How to Save Money on Prescription Eyeglasses: 5 Tips

Key takeaways:

• Buying prescription eyeglasses from online retailers can be cheaper than getting them from traditional retail eyewear stores.

• Vision insurance can be helpful for saving on prescription eyeglasses. 

• You can use special tax-advantaged FSAs and HSAs to budget for prescription eyeglasses. 

Have you noticed that it’s becoming more difficult to read texts on your phone or to make out small print in books? If so, the reason may be an age-related condition known as presbyopia, which typically starts after the age of 40 and makes it harder to read or see details up close. Nearly 128 million people in the U.S., mostly women, have presbyopia. 

Treatment for the condition can include eye drops, contact lenses, or even surgery. Still, prescription eyeglasses are the most common treatment used to make vision clearer. Prescription glasses can be expensive, but there are ways you can save money so that they don’t break the bank.

What is the average cost of prescription glasses?

Prescription eyeglasses are specific to an individual’s particular vision needs. For instance, if you have an astigmatism or experience double vision, you will need glasses that are specially made to address that problem.

Because of this, prescription glasses can be expensive. According to a Consumer Reports survey, the median cost of eyeglasses ranges from less than $100 to more than $400 without insurance, depending on the retailer. High costs are a top reason people delay getting glasses or other vision services, according to a March 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation poll. 

How to save money on prescription eyeglasses 

Below, we review five ways to save money when shopping for prescription glasses. 

1. Buy prescription glasses online

One study found that cost is a main reason people choose to buy prescription eyeglasses over the internet. Consumer Reports found in a 2019 survey that online buyers spent less out of pocket for prescription glasses, paying a median of $91 online, compared to $234 in-store. 

Buying online tends to be cheaper because online retailers typically cut out the middleman and sell directly to customers. If you plan to buy prescription glasses online, here are some tips that can make the process easier: 

• Find retailers that let you try on glasses at home. Many online retailers will ship you a number of frames to try on at home before you choose which one to purchase. Some companies allow you to upload a photo of yourself and try on glasses virtually.

• Review return policies. Online companies often offer free shipping and returns. 

• Get a current prescription. When buying new glasses, your prescription should be no more than two years old. (For kids, it should not be more than a year old.) You can go to an eye doctor of your choice to get a lens prescription to submit with your order. Some online retailers offer eye exam services through local retail locations, while others allow you to take an exam online if you’re not experiencing any eye problems or conditions. 

Even online, eyewear retailers offer a variety of lens types. Single-vision lenses can be used to correct one eyesight problem, but more complicated eye needs often require progressive lenses. These types of lenses have multiple prescription strengths in one lens, so they are usually more expensive. 

2. Compare prices, discounts, and promos

When shopping around, compare prices at online and physical stores. Also, look out for deals that could help you get lower prices. 

Sellers offer sales and special discounts at various times during the year. You can also ask about special promos like referral rewards and discounts for teachers, students, military personnel, and first responders. 

Here are a few questions to consider when shopping for prescription eyeglasses: 

• Are discounts available online or in-store? 

• How long is the promotion period? 

• What is the starting price for frames? 

• Can you receive a discount if you buy two or more pairs of prescription lenses? 

Promotions and discounts vary by retailer and may change at any time. It’s important to do your research and call retailers to confirm information you may find online. 

3. Use your HSA or FSA to buy prescription glasses

It is also possible to save on prescription glasses using health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). They can help when budgeting for qualified vision-related expenses, including: 

• Eye exams

• Eyeglass cases 

• Eyeglass cleaning cloths 

• Eyeglass repair

• Eyeglass repair kits 

• Reading glasses

• Bifocals

• Prescription sunglasses

• Progressive multifocals

FSAs are tax-exempt accounts sponsored by your employer. Pretax dollars are automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into your FSA. These accounts are far less flexible than HSAs because of their “use it or lose it” feature, which means you have to use the funds by a certain date to maximize your FSA benefits. 

By comparison, HSAs allow you to carry over pretax funds from year to year. So if you don’t use your HSA dollars to buy prescription glasses this year, you can save the money to make the purchase in the future. HSAs can only be used when attached to high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

4. Sign up for a vision plan and use its discounts

Vision insurance plans are another way to save on prescription eyeglasses, since traditional medical insurance — including Medicare — doesn’t usually cover regular eye check-ups or new prescription eyeglasses. Vision insurance plans usually include allowances for frames and lenses. 

Vision insurance is provided through major insurers as well as through vision-specific insurance companies. 

Vision insurance, like health insurance, isn’t accepted everywhere and plans have in-network and out-of-network providers. So check with retailers about which vision plans they accept. 

5. Take advantage of BOGO glasses discounts

If you’re looking for discounts on glasses, you might consider buying more than one pair. Check for retailers offering buy-one-get-one deals or other discounts for buying multiple pairs. Oftentimes, these special promotions are for a limited time, so make note of the end date of any deals you see advertised.

The bottom line

Buying prescription eyeglasses can be expensive, often costing several hundred dollars. But there are ways to save, whether you have vision insurance or not. Consider buying prescription glasses online, setting aside money in an FSA or HSA, looking for special deals and promotions, or signing up for a vision insurance plan. Together, these tips can help you see your savings — and your next text — more clearly.

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The best blue light blocking glasses (a.k.a. blue light glasses) have become an indispensable accessory, and it’s easy to see why: Between working from home, scrolling on your phone and watching TV, the amount of screen time you’re logging is likely at an all-time high. While there’s limited research on the topic, blue light emitted from these screens can cause eye strain, headaches and other health issues. The best blue light blocking glasses aim to protect your vision, reduce eye fatigue and preserve your circadian rhythms, so you sleep better at night.

