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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Online Prescription Glasses Are An Economical Alternative

By Roseann Hudson


Even though more people are able to purchase medical insurance today, most health policies exclude coverage for vision. In past years eye-care was traditionally managed from start to finish by ophthalmologists or optometrists, many of whom still stock a wide range of frames and styles. The convenience and popularity of Internet shopping has dramatically upended that arrangement, and buying online prescription glasses and contact lenses is now big business.

This trend has not diminished the primary need for expert optical evaluation. Anyone who has struggled with a vision problem realizes the importance of having an eye exam performed regularly. Doctors and optometrists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious conditions, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct common vision problems.

When a prescription has been written, federal laws enacted within the past forty years guarantee that patients have the right to choose their own lens provider, including those having a primary Internet presence. Regulations today have been updated to include contact lenses, especially daily wear varieties. While some customers still prefer to buy frames at the optician, others have taken advantage of online shopping opportunities.

There have been immediate benefits for the nearly two million consumers who chose to order their lenses via the Internet during the past year. The selection is larger than that available in a brick-and-mortar store, with styles that accommodate nearly every taste, and prices that are usually discounted. The number of vision retailers on line has skyrocketed, making shopping simpler and faster than ever before.

This method of selling has brought the eye-care industry into the modern world, but consumers should be aware that there may potentially be issues with the safety or quality of some of the materials be used during manufacture. Writing a prescription requires approval, but fitting or grinding lenses and frames does not. To ensure comfortable, safe wear, accurate measurements must be taken, and ignoring them may cause disappointment.

To assist in that process, some sites offer virtual fitting rooms designed to produce accurate results. Completing an eye exam is only the first step. It must be followed by taking measurements that detail variations in eye spacing, facial width, individual optic centering, and other data necessary for a safe and comfortable fit. Without that information, poorly measured products may need to be returned.

When considering buying optical wear that is priced far below most of the competition, safety and durability are two important concerns. Because there are few regulations governing eye-wear manufactured elsewhere, some imported products in the past have not always met current standards. Lens coatings for computer glasses may be of poor quality, and some advertised features may be missing or different.

Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.




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