Ever bought cheap glasses online? (AskVoat)

submitted ago by clamhurt_legbeard

I'm bummed with my recent attempt to switch to contacts because it keeps attempting to eat my eyeball with infection or chemical interactions, and the whole thing just makes me realize poking yourself in the eye every day and unnecessarily introducing foreign things is not worth it.

I found a website called eyebuydirect, seems to be an American company selling glasses for way cheap, like $30 cheap. That's cheaper than my dang eye insurance.

Is this a good company?

Know any others?

If so, I should probably just drop my dang eye insuance and save!

zxcvzxcv ago

Lasik.

It is worth every penny.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I hear lasik screws up your night vision.

zxcvzxcv ago

It is not uncommon to get halos, but they go away after a few months. It is still worth it for a thousand reasons, but most especially if SHTF.

Intrixina ago

They are all made in the same factory, its just that Luxottica has a monopoly on all the store-bought glasses and that drives the prices up. Also, that people will pay 10x as much because a brand name has been slapped on the same glasses you're buying at that online shop.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Meanwhile I specifically dislike brands. This is going to help me a lot.

Intrixina ago

Well said. I do too.

Why pay 10x the amount for something just because it has an ugly label on it, when you can buy something that's 1/10 of the price and it lasts almost as long, if not longer - and even if it doesn't, you're still getting away cheaper than before.

I never understood why people shell out so much with designer brand garbage - they are almost always ugly as sin. Well, I do understand - they are attention whores and are trying to overcompensate for stuff they are lacking in their life, but still - it's fucking retarded.

Tallest_Skill ago

Used to use googles4u.com but they have gone to shit

Used zenni the last time and they were great.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Haven't heard of the first one, but that's another recommendation for zenni!

ExtraDouble ago

I usually buy them for around 15 bucks at zennioptical.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Thanks! Seems like that's one of the two big places to go.

40KFTAGLView ago

When you get a prescription from an optometrist be sure to get the pupil distance. They love to leave it off your prescription. It is needed. They fight you getting cheap glasses.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Wilco, thanks!

Angryelectrician ago

I often wonder what it would be like to be so genetically inferior as to need an unnatural boost to my eye sight.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Actually, it's like any other muscle. You don't balance out your exercises and it gets skewed. You can balance the exercises and fix it, though.

moosethenoose ago

I've used GlassesUSA. If you have a scrip from your optician you are good to go.

It's a little odd not being able to try them on first.

They have a mix of name brand and their own lower cost house brands.

The frame dimensions help in getting something correct that will fit your face and ears.

I have a favorite frame now and simply buy as needed.

Make sure to use a coupon - there are many.

Very happy with them.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Thanks, that's a new one! I'll check them out!

oldnamehad9000upvoat ago

Contact lenses are better than glasses, IMO. They take a bit of practice, but don't give up. There's zero risk of infection if you do it properly -- use clean hands, disinfect with solution before and after taking them out.

There's also another life-hack about contacts that makes it easier financially and comfortwise. Most people don't know.

The thing is, you should always use "disposable" contacts. Disposable contacts are far cheaper, thinner and therefore more breathable and comfortable, but you can actually use them basically forever as long as they don't tear. There is no additional risk and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

Proof? There was a lawsuit where contact manufacturers were sued for $250 million, because they were branding thinner contacts as disposable lenses that you shouldn't wear for more than a day. But there's no biological reason whatsoever that you can't wear them multiple times, they just wanted you to throw them away so you would buy more. Search: "Contact lens firms are 'ripping us off'" @ daily mail for the article.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

There's zero risk of infection if you do it properly -- use clean hands, disinfect with solution before and after taking them out.

And yet I've had it happen twice....

Thanks for the added info about disposables, tho. I have a whole bunch, sealed up. They haven't been thrown away yet, so I'll keep that in mind.

beana707 ago

My son buys glasses online for $30. dollars, the frames a little cheap. He always loses them and always keeps a back up pair.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Nice. Know what website?

grimpistol ago

I have used Zenni and Goggles4U for progressive lenses. Both were good. I ordered a frame that was too small off Goggles4U. Contacted them and they just had me pick a new frame and sent me the new pair. Probably buy from them again soon. If you do order online, make sure you have the correct PD, they don't always include it in your prescription.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

correct PD

What's this?

Oh, pupillary distance. Thanks!

