Buying Eyewear Online
Ordering eyewear online is very different from ordering the average consumer product. One study found that almost half of the contact lenses and eyeglasses ordered online failed at least one aspect of optical or impact testing.
Let’s examine the risks associated with ordering your eyewear online.
- Some sites don’t verify the prescription and, without proper verification, you risk receiving optically incorrect or improperly fitted lenses.
- Many online sites, including some Canadian ones, sell products that have not been approved by Health Canada, meaning the safety of the lenses hasn’t been tested.
- If lenses are shipped from overseas, they risk being exposed to drastic temperature changes in warehouses and transportation vessels, which can affect their reliability and lead to potential eye problems.
- Overseas distribution channels may be selling counterfeit products. There is no assurance that internet sites only get their lenses directly from the manufacturer.
- With an online vendor, you may not get replacement and exchange privileges.
Buying Contact Lenses Online
Contact lenses come in different sizes, shapes and materials that can provide greater comfort, allow more oxygen to your eyes, or provide a better fit. If your contact lenses don’t fit properly, you could be harming your eyes.
Every contact lens product is unique. They come in different sizes, shapes and materials, and the curvature, fit, oxygen permeability, deposit resistance, moisture content and lifespan are all important elements in the manufacture of contacts. Buying them online doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the right product for your exact needs.
Contact lenses are, after all, medical devices that sit directly on your eyes. If improperly fitted, they can cause problems. Seek immediate care if you experience discomfort or vision changes while wearing contact lenses.
Your Doctor of Optometry will:
- Ensure the proper prescription based on curvature, measurements of your eye, tear chemistry and lifestyle needs
- Choose the appropriate care system and solutions based on its compatibility with the lens materials and your eyes
- Update your prescription with new lens technology that may better suit your particular vision needs
Buying Eyeglasses Online
You can now order your eyeglasses online for a fraction of the cost you would otherwise pay and it’s easy to do with a few simple clicks. However, it’s important to realize that online vendors don’t call doctors to verify prescriptions and, if a lens is slightly off in the optics, you might not notice that anything is wrong unless you have an optometrist check it.
Eyewear that is made incorrectly can end up causing eyestrain, double vision, or headaches.
Your Eye Care Professional will:
- Accurately measure the distance between your pupils so your eyes will be properly centered in the frames.
- Determine what curvature of lens to use
- Determine the optical center of the lens
- Determine the type of lens material to use
- Suggest what lens coatings you may need
- Measure how high to place the bifocal or progressive in multi-focal lenses
- Properly adjust the frame to your face
Be Fitted By a Professional
In order to receive accurate, quality-made eyewear that suits your eyes and your lifestyle, rely on your Doctor of Optometry or optical specialist. It is the only sure way to know that your glasses or contact lenses are being properly fitted. This will ensure optimal vision, comfort and eye health.
