The Best Prescription Glasses Online, Tested By Long Time Glasses Wearers

Thanks to the internet, the best prescription glasses online are right at your fingertips. It’s easy to browse, customize and try on frames without taking a trip to the eyeglass store or optometrist’s office. You’ll need a current prescription, of course, but sites like GlassesUSA (our top pick overall) let you renew expired prescriptions with a virtual vision test.

Buying prescription glasses online can save you cash, too, and many retailers—including Warby Parker —also accept HSA and FSA funds, meaning no out of pocket costs for you. The best prescription glasses online come from reputable retailers that offer designer styles at ... [+] reasonable prices.

To determine the best prescription glasses online, we enlisted three Forbes Vetted staffers to test out several retailers and share their in depth feedback: Branded content editor Dana Holmes, who wears progressive lenses; managing editor Emmy Favilla, a nearsighted, daily glasses wearer; and associate insights architect Shan Newton, who requires a strong prescription.

We also got advice from Dr. Sandra Young, O.D ., an optometrist and eye health expert, and style tips on the best frames for your face shape according to senior fashion editor Kari Molvar . Editor’s Picks Best Prescription Glasses Online Overall GlassesUSA Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 14 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes GlassesUSA is one of the largest online prescription glasses retailers, offering hundreds of designer frames from Ray Ban, Gucci and Oakley, along with less expensive house brands in every frame style and color you can imagine.

“I felt a bit overwhelmed by the number of options, but it was easy to evaluate the frames,” says branded content editor Dana Holmes of shopping on the GlassesUSA website. Prices run the gamut from $39 up to $700, depending on which brand you choose. With its virtual try on feature, you can upload a photo directly to the website and see what each frame looks like on your face before you commit.

GlassesUSA also has an app that scans your prescription through your current lenses, and those with expired prescriptions can get a renewal via the company’s virtual vision test. All lenses are made to order in house and then put through a series of inspections to check for quality, clarity and proper alignment.

You also have the option for upgrades like progressive lenses, anti reflective coatings and transition lenses for up to $169 more. “The ordering process was simple and I felt confident making my complicated prescription order,” adds Holmes. Similarly, associate insights architect Shan Newton describes the selection and checkout flow as “sleek and intuitive,” and all three of our testers are pleased with the speedy delivery time.

“My glasses arrived 9 days after my order, which was pretty impressive given that the window included Thanksgiving weekend,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla. If you’re unhappy with your new glasses for any reason, GlassesUSA has a 14 day, no questions asked return policy—but you can only take advantage of this for your first pair.

Best for: Keep in mind: Best Affordable Prescription Glasses Eyebuydirect Turnaround time: 7 to 14 business days | Return policy: 14 days for a one time replacement or refund | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No Eyebuydirect’s wallet friendly prices make clear vision affordable and accessible.

To keep prices down on Eyebuydirect’s own styles, everything from concept to design to manufacturing is done in house. You can also choose from name brand frames from Oakley and Ray Ban, and the site makes it easy to locate options with specific features. “Since I only wear rectangular frames and can't wear small sized frames, being able to filter on these preferences is super helpful,” says Newton.

Frames start at $6 and standard lenses at $7 or you can opt for upgrades like advanced lenses and premium lenses, which go for $49 and $80, respectively. “I appreciated that there are a variety of options for blue light filtering as well as two choices for high index frames,” says Favilla. When you find a frame you like, you can click “try on” to upload a photo and see what it looks like on your face.

The photo stays uploaded as you navigate the site, so you can quickly see what other options look like. Our testers note that their eyeglasses arrived promptly and safely in a compact cardboard box. “I like that the packaging was small enough to fit into my apartment's little mailbox in the lobby, rather than needing to be left out in a common area with bigger packages,” adds Holmes.

Eyebuydirect offers a 14 day “no questions asked” return policy for a one time replacement or refund, but its 365 Day Product Guarantee covers defects for a full year. Special savings: Take 30% off orders of $65 or more with code FORBES30 Best for: Keep in mind: Best Stylish Prescription Glasses Warby Parker Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 30 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try on: Yes, as well as in home try on | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes Warby Parker offers designer style glasses at affordable prices.

