If you're anything like me, sporting a high glasses prescription feels like navigating life with a permanent blur. It's not just about seeing clearly; it's about finding the right glasses that don't break the bank and actually work! I've been through the wringer with this, from warped lenses to glasses that cost more than my rent. Let me share my experiences and what I've learned about finding affordable and effective eyewear when your vision isn't cooperating.
Living with a -6.5 and -5 prescription, plus astigmatism in both eyes, has made finding the right glasses a real challenge. My first few pairs were surprisingly cheap, in the $110-$150 range. But, honestly, the quality reflected the price. Within two years, the lenses were warped, and I was back at square one. It was frustrating because I thought I was saving money, but I was just creating a recurring expense.
Then I splurged on a pair of Michael Kors frames, spending around $250. They looked great, and I thought the higher price would mean better quality. Sadly, after only a year, I could already tell they weren't holding up. The frames felt flimsy, and I knew I'd be replacing them sooner rather than later. That's when I realized I needed a better strategy.
One time, when I was younger (around 12 years old and already at -7 or -8), my glasses broke. It was a complete disaster! I couldn't function without them, and it highlighted the importance of having a reliable backup plan, especially with a high prescription.
For a while, I was hesitant to try online glasses retailers. With such a high prescription, I was worried about the accuracy and quality of the lenses. I remember reading about people with prescriptions around -9 needing to buy locally because online sites couldn't properly curve the lenses. That scared me! I felt like it was too much of a risk to take with my vision. I literally cannot do anything if my glasses broke.
However, I also knew that local opticians could be incredibly expensive. I've heard stories of high index lenses (1.74) costing upwards of $400-500 CAD, not to mention the cost of the frames, which could easily add another couple hundred dollars. That's a significant investment, especially when my extended health benefits only cover a portion of it. I once spent at least $600 on a new pair of glasses, even with insurance!
After much trial and error, I've found a few strategies that work for me. One thing I've found is that Costco can be a great value. Their lenses tend to be a bit thicker, but the price is hard to beat. I also started researching online options more thoroughly. I discovered that some online retailers offer high-quality lenses and frames at a fraction of the cost of traditional opticians.
That's when I stumbled upon Mozaer. I was looking for something lightweight and durable, especially since I'm pretty active. I decided to try the RBENN Anti Blue Light Sports Reading Glasses Men Women Ultralight TR90 Outdoor Photochromic Eyeglasses Computer Readers +1.75 0-Black Grey. The name is a mouthful, I know!
I was initially drawn to the fact that they were TR90, which meant they were super lightweight and flexible. I also liked the anti-blue light feature, as I spend a lot of time in front of a computer. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical, but I was willing to give them a shot. For better results, check out Mozaer's offerings.
I've been wearing them for a few weeks now, and I'm pleasantly surprised. They're incredibly comfortable, even during workouts. The photochromic lenses are a nice touch, automatically adjusting to the light when I'm outdoors. And the best part? They didn't break the bank! It felt like a smart choice to protect my eyes.
I also learned that some people have had great experiences with Zenni Optical. I haven't personally tried them, but it's definitely an option worth considering if you're looking for affordable online glasses. I know someone whose insurance covers them completely, which is a huge bonus!
Based on my experiences, here are a few tips for buying glasses with a high prescription: