Glasses

[vickalamode]

I've had perfect vision my entire life, but recently I have started to have trouble driving on the highway at night. The headlights from the opposing traffic really bother my eyes and make it hard to see. I decided to suck it up and go to the eye doctor today and found out I have a mild astigmatism. I didn't want to look at glasses at the office because I knew they would run me at least $100, and the doctor even said that I only really need to wear them when I am doing "intense eye activities" like driving long distances or reading etc. They will probably only be on my face for 5-10 hours each week. The doctor suggested that when I purchase glasses to make sure I get an anti-reflective coating since it will help a lot with the headlights from opposing traffic glaring in my eyes.

So, I'm looking for glasses online. It seems like there are a lot of websites out there where I can get two pairs of glasses for less than $50 (one to keep in the car and one for my purse). Can anyone give me advice on ordering glasses online? This is my prescription:

Right: Plano Sphere, -0.50 Cylinder, 150 Axis
Left: Plano Sphere, -0.75 Cylinder, 15 Axis

I have been trying to shop online for glasses right now but I don't know what I would need for some of the things they are asking me (such as....Prescription type: single vision, bifocal, progressive??? )

Thanks to anyone who can help. I'm sure that my questions seem really stupid to a lot of you, but I have never had glasses before and to be completely honest I still don't understand what an astigmatism is even though the doctor explained it to me and I have been googling it all afternoon, lol! All I have really gathered is that my eyes are different shapes? IDK.

 

[mrsklamc]

I haven't used them but other people here on the budget board have:

http://www.zennioptical.com/

 

[zoemurr]

I've had perfect vision my entire life, but recently I have started to have trouble driving on the highway at night. The headlights from the opposing traffic really bother my eyes and make it hard to see. I decided to suck it up and go to the eye doctor today and found out I have a mild astigmatism. I didn't want to look at glasses at the office because I knew they would run me at least $100, and the doctor even said that I only really need to wear them when I am doing "intense eye activities" like driving long distances or reading etc. They will probably only be on my face for 5-10 hours each week. The doctor suggested that when I purchase glasses to make sure I get an anti-reflective coating since it will help a lot with the headlights from opposing traffic glaring in my eyes.

So, I'm looking for glasses online. It seems like there are a lot of websites out there where I can get two pairs of glasses for less than $50 (one to keep in the car and one for my purse). Can anyone give me advice on ordering glasses online? This is my prescription:

Right: Plano Sphere, -0.50 Cylinder, 150 Axis
Left: Plano Sphere, -0.75 Cylinder, 15 Axis

I have been trying to shop online for glasses right now but I don't know what I would need for some of the things they are asking me (such as....Prescription type: single vision, bifocal, progressive??? )

Thanks to anyone who can help. I'm sure that my questions seem really stupid to a lot of you, but I have never had glasses before and to be completely honest I still don't understand what an astigmatism is even though the doctor explained it to me and I have been googling it all afternoon, lol! All I have really gathered is that my eyes are different shapes? IDK.

since you are new to glasses personally I would suck it up and get them from the eye dr. That way if they need to be changed for some reason it won't be a problem. They'll also need to be adjusted to fit properly.

Anyway, to answer your question, I assume you have single vision, as bifocals would have two perscriptions.

We bought my DD a pair of $12 perscription sunglasses from zennioptical with no problems. We measured her regular glasses and got a pair that was the closest to them. I would go somewhere local and find a pair you like. Take all the meaurements you can and compare them to online ones.

Have you looked locally? Some places like Walmart and BJs might not be as cheap as online, but they would be cheaper than the eye dr.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Got my glasses (Bi-focals) at Walmart!! The frames are adorable (Black with pink dots) the frames and lens came to $155.00. I am going to get a spare pair over the internet, but really wanted to have one GOOD pair that was fitted etc to me in person. I have not had any trouble with the glasses and took them back a week ago to have new pads put on no charge.

 

[LJSquishy]

Most health insurances cover around $200 of eyewear (either contacts or glasses) per calendar year so I would start with finding out what your insurance covers, if you have it.

I strongly recommend purchasing your first pair in person, whether it be at the eye doctor or at Walmart, Costco, etc. They really do need to be fitted properly, and not every frame will fit every face. You may end up purchasing frames online that are too large for your face and nothing can be done about that (or too small).

I am 27 years old and have never worn glasses/contacts (my entire family does), but I am starting to notice that I need to get my eyes checked because things are not quite as crisp as they used to be. I know I can't handle contacts, so I will have to get glasses...and I don't know how I will feel about that...I can't imagine myself wearing them.

 

[Interpol]

You need single vision lenses. Progressives are like bifocals but the transition from one Rx to the other is gradual.

Also, you can probably get by with standard polycarbonate lenses as your Rx isn't that strong or complex. Aspheric and hi index lenses cost a lot more.

 

[willowsnn3]

since you are new to glasses personally I would suck it up and get them from the eye dr. That way if they need to be changed for some reason it won't be a problem. They'll also need to be adjusted to fit properly. I would also recommend getting the first pair fitted by a professional

Anyway, to answer your question, I assume you have single vision, as bifocals would have two perscriptions. Progressive are the ones that turn to sunglasses I believe. Transitions are the ones that change with the sunlight....I have progressive lenses, they are along the lines of a no line bifocal
We bought my DD a pair of $12 perscription sunglasses from zennioptical with no problems. We measured her regular glasses and got a pair that was the closest to them. I would go somewhere local and find a pair you like. Take all the meaurements you can and compare them to online ones.

Have you looked locally? Some places like Walmart and BJs might not be as cheap as online, but they would be cheaper than the eye dr.

Notes in red above.

 

[momof3ds]

Do you have vision insurance or an fsa? I have gotten glasses at bjs before.

If you will be driving in bright sun, consider getting a pair of prescription sunglasses also.

Transitions lenses do not work in the car.

 

[tigger_mommy]

I use www.coastal.com. You actually get your first pair of glasses FREE from there! When you check out you use coupon code firstpairfree. It will say no coupon code allowed under the picture of the frame if you cannot use the code on them. I have gotten numerous pairs of glasses from this company and they are wonderful. Quick shipping and all. You will need your PD measurement. If it isn't written on your rx go back to the place that checked your eyes and ask them for it, they will put some weird thing up to your eyes and look through it. Hope this helps.

 

[Alesia]

I ordered a pair from coastal.com and only paid $10 total, but I bought them as a back-up pair. I would strongly advise you to buy your first pair from an actual doctor. You're going to need something to compare the ones you buy online with.

 

[vickalamode]

Thank you for the tips everyone...I ordered two pairs online it was only $23 total including shipping so if they don't work out for me all the way I am not out much money. I am going to find out what my insurance will cover before I go and have some nice ones fitted someplace. Since I will only need to wear them occasionally I am not too worried about it. I was interested in contacts originally but the eye doctor basically said that contacts wouldn't work out for me and she's the professional so I'm not going to argue lol. She's probably right though since I would only need to wear them very rarely, but TBH I kind of just wanted to be able to order the funky colored ones to wear every now and then...that was the only reason I wanted contacts lol.