Favilla has been ordering her prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses from the site for over a decade. “The size accuracy, feel and fit are always excellent in my experience,” she says. All frames start at just $95, an impressive price that includes basic prescription lenses. You can try on virtually, but one of the brand’s biggest claims to fame is its at home try on program.

Pick up to five frames to receive, for free, to physically try on before you buy. Holmes highly recommends taking advantage of this perk, as the frames she ordered based on her existing glasses’ measurements ended up being too small. Once you have your frames picked out, you can add basic prescription lenses, which Newton describes as “perfectly accurate” and “not too thick,” despite his strong prescription.

You can also choose from various upgrade options, like progressive lenses, blue light filtering or light responsive lenses, which add up to $200 to the total price. “The frames I wear regularly are blue light blocking, which seem to do their job as far as I can tell to help prevent eye fatigue,” adds Favilla.

If you don’t like your new glasses, you can return them for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of receipt. And if your lenses get scratched in the first 365 days, you can get new lenses made for free. Best for: Keep in mind: Best Designer Prescription Glasses Frames Direct Turnaround time: 11 to 14 business days | Return policy: 30 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try on: No | Virtual Rx renewal: No Frames Direct claims to have the largest selection of designer eyewear online: There are almost 5,000 frames from high end brands like Gucci and Prada, as well as Oakley and Ray Ban (in a wide variety of colors, too).

Favilla mentions that her Armani Exchange glasses arrived with a “certificate of authenticity” that guarantees the glasses are genuine. Most brands sell for 20% to 80% off the retail price, and you can often score prescription lenses at a discount. “The value of these name brand eyeglasses, with all the additional add ons to my lenses, is very impressive,” says Favilla.

As far as lenses go, choose single vision, no line progressives or non prescription readers. Holmes, who wears progressives, says, “The lenses themselves match my prescription and have one of the best fields of vision of any of the glasses that I tried.” You can also select different lens materials, from thin polycarbonate to lower cost plastic, as well as optional upgrades like digital light protection or scratch resistant coating.

And before your order goes through, an optician will review everything to make sure you picked the best selections for your prescription. Best for: Keep in mind: Best Durable Prescription Glasses ROKA Turnaround time: 5 business days | Return policy: 30 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, and HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes If you plan on wearing your prescription glasses while working outdoors or playing a sport, you’ll want a hard wearing pair—and durability is Roka’s specialty.

For example, its popular Hunter style is designed with spring hinges and grip technology to ensure the frames stay securely on your head. “Although Roka has a small selection, I was able to find a pair that looked great and fit my needs pretty quickly,” says Holmes. Favilla adds, “I like that you can shop for frames based on activity, which I could see being super helpful for various types of athletes.” In addition, Roka offers a virtual try on feature and an at home vision test for renewing your prescription online.

It accepts insurance plans from several major providers as well as HSA/FSA. However, both Holmes and Favilla note that Roka’s delivery speeds are slower than other brands, so keep this in mind if you need your glasses to arrive by a certain date. Best for: Keep in mind: Best Prescription Sunglasses Zenni Optical Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try on: Only for eyeglasses | Virtual Rx renewal: No Zenni is all about making prescription glasses affordable, with frames starting at just $7 and capping at $50—and that price includes standard prescription lenses.

“With my complex prescription, the cost adds up fast so a lower priced frame is a nice bonus,” says Holmes. Its selection of sunglasses is particularly impressive, and at such reasonable prices, it won’t sting if you happen to lose a pair on vacation. While you won’t find any designer names among the selections, there are hundreds of designer inspired frames in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Once you select a pair you like, Favilla recommends taking advantage of the site’s virtual try on feature. “It’s very advanced to give you a well rounded view of what your glasses will look like,” she says. “It was a seamless experience from beginning to end.” In addition, Holmes appreciates how the site allows you to filter frames by pupillary distance.

Zenni also offers low bridge options and ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses with prescription single vision and progressive lenses. You can add upgrades, like polarization, that start at $33. Best for: Keep in mind: Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses Felix Gray Turnaround time: 6 to 10 business days | Return policy: 30 days for returns; one year warranty against manufacturing defects | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No Felix Gray is an eye care leader known for its blue light glasses, which protect your eyes better than the average options.

