Buying Eyeglasses: Prescription, Frames, and Lenses Explained


Hello and welcome to today’s article! Whether you’re completely new to buying eyeglasses or have been wearing them your whole life, this guide is designed to help you find a pair of accurate, comfortable, and stylish eyeglasses with fewer mistakes along the way.

Our goal today is to ensure that you find a pair of glasses you’ll love wearing—glasses that help you see your best without the worry of overpaying for unnecessary features or missing out on something that could significantly enhance your vision.

To help you navigate the process, we’ll break down this video into four key sections:

  1. Getting the Most Accurate Glasses Prescription: We’ll share tips on how to obtain a precise prescription so that your glasses help you see clearly.
  2. Choosing Quality Eyeglass Frames: We’ll guide you in selecting frames that fit well, are comfortable, and work perfectly with your prescription.
  3. Selecting the Right Optical Lenses: We’ll discuss the different types of lenses available and which ones are best suited for your prescription strength.
  4. Lens Enhancements and Coatings: Finally, we’ll cover which lens enhancements and coatings are worth the investment.

Plus, stick around until the end for some bonus tips on often-overlooked features that can greatly improve your experience with your new glasses.

Step 1: Getting an Accurate Glasses Prescription

The first step in buying eyeglasses is ensuring you have a valid and accurate prescription. If you haven’t seen an eye care professional recently or don’t have an up-to-date prescription, scheduling an eye exam should be your top priority.

Even if your current prescription hasn’t expired, it’s wise to get it updated if it’s been close to a year since your last exam. Why? Because small changes in your prescription can make a big difference in how comfortable your glasses are for all-day wear. A slightly off prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain, and general discomfort.

Pro Tip: During your eye exam, when your doctor asks, “Which is better, one or two?” don’t overthink it. Your gut reaction is often the best choice. The doctor will double and triple-check the results to ensure your prescription is spot on. Stressing over making the “perfect” choice can sometimes throw things off more than you realize.

If you’re feeling anxious about your upcoming eye exam, I have a video with tips on how to have a better experience at your eye doctor’s clinic. You can find the link to that video in the description below.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Eyeglass Frames

Eyeglass frames are more than just a piece of plastic or metal that holds your lenses. They’re an extension of your personality and style, and choosing the right frames can make a huge difference in your comfort and confidence.

You generally have two options for purchasing frames: locally, at an eyeglass shop, optical boutique, or eye clinic, or online. While buying glasses online can be cheaper, if you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with a local shop. Here’s why:

  1. Hands-On Experience: At a local store, you can try on different frames to see how they feel and how they look on your face.
  2. Professional Guidance: Opticians and optical staff are experts in fitting glasses. They know which frames work best for different face shapes and prescriptions. Their advice can be invaluable, especially if you’re unsure of what to look for.

If you’re set on buying online, be aware that it’s a bit of a gamble. Without trying the frames on, you might end up with a pair that doesn’t fit well or isn’t comfortable. But don’t worry—I’m working on a video that covers how to buy glasses online, which will be out soon. Subscribe to the channel and ring the bell to get notified when it’s live.

Golden Rules for Choosing Frames:

  • Fit Matters: Avoid frames that are too wide or too narrow. They should sit comfortably on your face without sliding down or pinching your temples.
  • Consider Nose Pads: If you have a flatter nose bridge or if glasses tend to slide down your nose, opt for frames with adjustable nose pads. These can make a big difference in comfort.
  • Smaller is Better for Strong Prescriptions: If your prescription is strong (above -3.00 or +3.00), choose smaller lenses. Larger lenses can cause distortions and make the edges of the lenses thicker and heavier.

If you’re shopping locally and are unsure whether a frame suits your style, take a picture and send it to friends or family for feedback. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you end up with a pair that you genuinely love wearing.

Step 3: Selecting the Right Optical Lenses

Now that you’ve chosen your frames, it’s time to pick the lenses. This can be the most overwhelming part of the process because of the various options available. To simplify things, I’ll focus on single-vision lenses in this section. If you need bifocals, progressives, or varifocals, I have a separate video covering those topics, which you can find in the description below.

Types of Lenses:

  1. Standard Lenses: Made from plastic (CR-39), these are the most basic and affordable lenses. They’re suitable for people with mild prescriptions (0 to 1 diopter).
  2. Polycarbonate Lenses: These lenses are more durable and impact-resistant, making them a safer choice, especially for children or those with an active lifestyle. They’re also lighter and thinner than standard lenses, which is beneficial if you have a moderate prescription (1 to 3 diopters).
  3. High-Index Lenses: These are the thinnest and lightest lenses available, designed for people with strong prescriptions (above 3 diopters). High-index lenses reduce the thickness of the lens edges, improving both comfort and aesthetics.

Quick Guide:

  • 0 to 1 Diopter: Standard plastic lenses are fine.
  • 1 to 3 Diopters: Consider polycarbonate or 1.60 to 1.67 high-index lenses.
  • 3 to 5 Diopters: 1.67 high-index lenses offer the best value.
  • 5+ Diopters: Opt for 1.74 high-index lenses for maximum comfort and minimal thickness.

Step 4: Lens Enhancements and Coatings

Lens coatings and enhancements can significantly improve the quality of your vision and protect your lenses. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s worth considering:

  1. Anti-Reflective Coating (AR): This coating reduces glare and reflections on your lenses, making them clearer and more comfortable to wear. It’s especially helpful if you spend a lot of time on digital screens or driving at night. I highly recommend investing in AR coating as it enhances both vision and appearance.

  2. Blue Light Blocking: There’s a lot of hype around blue light glasses, but the truth is that the benefits can vary. Some lenses block certain wavelengths of blue light, which may help with sleep cycles if you’re staring at screens late at night. However, the research is still inconclusive. If you’re considering blue light blocking lenses, consult your eye doctor for personalized advice.

  3. Photochromic Lenses: Also known as Transitions, these lenses darken in sunlight and return to clear indoors. They’re a convenient option if you don’t want to carry around a separate pair of sunglasses. However, they’re not for everyone—some people love them, while others prefer traditional sunglasses.

  4. Scratch-Resistant Coating: This is a must if you want your lenses to last. It’s often bundled with anti-reflective coatings, so be sure to ask about it when selecting your lenses.

Bonus Tip: Warranties are worth considering, especially if you’re investing in high-end glasses. A warranty can cover repairs or replacements if your glasses are damaged, saving you money in the long run.

Final Thoughts and Bonus Tips

By now, you should feel confident about getting a valid glasses prescription, choosing frames that suit you, selecting the right lenses, and deciding on the best enhancements. But before we wrap up, here are two final tips that can make a big difference in your overall experience:

  1. Consider a Warranty: If you’re spending a significant amount on your glasses, a warranty is a smart investment. It can cover accidental damage, scratches, or even loss, making it easier and cheaper to replace your glasses if something goes wrong.

  2. Get a Professional Adjustment: When you pick up your glasses, have them professionally adjusted. A proper fit ensures that you’re looking through the right part of the lens and that your glasses are comfortable for all-day wear.

Your Turn: Share Your Thoughts!

I’d love to hear from you! Did this article help you feel more confident about buying eyeglasses? Was there a particular tip that stood out to you? Or is there something you think I missed? Drop your feedback in the comments below.

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