Confused about buying prescription eyeglasses? Here’s a basic buying guide to help you out. The numerous brands and multiple types can add to the confusion of picking the right pair of prescription glasses for you, and more so if you don’t know what features to look for. Plus, costs can be a huge problem. This basic buying guide can help you save considerably by finding the right deals. Here’s what you need to know when shopping for prescription eyeglasses.

Types of prescription eyeglasses

• Single vision
  These types of lenses are used for the correction of single vision problems like astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
• Multifocal lenses
  These lenses are prescribed to those who have more than one vision issue. Progressive and bifocal lenses are some types of multifocal lenses, and they can help with more than one vision problem.
• Bifocal
  In this type of prescription eyeglasses, the same lens has two prescriptions. The lens is split into two parts; the lower part is for near vision, and the upper part is for distance vision.
• Progressive
  These multifocal lenses have three fields of vision: distance, intermediate, and near. But unlike bifocal lenses, progressive lenses do not have any visible lines between the three sections.
• Reading
  Reading glasses don’t need a prescription, but you can consult an eye doctor to know the level of magnification needed for ease of reading.
• Computer glasses
  These types of glasses are made to reduce the strain on the eyes by computer screens, and the lenses are tinted to block the blue light from electronic screens.

Types of frames for prescription eyeglasses
Along with the type of lens, you must know the various types of frames that are available for prescription glasses. Here are some common types of frames you can choose from:

• Full-rimmed frames
• Semi-rimless frames
• Rimless frames

Tips to pick the right prescription eyeglasses
Several factors must be considered when purchasing prescription eyeglasses. Firstly, you need to know your specific vision problem, followed by the type of lens the doctor has prescribed. Other factors include the following:

• Frame size
  The type of frame you pick will depend on your face shape.
• Frame color
  This aspect generally depends on personal preferences.
• Frame thickness
  This depends on the type of lens you have been prescribed and the thickness of your prescription lenses.
• Frame width
  The frame width is often a personal choice, but the thickness and size of the lens prescribed by the doctor will determine the frame width in some cases.
• Arm width and length
  The arm width and length will also depend on the shape and structure of your face.
• Cost
  The cost of prescription eyeglasses generally depends on the type of lenses, the frame type, and the brand that you pick. The cost of frames can be as low as $8 or can go up to as high as $600, and the cost of lenses is additional.

Tips to find top deals on prescription glasses
Find yourself some good prescription eyeglasses deals if you’re on a budget. Here how:

• Check out online retailers for prescription glasses
• Look out for EOSS or holiday sale discounts by eyeglasses’ brands
• Keep an eye out for coupons and offers on frames to bring down the costs considerably
• Pick BOGO offers if you want back-up prescription eyeglasses

Top brands of prescription eyeglasses
A top-quality brand will ensure that your prescription eyeglasses will last longer and not cause any vision issues, so choose from these popular brands:

• Oakley
• Ray-Ban
• Saint Laurent
• Kate Spade
• Tom Ford
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Giorgio Armani