RacistCatWhistle ago

Been buying from Zenni for years. Progressives with ultra high index lenses and coatings under $100 is insane. Basic glasses for the kids and wife more like $30 a pair. Measuring pupillary distance is the only challenge, you need someone to help IMO.

Also the progressives are now digital free form style with low distortion at the edges, but doesn’t seem like you need them anyways (progressive lenses are “no line bifocals” for old guys like me)

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Measuring pupillary distance is the only challenge, you need someone to help IMO.

I can get exams from a doctor, so I'm good.

RacistCatWhistle ago

One optometrist wouldn’t do it for me. And the prescription I already had didn’t indicate PD.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

pfff lol

What a dumb, lame thing. Especially since it's comparatively so easy to do at home.

RacistCatWhistle ago

Which I then did.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Good man.

RacistCatWhistle ago

I am a resourceful genius

FoundingUncle ago

https://www.zennioptical.com is awesome.

They have no warranty and do not sell parts. But their glasses only broke once in 4 years.

Prices start at $20 + S/H.

You pay more for oilophobic (no need to clean) or photochromic (automatically darkens in sunlight) lenses. A great pair of glasses costs $80.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

They have a good exchange policy though, right?

BlackSheepBrouhaha ago

I buy mine from Zenni Optical online. Much better than Warby Parker at 1/4 the price. You have to pay $6 in shipping and the glasses are only about $25, so I like to buy at least two pairs

Don't get the anti reflecting coating, it's purple. Don't get the oleophobic coating, it doesn't work. The color lenses are a nice touch for certain situations. I like yellow lenses for clay shooting and rose lenses for most days, but I'm comfortable being the odd man out if I have a purpose behind my actions.

RacistCatWhistle ago

I’ve used both coatings and love them.

BlackSheepBrouhaha ago

I'm glad they worked for you. I felt buyer's remorse.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Yeah, I'm not big on coatings. I've had that flake off terribly....

Glipglup ago

I ordered from Zenni, 30 dollars. They are okay but they are kind of flimsy and the lenses scratch easy.

Most frames have to be bent to your head shape anyways so I wouldn't worry about the fit too much. But I highly recommend you pay the extra for anti scratch lenses or for real glass instead of the plastic lenses I got.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I only learned today that glass is non scratching... Is that an option on Zenni? I didn't see it on eyebuydirect....

RacistCatWhistle ago

Actual glass isn’t really used any more. Polycarbonate is the replacement. Glass is heavy and dangerous if shattered.

Nutkase ago

My wife used to get them from Canada for 20 bucks and as long as you knew your prescription strength you were good without sending them an rx. We actually have decent insurance now so I don’t know if that still a thing. I think the website was called global lenses.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Good to know! Hadn't seen that one yet.

gibsmegibs ago

I get my frames on ebay and then have a place like $39 glasses fill the prescription. I mail it in, and they cut and fit the lenses. Then I tell normies I went to lenscrappers.

florby ago

I've had good luck with Zenni, but their prices have gone up in recent years. I used to be able to get a complete pair for like $15, but now when you go to checkout they tack on fees for "High-Index prescriptions" and my last pair was closer to $50. Still a good deal though. The glasses come from China but what doesn't these days? I bet if you buy from an expensive retail store they still come from the same Chinese factory.

slwsnowman40 ago

I got my current pairs from safetygearpro.com. I wanted Z87 rated safety glasses and sunglasses for outdoor activities.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Sweet!

I'll check it out.

subscribetopewdiepie ago

For $30 just give it a go and find out.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

That's what I'm thinking.

BearDolphin1488 ago

I bought some for my father and so far no issue 3 years ago

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Nice! My most recent ones started disappointing me within months....

Betty_Liberty ago

Zenni Optical has always done right by me.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Those two seem to be the two big choices.

slapstick2 ago

I have contacts and leave them in for a month at a time without touching them, never have issues.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

gaaaaaaah

yeah im not doing that

im ditching these contacts fo sho

TheAmerican ago

In most cases you get what you pay for

clamhurt_legbeard ago

What about in this case? What's your experience buying cheap glasses online?

Plavonica ago

I used zennioptical for about 4 years while my VA paperwork was going through. After that I just got VA glasses. Surprisingly the VA ones are better, but not by much. Mostly in that auto-dimming coating is costly and the VA ones are free. I picked up 3 pairs from zenni though and they all did a good job of it for something like $15-$20 each.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Nice!

