Money-Saving Tips: How to Save Money on Eyeglassess

Eyeglasses can be obtained for a few dollars and at discounts as high as 50 percent if one knows where to look. Depending on whether or not they are prescription, non-prescription, designer or custom framed can have influence on the price, but it doesn't always have to be a retail price. Even some custom framed prescription glasses can be obtained at cheaper prices via non-traditional sources. This article will illustrate the different types of glasses and how to save money on each type.

Reuse frames

New prescriptions may fit into old frames saving you the cost of a new frame for your glasses. Some frames can run into the hundreds of dollars so by recycling in this way, money can be saved on the eyeglasses. Clearance and recycled frames may also be obtained from other sources and help save money on the total cost of eyeglasses.

Care and maintenance

A good pair of eye glasses that are treated well and with care can last a lifetime provided one's eyesight does not require a new prescription and can consequently save money on eyeglasses. In lieu of this taking care of one's eyes by ingesting lots of Vitamin A and Omega 3 fats can encourage healthy eyes and possibly prolong the onset of the need for a new prescription.

Additionally, the less special features one obtains with the glasses, the more likely they are to cost less. Some of these special features such as anti-glare film may simply not be needed whereas other features such as light adjusting glasses may be more expensive but save the cost of having two pairs of glasses.

Prescription Lenses

For prescription lenses one does not have to buy the glasses at the location the prescription was obtained. Prescription lenses with frames can be bought on the Internet from retailers in other countries or from online discount retailers. Brands such as Liz Claiborne, Tevo and Armani can be obtained for a lower price via websites such as www.selectspecs.com and also from private sellers on ebay and other classified ads whether they be print or digital. Additional ways to save money on eyeglasses are the following methods:

• Imitation frames
• Frameless glasses
• Purchase direct from the manufacturer
• Barter exchanges or classified listings

Discount sunglasses

Whether the sunglasses are Gucci, Prada, Ray Ban or Oakley sunglasses don't have to be bought at retail prices. In fact e-bay has listings of many brand name sunglasses for a fraction of the price. Since these glasses aren't prescription, one can browse through the listing until something is found and not worry about a trip to the optometrist.

If one isn't worried about acquiring discount brand names, cheap sunglasses can be found in many places such as local pharmacies, or at the end of aisles in dollar shops or big lots stores. The great thing about these sunglasses is you can buy 2 or 3 pairs for under ten dollars and not worry so much about sitting on them accidentally or losing them while also saving money on eyeglasses.

Non-Prescription Lenses

If one just needs a pair of standard reading glasses, non-prescription eye glasses can also be obtained near the medication counter of pharmacies and major retailers such as Target pharmacies within the store.  Since these glasses are relatively inexpensive and aren't terribly unfashionable or unpleasant to look at they can save money on eyeglass costs.

To summarize, to save money on eyeglasses is possible, especially if they are non-prescription. If one choose to obtain popular brand names, these types of frames can be obtained more cheaply direct from the manufacturer or online auctions such as ebay. If one has a standard far sightedness, non-brand name glasses may be cheaply available without prescription at local retail stores. Lastly, additional features such as frame type, glare and scratch protection may not be required and add unneeded expense to one's purchase.