You only have two eyes and if anything’s worth spending a bit more to preserve, it’s your eyesight. Sometimes the prices for quality eyeglass frames may seem outrageous compared to cheap ones online, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Determining the quality of glasses online is almost impossible. Some things really do need to be experienced in real life to know for sure. However, we’ve broken the argument for good quality frames down to three important factors.
Factor 1: Quality of materials
Most good frames are made from cellulose acetate (a type of plastic) or metal. Manufactured from cotton, cellulose acetate is strong but flexible.
Both materials are durable, built to last, but cheaper metals frames are often mixed with nickel alloys and can irritate skin. Cheap plastics, meanwhile, are quickly bleached lighter by sunlight. Neither cheap material lasts long.
Factor 2: Quality of construction
The basic manufacturing of most frames these days is done in China. Even most of those attractive Italian designs you have your eye on. They’re built in China, then shipped to Europe for assembly. That way they can retain their made-in-Europe designation.
Good glasses manufacturers don’t cut corners. Every piece is crafted with precision. The shape of the human face helps determine how a given designs bridge adheres to the rim … or how the bridge rests on your nose … and how the temples (the arms of the glasses that fold in and out) are shaved and contoured for no-slip comfort. Which leads to our next point.
Factor 3: Fitting with a professional
An online source doesn’t include custom fitting with a trained professional, which is a critically important component in your eyeglasses purchase.
Few of us are blessed with a perfectly symmetrical face. A trained professional molds your quality frames to present your face with the glasses straight on, and ensures they won’t budge. Using software that virtually puts glasses on your photo isn’t any sort of substitute. And there’s no guarantee your bargain online dealer will be around in a few months to honour their guarantee.
Thinking of buying a pair of glasses? Come in. Ask to feel the glasses in your hands. Are they solid? Do they rattle if you shake them? Do the parts fit? Do the hinges open and close smoothly and with consistent resistance throughout the movement? That’s how you’ll know quality.
Still concerned about value? See our in-store specials, going on right now.
Remember Creditview Optical is offering 30% off almost all sunglasses throughout May (excluding Maui Jim and Oakley). And in June, Seniors get 50% off bi-focal lenses. If you don’t need bi-focals or sunglasses, you can still enjoy the classic rock inspiration behind this month’s blog entry.
