5 Myths About Cheap Prescription Glasses That Cost Me $200

5 Myths About where can i buy cheap prescription glasses That Cost Me $200

I used to believe the low price was the only thing that mattered. I thought I knew how to find where can i buy cheap prescription glasses. I thought all frames were the same. I was wrong. These mistakes cost me time, money, and weeks of bad vision.

Here is the truth. Don't buy before you read this article. Here are three things you will learn that save you cash:

• How to spot super cheap frames that break in 90 days.
• Why paying for 'express shipping' is usually a scam.
• The exact material you need to check for quality frames.

Myth #1: Cheap Glasses Ship Fast

The biggest lie in the cheap glasses market is about speed. You see the low price and think they must have thousands of frames sitting in a warehouse, ready to go. They tell you the shipping time is 3 to 5 days.

Let me tell you the truth. Prescription lenses must be cut, shaped, and fitted. Cheap companies cut costs by using slow labs or batch processing. This adds days—sometimes weeks—to your order.

Look at what happened to this user who needed their glasses quickly:

Terrible company. Ordered glasses March 30th, paid for express shipping 3-5 because my old glasses broke. Day 5 roles around still in production, day 10 still in production... Day 19 or whatever still no glasses!!!

This customer paid extra for speed but still waited nearly three weeks. The low cost of the frames means the entire system is slow.

Verdict: Always assume production time is separate from shipping time. If you need them fast, go local. If you buy cheap online, expect to wait at least 14 days, no matter what shipping you choose.

Myth #2: Customer Service Is Useless At Discount Stores

When you buy cheap, you expect terrible service. You think if something goes wrong, you are stuck. That is usually true. But sometimes, you need help with a complicated product like magnetic clip-on frames (like the BCLEAR model).

When things go wrong, good service makes a huge difference. You might need to return them. Or you might need a simple repair later.

The first customer review was right that the process was terrible. But they also noted they got their money back for the useless shipping cost:

Day 11 I call to ask for a shipping refund, they seemed like they do it all the time by the way she responded. So i got the 10$ in shipping...

They got the refund easily, even if the glasses were late.

More importantly, when you need help with repairs, a good team is essential:

The staff was super helpful in getting my sunglasses repaired. They were extremely quick, kind, and professional.

Alex was so helpful. Ty and Happy holidays.

This shows that while the fulfillment system may be broken, individual staff members can step up. If you are buying magnetic clip-ons, those clips or lenses might need repairs later. That is when you want kindness and speed.

Verdict: Do not just look at the product rating. Read reviews about repairs and exchanges. It tells you if the company supports its customers after the sale is complete.

Myth #3: All Frame Materials Are The Same Quality

When searching for where can i buy cheap prescription glasses, you focus on the dollar sign. You forget that materials matter. Cheap frames use thin, weak metals called alloy. These frames bend when you sit on them. They often corrode from sweat or daily wear.

Cheap materials mean:

• They break near the screw points quickly.
• They feel heavy and uncomfortable on your nose.
• They lose their shape, meaning your prescription is no longer sitting correctly in front of your eye.

If you are buying a metal frame—especially a clip-on frame where weight is critical—you need quality.

Action Step: Check the material details. Look for strong standards like Titanium or high-density Acetate plastic. If the frame is metal and they do not specify the exact grade, assume it is cheap alloy that will fail quickly. For high-quality, long-lasting metal parts, many jewelers recommend 316L Stainless Steel because it resists corrosion. While not every frame uses 316L, looking for that grade proves the company cares about durable materials.

Verdict: Super cheap equals thin material. Always check the material listing before you trust the frame will last more than six months.

Myth #4: The Price You See Is The Final Price

The ad says "$19.99 Frames!" You think you scored a deal. But that $19.99 is the starting price for a frame with clear glass lenses and no extras. This is what they don't tell you:

The final price often includes mandatory upgrades based on your prescription or basic daily needs. You must pay for these things:

1. Anti-Glare/Scratch Coating: This is a must-have for safe driving and screen use. It usually adds $15 to $30.
2. High-Index Lenses: If your prescription is strong (over +/- 2.00), you need thin lenses so you do not look like you are wearing Coke bottles. This adds $30 to $60 easily.
3. Shipping/Handling: The base price never includes this. Even if you argue and get a refund on 'express' shipping (like the customer above), you still pay for standard shipping.

That $19.99 frame quickly becomes a $75 final order. It is still cheap, but you need to budget for the extras.

Verdict: When comparing prices between companies, always check the cost of the full cart, including necessary coatings and your lens index requirement.

Myth #5: You Only Need Your Old Prescription

Having a current prescription is step one. But buying glasses online requires exact measurements that many people ignore. If the frame size is wrong, the prescription center will be off. This causes headaches, blurry vision, and makes the glasses unwearable.

You need more than just your eye power. You must know these exact numbers in millimeters (mm):

• Pupillary Distance (PD): The distance between the center of your pupils.
• Lens Width: The width of one lens.
• Bridge Width: The distance across the nose piece.
• Temple Length: The length of the arms that go over your ears.

If you don't know these four measurements, you are guessing. Buying prescription glasses online is a highly specific process.

Action Step: Use a ruler and measure your current, well-fitting pair of glasses. Compare those measurements (in mm) directly to the new frame dimensions listed online. Do not trust the stock photo alone.

Verdict: Know your size. Measure your current frames before you look for where can i buy cheap prescription glasses online. If the sizing is wrong, the deal is dead.

The Real Deal: Finding Value vs. Finding the Lowest Price

The goal is not to find the absolute lowest cost. The goal is to find the best value—a strong frame that delivers on time, even if it costs $15 more. Companies that specialize in products like the BCLEAR Magnetic Clip-On frames must balance specialized hardware with price.

We saw that BCLEAR had huge problems with delivery speed. But we also saw they had kind, professional staff who handled repairs well. This shows a company that needs to fix its warehouse process but still cares about product support.

When seeking value, research the options available in this broad optical category. Look for clear policies on production time and confirmed material usage (like durable alloys or Acetate) over just the lowest number.

Don't Believe the Lies

The myths about finding cheap prescription glasses online are designed to trick you into buying fast without thinking. Do not fall for them. The headaches and long wait times are not worth saving $10.

Follow these rules instead:

Step 1: Check the Material. Look for durable metal or strong plastic. Skip flimsy frames.

Step 2: Know Your Size. Measure your old glasses exactly (PD and frame dimensions).

Step 3: Check Production Time. Add 7 to 10 days to the listed shipping time.

Step 4: Check Reviews on Repairs. See if the company helps customers when things go wrong.

If you follow these steps, you can find a good deal. You will get a frame that lasts. You will finally know how to buy quality glasses without paying $300 at the eye doctor's office.