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

I understand completely. Buying prescription glasses from an eye doctor's office can cost a small fortune. When I discovered how inexpensive it was to order a new pair of prescription glasses online, I thought I'd outsmarted the system. I immediately purchased the first cheap pair I found.

That was a huge error. Those bargain glasses fell apart in under three months. The lenses were incorrect, the frames broke, and I ended up wasting both time and money. I made these mistakes so you can avoid learning the hard way.

Mistake #1: Going for the Cheapest Option

My initial thought was: if it's labeled 'prescription,' it must be acceptable. I searched for the absolute lowest price available and found a complete set—frames and lenses—for just $19.99. This was my first and most significant blunder.

The frames felt like plastic toys. Within two weeks, one of the arms snapped as I was taking them off. The lenses seemed thin and flimsy, and the anti-glare coating began to scratch almost right away, despite my careful handling.

Keep this in mind: Extremely low prices mean extremely low-quality materials and coatings. Manufacturers use inferior alloys and quick-application coatings that wear off rapidly. You might save $50 today, but you'll likely spend $100 more replacing them next month.

Verdict: Don't repeat my error. Aim for frames priced around $50-$60, as this typically indicates better base materials. Steer clear of any complete set priced under $25.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Material Quality and Buying Blindly

When I bought my ultra-cheap pair, the product description simply stated "alloy frame." I overlooked the critical importance of the material, which was a major oversight. When the nose pads began to make my skin itch and turn green, I realized the frame was probably high in nickel—a common allergen.

Quality frames, like the KINGSEVEN Original Titanium Optical Glasses, use materials such as titanium or high-grade acetate. These materials are lighter, stronger, and often hypoallergenic.

If you're browsing through the men's glasses category, you must check the fine print. Does it mention titanium? Does it specify "Memory Alloy" or "Stainless Steel"? If the material isn't listed, assume it's the cheapest option available, and your glasses will likely tarnish quickly.

Verdict: Always verify the material. Titanium is the top choice for ultralight, durable, and non-irritating frames. Avoid vague descriptions like "metal" or "plastic."

Mistake #3: Not Checking Reviews for Specific Service Issues

I glanced at the star rating (it was 4.2 stars) and thought, "That's good enough!" But I failed to read the specific low-rating comments that warned about problems with customer service.

I should have looked for comments like, "The company messed up my prescription twice," or "They never respond to emails about returns." A high overall rating doesn't matter if their ordering and support process is terrible.

When my cheap frames broke, I tried to contact customer support. There was no phone number, and my emails went unanswered for weeks. I had no one to help me resolve the issue or verify the lens power.

Verdict: Read the negative reviews first. Look for recurring complaints about prescription accuracy, return policies, and customer response times. Good service is essential when purchasing a precise item like prescription lenses.

Mistake #4: Falling for Ads and Model Photos

The glasses looked incredibly cool and stylish in the advertisement. They were modeled by a perfect-looking guy with a sharp, narrow face. I assumed they would fit my face shape just as perfectly.

I shouldn't have trusted the picture. When the glasses arrived, they were enormous! They slid down my nose, and the temples were far too long. The advertised "Retro Round" style looked terrible on me because the dimensions were all wrong for my face.

Advertisements are designed to sell an aesthetic, not a proper fit. You must compare the seller’s provided measurements (lens width, bridge width, temple length) to a pair of glasses you already own that fit well.

Verdict: Ignore the model. Find an old pair of comfortable glasses and use a ruler. Write down the three key numbers: Lens Width, Bridge Width, and Temple Length (usually printed on the inside arm). Match these numbers exactly to the new pair's specifications.

Mistake #5: Skipping Your Pupillary Distance (PD) Measurement

This is the most critical error you can make when buying mail order prescription glasses. Your PD is the distance between the centers of your pupils. The lab uses this number to correctly center your prescription lenses.

When I ordered my cheap pair, they asked for my PD. I didn't know it, so I guessed (or used the generic average of 63mm). Guessing your PD is a recipe for disaster.

The result? My prescription was technically correct, but because the optical center was misaligned, everything looked warped, slightly dizzying, and blurry around the edges. Wearing them gave me immediate headaches. They were completely unusable.

Don't skip this step. Getting your PD is straightforward:

• Step 1: Ask your eye doctor for your PD number. They are required to provide it to you.
• Step 2: If they refuse, have a friend measure it for you (using a ruler across your face while you look straight ahead).
• Step 3: Provide this exact number when you place your order.

Verdict: Do not guess your Pupillary Distance (PD). If you don't have your PD, do not order prescription glasses online.

What I Should Have Done: Prioritize Service and Quality Frames

After two failures with cheap, no-name frames, I realized I needed to invest in quality frames and a company that offers genuine human support. I learned to look for brands known for durability, like the titanium options from Mozaer or similar premium vendors.

When you choose quality, you get real support. Consider the difference in service feedback I found for reputable vendors:

• Melanie, excellent!!! (Indicates fast, positive interaction.)
• I had an amazing experience with Wesley he took a lot of time in helping me and making sure I am making the right decision. I will definitely will be looking forward to seeing him again. (Highlights personalized support and careful attention to frame selection and verification.)

That level of care—someone taking the time to verify your details and ensure you choose the right fit—is worth far more than saving $20 on a disposable pair. They help you avoid the pitfalls of an incorrect PD or poorly sized frames.

Lessons Learned: Your Quality Checklist

If you're planning to order prescription glasses online, learn from my expensive mistakes. Use this simple checklist before you make a purchase:

1. Do NOT Buy Too Cheap: Choose frames made from known materials like Titanium or quality Stainless Steel to ensure durability.
2. Know Your Numbers: Get your exact PD (Pupillary Distance) from your doctor.
3. Measure Your Fit: Compare the seller’s frame dimensions (lens, bridge, temple) against a pair that currently fits you well.
4. Read Reviews Deeply: Look for comments on customer service and prescription accuracy, not just overall star ratings.

Invest a little more upfront. You'll get comfortable, clear vision that lasts, and avoid the headaches and hassle of trying to return poorly made mail order prescription glasses.