Buying prescription glasses online has become one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get quality eyewear in 2025. Whether you're ordering prescription glasses for the first time or looking to update your eyewear collection, online shopping offers thousands of designer frames, advanced lens options, and significant savings compared to traditional optical stores. At FramesDirect.com, we make it easy to order prescription eyeglasses online with expert guidance every step of the way.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about buying glasses online—from choosing the perfect frames for your face shape to understanding prescription details, selecting lens materials, and ensuring a perfect fit.
With over 10,000 styles from 250 top brands, plus certified opticians ready to help, ordering eyeglasses online has never been easier or more reliable.
Why buy prescription glasses online? Online retailers offer wider selections, competitive pricing (often 40% less than retail stores), virtual try-on technology, and the convenience of shopping from home.
Follow this step-by-step guide to order prescription glasses online with confidence and get eyewear that looks great and provides crystal-clear vision.
Before you order prescription glasses online, you'll need a current prescription from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Eye prescriptions typically expire after one to two years, so make sure yours is current. If you don't have a recent prescription, schedule an eye exam at a local eye doctor. Many vision insurance plans cover annual eye exams, making this step affordable
and essential for your eye health.
When buying eyeglasses online, an accurate prescription is crucial. Even small errors in your prescription details can lead to eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. Your prescription should include:
Corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness
Corrects astigmatism
Indicates the orientation of astigmatism correction
Additional magnifying power for reading (for bifocals/progressives)
Distance between your pupils in millimeters
At FramesDirect.com, you don't need a prescription to browse and order frames, but you will need one if you require corrective lenses. Our expert opticians can contact your eye doctor on your behalf to obtain your prescription, or we can help you find a local eye doctor to schedule an exam.
Your pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement in millimeters between the centers of your pupils. This critical measurement ensures that the optical center of your lenses aligns perfectly with your eyes, providing optimal vision and comfort. Most adult PD measurements range from 54mm to 74mm.
When ordering prescription glasses online, accurate PD is essential. An incorrect PD can cause:
How to get your PD:
Measuring PD at home:
Stand 8 inches from a mirror, hold a millimeter ruler horizontally against your brow, close your right eye and align the ruler's 0mm with the center of your left pupil. Without moving, close your left eye and open your right eye—the mm line that aligns with your right pupil center is your PD.
Choosing the right eyeglass frames starts with understanding your face shape. The right frame shape can enhance your best features and create a balanced, flattering look. Here's how to match frames to your face shape when buying glasses online:
Look for angular, rectangular, or square frames that add definition and structure.
Lucky you—oval faces suit almost any frame shape! Try square, rectangular, round, or cat-eye.
Opt for round, oval, or cat-eye frames to soften angular features. Avoid overly geometric shapes.
Choose frames wider at the bottom, like aviators or rounded styles, to balance a wider forehead.
Oval, cat-eye, or rimless frames highlight your cheekbones and add softness to angles.
Select frames with more depth than width, such as oversized styles, to shorten face length.
Discover our Face Shape Guide or Use FramesDirect.com's virtual try-on feature to see how different frames look on your face before you buy prescription glasses online. This technology uses your device's camera to show real-time previews, helping you make confident choices from home.
Proper frame fit is essential when ordering eyeglasses online. All eyeglass frames have measurements (in millimeters) printed on the inside of the temple arm, typically written as three numbers: 52-18-140.
Frame Measurements Explained:
Additional Important Measurements:
How to find your perfect size when buying prescription eyeglasses online:
Check measurements on your current glasses that fit well
Measure your face width from temple to temple
Ensure frame width is within 2-4mm of your face width
Choose temple length based on head size (135mm-150mm is standard)
Fit Guidelines:
Browse FramesDirect.com by size filters to find frames in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes that match your measurements.
Beyond fit, consider your lifestyle, personal style, and daily activities when you order prescription glasses online:
Frame Styles:
Most durable, available in countless styles, suitable for all prescriptions
Modern, lightweight look with wire or nylon holding bottom of lenses
Vintage-inspired, feminine, adds lift to features
Classic teardrop shape, flattering for most face shapes
Retro style, softens angular faces
Professional, adds structure to soft features
Bold, contemporary, defines round or oval faces
Frame Materials:
Durable, available in countless colors and patterns, comfortable
Sleek, lightweight, hypoallergenic options available
Ultra-lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant
Eco-friendly, unique grain patterns, lightweight
Flexible, impact-resistant, great for active lifestyles
Match frames to your skin tone, hair color, and personal style. Warm skin tones look great in gold, brown, olive, and warm tortoise. Cool skin tones sit silver, black, blue, and purple. Neutral skin tones can wear any color family.
At FramesDirect.com, filter by frame type, color, shape, material, and brand to narrow down from over 10,000 options and find your perfect prescription eyeglasses online.