Sitnikoff ago

Endmyopia.org

Thank me later.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

This is good stuff. Thanks for the link!

tokui ago

my friend bought me glasses. off amazon. about $12.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Prescription?

tokui ago

This, place dot: https://www.amazoncom/gp/aw/d/B07H853GS6/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div He ordered me 3.5, he knew I was myopic and also I tried on his glasses once. I can drive at night, most importantly. I just put up with being blind bc most driving is muscle memory driving routes. Had never heard of these things.

Plavonica ago

Dude, get a proper eye exam and hit up a cheap online glasses place. It can change your life.

tokui ago

I crushed my scrip glasses under a handtruck.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Oh wow!

tokui ago

Sec, lemme find the link he sent. He guessed my script strength, turned out perfect.

panxerox ago

Zenni, used them for years for the whole family can't beat 10.00 glasses over 30 pairs ordered.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Dude, yes. Definitely seems like the way to go.

Barfin ago

i hate glasses and looked into laser eye surgery but they secretly fuck it up and make you blind a lot and the media doesn't report on it

SquarebobSpongebutt ago

I have known way too many people who had the laser stuff and then had to have more corrections done later. When I talked to a couple of doctors about it again a few years ago I was flat told mine would mean I would be fine at distance but have to buy reading glasses. The older you get, the less worth it the stuff is. The most common surgery for those needing multi-focal lenses is like having contacts with that. One eye is made clear far and one eye is made clear near. Ugh.

Barfin ago

if you're still going to need glasses i don't see the point, isn't it done just so you don't? pretty sure whole thing is a scam and they just fuck around with lasers

SquarebobSpongebutt ago

If you have regular vision (far or near only) then it can work OK at least until you need it again (vision degradation is often a lifetime thing even with surgery). If you are like me and have vision issues on both ends (near and far) and have to have multi-focal (progressive in my case) lenses then they only have so many options. One is to do like contacts and give you one eye that sees near and one that sees far so you can at least focus in one eye at all distances. One is to just fix your far vision and let you use reading glasses. The last is new where they make various parts of your eye see clearly at different distances. Not even sure I want to think about that.

Barfin ago

i am wary about fucking with it, my eyes have been bad but not getting worse for years, I wear glasses and can see fine with them. I look nerdy and don't like having shit on my face but at least I can see, will not risk making it worse

SquarebobSpongebutt ago

My brother had it about 10 years ago. Went back a year or two later to get it adjusted. Talking about possibly needing it again or just getting reading glasses. Fuck that noise.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Even working correctly it worsens your night vision with starbursts.

And if your vision changes, you can't just buy a new prescription.

I'm not into eye surgery.

DillHoleBagHands ago

A serious post from you? I am fucking confused.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I do serious posts all the time!!!

DillHoleBagHands ago

I must have missed most!

clamhurt_legbeard ago

did you see this post

because it was seriously awsome

DillHoleBagHands ago

Uuuuuuuh. No! Damn it those look good.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

fuuuuuuck

i still have leftovers i can eat tonight for dinner

DillHoleBagHands ago

I had to skip lunch at work. There is a little diner on the way home that has nachos supreme. Fresh made nachos topped with spicy cheese, refried beans, and seasoned beef.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

fuck yes

DillHoleBagHands ago

Good shit and it is cheap as hell. I could eat a whole order by myself. Nothing like refried bean farts.

WeenieHutGeneral ago

Definitely just get PRK instead. Worth the hassle.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

What's PRK?

WeenieHutGeneral ago

LASIK but doesn't leave you with a fragile flap for the rest of your life

5_ships_ahoy ago

I can attest. I was in fact one of the first to have PRK done, some twenty plus years ago.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Hmm, I'll have to read about that...

WeenieHutGeneral ago

Some guy's blog "isthisyourhomework" has a good write-up

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Oh sweet, thanks.

SubhumanDeplorable ago

Zinni.com

Good prices.... No, great prices. And excellent return policy.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Thanks! I need to check it out.

obvious-throwaway- ago

I've bought glasses at Wally World for $40 when they were having a sale.

whatdoesthereeesay ago

https://www.eyebuydirect.com/eyeglasses/frames/billings-black-m-6486

been using them for over several years. you can get the expensive good lens as well.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Definitely my style.

