While this may seem like an obvious piece of information to have, some people may not remember or have their prescription readily available when they order eyeglasses online. The standard validity of a prescription is 2 years for adults and 1 year if you are younger. If your eye prescription is outdated, it’s time for you visit your local optician to get a new one eye checkup done

before you buy your new pair of eyeglasses online. When you get your eyesight examined, the optometrist must give you a copy of the prescription whether or not you ask for it. Ask your optometrist or eye clinic to get you a prescription that shows your type (reading glasses, bifocal, trifocal, progressive, single vision, distance, computer etc.)

Your quest for the perfect eyeglasses should not end by just looking at the prescription and blindly ordering for a pair of eyeglasses online. There’s much more to it like your face shape, fit of your eyeglasses etc. Now don’t fret when we’re here. The following are some of the most primary and important factors to consider while buying eyeglasses online. You’re welcome!

Eyeglasses Prescription

1. Prescription

While this may seem like an obvious piece of information to have, some people may not remember or have their prescription readily available when they order eyeglasses online. Contact your optometrist or eye clinic in order to get a recent prescription that shows your type (reading glasses, bifocal, trifocal, progressive, single vision, distance, computer etc.) and your metric numbers. If you have not had an eye exam recently, or think that your prescription may need to be adjusted, make an appointment so that an eye care professional can be sure that your metrics are still up to date and correct.

Prescription Guide
Pupillary Distance

2. Pupillary Distance

Another key piece of information that you must have ready when placing your online eyeglasses order is your pupillary distance measurement, otherwise known as your PD. In some cases, this may be listed on your prescription or provided to you when you have an eye exam.

Another key piece of information that you must have ready when placing your online eyeglasses order is your pupillary distance measurement, otherwise known as your PD. In some cases, this may be listed on your prescription or provided to you when you have an eye exam.

See a video on how to measure it at home:


Online PD Meter Eyeglass Frame Size

3. Frame Size

Frames are designed on the basis of three primary measurements. These are temple size, bridge size, and eye size. If you currently have a pair of eyeglasses that fit perfectly, the measurements can often be found engraved on the inside temple. If this is not available or if you are purchasing glasses for the very first time, it is a good idea to spend a little time trying on glasses at a retail eyewear store to determine your sizing measurements.

See a video on to learn more about frame size:

Eyeglass Frame Size Guide



Eyeglass Face Shape

4. Face Shape

  • Diamond: If your face is diamond shaped, you likely have high cheekbones and a narrow jaw. In order to add depth to your eyes and minimize dramatic cheekbones, select frames that are oval shaped or cat-eye.
  • Oblong: Oblong faced people will want to select frames that help their face to appear shorter, or add additional width to the face. Frames that are deeper than they are wide help to accomplish this goal and add balance to an oblong face.

  • Oval: An oval faced shape naturally has a good balance, so the key is to maintain this balance when selecting a frame type. Walnut shaped frames, for example, work great because they are the perfect balance of depth and width.

  • Round: People who have a round face usually want to select wide and narrow framed eyeglasses in order to make their face appear thinner. Rectangular frames are a good choice for this face shape.

  • Square: Narrow frames that make a square face look less boxy and soften the defined angles slightly will likely be your best choice. Narrow ovals, narrow rectangles, and even cat eye make good frame types for a square face.

  • Triangular: Triangular face shapes typically want to select frames that are wide at the base, in order to balance out wider widths at the top of their face. Additionally, rimless frames will also work well for this face shape.

Eyeglass Face Shape Guide
Eyeglasses Lens Types

5. Lens Type

Next, you will need to decide on which lens type works best for you. Lenses are often offered in three primary options, including photochromatic lenses , clear lenses, or Tinted or Polarized Lenses. If you need your eyeglasses to provide ultraviolet (UV) protection from the sun, then Sun Lenses may be your best option. Alternatively, photochromatic or clear eyeglass lenses tend to be much more practical when used indoors and outdoors. Polarized lenses are superb at reducing glare and are great for sports.

Your lenses are truly the most important component of your new eyeglasses and choosing the correct thickness is vital for your vision. For most people, the stronger their prescription, the thicker the lenses will need to be. The most common choices are standard plastic lenses, impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, and high index lenses. Standard plastic lenses are the most common and usually are the least expensive. They are also readily available nearly anywhere, should you need to replace them quickly. Polycarbonate lenses, which make a great choice for those with an active lifestyle or for children, are much more impact resistant that standard lenses. The final of the options, high index lenses, are known for their thin and lightweight design and construction, as well as for their comfort and style. Here is a breakdown of some common lens thickness options:

Short Sighted Minus Prescription vs Long Sighted Plus Prescription
Standard Index 1.50:

These lenses hold a high Abbe value for best visual acuity and are made of CR-39. These lenses are often a popular basic choice for full rim frames and lower prescription powers between 0 to +-2.5.

