Glasses are a very personal thing and buying them online can seem like quite a daunting task. If you're nervous about buying glasses online and finding they're not what you wanted, this blog should help put some concerns at ease.
We'll give you some tips on finding your face shape and choosing the right pair of frames for this shape. We'll help guide you through the world of lenses and coatings, helping you find what's best for your eyes. The buying process is straightforward and easy, all you need to do is find your perfect frames. At Spex4less we offer a full 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and 12 months frame warranty so if for whatever reason you're not happy with your frames, simply return them.
Find Your Frame
The first thing you need to do when buying glasses online is to decide what frame you want. There is a huge variety of frame styles out there. From bold cat-eye frames to classic aviators. Colourful and eye-catching acetate frames to subtle and stylish semi-rimless spectacles. Regardless of who you are and what you like, there's sure to be a style and a frame out there for you.
Find Your Glasses Size -
For those of you that have worn glasses before, finding your size is simple. The measurements will usually be marked on the inside of the arms or perhaps on the nose pads f you have a plastic frame. Size measurements will contain 3 numbers in this format: 53-15-140. The first number is the eye size of the frame or 'A'. The second number is the nose bridge, the bit in the middle, also referred to as DBL. Finally, the last number is the arm length. All of these are crucial measurements if you want to find a frame with a comfortable and secure fit.
If you haven't worn glasses before or can't find your measurements, you can do it yourself, however, we would recommend visiting your local opticians to try on some frames and get a more accurate measurement.
Find Your Face Shape -
Now you know your measurements, it's time to decide what frame style you want, if you haven't already of course. Your face shape can have a big impact on what frame styles would look best on you. Face shapes can vary. Some may be more round or oval-shaped, others more square or rectangular. There are a variety of different frame styles that suit each frame shape.
Before deciding on a pair of frames, take a look at our blog on finding your face shape and the styles that will suit it. Ultimately, what matters most is that you find a style you love but it's always nice having somewhere to start.
Choose Your Colour -
Once you've chosen your frame style, it is important to consider what colour glasses you want. Colours can have a big impact on the overall finish of your frames. Bright vibrant frames can add a splash of colour to subtle outfits or add the finishing touch to your summer looks. On the other hand, Dark subtle colours such as black and dark Havana will add an air of sophistication and look great when paired with a more formal outfit.
The frame material can be a key factor in deciding which colours will look best. Plastic and acetate frames look great when paired with bright colours such as red and light blue but will also look great with more subtle tones. Metal and semi-rimless frames, however, tend to look best when coated in dark and monotone colours, leaving bright tones for accents.
Choosing Your lenses
Glasses Use -
Glasses can have various uses. Maybe you just need single vision lenses for distance or reading. You might need varifocal or bifocal lenses for a combination of reading, distance and intermediate prescriptions.
Distance spectacles are for general use e.g. driving, watching TV or walking about. Some people wear distance glasses all the time for all tasks including close work. Reading glasses are for reading and close work only. If your prescription has an “add” you will only be able to wear your glasses for close work and they will be blurred if you look in the distance. Intermediate spectacles can be for computer and 'arms-length' work or, occasionally, they are set for reading music. They are similar to reading glasses but the range of the focus is set further away. Your Optician will give you a specific glasses prescription for this which may be a different “add” (an 'inter' or 'intermediate' add) or a completely separate prescription.
Bifocal spectacles have a regular distance lens with a segment in the bottom for reading. These are for people, with a reading add or reading prescription, who would otherwise need separate glasses for distance and reading.
Varifocal glasses contain lenses which combine your distance, intermediate and near vision with no visible line. Looking straight ahead you can see clearly into the distance, as you look down through the lower part of the lens, the strength gradually increases, allowing you to see clearly at all distances. They are also known as progressive lenses.
Lens Thinness -
Lens thicknesses depend on a number of factors such as your prescription and the size of the frame your lenses are going into. For ‘plus’ sphere values, most of the lens thickness may be found around the centre of the lens, whilst with ‘negative’ sphere values, the thickness manifests itself at the edges.
High index lenses reduce this thickness by various degrees, depending for how thin you go. For instance, a 1.6 lens is thinner than a 1.5 (standard) lens and a 1.67 lens is thinner than a 1.6. Remember, 1.5 does not mean the lens is 1.5mm thick. Basically, the higher the index is, the thinner the lens will be. You can find more info on lens thickness at checkout.
Clear or Sunglass Lenses (Lens Colour) -
Another important decision to make is whether you want clear or sunglass lenses or perhaps both. Most standard prescriptions can be put into both types of lenses, although more complex prescriptions may not be suitable so it is worth checking. Clear lenses are the standard choice, sued for every day glasses and any frame. Sunglass lenses are used for secondary glasses but can still be useful all-year-round. There is a selection of different colours and tints for a variety of uses and styles. Have a look at our sunglass lens page for more information.
Coatings -
Coatings are an important consideration and can play a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of your glasses. At Spex4less, we offer a range of coatings from anti-scratch to help keep your frames in tip-top condition, to blue-light control to protect your eyes from blue light emitted from phones and TV screens. It is important to consider what coatings are best for you before purchasing your glasses. You don't want to miss out on their benefits but you also don't want to waste time adding unnecessary coatings. Take a look at our blog for more information on lenses and coatings.
Your Prescription
Your prescription is the most important element of buying glasses online. Without it, your glasses will be useless. With an incorrect prescription, you may cause further damage to your eyes so it is important to take your time and get it right.
Entering Your Prescription -
The prescription may appear complicated at first but it is really quite simple. There are four elements: Sphere (Sph), Cylinder (Cyl), Axis (Axis), Reading Addition (Add). Not all prescriptions will require a value to be entered into each box. If it is blank on your prescription you can leave it blank on our website. The most important thing to check in each box is whether the lens value has a plus + or minus - sign.
If you are unsure about how to enter your prescription, we can help you out if you give us a call here on 0151 632 6611. One of our trained staff will give you all the help you need.
Unknown Prescription -
If you don't know your prescription, visit your local opticians for an eye test. Your Optician should give you your glasses prescription at the time of the test. Make sure you ask for it. If you have mislaid your glasses prescription your Optician should give you a copy.
If you want to take advantage of a special or glasses offer from us, you may order your glasses and then send us a copy of your new glasses prescription as soon as you receive it.
Checkout
Once all this is complete and you have chosen your perfect frames, found your favourite colours, selected your ideal lenses and coatings and finally added your prescription, you're ready for the checkout. Simply select your preferred payment and shipping method and sit back and relax whilst we take care of the rest. The process of buying your glasses online is complete. We will keep you update via email on the progress of your glasses and the stages they are in as well as informing you of any questions or confirmation needed.
Looking to pick up your first pair of glasses or just aiming to revitalise your look? At Spex4less with have a wide range of frames for whatever you’re looking for.