BalefulTurtle ago

Online cheap glasses are the way to go. I buy mine from either eyebuydirect or ZenniOptical. Glasses are so expensive cause theres a monopoly on them. 30 bucks is much closer to cost. They dont have any name brands and sometimes the designs are meh, but the quality is pretty good actually.

satisfyinghump ago

Is that Karen from the Office on zenoptical?!

MrGoober ago

I bought Zenni too. No complaints. So far about 4 sets of glasses. I pay about 70 for mine though. Dont know where people are paying 30-40 for them. Its probably that am an old fuck with a stupid script!

GlamourSpork ago

Yeah, Zenni has worked great for me. I buy a couple of pairs at a time and it is so much cheaper than the eye doc, especially for my horribly strong prescription that means I have to have fancy lenses.

naughty_skunk ago

I’ve been using Zenni for over 4 years. I have several pairs of glasses and sunglasses from them. The frames can be of a cheaper quality sometimes, but you can’t tell visually. For someone like me who loses glasses all the time, it’s the only way to go. I lost a couple prescription sunglasses in the river and it wasn’t a big deal since they were only ~$40

Purged ago

+1 for Zenni. You can get 8 pairs of single script for the price of one at Dr. orfice.

FlyinToadstar ago

I've used both also. Zenni is super cheap and it shows, but the glasses are serviceable. Eyebuydirect has been an amazing find. The glasses arrive in perfect fit with the highest quality available, plus their attractive frames have brought many inquiries as where they may be purchased.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I've never bought frames because I was super into the look or the name written, I care about its function. This might be the way to go....

WolfShepherd ago

There's one I think that lets you preview how they look on your face. I'd do that one possibly try them on first. Its something you wear everyday, and your face reflects your being so you owe it to yourself to make a good decision

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Truth.

I have to look both attractive and dangerous.

JohnnyCage90E ago

Where do you get your oakleys? I ordred some sunglasses directly from their website a couple years ago and they literally never sent them. Customer service were a bunch of cunts and eventually they just gave me a refund after like 5 months. no joke.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I don't have Oakley, I have a brand called Spy.

I just got them from the hospital optical place, way too expensive. You can get them on rx-safety.com for a third the price, but I've never ordered from them.

WolfShepherd ago

Oh yeah?

Oakley military style faux safety glasses. Wire a camera up to it.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

faux safety

heck i have actual safety prescription sunglasses

not super impressed

WolfShepherd ago

Yeah the real safety ones suck. They're stiff and awful. I end up wearing ones that "look" safety unless im actually doing shit that I need the extra protection

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I'm into the idea of safety stuff for daily wear (I have boots, for example) but prescription safety sunglasses did not pan out.

WolfShepherd ago

Same here. Timberland pro's are pretty nice not stiff like a lot of others. I like having a composite toe constantly

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I got Reebok Rapid Response.

Love these things.

WolfShepherd ago

Interesting I'll check em out. I usually avoid Reebok, but I had some bike boots I really enjoyed

WolfShepherd ago

Hmm. Those kinda look like cop boots haha. Still nice

VicariousJambi ago

I've bought glasses form there before. They were alight, I should have gotten a wider frame though.

SixTeaNine ago

I bought a pair from eyebuydirect that didn't look right on me, and they let me return it. No charge, no questions asked, fantastic customer service. Currently own 2 other pair from them. I recommend them highly.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Did you enter the interpupillary distance?

Was there a different way you could have checked frame size?

VicariousJambi ago

I just compared to my old frame size but misjudged what would have been comfortable, I should have stuck closer to what I already had. They have the frame sizes on the site. Maybe it'd be helpful if you tried some glasses on somewhere so you could see whats comfortable for you. I think pretty much all glasses have the size on the inside of the arms. https://i.imgtc.ws/Gd9vLuz.png

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Exactly! Mine have it written, and so does the website.

This seems like a no brainer everybody should be doing..,,

VicariousJambi ago

Most people don't realize that insurance is literally a scam that just drives the price of things up so high that you can't afford things without it. Luckily the eyeglass industry has sort of released itself from that with the internet.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

$176 to buy literally my same sunglasses.

I paid $300 for just the lenses.