Single vision lenses have one prescription power throughout the entire lens, making them the most common type of prescription glasses. They correct one field of vision—near, intermediate, or distance.
Best for:
Difficulty seeing objects far away
Difficulty focusing on close objects
Blurred vision due to irregularly shaped cornea
For close-up tasks only
Benefits of single vision lenses:
Single vision lenses are perfect for everyday activities like driving, computer work, or reading. When ordering prescription glasses online with single vision lenses, you'll enjoy clear, consistent vision at your specified distance.
Bifocal lenses contain two different prescription powers separated by a visible line. The upper portion corrects distance vision, while the lower segment provides magnification for reading and close-up tasks.
Adults over 40 with presbyopia (age-related near vision difficulty)
Anyone needing both distance and near vision correction
People who don't want to switch between multiple pairs of glasses
Benefits of bifocals:
Considerations: The visible line may be aesthetically unappealing to some, and there's an abrupt jump between prescriptions that requires adjustment. When buying bifocal glasses online, ensure proper lens height (minimum 30mm) for comfortable viewing.
Progressive lenses offer the ultimate multifocal solution with a seamless, gradual transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision—all without visible lines. Often called "no-line bifocals," progressives provide a more natural vision experience and youthful appearance.
Adults with presbyopia who want line-free lenses
People who work on computers and need intermediate vision correction
Active individuals who need clear vision at all distances
Anyone seeking a more aesthetically pleasing multifocal option
Benefits of progressive eyeglasses:
Considerations: Progressive lenses require an adaptation period (usually 1-2 weeks) and cost more than single vision or bifocals. They also need precise fitting measurements, including accurate PD and lens height. When ordering progressive glasses online, work closely with certified opticians to ensure proper measurements.
FramesDirect.com offers a wide selection of progressive-eligible frames with the expert support you need to order these advanced lenses online successfully.
Standard plastic (CR-39) lenses are the basic lens material, offering good optical clarity at an affordable price point.
Features:
Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant and lightweight, making them ideal for active lifestyles and children's eyeglasses.
When buying prescription glasses online for kids or an active lifestyle, polycarbonate lenses provide essential safety and comfort.
High-index lenses are thinner, lighter alternatives for strong prescriptions, providing a more attractive appearance and comfortable wear.
High-Index 1.67:
High-Index 1.74:
Benefits of high-index lenses:
If you have a strong prescription and want attractive, lightweight prescription eyeglasses online, high-index lenses are the premium choice. They're especially beneficial for rimless or semi-rimless frames where lens edges are visible.
Lens Material Comparison
All lens materials at FramesDirect.com include scratch-resistant coating, UV protection, and edge polish at no additional charge.
Anti-reflective coating (also called anti-glare coating) is one of the most beneficial lens enhancements you can add when ordering prescription glasses online. AR coating eliminates reflections from the front and back surfaces of your lenses, providing multiple benefits:
Benefits of AR coating:
Anti-reflective coating is especially important for high-index lenses, which naturally reflect more light.
When buying eyeglasses online, AR coating is strongly recommended for anyone who:
FramesDirect.com offers premium Duraclear Anti-Reflective coating that provides superior clarity and is easy to clean.
Blue light filtering lenses help protect your eyes from potentially harmful high-energy blue light emitted by digital screens (computers, smartphones, tablets) and LED lighting. This coating is increasingly popular as screen time has dramatically increased.
Benefits of blue light protection:
When ordering prescription eyeglasses online for work-from-home or office use, consider adding blue light protection to reduce digital eye fatigue and maintain comfortable vision throughout your day.
Transitions® lenses (photochromic lenses) are clear indoors and automatically darken when exposed to UV light outdoors, offering the convenience of prescription glasses and sunglasses in one pair.
Benefits of Transitions lenses:
When buying prescription glasses online with photochromic lenses, you'll enjoy year-round protection and convenience without carrying multiple pairs.
At FramesDirect.com, all prescription lenses include scratch-resistant coating, UV protection, and edge polish at no additional cost—ensuring your online eyeglass purchase is protected and looks great from day one.
Protects lenses from everyday wear and tear, extending the life of your glasses. While no lens is completely scratch-proof, this coating significantly improves durability.
Blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, protecting your eyes from sun damage that can contribute to cataracts and other eye conditions.
Creates smooth, polished edges for a finished, professional appearance.
These essential treatments ensure that when you order prescription glasses online from FramesDirect.com, you're getting quality lenses that will last.
Before finalizing your order for prescription eyeglasses online, carefully verify all prescription information:
Prescription checklist:
values for right eye (OD) and left eye (OS)
values if you have astigmatism
measurements (between 1-180 degrees)
power for bifocals or progressives
measurement
(ensure it's current)
Common mistakes to avoid when ordering glasses online:
At FramesDirect.com, our certified opticians review every prescription before your glasses are made, providing an extra layer of quality control. If we notice any discrepancies or have questions about your prescription, we'll contact you before proceeding.
