Can you order glasses online if you have your prescription?

Imagine this scenario: It's snowing out. Baby It's Cold Outside is crooning from the holiday playlist you curated on Spotify. It's all cozy fires and scents of mint and chocolate in your house.

Or this one: The sun's baked the driveway all morning. You can literally see the heat undulating in the air above the pavement. Step outside, and you might actually melt.

Now add this: You just dropped your glasses and — CRUNCH! — your foot found them before your hands did. You've donned your backup pair, but it's wobbly and a little blurry. Even if there aren't extreme weather conditions outside, you might wonder, "Can I order glasses online if I have my prescription?" 

The answer is yes. In fact, it’s often faster, easier, and more affordable than you might expect. Though not quite as easy as DoorDashing yourself a milkshake to beat the heat or a cozy soup for midwinter warmth. You’ll need a few key details on hand, and there are definitely some smart strategies (and mistakes to avoid) along the way.

Here’s what you need to know to get frames that actually fit your face, your style, and your budget — without any blurry surprises.

How to buy glasses online

Buying glasses online is easier than you might think. Though there's no in-person fitting involved, you can still end up with a pair of frames you adore (and that actually fit your face) by following some key steps.

1. Begin with a prescription

You'll need a current prescription from your eye care professional. No one's playing the guessing game to get you the right lenses. We're more in the business of hitting the target exactly bull's-eye  — which requires we know what those numbers are.

If you don’t have a prescription or it’s expired, take a vision test or schedule an eye exam before shopping. Bonus points if your prescription includes your pupillary distance (PD) — that’s the measurement between your pupils and helps ensure your lenses are properly centered. Don't sweat it if you don't have a PD — we can walk you through measuring it.

2. Try before you buy eyeglasses 

One of the easiest ways to find the perfect frames? Try them on at home. With The Framery’s free in-home try-on program, you can choose five frames to test out in real life — no store visits required. See how they look, check the fit, and get a feel for your favorites before you commit.

3. Shop smart and compare your options

Not all online glasses shops are created equal. Look for sites that offer clear pricing and easy-to-understand return policies. A reputable online glasses retailer will offer guidance on how it works. The more transparent the process, the more confident you can feel about your purchase.

4. Order and wait for the magic

Once you’ve picked your frames and entered your prescription details, you’re good to go. Your new glasses will be on their way to your door — no race for a decent parking space or long wait in a waiting room required. 

Try your glasses frames on at home to ensure everything is fine and clear — literally. Some services let you try on several frames at home for free. For example, you can get four frames to try for 5 days so you can choose the option that's best for you.

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What to avoid when buying glasses online

Want to avoid a blurry, uncomfortable or straight-up regrettable glasses-buying experience? Keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t guess your prescription. Always use a valid, up-to-date prescription from your eye care professional — eyeballing it won’t end well (pun fully intended).

• Skip sites without a clear return policy. If it’s hard to find or harder to understand, that’s a red flag.

• Avoid skipping your pupillary distance (PD). Without this, your lenses might not align properly, leading to headaches and eyestrain.

• Don’t assume one-size-fits-all. Frame sizes matter. Check measurements and compare them to a pair you already own (or tried on) to ensure a comfy fit.

• Be cautious with too-good-to-be-true pricing. Super cheap frames can come with quality issues — or no real return path if they don’t work out.

• Don't skip the "fitting." Whether you use a virtual try-on tool or visit a store to preview styles, try before you buy eyeglasses to avoid a frame fail.

Is it safe to buy prescription glasses online?

Yes, it’s safe to buy prescription glasses online — as long as you’re shopping from a reputable source and following a few best practices.

Safety and satisfaction come down to things like quality control, accurate prescription use, proper lens alignment, and solid return policies. Not everyone offers a Gajillion Percent Promise, but you definitely want to look for a promise of some kind.

A trustworthy online retailer should clearly guide you through the process, use certified lens materials, and offer customer support if something feels off (literally or figuratively).

To keep your experience smooth, always enter your prescription carefully, double-check your pupillary distance (PD), and make sure you understand how returns and exchanges work. Before you click the button on any order, check your deets one more time — including your prescription numbers.

Buying glasses online can be safe, affordable, and super convenient — as long as you keep one eye on quality and the other on the fine print.

Why are eyeglass frames so much cheaper online?

The biggest reason eyeglass frames cost less online? Fewer middlemen and lower overhead. It's that simple. Online retailers don’t have to maintain physical storefronts or hire large in-store staff, which helps them cut prices without cutting corners.

In many traditional optical shops, the price of frames includes rent, utilities, and even the cost of fancy lighting. Online retailers can focus on what matters — getting good glasses to you at a fair price.

Some online shops also design and manufacture their own frames, which eliminates brand licensing fees and helps keep costs down even further. 

Want to find affordable (and high-quality) glasses online? Stick to retailers with clear lens options, transparent return policies, and detailed product descriptions. Bonus points if they offer virtual try-ons or fit tools so you can be confident you're choosing the right product for you before you click buy.

Is it worth buying prescription glasses online?

In most cases, buying prescription glasses online is worth it. You can often find better prices, a wider variety of styles, and a more convenient shopping experience than you’d get in a brick-and-mortar store.

That said, it’s not entirely risk-free to shop for glasses online. The fit might not be perfect the first time, and you’ll want to double-check your prescription details (especially your PD) to avoid issues with vision clarity or comfort. The good news? Most reputable retailers offer easy returns or exchanges, so you’re not stuck with frames that pinch your nose, are too big for your face or leave your vision less than focused.

To get the best deal and quality, compare prices across trusted sites, read reviews, and use tools like virtual try-ons. Trying on frames at home before finalizing your purchase or in a local store before you order online can also help you find a shape and size that works for your face (no too-tight grip on your temples or sliding nose pads for you!)

In the end, the best way to buy glasses comes down to your preferences, your prescription, and your budget. Put the tips from this guide into action and start shopping for new frames today. Find your fit now.

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!