5 Mistakes I Made Buying Prescription Glasses Online (So You Don't Have To)

I thought I was being clever. My prescription had changed, and I needed new glasses quickly. After seeing ads for incredibly cheap lenses and frames online, I decided to order a pair of Oulylan Round Finished Myopia Glasses. I specifically looked for the black frames with a -2.5 diopter.

I figured I'd save about $100 compared to buying from my eye doctor's shop. That was a huge mistake. I get it—we all want to save money, especially when figuring out where to order prescription glasses online. But sometimes, going for the cheapest option ends up costing you more in the long run. Learn from my experience. I made these mistakes so you won't have to deal with blurry vision or broken frames.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Absolute Cheapest Price

I saw the low base price and immediately clicked "Buy." I didn't bother checking if the lenses included any protective coatings. While the price seemed great, the quality was practically non-existent. The lenses felt soft and completely unprotected. At the time, I thought saving $7 by skipping coatings was a smart move. It wasn't.

Low-Rating Feedback: "The lenses scratch if you just look at them. I should have paid $10 more for basic anti-scratch coating. After only two weeks, they're covered in smudges."

Because I went for the lowest possible price, my vision deteriorated quickly. If you're buying budget glasses, adding protective coatings to the lenses is essential. It's the only way they'll last more than a few months.

Action Step: When placing your order, always select basic anti-scratch and UV protection coatings. Consider this non-negotiable.

Verdict: Don't select the cheapest option available. Invest an extra $10–$15 for basic protective lens coatings.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Material Quality Details

The product description for my Oulylan glasses simply said "plastic." I assumed that was fine and didn't look for specifics like TR90 or durable metal alloys. I just went by the picture.

When the glasses arrived, the plastic felt thin and flimsy. I knew right away the frames wouldn't hold up. I was correct. Cheap materials break easily, particularly near the hinges where the arms fold.

Low-Rating Feedback: "The frame snapped after two weeks right near the hinge. It felt like super cheap, brittle plastic—not sturdy at all. This is disposable eyewear."

Don't repeat my error. When buying glasses, the frame material matters just as much as the lens prescription. If the seller doesn't specify the exact frame material, assume it's low quality.

Verdict: Always check the material before purchasing. Look for specific, durable plastics (like TR90) or metal alloys. If the material isn't listed, assume it's poor quality and find another seller.

Mistake #3: Not Reading the Negative Reviews

I saw the glasses had a four-star rating. I read the first three five-star reviews, which all praised the fast shipping. Then I clicked "Buy," thinking I was good to go.

I ended up waiting six weeks for my glasses. They only arrived after I sent five emails. If I had taken the time to sort the reviews by the one-star ratings, I would have seen the real issue: the seller had major problems fulfilling orders and provided terrible customer service.

Low-Rating Feedback: "I only checked the first page of reviews. Later, I saw everyone complaining about shipping delays—mine took two months! Customer service ignores messages."

High-star reviews often focus on the product's appearance. The low-star reviews reveal the seller's reliability, shipping speed, and return process. These details are crucial when deciding where to order prescription glasses online.

Action Step: Sort reviews by the 1-star and 3-star ratings. Read those complaints first. If the issues are about shipping or breakage, avoid that shop.

Verdict: Read the low-star reviews first. They reveal the real problems you'll encounter after you pay.

Mistake #4: Trusting Misleading Advertisement Photos

The model wearing the Oulylan round frames had a very small face. In the ad photos, the glasses looked large, bold, and stylish. I assumed they would look the same on me.

They didn't. When they arrived, the frames were tiny and narrow. The lenses were much smaller than I expected. They looked completely different on my face than they did on the model. I wasted both time and money because I trusted a marketing image.

Low-Rating Feedback: "The glasses looked wide and bold in the ad photos. When they arrived, they were tiny. I look like a cartoon character. They don't suit my face shape at all."

Don't trust the models—trust the measurements. You need to know three key dimensions: lens width, bridge width, and temple length. Compare these numbers to an old pair of glasses that fit you well. If you're exploring different styles, you can often find better sizing guides on dedicated eyewear sites like Cinily Glasses rather than relying on a random ad photo.

Action Step: Find the measurement numbers (in millimeters). Do not purchase unless you have these three dimensions.

Verdict: Always check the size in millimeters (mm). Look for photos from real customers wearing the glasses, not just professional models.

Mistake #5: Skipping a Necessary Measurement (PD)

This was my biggest mistake. I knew my prescription (the minus number) and thought that was all I needed. I completely overlooked the Pupillary Distance (PD).

Your PD is the distance between the centers of your pupils. The lab uses this number to correctly center the lens power. If you guess or use an incorrect PD, the optical center of the lens won't align with your eye. This causes eye strain and headaches.

Low-Rating Feedback: "I guessed my PD or used an old number. The lenses feel off-center, and I get painful headaches after wearing them for just two hours. They're useless."

I tried to save time by guessing my PD (around 64mm). I was wrong. The headaches started immediately, and I couldn't wear the glasses for more than a couple of hours.

How to Get Your PD:

• Step 1: Ask your eye doctor for your PD number. They are required to provide it to you.
• Step 2: Use an online ruler tool only if you absolutely cannot get it from your doctor (this is risky and less accurate).
• Step 3: Enter the number accurately during checkout.

Verdict: Never guess your PD. Get the exact measurement from your last eye exam. Without a correct PD, your lenses will cause eye discomfort no matter how inexpensive the glasses are.

What I Should Have Done Instead

After my cheap Oulylan glasses failed, I realized I needed to find a balance between low cost and genuine quality. I learned that finding a reputable vendor with excellent customer service is key when shopping for where to order prescription glasses online.

I should have looked for sellers who specialize in eyeglasses, not just general online marketplaces. I discovered that paying a little more for a known, reliable seller saved me a lot of hassle. They were still affordable, but the quality assurance was far superior.

High-Rating Feedback (from a reliable seller): "I really liked my glasses and the pair I got for my mom. They are very affordable, and you can find very stylish options. The quality is excellent for the price."

High-Rating Feedback (from a reliable seller): "Superb service. There was no pressure to buy, and they helped me get the PD right on the first try."

These reviews show that you can get affordable, stylish glasses without the risk of terrible materials or endless shipping delays. You must prioritize the seller's reputation over the absolute lowest price.

Lessons Learned: Your Pre-Purchase Checklist

If you're looking for glasses online, follow these steps to ensure you get a pair you can actually wear:

• Check the Material First: Look for specific, durable material names (like TR90 or Stainless Steel). If it just says "plastic," move on.
• Verify the Measurements: Check the millimeter dimensions for the lenses, bridge, and temples. Don't trust the model's photo.
• Get Your PD Right: Enter your exact Pupillary Distance. If you don't have it, call your eye doctor.
• Factor in Coatings: Add basic scratch and UV protection. This is the difference between glasses that last three weeks and those that last a year.