Need help? Our expert opticians can contact your eye doctor to verify your prescription or answer any questions about ordering prescription glasses online. This professional review ensures accuracy and helps prevent costly mistakes.
Ordering prescription eyeglasses online from FramesDirect.com is straightforward:
Browse over 10,000 styles and use filters to narrow by face shape, size, color, brand, and price
Select your lens type (single vision, bifocal, or progressive)
Choose from standard plastic, polycarbonate, or high-index based on your prescription
Customize with anti-reflective coating, blue light protection, or Transitions lenses
Input your prescription information or upload a photo of your prescription
Include your pupillary distance for proper lens alignment
Double-check all information before completing your purchase
Most prescription glasses are ready to ship within 7-10 business days. Expedited options may be available for faster delivery.
What happens after you order:
FramesDirect.com makes buying prescription glasses online convenient with multiple payment options.
Accepted payment methods:
Save money on prescription glasses online by using your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Prescription eyewear is an eligible expense for both types of accounts, allowing you to pay with pre-tax dollars.
What's covered by FSA/HSA:
What's NOT typically covered:
How to use FSA/HSA at FramesDirect.com:
Use your FSA or HSA debit card at checkout like a regular credit card
If you don't have a debit card, pay with another method and request an itemized receipt
Submit the receipt to your FSA/HSA administrator for reimbursement
FSA users: Remember to use funds by December 31 each year or they may be forfeited (some plans offer a grace period or small rollover). Buying prescription eyeglasses online before year-end ensures you maximize your benefits.
HSA users: Funds roll over year after year, providing long-term savings flexibility for future eyewear needs.
If you have vision insurance through providers like VSP, EyeMed, Cigna, Aetna, or others, you can purchase prescription glasses online from FramesDirect.com and submit for reimbursement.
Using vision insurance for online purchases:
Most vision insurance plans provide annual or bi-annual allowances for frames and lenses. Even if FramesDirect.com is not in-network, many plans offer out-of-network reimbursement, allowing you to enjoy our wide selection while still using your benefits.
Check your insurance plan's reimbursement rates before ordering. Many customers find that even with out-of-network reimbursement, buying prescription glasses online saves money compared to in-network retail optical stores.
Shopping for prescription glasses online is easier than ever with virtual try-on technology. FramesDirect.com's virtual try-on feature lets you see how frames look on your face in real-time before you buy.
How to use virtual try-on:
Browse eyeglass frames and look for the "Virtual Try-On" icon
Click to activate and allow camera access on your device
The technology maps your facial features and overlays frames on your face
View frames from different angles by moving your head
Take screenshots to compare different styles
Share with friends and family for feedback
Benefits of virtual try-on:
Virtual try-on works on smartphones, tablets, and computers with a camera. For best results, use in good lighting and ensure your face is fully visible to the camera.
Can't use a camera? You can also upload a photo to try on frames. Many customers find this helpful for saving favorites and comparing options side-by-side.
Even with virtual try-on, understanding fit ensures you order prescription eyeglasses online that are comfortable and look great.
Frame fit checklist:
Frames should align with face width at temples (use your current glasses' measurements as a guide)
Should sit comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding
Adequate for your lens type (minimum 30mm for progressives/bifocals)
Should rest comfortably against the side of your head and behind ears
: Consider lightweight materials (titanium, TR-90) for all-day comfort
Frame width guide:
Total frame width under 125mm
Frame width 125mm-135mm
Frame width 135mm-145mm
Frame width over 145mm
Use FramesDirect.com's size filters and detailed product specifications to find frames in your ideal size range. Each product page lists exact measurements to help you order prescription glasses online with confidence.
When you buy prescription eyeglasses online from FramesDirect.com, you're protected by our comprehensive satisfaction guarantee. We stand behind the quality of every pair of glasses we sell.
Our guarantee includes:
Our certified opticians review every prescription to ensure accuracy before your glasses are made
Lenses are expertly fitted into frames in our optical lab using professional equipment
We are an authorized retailer of all brands we carry—guaranteed authentic, never counterfeit
If you're not completely satisfied, our customer service team will work with you to make it right
Why choose FramesDirect.com for buying glasses online:
We understand that buying prescription glasses online requires confidence in fit and style. FramesDirect.com offers a fair return and exchange policy.
Return policy highlights:
Before returning: Contact our opticians if you're experiencing issues with your prescription glasses. Sometimes minor adjustments to fit or a prescription verification can resolve concerns without needing a return.
Customer support: Our team is available via phone, email, and live chat to answer questions about your order or help with any issues. When you order prescription eyeglasses online from FramesDirect.com, you have expert support throughout your entire experience.
