Can I Buy Glasses Online Using My Prescription?
Can I Buy Glasses Online Using My Prescription?
If you already have a valid glasses prescription, you may be wondering whether you can simply use it to order a new pair of glasses online.
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Ordering prescription glasses online can be straightforward, but there are a few details worth checking before you start.
What Do I Need to Order Prescription Glasses Online?
The main thing you'll need is your current glasses prescription.
Your prescription may include:
• SPH or Sphere
• CYL or Cylinder
• AXIS
• Prism, if required
• An ADD value in some prescriptions
The values can be different for your right and left eye, so it's important to enter each number exactly as written.
You'll also usually need your Pupillary Distance, known as PD.
Does My Prescription Need to Be From a Particular Optician?
No. You don't normally have to buy glasses from the same optician who carried out your eye examination.
If you have a copy of your prescription, you can use the details when ordering suitable prescription glasses elsewhere, including online.
How Do I Know Which Eye Is Which?
Your prescription may use different abbreviations.
RE or OD refers to the right eye.
LE or OS refers to the left eye.
Take a moment to check each value carefully before submitting your order. Mixing up the right and left eye prescription is an easy mistake to make.
What If My Prescription Doesn't Show My PD?
It's common for a glasses prescription not to include Pupillary Distance.
PD is a dispensing measurement rather than part of the refraction itself.
If you already know your PD, you can enter the measurement when ordering. It can also be measured separately.
Why Does PD Matter?
Your PD helps position the optical centres of the lenses correctly in front of your eyes.
An inaccurate measurement may affect visual comfort, particularly with stronger prescriptions.
That's why it's worth checking your PD rather than simply guessing.
Can I Use an Old Prescription?
You should use a current prescription when ordering new glasses.
Your eyesight can change over time, sometimes without you immediately noticing.
If your prescription is out of date or you've noticed a change in your vision, arrange an eye examination before ordering new glasses.
What If I Have a Strong Prescription?
People with stronger prescriptions can still order glasses online, although lens and frame choice becomes particularly important.
A smaller, well-centred frame can often help reduce lens thickness.
Thinner high-index lens materials may also improve the appearance and weight of the finished glasses.
At SpexNation, our available lens options include standard, 1.6 and 1.67 lenses, depending on the prescription and lens requirements.
What About Varifocal or Bifocal Prescriptions?
SpexNation currently specialises in single-vision glasses.
If you require varifocal or bifocal lenses, you'll need a dispensing service that offers those lens types and can take the additional measurements required.
Common Mistakes When Entering a Prescription Online
Before placing your order, check for these common errors:
• Missing a minus or plus sign
• Entering the right eye prescription in the left eye section
• Confusing CYL with AXIS
• Guessing your PD
• Using an old prescription
• Entering an ADD value as your main prescription
Checking the details twice can save a lot of confusion later.
So, Can You Use Your Prescription Online?
If you have a current prescription and the correct measurements, ordering single-vision prescription glasses online can be a simple process.
Keep your prescription in front of you, enter the values exactly as written and check both eyes before completing your order.
If something on your prescription doesn't make sense, don't guess. Ask an optician or contact the eyewear provider before placing the order.