Guide To Purchasing Glasses Direct Online - By: Kathryn Dawson

Buying eyeglasses from web stores may seem intimidating at first. Security concerns regarding personal and credit card details are the foremost consideration. But buying through reputable online stores should be no problem since they constantly make sure that security measures are in place.

More and more people are now discovering that buying glasses direct is as simple as buying any other product online. It can be surprising how much less these can cost compared to shops. There is no need for online retailers to pay for overhead costs in malls or stores in high priced shopping areas.

Before purchasing glasses online, one has to have the latest prescription on hand. The last eye examination result should be less than two years old. After each eye test, an optometrist or optician is required by law to release a copy of the prescription to the patient.

It is helpful to have at least a basic understanding of the eyeglass prescription. The headings OS and OD mean the left eye and right eye respectively, Latin for oculus sinister and oculus dexter. A notation for OU or oculus uterque means for both eyes. The most important readings to note are the sphere, cylinder, and axis. The sphere, S, or SPH can be a positive or a negative value and this represents the correction for long sight or short sight. For people with accompanying astigmatism, the values for cylinder, C, or CYL and the AXIS should be present. Addition or ADD is only required if there is a need for reading glasses and is always a positive value. PLANO means no correction is needed and the spherical power is often written as 0.00.

The pupillary distance or PD is the distance between the pupils of the eye and is measured in millimetres. Oftentimes, this is not included in the prescription but as a guideline, most adults have values between 55 and 65 while most children measure 42 to 54.

Temple size or frame size is not really an essential part of the measurement. For any person, there is no single right size of glasses frames. The face can accommodate a wide variety of frame sizes and most glasses are made to fit most people. Unless the head is unusually large or small, there is little difference in comfort and fit. Most designer glasses frames have some size information printed or engraved on the inside of the frame. The best way to get the size is to find an old pair that fit and look for the numbers either on the inside of the frame or on the bridge of the frame. If the numbers have worn off, an easy way to measure the frame size if by putting a pencil above each ear and measuring the distance between the right and left temples using a ruler.

Having these essential measurements, the fun process of selecting frames can now be done. There are basic considerations in buying frames. First, the size and weight should be in scale with the face size. Next, the frame size should contrast with the face shape. A round face will look best with rectangular frames while a square face with a strong jaw line will look softer with oval frames. For a more flattering look, choose colours that match the personality such as blue frame for blue eyes, frame colour that complements the skin tone, or black frames for a more professional look.

To purchase online, the boxes should be filled up with the correct prescription information. There are also optional add ons such as coatings, tinting, and the like. One can save money by leaving out these extras that are not essential, depending on the lifestyle and practical needs. After successfully placing an order, the glasses will be custom made and the waiting period for delivery can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Most online stores will include a complimentary hard case and a soft cloth for lens cleaning.

There are enormous benefits to buying glasses online and the best one is grabbing a bargain. There is also a wide choice of frames in almost all colours and styles. The main categories available are metal eyeglasses, rimless eyeglasses, semi rimless glasses, and plastic eyeglasses. One can choose from generic frames, designer glasses frames, bendable glasses, featherweight frames, and more.

Before buying glasses direct, make sure the company is reputable and a trusted name in the eyewear industry. Reputable web stores have a telephone number that can be contacted during office hours to check whether the order has been processed and shipped.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Valley Optics, one of the UK’s top providers of high quality eyeglasses and sunglasses online. Valley Optics offers premium rimless, titanium, metal and bendable glasses from well recognized designers. Find out about their designer glasses frames today.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Kathryn--Dawson/78883

Additional Articles From - Home | Fashion | Sunglasses