Learn from common pitfalls to ensure a smooth experience when buying prescription glasses online.
Top mistakes and how to avoid them:
Always use a current prescription (less than 1-2 years old). Schedule an eye exam if yours has expired.
Take your time measuring PD or ask your optician for this measurement. An inaccurate PD causes eye strain and blurred vision.
Use your current glasses' measurements as a starting point and compare to new frames' specifications.
Progressive and bifocal lenses need adequate lens height (minimum 30mm) to work properly.
Double-check that OD (right eye) and OS (left eye) values are entered correctly.
Consider your lifestyle needs—add AR coating for computer use, blue light protection for screen time, or Transitions for outdoor convenience.
Every frame style fits differently. Always check detailed measurements before ordering.
Match lens material to your prescription strength. High prescriptions need high-index lenses for acceptable thickness.
Check if you can use FSA/HSA or get vision insurance reimbursement before ordering.
Read customer reviews and check frame specifications carefully when shopping for prescription eyeglasses online.
FramesDirect.com's certified opticians are available to help with complex situations.
Contact our opticians if you:
Our opticians provide the same expert guidance you'd receive in a traditional optical store, ensuring you order prescription glasses online with professional support.
Understanding delivery timelines helps you plan when ordering eyeglasses online.
Typical timeline:
7-10 business days for custom lens crafting and fitting
3-7 business days depending on your location and selected shipping method
Approximately 2-3 weeks from order to delivery
Factors that affect processing time:
Expedited options: Contact customer service to inquire about rush processing if you need your prescription glasses sooner.
What to expect: You'll receive order confirmation immediately, updates when your glasses enter production, and tracking information when they ship. This transparency ensures you know exactly when to expect your new eyeglasses.
When your new prescription glasses arrive, there may be a brief adjustment period.
What to expect:
Usually immediate comfort with no adjustment needed
2-3 days to adjust if your prescription has changed
3-5 days to get used to the line and dual viewing zones
1-2 weeks to adapt to the gradual power changes (longest adjustment period)
Adjustment tips:
When to call for help: If you experience severe headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision after the adjustment period, contact FramesDirect.com's opticians. Sometimes a minor prescription verification or adjustment is needed.
Proper care extends the life of your prescription glasses.
Daily care:
Clean lenses daily with lens cleaner spray and microfiber cloth
Avoid using paper towels, clothing, or tissues (can scratch lenses)
Rinse under lukewarm water before wiping to remove debris
Never use household cleaners, ammonia, or vinegar on lenses
Storage:
Always store glasses in a protective case when not wearing them
Avoid leaving glasses in hot cars (heat can damage lens coatings)
Place glasses down with lenses facing up to prevent scratches
Keep away from harsh chemicals and cleaning products
Handling:
Use both hands to remove glasses (prevents frame warping)
Hold frames by the temples, not the lenses
Never place glasses on your head (stretches frames)
Avoid overtightening screws
When to repair or replace:
Can be tightened at home with an eyeglass repair kit
Contact customer service for adjustment recommendations
Deep scratches may require lens replacement
Check if frame warranty or protection plan applies
With proper care, your prescription eyeglasses from FramesDirect.com will provide years of clear, comfortable vision.
Ordering prescription glasses online offers significant advantages over traditional retail optical stores:
What sets FramesDirect.com apart when buying eyeglasses online:
When you choose FramesDirect.com to buy prescription glasses online, you're getting the perfect combination of convenience, selection, expert support, and quality—all at competitive prices.
Buying prescription glasses online has revolutionized how Americans shop for eyewear, offering unmatched convenience, selection, and value. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the knowledge needed to confidently order prescription eyeglasses online from FramesDirect.com.
Remember the key steps:
Get a current eye prescription and accurate PD measurement
Choose frames that match your face shape, style, and measurements
Select the appropriate lens type for your vision needs
Pick the right lens material based on your prescription strength
Add beneficial coatings like anti-reflective, blue light protection, or Transitions
Double-check all prescription details before ordering
Take advantage of FSA/ HSA benefits and vision insurance reimbursement
Whether you're a first-time online eyeglass buyer or a seasoned online shopper, FramesDirect.com combines the expertise of certified opticians with the convenience and selection of online shopping. With over 10,000 designer frames from 250+ brands, advanced virtual try-on technology, and professional support throughout your purchase, ordering prescription glasses online has never been easier or more reliable.
Ready to find your perfect prescription eyeglasses? Browse our extensive collection today and experience the FramesDirect.com difference. Our certified opticians are standing by to help you every step of the way—from frame selection to prescription verification to delivery and beyond.
Start shopping for prescription glasses online now and discover why thousands of customers trust FramesDirect.com for quality eyewear, expert service, and unbeatable value. Your perfect pair of glasses is just a click away.