| |
Introduction to Eyeglasses: Fashion vs. Frugality
How to Save Money and Still Look Good
When shopping for glasses, it’s important to compare
not only price but overall value, including quality
of frames and lenses, care taken fitting glasses,
professional know-how, service and guarantee. Consumer
surveys show that, generally, glasses purchased in a
doctor’s office are likely to be more trouble-free, higher
in quality and more accurate than those purchased in
independent stores or chains (Consumer Reports, "The
Specs on Specs," July 1997).
There are a number of ways for you to keep costs
down on your eyeglass purchase.
- If you want certain
lens coatings,
find out if they’re included. Some lenses, such as
polycarbonate
lenses always have UV- and scratch
protection. Make sure you don’t pay for these twice.
- You might not need a particular
lens enhancement
even though it sounds wonderful. For instance, if you
generally wear sunglasses outside instead of eyeglasses,
you probably don’t need UV-protection on your new
eyeglasses. Do make sure, however, that your
sunglasses
are equipped with 100% UV-protection.
- Purchasing a better quality
frame
now might save you from having to replace it, or the
entire pair of glasses, before you want to.
- Keep your
reading glasses
on a chain or cord around your neck if you repeatedly
take them on and off. This will keep them handy and
you’ll avoid having to replace lost pairs.
- Research. If you know what your needs are
before you purchase your glasses, you’ll be less
inclined to pay for more than what you require.
What’s Wrong with Drug Store Glasses?
Absolutely nothing. While the glasses that are sold for
around $10 in your local drug store may not be pretty,
they are functional as reading glasses. Cheap glasses,
whether low quality or poorly made, will not harm your
eyes. If your Eye M.D. prescribes reading glasses, and you
want to save some money, stop by the local drug store and
see if the glasses there are comfortable. Because that’s
the most important thing: comfort. It won’t matter if you
spend $20 or $200 on your new glasses if they don’t feel
right.
Glasses Help Create Your Image
Buy frames as you would your clothing. If you buy
designer outfits and jewelry, you will probably want
higher quality glasses to match your image. If you are a
sports enthusiast, you might want a separate pair of
glasses with sturdier hinges, frames, and a strap to keep
them on tight. If you like to spend as little as possible
on clothing and accessories, you will probably not want to
spend a lot on enhancements and designer names. But
remember that inexpensive frames may have weak hinges and
are more likely to loosen, come apart, or break with heavy
use.
|
|