Each pair utilizes a proprietary technology that filters out 15 times more blue light than other lenses, which helps reduce blurry vision and tired eyes when staring at a screen for hours. You can purchase with or without a prescription, and request magnification as well—a good option for anyone fixated on spreadsheets all day.

Best for: Keep in mind: Best Reading Glasses Look Optic Turnaround time: 1 business day | Return policy: 90 days for a return or exchange | Insurance accepted: No | Virtual try on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No For those who need a pair of non prescription readers, Look Optic—named “most stylish” retailer in our Best Reading Glasses round up—offers an array of chic styles you’ll actually look forward to wearing.

Keep in mind that the site doesn’t offer any prescription lenses, but you will find tinted options for wearing in the sun as well as blue light blocking styles for working on your laptop. While Look Optic doesn’t accept insurance, the website frequently runs promotions that keep costs low. Best for: Keep in mind: Best Prescription Glasses For Kids GlassesUSA Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 14 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes Kids and tweens are picky— really picky.

GlassesUSA offers plenty of choice to satisfy different styles, at prices that won’t make you cringe if they drop or lose their glasses. Still, if sifting through hundreds of kids’ frames sounds overwhelming, there are easy to use filters—to sort by age, frame shape, brand, color, price and more.

Most frames come with free single vision prescription, with optional add ons like blue light blocking and light transitioning. In our experience, you can regularly find discounts and clearance sales, which means you could spring for two pairs if you wanted. For added reassurance, GlassesUSA offers a 14 day, full money back guarantee return policy, plus free shipping and returns.

Best for Keep in mind Why Trust Forbes Vetted How We Chose The Best Prescription Glasses Online At Forbes Vetted, we've reviewed dozens of glasses, putting them through a series of quality, style ... [+] and comfort tests. How To Buy Prescription Glasses Online If you’re new to buying prescription glasses online, it may seem a bit complicated, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

As long as you have the correct information handy—and you purchase from a trustworthy retailer that offers a fair return policy—you can shop with confidence at your convenience, and save money, too. For new prescriptions: No matter which online prescription glasses store you choose, you’ll need a current prescription.

In most cases, this means you’ll have to make an appointment with your regular eye doctor first. Some stores allow you to schedule an eye exam right through the website, but the actual exams are still done in person. It’s important for your eye doctor to get a close look at your eyes to make sure everything is healthy and functioning as it should.

For renewing prescriptions: That said, there is an exception when it comes to renewing prescriptions. Some sites, including Warby Parker, let you renew your prescription via a virtual vision test , but only if your health qualifies and your current prescription is still working for you. It’ll likely cost you, but not much (Warby Parker’s exam is $15, and only if your prescription is renewed).

In addition to a current prescription, you’ll also need your pupillary distance (or PD), which is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the centers of your pupils. This number is essential because it represents the spot on the lens that you’ll actually be looking through. If it’s off, you may be left with blurry or distorted lenses.

For the most accurate results, your best bet is to have your eye doctor measure pupillary distance during your eye exam and give you that number with your prescription. There’s also the option of using apps, like EyeMeasure, or online tools, like Warby Parker’s PD measuring tool . Dr. Young explains the three major type of lenses: Most retailers also give you the option to add different coatings.

Young details some popular types: How To Compare The Best Prescription Glasses Online Choosing the best online prescription glasses depends on your specific needs and preferences. GlassesUSA stands out as the best overall option, offering a vast selection of styles and brands, coupled with a user friendly website and a virtual try on feature.

If affordability is your top priority, Eyebuydirect is an excellent choice, known for its budget friendly prices that don’t compromise on style or quality. For those who focus on style, Warby Parker offers beautiful frames, and an easy to navigate at home try on program. For designer eyeglasses, your best bet is Frames Direct, which carries high end frames from brands such as Ray Ban, Prada and Bottega Veneta.

Felix Gray is our top pick for stylish blue light blocking glasses, ideal for those who log a lot of hours in front of screen. If you have specialty glasses needs, Roka caters to those looking for durable, stylish and robust frames designed for sports and active lifestyles. Zenni Optical is the go to place for prescription sunglasses, providing a variety of sun safe options at reasonable prices, and Look Optic excels in reading glasses with a focus on comfort and clarity.

