After a thorough eye exam, your optometrist will provide you with a glasses prescription. This document contains important measurements, such as your sphere, cylinder, and axis values if you have astigmatism, as well as your pupillary distance (PD) or how far apart your pupils are. By law in many regions, including the United States, you have the right to request and receive a copy of your prescription at no extra cost, whether you purchase glasses from the practice or elsewhere.
Can you order glasses online with that prescription?
Yes, you can. Many patients choose to fill their glasses prescription from online retailers. This can offer convenience, lower prices, or access to a wider selection of frames. However, there are important factors to consider:
- Verify the prescription details. Your optometrist’s prescription includes all needed measurements for lenses. Online retailers may require you to input pupillary distance (PD) and sometimes segment height for bifocals or progressives. Request these from your optometrist if they are not on the written prescription.
- Check the retailer’s quality and return policy. Look for vendors who use accredited labs, offer lens customization options, and have clear return or remake policies in case the glasses do not fit or the prescription is incorrect.
- Understand limitations for complex prescriptions. High prescriptions, prism, or progressive lenses may require precise measurements and face-to-face fitting for optimal comfort. Online ordering can be more difficult for these cases.
What about ordering contact lenses online?
Contact lenses require a separate contact lens fitting and prescription, which must be updated regularly. An optometrist determines this after evaluating your eyes’ shape, tear film, and overall health. You can order contact lenses online with a valid, unexpired contact lens prescription, but always verify the supplier is reputable and that your prescription allows for the specific brand and parameters you are ordering.
Risks versus benefits of ordering glasses online
Benefits
- Potential cost savings on frames and basic single-vision lenses
- Convenience of browsing and ordering from home
- Access to a vast selection of styles and designer frames
Risks
- Prescription errors due to incorrect pupillary distance or lens measurements
- Poor fit or misalignment of frames, especially for those with high prescriptions, astigmatism, or multifocal needs
- Limited ability to test lens coatings, lens material, or frame comfort before purchase
Studies have found that a notable percentage of online orders for glasses contain significant prescription errors or do not meet U.S. standards for optical quality. Always inspect the glasses when they arrive, and schedule a follow-up with your optometrist if you experience discomfort, blurry vision, or headaches.
Should you discuss this choice with your optometrist?
Yes. While your optometrist cannot prevent you from buying glasses elsewhere, discussing your intention to order online can help you get the most accurate measurements. Your eye doctor can also advise on which frame types and lens designs work best for your vision needs. If you are wearing a prescription that is more than a year old or you have not had a recent eye health evaluation, see your optometrist first. A comprehensive eye exam is essential for detecting conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy that may not affect your glasses prescription but are critical to your long-term vision health.
In summary, you can absolutely get your glasses prescription from an optometrist and order glasses online. The key is to treat your prescription as a starting point and ensure you have the correct measurements, choose a reliable online provider, and follow up with your optometrist if any issues arise.