Saturday, February 27, 2010

Prescription Lenses with Prism Online

Online eyeglass retailers can generally handle most prescriptions.  However, there are a couple exceptions.  In my case, I have prism correction in my prescription.  Many online glasses stores won't do prism at all.  However, there are some options out there.

First it's important to understand the purpose of prism correction.  People who require prism correction usually have eyes that don't work together correctly.  The brain thinks the eyes are pointing in the same direction, but in fact they are not.  The result is diplopia, or double vision.  Prism corrects this problem by nudging the light back in line.

So why do retailers refuse to produce lenses with prism?  I don't know for sure.  But in my research, I have read a lot of anecdotes about difficulties in adjusting glasses with prism.  It seems that at least in certain cases the customer may need very precise adjustments to their glasses and therefore a full-service optician is required.  Either way, it's best to consult your optometrist and optician to understand your needs.  In my case, I have a small amount of prism (2 in on each eye) and have had no problems with any of the glasses I've purchased online.

The place to start is Optical4Less.  It's the easiest one to use because they include prism on their standard form for entering prescriptions.  Their prices are very good for the quality of frames and lenses, and prism costs $3 per degree of correction on top of the base cost of the glasses.

Another option is to send your frames to a company like Eyeglass Lens Direct who will produce frame with prism correction and mount them in your glasses.  I will do a full review of them in a later post, but the important note for this post is that any lens they offer marked "extended range" will accommodate prism correction.  So all you need to find frames, no need for prescription lenses.  You can find lots of cheap frames on eBay, and some retailers like Zenni Optical will give you discounts if you request demo lenses instead of optical lenses.

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for the good information here. We tried Optical4Less, but they don't deliver to Germany. We also tried eyebuydirect, and they deliver to Germany. They also allow you to enter your Prism details from your prescription. We have just ordered a pair from them. We shall see if they are any good. Wish us luck!

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  2. For Europe, try specs by post, they are wonderfull! really cheap, spot on work, very, very fast. And gerat customer service by a lady called Lindsey. I highly recomend them! I ordered a trial pair and they where amazing! I ordered a second pair and they where perfect., Now I did send a pair of my own frames and i expeft them back this comming week.
    If you need more info, email me, Im quite experienced in ordering glasses online. I live in Amsterdam.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. That's so fantastic. Also love that they let you try a few pairs at home before you buy.


    Visit Here

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  5. Optical4Less looked good at first, but their online prescription for cannot handle prism both out and down (my case) or a split PD distance (left and right not equal). Also, lenses over 2.5 sphere are $59 extra (2014). Got the prescription I wanted at Firmoo.com, but their frame selection is limited.

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  6. What is the best online store to buy prescription glasses?

    online prescription eyeglasses

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  7. Buying Eyeglasses and frames online, it's easy, convenient and a real time saver. Select your frame style with mailmylens.com

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  8. Zenni advertising prism but don't actually offer them this site is amazingly helpful as prism are main reason for glasses and I have been having trouble finding affordable glasses

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  9. Thank you for giving some beautiful online eye ware retailers information. Most of the people don't know where they have to go for buying a good prescription glasses. I also bought some nike safety glasses that were very good design and good price.I am happy to use those glasses.

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  10. I have analyzed your post. Excellent details you did here. I enjoyed reading your blog.

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  11. Anyone know where to find safety glasses that have prism lense?

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