How to Shop High-Quality Sunglasses Online

The convenience of online retail is hard to beat, but some items are more challenging to shop for than others. When you’re buying virtually, it can be particularly tough to ensure the quality of items with many specifics to consider, like sunglasses. 

There are many different factors to consider, and no one wants to spend big, only to be disappointed. If you’re properly informed, however, you can shop for your next pair of sunglasses conveniently and confidently from the comfort of home.

Analyze the Frame Material and Construction Descriptions 

Retailers should offer plenty of information about what their sunglasses are made of; if the descriptions are vague, it can be a sign to look elsewhere. To make the most of product descriptions, you’ll need to understand what materials are frequently used to make glasses.  

Nylon was a common material for sunglasses in the late 1940s, but it is fragile. Nowadays, nylon is incorporated into a blend of lightweight and strong materials—perfect for those seeking a high-performance pair of sunglasses.

Metal frames are also popular and can be made from various metal combinations. Monel, a blend of multiple metals, is the most common due to its malleability and resistance to corrosion. High-quality eyewear should have nickel-free plating to help counteract the irritation some people experience from metal-to-skin contact. Titanium and titanium alloy are the most expensive due to their durability. Titanium alloy frames are typically more affordable than those made from pure titanium.  

Beryllium is a low-cost alternative to titanium. Sunglasses made from beryllium are very malleable. If you find that you often have trouble achieving the perfect fit with glasses, flexible beryllium may be a good choice for you as an optometrist can better form the frame to fit your face. It’s also resistant to corrosion and suitable for use in water.

Understand the Different Lens Options 

Like frames, lenses come in various materials and styles, meaning you’re more likely to find something that fits your needs. Sunglass lenses are likely made from one of the following materials:

• Polycarbonate – A type of plastic that is fairly inexpensive, resistant to shattering, and lightweight but is not naturally scratch-resistant.
• Glass – Ideal for its impeccable clarity and scratch-resistant surface, but glass is heavier and not unbreakable. 
• Acrylic – Best for low-cost fashion sunglasses as it lacks in protection and clarity. 
• Polyurethane – Lightweight and offers great clarity but comes at a higher cost. 

Depending on the lens material, you’ll find differences in impact resistance. If you are wearing your sunglasses while active, your lenses’ ability to withstand a few drops and falls may be of particular importance to you.

Additionally, sunglasses would not serve their purpose without UV protection. Sunglass lenses are made with a special UV-absorbing coating, but every pair won’t offer the same protection level. The higher the UV protection number, the better; 100 percent UV protection being the best. Polarization can also help those wearing sunglasses while driving or in water by reducing glares.

The color of the sunglasses’ lens is purely a personal choice and does not offer any sort of UV protection. However, it can affect how you perceive colors.

Only Shop From Trusted Retailers 

The source of your glasses is a great predictor of their quality. If you are not buying directly from the brand’s website or an authorized retailer, there are no guarantees that you will be getting what is advertised. Stick with trusted retailers to ensure you get all of the consumer protections you deserve.  

Look for Companies That Offer a Warranty 

A comprehensive warranty can go a long way towards reducing the stress of an expensive purchase. Warranties can vary significantly in terms of duration and types of replacements offered. Compare sunglass sellers with the best return and warranty policies in advance of your purchase to ensure you have the right coverage for you.

Use Your Insurance for Prescription Pairs

Some vision insurance policies will cover new lenses, or let you use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Healthcare Savings Account (HSA)—both allow you to take money out of your paycheck before taxes and set it aside to use for medical expenses—to pay for your new prescription sunglasses. Before shopping, look into your plan’s details to make sure you’re maximizing your coverage and getting the best possible deal.

Read Reviews Before Buying

One of the best ways to get an honest opinion on any product? See what others are saying! Most online sunglasses retailers will allow consumers to leave feedback, and some sites even allow photos. If you like a particular style, but you’re not sure how it’ll look on you, scroll through reviews for someone with a similar face-shape to help give you a sense of how your frames of choice might work for you.

You Don’t Need to Sacrifice Quality for Convenience

Shopping online is easy, especially during this time when visiting stores in-person is more stressful than ever. If you don’t know how to narrow down the results, though, it can be overwhelming to sift through the options. That’s why it’s essential to know how to spot a legitimate online retailer, and what factors to keep in mind as you choose the prescription sunglasses for you.

Next time you log on, arm yourself with this info, and you’ll be sure to end up with a high-quality pair of sunglasses that suits your needs, and your style.