Buyer's Guide: 6 Tips on Buying Prescription Sunglasses Online

Getting quality and right sunglasses online personalized to your lifestyle and prescription requires prior knowledge. You need to consider certain issues, because every pair of made to prescription sunglasses is a custom-made item. The design and materials of both lenses and frames are different and treated differently. In fact, your head and eyes are different too, so you or your optician must take various measurements for proper fit. Here are six tips on how to order the right prescription sunglasses online

1. Get an updated eye examination

The standard validity period of eye prescription is one year for young people and two years for adults. If your prescription is outdated, visit your local optical shop to get a new one. Whenever you get your eyesight examined, tell the optometrist to provide you with a copy of the prescription. Key in the details of the prescription copy when making the order.

2. Measure your pupillary distance

To get the optimum centering of the Rx lenses on your sunglasses, we would ideally, want your pupillary distance or PD (otherwise a generic/default PD based on the end-user’s age/gender is used). The optometrists will note this measurement during your eye examination; please ensure this is recorded on your prescription card.  Use this measurement when placing an order because the optimal center of the lenses will give you the best vision.

3. Select the right frames

Know your frame size, using these three factors to determine the right frame for your sunglasses:

• Select sunglasses that compliment your shape; good sunglasses have the ability to complement your facial features and overall look. Create a perfect balance on your appearance by choosing a frame shape that gives a contrast to the shape of your face.

• Choose a frame that fits your own style: look at the material, color, shape and the detailing when it comes to sunglasses style. If you love trendy, classy, hipster, retro, sporty or something in between, the choice is yours.

• Buy the right frame size: glasses that do not perfectly fit you can be awkward-looking and uncomfortable.  Choosing the right frame size will ensure that you feel and look amazing.

4. Choose the lens material to match your prescription

There are basically three lens materials for prescription sunglasses with different recommended use and price points.

• High index: the lightest and thinnest of all the materials. They are recommended for individual with higher prescription and those connected with fashion and comfort for casual use or wear.

• Polycarbonate: These are impact resistant lenses. They are recommended for athletes, children and people with active lifestyles.

• Plastic: They are standard optical lenses. They are recommended for individuals with light prescriptions for casual wearing.

5. Pay only for what you require with order customizations

Look for a retailer that allows you to price your sunglasses based on what you require rather than a one-price-fit-all pricing approach, which will likely result in you paying for options you don’t need.  The more options you have, the better control you have over how much you end up paying.

6. Place an order

Once you have chosen the right frame, lenses, provided your glasses prescription including your pupillary distance, you can now ready to place your order. Remember, to double-check the details you’ve typed in (typical errors include the + or - sign in front of your prescription parameters) , before placing the order. Uploading a copy of the required glasses prescription would also ensure our Opticians to check what you have entered vs your actual prescription requirements. Let’s go!