5 Mistakes I Made Buying Women's Prescription Glasses (So You Don't Have To)

I understand the appeal. Purchasing women's prescription glasses online appears straightforward. You save money and can snag stylish new frames, like the TR90 Vintage Round style 6807 C5. However, in my quest for a bargain, I made some significant errors.

I share these mistakes so you can avoid wasting time and money. Learn from my experience. Follow these simple steps to ensure your glasses arrive quickly and fit perfectly.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Option Without Reviewing the Specs

I saw the low price tag and thought, "A frame is just a frame." That was a big mistake. When a deal seems too good to be true, corners are often cut.

The specific frame I considered uses TR90 material. TR90 is typically excellent—flexible and durable. However, some sellers use cheap hardware on the hinges. The lenses may also be of poor quality if you add a prescription later.

Extremely cheap frames often come with:

• Hinges that break quickly.
• Screws that loosen daily.
• Flimsy packaging that leads to damage.

Don't just focus on the price. Consider the overall value. Investing in a quality frame means you won't need a replacement in three months.

Action Step: Examine the hinge construction. Look for customer photos showing the temples (arms) of the glasses. They should appear sturdy, not flimsy.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Material Quality Details

While TR90 material is a great feature of frames like the 6807 C5, caution is still necessary. TR90 refers to thermoplastic polyamide, which is lightweight and ideal for daily wear. However, not all TR90 is created equal.

I skimmed the description, saw "TR90," and clicked buy. I should have looked for specifics about lens type or coating. Even when buying frames only, I needed to know if the clear demo lenses were easily removable. Some budget sellers glue them in tightly.

If you're purchasing prescription glasses, the frame must withstand stress. An optical shop will heat and adjust your frames; if the plastic is too weak, it may warp permanently.

Verdict: Always confirm the material of metal components, like the temple core or nose pads. For glasses, prioritize sturdy hinges and robust thermoplastic over other material claims.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Logistics Reviews

I checked reviews for the frames themselves, which seemed positive, but I completely ignored how the company handles shipping. This was a major oversight.

Many online sellers use inexpensive, slow shipping methods. Even with promises of fast delivery, a broken logistics chain can lead to stress and long waits.

When I examined the overall store reviews more closely, I noticed warning signs:

"Amazing customer service."

That sounds like a positive review, right? Yes, but read between the lines. If customer service is frequently praised as "amazing," it might indicate that customers often need help resolving issues. Great service is essential, but a smooth transaction means you rarely need to contact them.

Action Step: Search reviews specifically for terms like "tracking," "shipping time," or "delay." A good frame is useless if it takes two months to arrive.

Mistake #4: Falling for the Express Shipping Trap

This was my biggest and most expensive mistake. I thought I could outsmart the system by paying extra for express shipping.

The reality was disappointing, as reflected in actual customer feedback:

"Placed an order for frames only without a prescription and paid for express shipping. On June 25th I received an email saying the frames had shipped. Two days later the tracking information says a label was created but the carrier still does not have the shipment. There is also no estimated delivery date."

Don't repeat my error. Sellers often create a shipping label to give the impression the item is on its way, but it may just mean they printed a piece of paper. The package can sit in their warehouse for days or weeks without the carrier ever picking it up.

You pay extra for no additional speed. This is a common tactic among overseas sellers who cannot guarantee quick logistics.

Verdict: If a company has a poor shipping track record, paying for express shipping is a waste of money. Save your funds and purchase from a retailer known for reliable logistics.

Mistake #5: Skipping Detailed Measurements (PD and Frame Size)

I was so focused on the style—the cool vintage round look—that I forgot about the numbers. Buying prescription glasses requires precise measurements. Even for frames only, you need to ensure they will fit your face width and pupillary distance (PD).

Frame sizes are listed in millimeters (mm), typically like this: 50-20-140. This means:

• 50 mm: Lens Width (the width of the lens).
• 20 mm: Bridge Width (the space over your nose).
• 140 mm: Temple Length (the length of the arms).

If the frames are too wide, they'll slide down your nose. If the temples are too short, they'll pinch behind your ears. An incorrect bridge width will cause them to sit too high or too low.

Learn from me: You must know the measurements of your current, well-fitting frames. Don't guess. Check the inside arm of your existing glasses.

Action Step: First, find your PD (Pupillary Distance). Then, compare the new frame size to your best-fitting old pair.

---

What I Should Have Done: Choosing Reliable Retailers

After the express shipping disaster, I had to find a better approach. I realized saving $5 on frames wasn't worth weeks of stress and tracking anxiety. I should have prioritized proven customer service over the lowest initial price.

When I finally purchased a replacement pair of women's prescription glasses frames from a reliable source, the experience was seamless. Tracking was instant, and the frames arrived exactly as promised. This is echoed in high-rated reviews:

"Amazing customer service. [They] resolved my previous order issue quickly and professionally."

Notice how this positive feedback confirms the company excels at problem-solving—a sign of a responsive business that helps you get the product you want.

Look for vendors who prioritize the buyer experience. Sometimes, reliable quality and prompt service can be found through promotional sites, guiding you toward trustworthy retailers who stand behind their shipping promises and product quality.

Step 1: Confirm whether the seller handles prescription lens insertion if needed, or has clear policies for frames-only orders.

Step 2: Check the return window—the longer, the better.

Step 3: Use PayPal or another protected payment method.

Lessons Learned: Summary

Buying glasses online is convenient, but only if you follow the guidelines. I tried to cut every corner and paid for it with delays and frustration.

Remember these three points before you click 'Buy Now':

1. Verify Shipping Claims: Ignore promises of "express" shipping. Check recent buyer reviews for actual shipping speed and tracking reliability.
2. Know Your Numbers: You must have your PD and current frame measurements. Skipping this step will result in a poor fit.
3. Value Service Over Price: A slightly higher price often means much better logistics and faster resolution if issues arise.

Don't just search for cheap frames. Look for value and peace of mind.