5 Tips to Help You Save Money When Eyewear Shopping – FangWallet

Eyewear has long been a popular accessory, but you may have been noticing an uptick in people wearing glasses or sunglasses in recent years. This is no coincidence; more and more people are shopping for eyewear. Many are struggling with eye conditions or have become more aware of their eye health. They’re now looking for sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays or prescription glasses for vision correction. Fashion-conscious consumers are also eyeing new frames to express their style and personality. 

These demands have been driving the eyewear market, which is expected to reach a value of $285.20 billion by 2032. Whether you need glasses to see or sunglasses to protect your eyes, buying eyewear is a worthwhile investment. However, many options can be pricey, leaving you apprehensive about making a purchase. 

Fortunately, there are ways to buy eyewear without overspending, allowing you to enjoy clear vision, sun protection, and a fashion boost for less. 

Here are some tips to help you save money when eyewear shopping:

Create a budget 

Buying eyewear isn’t cheap, especially if you’re looking for quality products. It can be easy to justify a high price tag because glasses or sunglasses are a daily essential, but you may end up spending more than necessary. Creating a budget can help you determine a reasonable price for your frames, ensuring that you won’t affect your spending on other essentials. It can be tedious to map out your expenses, but it’s an essential financial strategy to help you understand your spending habits so you can save up for other important purchases. 

The price range of eyewear varies depending on brand or retailer, so looking up your options can help you find a place that offers glasses or shades within your budget. There are stores that offer good-quality choices that won’t break the bank, while other places offer more expensive frames that may be worth investing in if you have a higher budget. Read reviews and browse through the brand’s catalog to get a better idea of their prices and the quality of their products to know if you’re getting eyewear that’s worth every penny. 

Use technology to find the right frames

Finding the right eyewear can be challenging with so many frame styles available. If you’re not careful about your choice, you risk buying a frame that doesn’t fit well or doesn’t flatter your features. If that happens, you might end up wasting time having to return it or spend more money buying a different pair you like better, which isn’t a smart financial choice. If you’re looking for a pair of glasses or sunglasses that you’ll enjoy wearing for ages, you can harness the power of technology to help narrow down your choices.

When shopping for styles online, you can use a frame advisor tool to help you find the best glasses for face shape. Using your device’s camera, it will scan your face and offer personalized recommendations based on your face size, shape, and features, ensuring they complement your look. Costa Del Mar’s frame advisor tool also allows you to compare models, like their Rincodo or Sullivan sunglasses, to find a style that suits your face, preferences, and budget. You can potentially find a cheaper frame with a similar style to another option you’re eyeing, helping you save money. 

Before you check out your eyewear, you can use a virtual try-on tool to simulate how the frames will look on your face in real life. The augmented reality technology overlays a digital image of the glasses or sunglasses on your face, and you can move your head to view them from different angles. You can get a better picture of how the model emphasizes or minimizes certain features or if it complements your skin tone and hair color. You can try on many kinds of frames to find a stylish option that’s easier on the budget. 

Invest in high-quality

Buying an expensive frame may seem counterproductive to saving money, but investing in high-quality can save you a lot of money down the line. Cheap eyewear may be easier on the wallet, but it’s not very durable, making it susceptible to damage. You’ll save money buying them, but the flimsy frames aren’t meant to last, so you’ll end up shelling out on repairs or new shades when they break.

Investing in a high-quality frame can save you a lot of money by lasting you ages. They’re made with top-notch materials like acetate, titanium, and more, allowing them to withstand a bit of rough handling or environmental conditions. The excellent craftsmanship also prevents wear and tear, even if you use the frames often. 

Additionally, the protective qualities of cheap eyewear like sunglasses may be subpar, which can actually do more harm than good since they don’t block enough UVA and UVB rays. If you suffer from ocular damage due to poor UV protection, that can also be an additional cost if you go to a doctor or visit a clinic. High-quality shades and trusted retailers will typically be more transparent about the amount of UV rays they block. High-quality eyewear that lasts long and offers great protection is a worthwhile investment that can save you money in the long run.

Avoid unnecessary add-ons

When buying eyewear, you may be surprised to see the wide selection of many add-ons like lens coatings. Anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and blue-light blocking coatings may sound appealing for a crisp and comfortable vision experience, but the costs can quickly add up. Some of these coatings may not be necessary, either. 

Blue-light-blocking lenses may not be as helpful if you don’t use digital devices often, and many lenses already have an anti-scratch coating. Without knowing this, you may end up spending more money on top of your already pricey frames. Understanding which add-ons suit your lifestyle and will be of use to you can help you save money when buying sunglasses or glasses.

Prioritize the main function of the eyewear you’re buying over anything else. Opt for 100% UVA and UVB protection for sunglasses, and ensure your glasses have the right prescription for clear sight. After that, you can consider other add-ons that can enhance them and provide a better experience. Polarized lenses are a great option if you enjoy outdoor sports or activities, as they can block harsh glare from reflective surfaces like water and snow. Some polarized sunglasses, like those from Adidas or Oakley, may already come with these lenses, so you don’t need to pay for the additional coating.

Anti-reflective coatings may also be worth it for glasses wearers since they can be safer for driving and allow people to see your eyes better. You can also consider blue-light-blocking lenses if you work in front of a screen and use digital devices often, as they may help alleviate eye strain. 

Check for sales and discounts

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of frames that are a little over your budget, you can wait for sales or check if you can find a discount. When shopping online, you might be able to filter the selection to show discounted models that are 30% or 50% off. Some retailers like LensCrafters have offers that can be applied in-store and online, such as 50% off lenses with a frame purchase. You might also be able to land a deal by being part of a club or organization that offers discounts to members. Shop around for a style you like across various stores; you might find the same model you’re interested in for a cheaper price if it’s part of a sale or discounted. 

Insurance coverage is also another option to help cover the costs. Retailers may accept in- and out-of-network plans, and you can easily look for your carrier on their websites or check with your provider about what vision benefits you have. Another option is using FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account) dollars to buy prescription eyewear. They’re a great purchase to help you make the most out of your FSA benefits, in particular, since the benefits expire, and you may lose out on great products despite having dollars left to spend. 

Eyewear can be a pricey purchase, but being strategic about your purchase can help you lower costs and prevent unnecessary expenses. Creating and sticking to a budget, researching your options, focusing on protective and flattering styles, and considering what works for your needs and lifestyle can help you find forever frames that can last you ages. It can seem like a lot of work for a seemingly simple accessory, but glasses and sunglasses should be a well-thought-out investment since they’re crucial for enhancing your daily life and protecting your eye health.