct prescription could lead to unnecessary eye strain, which can lead to worse vision in the long term. 

Websites may ask for “OD,” which refers to the right eye, and “OS,” which refers to the left eye. They may also ask for “CYL” (cylinder), important for astigmatism correction. “SPH,” or sphere, refers to the near-sided or far-sided correction needed for each eye, the most critical part of your prescription.

Most glasses shopping sites allow customers to enter their prescription information after selecting frames. Make sure to input your prescription carefully, starting with one eye first. If you need additional information, contact your ophthalmologist before inputting any numbers.

Finding Frames the Flatter Your Face Shape

Glasses provide a stylish flair to individuals. They can be used for medical purposes or instead as an accessory. From sunglasses to prescription glasses, rocking frames that are flattering to your face shape is a great way to feel confident about your look. 

The most important part about finding flattering glasses is knowing your face shape. To get started, stand about a foot away from the mirror, then use a dry-erase marker to trace the perimeter of your face. Does your face have a more boxy or round look? Does the top section look wider or the same width as the bottom? According to these questions, you may have a square, round, oval, heart, or diamond-shaped face. 

Think of glasses as a counterbalance to your features. If you have a boxier, more angular face, you may consider round or oval frames to soften the face. If your face has rounded edges, consider square or rectangular frames that add more structure to your face shape. 

Check the Measurements for a Perfect Fit

Consider taking some measurements first to find the best size of glasses for your face. To measure frame width, take a ruler and measure from one temple to the other, just below the eyes. Most websites use centimeters or millimeters for measurements. 

Then, consider measuring the bridge of your nose to ensure the glasses sit on your face correctly. Start by taking a selfie of your side profile. If the bridge of your nose sits at the same level as your pupils or lower, you have a low nose bridge and may have a size of less than 16. If your nose bridge is higher than the level of your pupils, you have a high nose bridge and will likely be between 19 and 21.

Measuring your eyes’ pupillary distance (PD) is essential for getting the most out of your prescription. First, stand about a foot from a mirror and hold a ruler under your eyes. Align the zero with the center of your right pupil, close the right eye, and then mark the center of your left pupil. This distance is your PD measurement.

Finding Glasses Online

Shopping for glasses online is often a more convenient option for busy people. Instead of scheduling an appointment with an optometrist, you can search for glasses at any time of the day. It’s also often a more cost-effective solution for people, making it an easy decision.

Taking measurements and getting your most up-to-date prescription can help you get the most out of your glasses, ensuring the best eye health and fashion-forward looks. 

The Paste editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.