5 tips for buying glasses onlineShopping for eyeglasses online can be fast and convenient. But it can get overwhelming to choose on your own. How do you make sure that the frame fits you? Or who do you ask if you have questions?

When shopping for new specs, you just need to remember “CLEAR.”

Choose your frame. Choosing the color and shape of your frame? It all depends on your preference, lifestyle and preferred material. Additional important considerations in frame selection are the following: lens design that will be used and required position of wear, and frame size. Getting the right frame size will give you a secure and comfortable fit—meaning, your eyeglasses won’t slide down your face or leave a mark on your temples, and it’s not too close to your eyes. If you’re unsure of the size or the material that’s appropriate for your lens design, ask your trusted optometrist.

Listen and learn from an eye expert. Find out if there’s an on-call optometrist who can address your questions or concerns. It is important to take note of how often they’re available online and what channels you can use to talk to them.

Equip yourself with eyewear accessories. Accessories can be helpful in protecting your eyeglasses. Eyeglass cords are especially useful if you always forget where you place your eyewear. Lens cleaning wipes like the ones from Zeiss are a perfect pairing for your lenses; remember that tissues are a no-no as these can scratch your lenses. Cotton or cloth with alcohol? It’s okay to do it once in a while to disinfect your glasses, but doing it often can weaken the coating of your lenses or affect the quality of your frame.

Assess if your prescription is valid and updated. Did you know that our vision can change in a year? That’s why an eyeglass prescription has a validity of six months to one year. Having a valid prescription will ensure you won’t get dizzy or develop frequent headaches due to change in eye grade.

To know if your prescription is valid, check that it has the following information listed: your full name, the date the prescription was given, the doctor’s name, Professional Regulatory Commission and professional tax receipt numbers, and signature, your eye grade for both left and right eyes, the pupillary distance and the type of lens. Details like clinic name, address and contact number are important in case you have any concerns about your eyeglasses. Check if your provider has an “upload your prescription” feature and an optometrist who will help confirm the validity of your prescription.

Refer to your eyeglass prescription for your lenses. Your prescription has the type of lenses you need, whether it’s single vision, bifocal or progressive. Also, confirm if your eye doctor has indicated or prescribed lens coating/s. Do you need UV + blue light lenses to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and glare from your gadgets? Or photochromic lenses that develop a tint when exposed to the sun? One popular option is to get multicoated lenses if you want antireflection, scratch resistance, oil and water repellant and anti-UV coatings in one.

By remembering the mnemonic “CLEAR,” you will be sure that your new glasses will provide you with clear vision and you can comfortably wear them for a long time. Shop for eyewear, accessories or eye medication at www. asianeyeshop.com. Asian Eye Shop has eye experts that can help with your concerns, honors senior citizen cards, ships nationwide and, most of all, offers numerous discounts on optical products and eye care services. (Story/Photos by: Charizze Henson)