Each of these brands has its unique strengths and differences, so consider what matters most to you—whether it's price, style, brand selection or specific features like blue light filtering or durability—when making your decision. How To Find The Best Frames For Your Face Shape “The rule of thumb is essentially to create contrast between your face shape and frames,” explains senior fashion editor Kari Molvar.

“Note that you can also be a blend of two types of face shapes.” That said, there are no hard and fast “rules” about which frames look best —you, after all, are the final judge on the matter and you should wear glasses that make you feel good. When giving advice on the topic, most style experts rely on the principles of natural symmetry and proportion.

This means if you have a face with sharp, angular lines you should balance it with softer curves on your glasses, for example. Or if you have a longer face shape, you’d want to consider glasses with wide, square or rectangular frames. “I find the best way to shop for glasses is to not get too overwhelmed,” says Molvar.

“There are many pairs that will look good on you, and you can get lost in all the details of shapes and frame types after a certain point,” she says. A good tip if you’re stuck or feeing indecisive: Narrow your selection to five pairs and then ask a friend or someone whose advice you trust for their opinion, says Molvar.

To get you started, you’ll find a handy visual guide, below. Look for frames that contrast with your face shape, as a simple rule of thumb. Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Glasses If you get a headache when wearing your glasses, it could stem from various factors. One common reason is an incorrect prescription; if your glasses have a prescription that's too strong or not accurate for your eyes, it can lead to eye strain, resulting in headaches.

Additionally, if you're new to wearing glasses or have recently changed your prescription, there might be an adjustment period during which your eyes adapt to the new lenses, which can potentially cause temporary headaches. Another factor could be the fit of your frames. If your glasses are too tight, that can exert pressure on the temples or nose, leading to headaches.

Different lens types, such as bifocals or progressive lenses, also require an adjustment period and might initially cause discomfort due to the change in visual experience. Finally, an incorrect measurement of pupillary distance (PD) can also result in visual discomfort and headaches. It’s a good idea to consult with an optometrist if you experience persistent headaches, as an expert can help determine if the issue is related to the fit, prescription or type of your glasses and provide the right solutions.

Pupillary distance is the measurement between the centers of your pupils, or the black circles in the middle of your eyes. This measurement is important for properly fitting eyeglasses so that each lens is aligned with the center of each eye, which impacts your vision and comfort. It's usually measured in millimeters and can be a single measurement (the distance between the pupils for both eyes) or two separate measurements (the distance from the bridge of the nose to each pupil).

Accurate pupillary distance measurement is key for the correct positioning of lenses, particularly if you have a strong prescription, bifocals or progressive lenses. There are pros and cons to both options. Online shopping offers convenience, a wider selection of styles and brands, often at lower prices.

It's ideal for those who know their prescription and measurements. Many online retailers provide virtual try on features and generous return policies. However, it's harder to get a feel for the fit and quality of the frames if there isn’t a home try option, and personal assistance can be limited.

In person shopping allows you to physically try on frames for the best fit and get immediate professional assistance. Opticians can provide advice on lens options and frame adjustments. However, physical stores may have a smaller selection and higher prices compared to online options. Ultimately, if you prioritize convenience and variety, online shopping is great.

If you prefer a hands on approach and professional guidance, buying in person is better. The key when cleaning your glasses is not to scratch the lenses, which can happen if you’re not aware of certain pitfalls. Start by by rinsing them under lukewarm water to eliminate build up and debris, avoiding hot water since it might damage lens coatings.

Apply a small amount of mild, lotion free soap to each lens. Gently rub the lenses, then frame and nose pads with your fingers, then rinse off the soap. Shake the glasses gently to shed most of the water, and dry them with a clean, lint free towel (that hasn't been treated with fabric softener) or dryer sheets, as these can leave smears.

For quick cleanups throughout the day, use a microfiber lens cleaning cloth instead of tissues, paper towels or clothing since these can scratch the lenses. Definitely steer clear of household cleaning products and acetone based solvents that can harm lens coatings, too. More Eyewear Stories To Shop:.