WORF_MOTORBOATS_TROI ago

Havent used them but I've bought other glasses online. When it comes to cheap eyeglasses online, don't worry about if it's quality. Assume the quality control is bad, and choose a design that is seems so simple and basic that they can't fuck it up. Think of it as just buying a pair of backup glasses.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

After seeing both pairs of my expensive glasses get damaged, I'm thinking cheap is the way to go.

twomoreandatinkle ago

I've used zenni for almost 8 years now. And only have good things to say about them. I have recommend them to everyone I know who has glasses and hear only good things back. Note I have not ordered contacts, only glasses. Maybe 5-8 pair. Hit me back if you want more info.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Good stuff. I'll look more into them, too. I saw the name but didn't look. Somebody else here said they had a bad experience, but that can happen occasionally anywhere. My sunglasses ended up being a headache because of the factory in San Diego....

TPM ago

Zenni optical does a good job.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Thanks for the info!

Goys-R-Us ago

Probably made in China by some cross eyed chink that wouldn't know one strength lens from another. By all means go for it!

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Could be! Was that your experience?

rejectedfromreddit ago

I think a local optometrists (with an office, not Costco/Walmart) has a machine that can check the index of refraction and verify the lens.

Personally, I spent 4k on ICL (in situ contact lens) and had one surgically implanted inside my eye) pricier, but vastly superior to Lasik.

I was worth every penny.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Oh my god, a coworker just told me about is and I didn't believe him...,

rejectedfromreddit ago

There's a good video from the TV show "Adam Ruins Everything", but he's a pretentious prick who cites sources selectively to give the appearance objectivity when in reality 70% of the presentation is politicized crap.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Hmmmm

blumen4alles ago

dang it

clamhurt_legbeard ago

What's wrong?

blumen4alles ago

Nothing, just enjoyed your use of "dang" and figured I would try it out myself. Must be the dang autism or something.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

lol

live the dream

blumen4alles ago

hope you get your peepers worked out

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Me too!!

yuzernaym ago

They look cheap enough to try, what the heck? It's unbelievable how much prescription glasses can cost.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I know, right?

I want wraparound sunglasses, but hmmmmmm...

CheeseboogerHimself ago

I get mine from Japan. I get those kind that make everything really bright so that my world is always sunny ow

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I think my stupid e pensive safety rated happy magic sunglasses that immediately started getting scratched have that.

CheeseboogerHimself ago

My wife asked me if I had a sunglasses addiction lol because our sunglasses compartment in her vehicle is full of my sunglasses. I have regular polarized, I have dark ones and I have the night-type that are the bright ones. I have some on my desk that apparently I ordered. haha My truck has them all over. I even bought that damn night-visor thing, which is awesome in certain conditions. I am a sunglasses freak. My fav pair are probably my old Tommy Bahama's ones or my Maui Jims.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

I dunno about night visor, but I often put on a patrol cap when driving at night, tho now my camper shell has tinted glass so it's less of an issue.

Heathcliff ago

I bought a pair online but don't remember what the site was. The glasses were fine. They felt a little flimsy, but looked fine and worked fine. It's important to get the measurements right. There are instructions online, but I recommend going to an eye doctor's office and asking the lady who fits you for glasses to measure you and right down the results for you. It will take her like 60 seconds so your aren't asking for much.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Truth, and even if I drop my "eye insuance" I still get optometry visits covered, so I can keep getting updated prescriptions and everything for $20 or whatever.

SquarebobSpongebutt ago

Updated prescriptions are required in every state (usually in the last 12 months). Make them write down everything and give you the measurements too so you can order from wherever you want. They can't withhold that.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Actually, my medical insurance (separate from vision) covers eye exams, so I can access it online. Booyah!

Firevine ago

I tried Zenni Optical and it was fucking terrible.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Ho HO!

I saw them too, what was terrible about it? I need all the details!

Firevine ago

The prescription was entirely wrong and the frames they sent were almost kid sized. I chose adult male frames and gave measurements, and they still sent these tiny ones.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Dang, wtf? That seems pretty off.

ordinarymike ago

I got 3 pairs from Zenni. two were fine, decent quality. one pair the prescription was messed up. I told them and they sent me a new pair, but they were wrong also. I gave up at that point. I got 2 pairs of functional glasses for $62, so I was satisfied.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Hmm, that sucks.

Thanks for sharing your story!

Niggardly_Jew ago

Try it out. If it sucks your only out $30

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Fuck, that's true!

Gravspeed ago

Post back, I need new glasses too.

JohnnyCage90E ago

Same . iv been wearing the same old pair for 3 years. Wear contacts when I go out but im getting sick of that also.

clamhurt_legbeard ago

Wilco.