Even though more people today are covered by medical insurance than ever before, most policies still exclude vision care. This important category has traditionally been dominated by optometrists and ophthalmologists, who for many years managed the process from exam to final fitting. The explosion of Internet shopping has changed that dynamic, and buying online prescription glasses has become a popular alternative.
This explosion in consumer choice does not decrease the vital importance of regular eye exams. People with serious vision problems realize how vital regular checkups are in maintaining their eyesight. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious problems in addition to correcting common issues such as astigmatism or myopia.
When an optometrist or ophthalmologist writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to a copy. Federal laws enacted over the past forty years guarantee consumers the right to purchase glasses and contacts from any reputable optical supplier, including those having a primary presence on line. Although some customers still prefer traditional methods of ordering and fitting, others have been quick to take advantage.
For the nearly two million customers who chose to purchase lenses on line during the past year there have been measurable benefits. Unlike most brick-and-mortar offices, there is virtually no limit to the available choices. There are styles for every conceivable taste or need, and the prices can be remarkably low. The number of contact lens and glasses retailers has increased, and shopping is primarily secure and simple.
This method of selling has brought the eye-care industry into the modern world, but consumers should be aware that there may potentially be issues with the safety or quality of some of the materials be used during manufacture. Writing a prescription requires approval, but fitting or grinding lenses and frames does not. To ensure comfortable, safe wear, accurate measurements must be taken, and ignoring them may cause disappointment.
To assist in that process, some sites offer virtual fitting rooms designed to produce accurate results. Completing an eye exam is only the first step. It must be followed by taking measurements that detail variations in eye spacing, facial width, individual optic centering, and other data necessary for a safe and comfortable fit. Without that information, poorly measured products may need to be returned.
When considering buying optical wear that is priced far below most of the competition, safety and durability are two important concerns. Because there are few regulations governing eye-wear manufactured elsewhere, some imported products in the past have not always met current standards. Lens coatings for computer glasses may be of poor quality, and some advertised features may be missing or different.
Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.
This explosion in consumer choice does not decrease the vital importance of regular eye exams. People with serious vision problems realize how vital regular checkups are in maintaining their eyesight. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to recognize and treat potentially serious problems in addition to correcting common issues such as astigmatism or myopia.
When an optometrist or ophthalmologist writes a prescription, the patient is entitled to a copy. Federal laws enacted over the past forty years guarantee consumers the right to purchase glasses and contacts from any reputable optical supplier, including those having a primary presence on line. Although some customers still prefer traditional methods of ordering and fitting, others have been quick to take advantage.
For the nearly two million customers who chose to purchase lenses on line during the past year there have been measurable benefits. Unlike most brick-and-mortar offices, there is virtually no limit to the available choices. There are styles for every conceivable taste or need, and the prices can be remarkably low. The number of contact lens and glasses retailers has increased, and shopping is primarily secure and simple.
This method of selling has brought the eye-care industry into the modern world, but consumers should be aware that there may potentially be issues with the safety or quality of some of the materials be used during manufacture. Writing a prescription requires approval, but fitting or grinding lenses and frames does not. To ensure comfortable, safe wear, accurate measurements must be taken, and ignoring them may cause disappointment.
To assist in that process, some sites offer virtual fitting rooms designed to produce accurate results. Completing an eye exam is only the first step. It must be followed by taking measurements that detail variations in eye spacing, facial width, individual optic centering, and other data necessary for a safe and comfortable fit. Without that information, poorly measured products may need to be returned.
When considering buying optical wear that is priced far below most of the competition, safety and durability are two important concerns. Because there are few regulations governing eye-wear manufactured elsewhere, some imported products in the past have not always met current standards. Lens coatings for computer glasses may be of poor quality, and some advertised features may be missing or different.
Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.
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