Mid Index 1.57

This category of lenses is very basic, has a low to medium Abbe value, and is not recommended for rimless frames due to low structural integrity.

High Index Polycarbonate 1.59:

This lens option, made from polycarbonate materials, is very durable and impact resistant, but the Abbe value for optical clarity is extremely low.

High Index 1.61:

If you have selected a frame that is semi rimless or rimless, High Index 1.61 lenses may be a good choice. These lenses are lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for those requiring strong prescriptions.

Extra High Index 1.67:

For those who need impact resistance, but require prescriptions too high for other lens options, this makes a great choice. Extra High Index 1.67 lenses can be used with all styles of frames and have a moderate Abbe value.

Premium High Index 1.74:

This lens option is constructed from plastic that is extremely thin, and is the most lightweight option on the market currently. Due to its composition, it is only recommended for use by those having a very strong prescription.

Eyeglasses Styles and Trends

7. Style

Eyeglasses come in a huge variety of choices, designed to flatter your facial features, work with your current style trends, and be visually appealing when worn. With available styles like aviator, round eye, biker, wrap, shield, clubmaster, biker, pantos, wayfarer, cat eye, and oval, there is a perfect fit for everyone’s tastes!

Eyeglasses Virtual Mirror

8. Virtual Mirror

Wondering if the eyeglasses that you have fallen in love with will look as good on you as they do in the picture? Why not try them on using our handy virtual mirror tool! Not only will this impressive gizmo generate a high quality image of you in your favorite frame and lens picks, but it also allows you the option to share the images you create with all of your friends via social media, like Facebook and Pinterest. Having trouble deciding on a favorite? The best part about buying online is that the incredibly low prices often allow you to get several pairs of eyeglasses for the same amount of money as a single pair locally!

Eyeglass Lens Coatings

9. Lens Coating

Anti-reflective coating: Is a thin layer that removes reflection on the front and back surface of the lens. Provides better vision while driving and working on computer

Scratch-resistant coating: Makes the surface of the lens harder to scratch. No lenses can be scratch proof!

Hydrophobic coating: keeps rain, snow and fog at bay.

Ultraviolet treatment: Just like sunscreen, it blocks harmful UV Rays.

Lens Coating Guide

10. Prescription Sunglasses

Brown
Brown Tint
  • A warmer, slightly brighter lens than the gray.
  • Good at blocking blue light such as on a cloudy day.
  • Great for tennis or golf or skiing or other sports
  • Best for lower light situations
  • Improves contrast and depth perception
  • Best for golf
G-15 Aviator Green Tint
G-15 Aviator Green Tint
  • A combination of both grey and green
  • Great option for sunglasses
  • Reduce glare considerably, and reduce eyestrain in bright sunlight.
  • G-15 is the inspired Ray Ban tint
Benefits of Blue Eyeglass Tint
Blue Tint
  • Blue is a contrast lens and reduces glare from visible white light (light reflected from mist, fog, snow, water).
  • Endorsed by the USPTA for tennis professionals
  • Favorite among computer users as they reduce glare and eyestrain.
Rose/Pink Tinted Glasses
Rose Tint
  • Help block blue light, thereby improving contrast.
  • Reputation of being soothing to the eyes and more comfortable than others for longer wear-times.
Yellow
Yellow Tint
  • Makes objects appear sharper both indoors and outdoors
  • But can also cause color distortion.
  • Best for snow activities and indoor ball sports.
Gray Tint
Gray Tint
  • It is a true sunglass lens.
  • Minimum color distortion.
  • Reduces brightness, and protects against glare.
  • Darkest possible tint for bright conditions.
Prescription Sunglasses Guide
Good for driving and outdoor sports such as golf, running or cycling. So, If you can spend hours of time just to shop one particular outfit which you probably end up wearing once or twice in your lifetime (may be more than that, but you get what we mean), why not invest the same amount of time to choose a perfect pair of eyeglasses online for yourself. They are not just eye-catching, but also play role in shaping your personality by becoming a part and parcel of your daily life. Cocoleni brings you the convenience of shopping for prescription glasses online in the comfort of your home. Not only does buying eyeglasses online easy on your pockets than getting it from a traditional brick-and-mortar store, but also gives you the power to choose from a wide selection of eye frames to suit your personality. And buying glasses online can be pretty easy. In short, you can get yourself a good pair of glasses from Coco Leni in 3 easy steps - Choose your frame (shape, material, color), pick the right kind of lenses that suit your eye prescription and get them shipped to your doorstep. So what are you waiting for?

Shop your Eyeglasses online