Should you have a spare pair of glasses?

Imagine this scenario: It's late on a Friday night. You get up for a drink of water or a run to the restroom. Your feet hit the floor, and you feel something cool and slim just before you hear the tell-tale crunch.

You know it before you stoop down to squint. Your glasses must have fallen off the nightstand, and you just destroyed the temples. Or the bridge. Or the lenses themselves.

If you've worn glasses long enough, you've been here. Pieces of glasses frame held in your hand as you consider the merits of tape, wire, or other craft supplies to piece them back together, even temporarily. Someone who hasn't worn tape-ridden frames to get through a couple of days with clearer vision hasn't been vision impaired long enough.

Having a pair of spare glasses on hand can alleviate these woes and cut down on the emergency crafting done to your eyewear. A spare pair of glasses is one with the same or very similar prescription that acts as a backup for use in these situations.

Benefits of having a backup pair of glasses

Having a spare pair of glasses offers numerous benefits, including:

• Limited disruptions to your life. Losing or damaging a pair of glasses isn't nearly as stressful if you have a backup pair stashed in a drawer. You simply grab those and see your way clearly to any other steps, such as ordering a new pair when you can.

• Rest for your eyes between wearing contacts. Backup glasses aren't just for people who only wear their lenses in frames. If you normally prefer to sport contacts, a spare pair of glasses lets you rest your eyes between wearing contacts without giving up clarity of vision. Think: getting off work, putting on your cozy PJs, and exchanging contacts for glasses before you settle in for a well-earned Netflix binge.

• Ability to change up your look. Daily glasses wearers might like to have extra pairs on hand to change up their look or coordinate with outfits. Imagine bold red frames on days you're feeling confident or sleek black frames to go with your date-night attire. 

• Flexibility when moving between spaces. A spare pair of glasses means you can leave one at the office or another area. You won't have to remember to pack your glasses if you might need them, and you have a pair convenient if your primary frames are damaged. 

How much does it cost to get another pair of glasses?

You won't have the expense of another eye exam because you can buy as many pairs of glasses as you want based on your existing prescription. The cost of a spare pair of glasses varies depending on factors such as:

• Frames. Brand-name and luxury frames cost more. You can find plenty of attractive, budget-friendly frames, though.

• Lens type. The materials of your lenses matter. Strong prescriptions may require lighter lens materials, which can be more expensive.

• Prescription type. If you need progressives or other specialty lenses, the cost of glasses goes up.

• Add-ons. Adding tints, coatings, and other options can increase the cost of your glasses.

You may be able to find a buy one, get one offer from an online or local retailer. Before you hop on the deal, though, research prices elsewhere. You might find that the cost of a single pair of glasses is more than you'll pay for two somewhere else.

Expect to pay between $30 and $300 on average for a second pair of glasses, depending on your needs. You can explore deals at The Framery on glasses and sunglasses.

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Does insurance cover a second pair of glasses

Vision insurance can make glasses or contacts more affordable, but these plans don't typically kick in for extras. Insurance companies usually watch that bottom line pretty closely, which means they aren't in the habit of shelling out for your convenience. 

However, it's worth researching your benefits. Your plan might offer a percent off a second pair of glasses, for example. Or you may have a total benefit provided each year, and if you can get two pairs of glasses for that amount, they might be covered. Call your vision insurance benefits hotline to find out more about your coverage.

If you think you might qualify for state health benefits and want to find out how they might impact the affordability of glasses, consider contacting a State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, for help.

Should you have a backup pair of glasses?

It's definitely a personal decision that balances convenience and peace of mind with cost. The added expense of a spare pair of glasses might be worth it if you:

• Often misplace your glasses

• Participate in sports or other events that increase the risks of breaking your frames

• Spend a lot of time in multiple places, such as two different homes or work and home

Getting a backup pair of glasses also often makes sense for kids, as they're more likely to break or lose theirs. That's especially true if your child is new to glasses and not used to wearing them and caring for them all the time.

Find a stylish pair of spare glasses today.