BUYING EYEGLASSES The right specs for your specs
Often, add-on coatings are unnecessary, experts say.
By JENNIFER BOTT
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
New eyeglasses can change your look dramatically and improve your sight. But it's not always easy to see clearly when it comes time to buy.
Consumers can spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on eyewear if they go for designer looks and add-ons such as anti-reflective or polarized lens coatings.
"For most people, buying eyeglasses is buying a blind item," said Dr. Lee Duffner, a Hollywood, Fla., ophthalmologist and spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "It's extraordinarily difficult for the average consumer to know what they are getting."
So where does one begin?
That depends on your prescription, says Christie Walker, an associate editor with the Web site Aboutvision.com.
Walker recommends getting a good eye exam and determining your lens needs with the help of a doctor. Once you figure out how to fill your prescription, you can begin frame-shopping, she said.
Here's a look at some factors to consider when buying glasses:
WHERE TO SHOP
Consumers have lots of choices when it comes to buying eyeglasses. You can buy lenses and frames at many doctor's offices, small optical stores, chain stores such as Pearle Vision, department stores such as Sears and J.C. Penney, discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target, warehouse stores such as Costco, online and even in drugstores.
Experts suggest looking in at least three places to compare prices, selection and service.
Some stores with in-house labs, such as LensCrafters, offer one-hour or same-day service. Others, such as Costco, must send the products out to be made, which can take three to seven days.
EXAMS
Most stores that sell eyewear also offer exams by optometrists. Walk-in appointments are available at many chain and department stores, but generally appointments are recommended.
If you have special eye concerns, you might need to see an ophthalmologist who can perform surgery as well as do eye exams.
PRICES
"Anybody who has bought glasses knows they are an expensive item," said Dr. Bill Koppin, an optometrist and owner of Shades Optical in the Detroit area.
The best thing to do is set a budget. If you have insurance, know how much it covers and how much you might have to spend out of pocket to get the look you're after. Remember, designer names are going to cost you.
Many stores, particularly the chains, offer frequent promotions. But be sure to read the fine print. The sales don't always cover the trendiest, designer specs.
LENSES
Once you've decided where to shop, it's time to focus on your lenses. Assume you will be wearing plastic lenses. Today, glass is used only for people who work with chemicals or abrasive materials.
If bifocal or trifocal lenses are necessary, you'll need to budget appropriately. In addition, your prescription may dictate which frames you choose. For instance, small frames minimize the thickness of strong prescriptions.
When shopping for lenses, be sure to find out what comes with standard lenses. Some stores throw in scratch resistance and UV protection for free. Others charge $20 to $100 for lens-coating add-ons.
In addition, strong polycarbonate lenses are highly recommended for children or others who are particularly hard on their eyewear.
LENS EXTRAS
Most stores will push you to buy special lens coatings. Some experts say all eyeglass wearers need UV protection and anyone near a computer should have anti-reflective lenses. But Dr. Duffner and other experts say this is nonsense.
Although anti-reflective coatings might cut down on glare, especially at night, and make your eyes look better because people can see through the lenses, they are difficult to keep clean and there is no evidence they help computer users, Dr. Duffner said.
And UV protection? Dr. Duffner says most ordinary lenses protect wearers from 90 percent or more of the sun's rays.
Dr. Duffner compares the sales of many lens coatings to an auto dealer insisting that a car buyer needs special waxes, undercoatings and custom slipcovers.
"Those are all high-profit add-ons, and the same thing happens in the optical industry," he said. "Next thing you know, you've added $75 to $100. Most patients don't need those things."
FRAMES
When picking out frames, consider your personality and lifestyle.
A good rule is to think opposites. Square-faced people should look for round frames, and vice versa.
The same holds true for color. Don't match your frame to your hair color unless you want to make a statement. (Example: redheads wearing red frames.)
The two main types of frames are metal and plastic. On the metal front, titanium is among the strongest and lightest materials available. But it can be expensive; frames alone could cost $200 or more. Another hot look is frameless frames. Here the lenses are attached only by metal nose pieces and arms.
Plastic frames can come in many colors and usually are more affordable unless, of course, you're set on seeing a designer name on the temples.
Experts argue about quality differences between cheap and expensive frames.
Walker says lower-end frames have improved greatly in recent years, "but the cooler designs are from the designer people." Others, like Dr. Duffner, say you get what you pay for.
Dr. Duffner says that generally, the best frames are made in Italy, Austria and Japan. He finds the frames made in China and Taiwan disappointing.
Also, look at how the frames are made. You want sturdy but not necessarily heavy frames. Hinges should be tight; the best have a spring that gives if you rip your glasses off your head accidentally. Adjustable nose pads are important, too.
WARRANTIES AND RETURNS
Many stores offer a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. Stores such as Sears sell extended two-year warranties for $25.
It's a good idea to ask.
Olivia Jandrasevic, a frames expert and optician at St. Louis University, said frames should feel good when you leave the store. However, a new prescription or shaped frame might take three days to three weeks to get used to.
ONLINE BUYING
Most experts agree buying eyewear online is risky.
"I don't see how anyone could buy their frames online," Walker said. "Do you buy shoes online? Fit and comfort are the most important part of buying."
There are great prices available at sites such as www.Eyeglasses.com and www.Framesdirect.com, but it's hard for consumers to know how the frames will look on their faces.
Another problem involves fittings. Frames often need tweaking to fit properly. It's possible to take frames bought online to a store for a fitting, but expect to pay for the service.
EYEWEAR CARE
With proper care, a good pair of glasses could last you two to five years. A slight change in your prescription doesn't necessarily mean you need new lenses, either. Check with your doctor. Here are ways to keep spectacles in shape:
UTake your glasses off with two hands. Don't tug them by one arm or temple.
UClean your glasses daily with an appropriate cloth and spray cleaners found at optical stores. Occasionally wash them with warm water under a faucet to get body oils off.
UNever use tissue, towels or soap to clean your glasses. All are too abrasive.
UNever place your frames on your head.
UAlways store in a case.