Are You Buying Eyeglasses Online Blindly?

The booming trend of buying glasses online offers tempting perks like cheaper prices, home delivery, and even virtual try-on tools. Behind the screens and savings lies a lesser-known danger: those glasses might be putting your vision and safety at risk. According to the Vision Council, most people still buy prescription glasses in person (around 85% vs. 15% online), but the 15% that do are risking their eye health.

Local optometrists and national experts are warning consumers to think twice:

“In the world of eye care, one of my most deeply held beliefs is that eyeglasses should be purchased in person. This is because they are medical devices that are custom to each individual.” - Dr. Vinal Patel, O.D., Optometrist at Hills Vision Studio

The Convenience Trap

Eyewear e-commerce has skyrocketed in popularity. With sleek interfaces and hefty discounts, online retailers promise fashionable frames and functional lenses delivered right to your door. No waiting rooms. No upsells. But there’s a catch: this convenience often comes at the cost of accuracy and safety.

The Medical Importance of Eyeglasses

Glasses are more than just accessories. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, eyeglasses are Class I medical devices, meaning that precision is highly important to the safety of the patient. In a clinical setting, opticians measure crucial details like pupillary distance (PD), segment height, and frame fit, measurements nearly impossible to get right at home, and they can even differ from frame to frame. When these measurements are even slightly off, the result can lead to eye strain, blurry vision, headaches, dizziness, or worse.

Online Glasses Are Dangerous

Unlike traditional opticians, many online eyewear sellers don’t verify whether your prescription is expired or even accurate. A popular peer-reviewed study by the American Optometric Association (AOA) found that 44.8% of online glasses failed at least one crucial test, including optical center alignment, prescription accuracy, or impact resistance. The AOA cautions against relying on self-reported data and online vision tests, calling them "inaccurate and misleading." Worse, many online retailers don’t follow FDA regulations for safety. In the same study, 19–25% of children’s lenses failed basic impact resistance being a critical concern for active kids and athletes. In addition, poor-quality lenses and coatings for some low-cost online frames can lead to scratches and lens warping as reported by Consumer Reports, suggesting that the quality of online eyeglasses pales in comparison to the quality of in-person eyeglasses.

Imagine this: a driver receives a pair of discount eyeglasses online. The prescription is slightly off, the lenses misaligned. That tiny error can slow reaction times, distort depth perception, and make night driving hazardous, which is an accident waiting to happen. Children, seniors, and people with complex prescriptions are especially vulnerable.

Solutions: What You Can Do

Experts recommend sticking with board-certified optometrists and in-person fittings whenever possible. While in-person fittings offer better accuracy and safety than online purchases, not every in-person provider guarantees high-quality eyewear. Some chain retailers may prioritize sales volume over long-term durability, offering glasses that are more likely to wear out or break leading to more frequent replacements. A trusted private optometry office typically prioritizes quality, durability, and customized service, saving you frustration down the road.

Clinics and schools are beginning to educate families about the risks of DIY prescriptions and the value of regular eye exams. Local eye care centers like Hills Vision Studio in Bedminister even offer generous warranties for damaged lenses, something most online sellers don’t provide due to their low pricing model. Public awareness campaigns, social media education, and updated regulations could help consumers make safer choices in the future.

Local Help Is Just Around the Corner

For personalized care, accurate measurements, and quality assurance, visit certified optometry offices near you. Some include:

• Hills Vision Studio, Bedminister, NJ
• Warren Eye Care, Basking Ridge, NJ
• Bernards Eye Care, Bernardsville, NJ
• Stirling Eye Care, Stirling, NJ
• Green Brook Vision, Green Brook, NJ
• Eye Way Optical, Branchburg, NJ
• Chester Family Eye Care, Chester NJ

Because when it comes to your eyes, convenience should never come at the cost of clarity or safety.