5 Myths About Trendy Oversized Prescription Glasses That Cost Me $200

I used to accept everything optical retailers told me at face value. Like many people, I assumed that high-quality lenses had to cost hundreds of dollars. That misconception ended up costing me $200 every time I needed new glasses.

Here's the reality: brick-and-mortar optical stores inflate prices dramatically. Purchasing lenses online—particularly options like MERRYS Anti Blue Light Blocking 1.56 or 1.61—is not only smarter but incredibly straightforward. It's an easy process that saves you significant money.

Here are the key advantages of buying prescription lenses online:

• Substantial Savings: You typically pay half the price for identical lens materials.
• Simplified Process: Ordering becomes effortless when you have your prescription details ready.
• Contemporary Quality: You gain access to advanced materials like Aspheric Resin.

Myth #1: Online Lenses Are Always Low Quality CR-39 Plastic

The common misconception suggests that lower-priced lenses result in blurry vision, fragile construction, and easy breakage. Those promoting this myth want you to spend $400 on basic lenses.

Here's what they're not telling you: CR-39 Resin serves as the foundational material for most standard lenses. It represents an industry standard that has been trusted for decades due to its lightweight nature and excellent optical clarity. A CR-39 lens doesn't equate to inferior quality—it signifies standard optical grade material.

Lens quality depends more on the laboratory that cuts and finishes the lens than the base material cost. Reputable online vendors partner with quality laboratories that deliver precisely what you order.

One satisfied customer remarked: "It's exactly what I wanted and needed. Thank you." This feedback demonstrates how clear communication and quality manufacturing produce ideal results.

Verdict: Don't equate low price with poor quality. Seek out high-grade Resin or Polycarbonate options. CR-39 Resin remains a reliable, standard choice.

Myth #2: Trendy Oversized Frames Mean Ugly, Thick Lenses

If you require strong vision correction (high Myopia or Hyperopia), lens thickness becomes a genuine concern—especially with trendy oversized frames. Thick lenses not only appear unattractive but feel uncomfortably heavy.

Many fear ending up with the dreaded "coke bottle" appearance.

The truth is: Modern lens technology has effectively solved this problem. You no longer need to settle for thick lenses. This is where index numbers (1.56, 1.61, 1.67) become relevant—they indicate how thin the lens will be.

While standard lenses typically measure 1.50 or 1.56, higher prescriptions require high-index alternatives:

• 1.61 Index: Significantly thinner and lighter than 1.56, ideal for medium to strong prescriptions.
• 1.67 Index: Exceptionally thin, perfect for strong prescriptions where thickness poses a major concern.

These thinner lenses often incorporate Aspheric design, meaning the front surface appears flatter. This design reduces bulky appearance while improving peripheral vision. You can confidently wear large frames without compromising on weight or thickness.

Verdict: If your prescription exceeds +/- 2.00, opt for 1.61 or 1.67 index lenses. They're essential for achieving stylish, thin oversized frames.

Myth #3: Anti-Blue Light Blocking is Just a Gimmick

Many consumers believe anti-blue light features represent nothing more than a price markup strategy. They assume it's merely a faint yellow tint with no real benefits.

Here's the actual situation: We spend hours daily staring at screens—phones, computers, tablets—all emitting blue-violet light. This type of light can disrupt sleep patterns and cause digital eye strain, leaving your eyes feeling tired and dry after work.

Anti-Blue Light Blocking lenses feature specialized coatings that reflect harmful blue light away from your eyes. While they don't cure eye conditions, they significantly improve comfort during extended screen time.

Consider them indoor sunscreen for your eyes. If you spend eight hours daily on a laptop, this coating isn't a gimmick—it's essential protection.

Verdict: For anyone using digital screens over four hours daily, the Anti-Blue Light coating proves worthwhile for eye comfort.

Myth #4: Ordering Progressive Lenses Online Is Too Complex

If you have Presbyopia, you need progressive lenses that correct distance, intermediate, and reading vision in one lens. Traditional retailers claim this process is extremely complicated and requires multiple fittings only they can provide.

Let's clarify: Progressive lenses do require accurate measurements, particularly Pupillary Distance (PD) and fitting height. However, reputable online stores have developed streamlined methods to obtain this information accurately.

The biggest misconception suggests complex lenses must be prohibitively expensive. Retail markups on Progressive/Multifocal lenses are astronomical. Online vendors source identical lab-grade lenses without the substantial overhead of physical stores.

As one pleased customer noted: "Muy buen servicio." This Spanish review meaning "Very good service" demonstrates that even complex vision needs receive proper attention through effective customer support.

You can obtain top-tier Progressive lenses, often in 1.61 index for reduced thickness, at half the cost of traditional retailers.

Verdict: For Progressive lenses, ensure you have accurate PD and ADD power measurements, then immediately compare online prices.

Myth #5: Buying Online Is Too Slow and Hard

You might assume online prescription glasses take forever to arrive, or that the ordering process involves navigating complicated numbers and settings.

Traditional retailers encourage this belief to pressure you into paying their inflated prices immediately.

The actual process is straightforward:

1. Step 1: Obtain Your Prescription. Request your complete written prescription from your eye doctor, including Pupillary Distance (PD).
2. Step 2: Select Lens Type. Choose between single vision, bifocal, or Progressive lenses.
3. Step 3: Choose Materials. Select your preferred index (1.56, 1.61, 1.67) and additional features (Anti-Blue Light).
4. Step 4: Input Measurements. Enter your Sphere (SPH), Cylinder (CYL), Axis, and PD values.

That's the entire process. Most websites are designed for simplicity, guiding you through entering the numbers from your doctor's prescription.

As one verified buyer confirmed: "Quick, easy, and about half the price of purchasing through a traditional optical store. What's not to love!!" Speed, simplicity, and affordability have become the new standard for acquiring high-quality lenses.

Verdict: Ordering typically takes five minutes. Always keep your current prescription handy.

The Real Deal: Online Quality Is Possible

Exceptional vision correction doesn't require overspending. Whether you need standard CR-39 lenses, high-index 1.67 lenses for strong prescriptions, or specialized Anti Blue Light Blocking coatings, MERRYS specifications demonstrate that quality and affordability can coexist.

The key lies in eliminating intermediaries. You're paying for the product and service, not expensive mall retail space.

For many shoppers, discovering genuine quality and value begins with trusted vendors, like those featured on our homepage. Conduct proper research, read customer reviews, and verify lens index specifications.

Don't Believe the Lies

Next time someone claims high-index trendy oversized prescription glasses must cost $400 or that Anti-Blue Light technology is useless, you'll know better. You now understand the facts.

The retail optical industry depends on these myths to maintain high prices. Take charge of your vision expenses. Choose high-index 1.61 or 1.67 options to ensure your new glasses remain thin, clear, and fashionable.