Many of us are guilty of taking our eyes and vision for granted, and often it isn’t until we experience a problem with them that we realize just how precious they are. Regular comprehensive eye exams are one of the best ways of taking care of our eyes, as they enable our eye doctors to monitor them for changes that could affect their health and condition, and our vision. Many of us are found to have refractive eye errors that mean that we need to wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. However, these are rarely a single expense, particularly in the case of glasses. In fact, with more options available to us to customize our glasses than ever before, exactly what you will pay for your glasses may vary considerably from the next person. But how do you know which options to choose from? With the price point of certain features changing wildly between in-house and premium alternatives, deciding which you need and which you can do without; if any; can be tricky.
For many people, the overall cost of their glasses and lenses is surprising, or even a little overwhelming. After all, it’s not unusual for glasses to cost anywhere between $300 and $1000 dollars. If you opt for designer frames or a second pair of glasses for specialist use, your bill may be even higher. And unsurprisingly, it can be off-putting. But can you really place a price on your vision?
The cost of clear vision
The cost of your glasses is calculated by adding together the various elements that make them. This includes the frames, the lenses, and any lens coatings or special treatments. Your eye doctor will give you specific guidance as to the options that would benefit you the most, but in the meantime, here’s what you need to know about some of the less obvious choices you will need to make and what they mean for your vision.
Type of lenses
In the past, glasses lenses were made from glass. However, glass lenses are very rare today. Instead, most lenses are made from some form of durable, high-quality plastic. However, there are various lens types to choose between, with some being thinner and lighter, and others thicker and more durable. The type of lens you choose will impact how they look; how effective they are and how long they will last. And, as you might expect, the premium varieties of lenses tend to come with premium price tags.
Lens coatings and treatments
Once you have picked what type of lenses you would like, you’ll then need to decide whether you would benefit from any of the lens coatings or treatments that are available. These either help your vision or support the longevity of your glasses. For example, scratch-resistant coatings will minimize the risk of surface damage to the lenses, while anti-glare treatment can reduce glare and make it more comfortable to use digital devices. Ask your eye doctor which lens coatings or treatments they feel would be most valuable for you.
A second pair of glasses
With one pair of glasses usually being reasonably expensive, you might think we are mad to suggest a second pair. However, many people find it extremely valuable to have glasses for day-to-day wear, and a second pair to support them during a specific activity, such as using a computer or engaging in an outdoor hobby like cycling. The reason for this is because your second pair of glasses can be tailored specifically to offer you maximum optical clarity and health while you wear them. For example, someone who uses a computer may want to have a pair of glasses with inbuilt blue light filtration, which minimizes their exposure and the effects of blue light. Alternatively, someone who cycles may opt to get a pair of prescription sunglasses that have special reactive lenses that adapt to changing light conditions, giving you optimally clear vision in all weathers without you needing to change your glasses.
Still worried about how much your glasses are costing?
There’s no getting around the fact that glasses can be expensive, especially when you select premium options that are designed to support the health and condition of your eyes as well as ensuring you have optimal vision. But when you break down the lump sum bill you’ll receive for your chosen glasses, and factor in the fact that a pair of glasses last an average of two years, you’ll see that the price you’ll pay each day is little more than pocket change. Even if you were to spend $1000 on one pair of glasses, over the course of two years that works out at just $1.37 per day – less than the price of a coffee shop espresso!
If you need glasses and would like to find out more about the costs involved, please don’t hesitate to contact our eyecare team who will be delighted to assist you.
