Contents
The cost of glasses varies over a wide range. Even those who have been wearing glasses for many years do not always know what is worth spending money on and what is not. Let’s dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
1. Ready-made or made-to-measure?
Ready-made spectacles are cheaper than custom-made spectacles. You can save at least 400-500 rubles on production. However, you should only buy ready-made glasses if they fit your prescription exactly. For example, if you break your glasses while travelling. Otherwise, instead of taking a risk and making an expensive purchase, it is better to buy custom-made glasses, which will definitely help your vision and will not damage it in the future.
2. Vision tests
Many opticians offer their customers a free eye test. This can save you money and the time it takes to visit a doctor and get a prescription. However, the savings are questionable in this case.
It is important to make sure that the specialist doing the eye test at the optician’s is a qualified eye doctor and not a salesman. The optician should write an official, stamped prescription and you should be able to complain if there are any problems. The salesman may try to persuade you to buy lenses with special coatings when you do not really need them. It is therefore better to have your eyes tested by an impartial doctor at a polyclinic, and then have the results checked by an optician.
3. Eyeglass frames
Frames are a cost-saving element. Frames can be made of metal, plastic or precious metal. To save money, you should not buy frames made of gold or silver. It is also a good idea to look at frames from lesser-known brands rather than buying Dior or Chanel.
The most important thing is that the frame is comfortable and does not squeeze your head or fall out when you bend over. Low-quality materials can cause irritation and allergies. Cheaper options should only be considered in crisis situations, such as when glasses are needed temporarily or money is tight.
4. Lenses
You can also save money on lenses, especially extra lenses. Glass lenses are the cheapest, heavy and traumatic, but scratch resistant. Polymer lenses are slightly more expensive, less scratch-resistant but lighter and less likely to break.
The cheapest type is the spherical lens. Aspheric and bispherical lenses are 20-25% more expensive, but they are lighter, look better and do not distort the size of the eye. In any case, lenses should be bought according to your prescription. If you have a vision problem such as astigmatism or strabismus, you will need more expensive lenses with complex shapes. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to save money and buy cheaper lenses.
5. Lens coatings
Coatings are applied to lenses to improve their performance. This can save you a lot of money without sacrificing comfort. For example, if you don’t work at a computer, you don’t need a coating to reduce glare. If you are not afraid of the sun or rain, you can save thousands of rubles by not using anti-reflective and water-repellent coatings. The only thing you should consider when choosing a coating is your own personal preference.
6. Making the right choice
To save money on glasses in the long run, you need to make responsible choices. Properly chosen glasses with a comfortable frame and suitable lenses can last 3-5 years, depending on quality and care. If you buy the first pair you see, they will fall off after a few months, causing headaches or eye fatigue, and you will need to replace them. In this case, the old adage that “you save money, you pay twice” comes into play.
7. Promotions and discounts
Discounts and promotions are a great way to get stylish frames and good lenses at a much lower price than usual. These include seasonal sales, discounts on vintage frames and multi-purchase promotions.
8. Lens care
Everyone knows that glasses need care. Taking care of your eyewear will extend its life many times over. There is no need to buy branded cases, gold chains or expensive cleaning products. Only lenses with special coatings need special sprays and cloths. Ordinary plastic or glass lenses can be wiped with an ordinary microfibre cloth and cleaned with shower gel or liquid soap.
Conclusions
With the right approach, saving money on glasses is not terrible. The main thing is to choose a comfortable, high-quality frame and order lenses that fit your prescription. You can save on extra features, brands and designs without compromising your vision.