The best blue light blocking glasses can make screen time less taxing on your eyes.

We consulted eye care professionals for advice on where to buy the best blue light blocking glasses and we also reviewed online testimonials from consumers who purchased and used these products. Many of the retailers on this list have also been tested by the Forbes Vetted staff and contributors who personally wear and highly recommend these glasses for convenient all-day protection.

• Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses Overall: Eyebuydirect
• Best Affordable Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Zenni
• Best Variety Of Blocking Blue Light Glasses: GlassesUSA
• Best Prescription Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Warby Parker
• Most Protective Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Felix Gray
• Best Blue Light Blocking Reader Glasses: Look Optic
• Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses For Easy Shopping: Liingo
• Best Oversized Blue Light Blocking Glasses: DIFF Eyewear
• Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses For Quick Delivery: Amazon
• Best Durable Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Roka Hamilton

Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses Overall

Eyebuydirect: Great Variety Of Frames And Lens Customization

MOST POPULAR

Eyebuydirect

Nala Eyeglasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: Yes | Price range: From $25 to $400 | Return policy and warranty: 14 days for returns (refund or replacement) and one-year replacement guarantee against product defects | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes

Eyebuydirect offers four different blue-light-blocking lenses—you can opt to filter out UV light, add a premium anti-glare coating or get transitional lenses for indoor-outdoor use. The brand offers a full year of protection against defects, and in addition to in-house lines, such as Notting Hill (pictured), they carry a stylish selection of other well-known brands (Ray-Ban, Oakley). Reviewers also rave about the specs—one put it simply that she “loves everything about these glasses.”

Pros:

• Four types of blue light blocking lenses
• Wide selection of styles for men, women and kids at a range of prices
• Two-day delivery is available for selected models

Cons:

• Short 14-day return policy, and you’re limited to one replacement only

forbes.com

EyeBuyDirect Coupons | 50% Off In September 2023 | Forbes

Best Affordable Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Zenni: Budget-Friendly Frames For The Whole Family

Zenni Optical

Van Alen Square Eyeglasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: Yes | Price range: From $25 to $100 | Return policy and warranty: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes

Zenni’s line of blue light blocking lenses is called Blokz and glasses start at the low price of $17 per pair. They block blue light as well as UV rays, and Zenni offers the glasses with prescription and non-prescription lenses, as well as sunglasses. The brand also carries a line specifically for gamers. One user indicated that they were “really pleased with the quality of the glasses and finishing” and added that “you can't beat it at this price.”

Pros:

• Affordable
• Wide selection of styles
• Blokz lenses also available for gamers and sunglasses

Cons:

• Only in-house brand styles
• Some reviewers say that quality is inconsistent

Best Variety Of Blue Light Blocking Glasses

GlassesUSA: Hundreds Of Frames Without The Markup

GlassesUSA

Prada PR 12VV Catwalk Blue Light Glasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: Yes | Price range: From $39 to $700 | Return policy and warranty: 14 days for returns; one-year guarantee against defects | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes

GlassesUSA has an extensive range of blue light blocking frames from designer brands—including Michael Kors, Tory Birch, Prada and Gucci—at up to 60% off. The in-house range is also surprisingly stylish; Alexis Caldwell, Executive Director of Commerce Business Development at Forbes Vetted, is a fan of the Muse line. You can also test out glasses with the Live Try On feature, which uses augmented reality to superimpose frames onto your face. Reviewers like how well the frames fit your face and that you can pay for purchases in installments.

Pros:

• Thousands of frames from popular designer labels
• Frequent sales and promotional offers (buy-one-get-one-free)
• Multiple lens upgrades available (beyond blue light)

Cons:

• Return window is just 14 days, and only your first pair is eligible
• The Live Try On feature is useful but requires specific lighting

Best Prescription Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Warby Parker: Stylish Frames For All Your Eye-Care Needs

Warby Parker

Durand Eyeglasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: Yes and home try-on | Price range: From $95 to $300 | Return policy and warranty: 30 days for returns (refund or replacement) and six-month replacement guarantee against scratched lenses | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes, as well as vision insurance

Warby Parker offers blue light blocking lenses on all of its eyewear—prescription or non-prescription frames—for $50. With its home try-on program, you pick five sample pairs to test out for five days to see which suits you best. You can also renew your prescription online with a virtual eye appointment, and take a quiz that matches you with the glasses that are best designed for your face shape, style and needs.

Pros:

• Virtual style quiz and home try-on
• Virtual test to renew prescriptions
• Works with a variety of insurance companies

Cons:

• No models for children
• Some reviewers say that lenses scratch easily

Most Protective Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Felix Gray: Proprietary Technology Filters 15 Times More Blue Light

Felix gray

Volta Blue Light Glasses

Prescription option: Yes, and magnification | Virtual try-on: Yes | Price range: From $95 to $160 | Return policy and warranty: 30 days for returns (refund or exchange); one-year warranty against manufacturing defects and option to contract extend warranty | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes

Felix Gray offers a wide range of styles and colors for its blue light glasses. Each pair utilizes a proprietary technology that filters out 15 times more blue light than other lenses, which can really help reduce blurry vision and tired eyes when staring at a screen for hours. You can purchase with or without a prescription, and request magnification as well—a good option for anyone fixated on spreadsheets all day. One reviewer who has tried out various brands of blue-light blocking glasses found these helped reduce headaches, “and the lenses actually stay clean.”

Pros:

• Unisex models for adults and children
• Proprietary technology with higher blue-light filtering than average
• Prescription and magnification options

Cons:

• On the expensive end

Best Blue Light Blocking Reader Glasses

Look Optic: Stylish, Modern Reading Glasses

Look Optic

Kaine Blue Light Glasses

Prescription option: Magnification only | Virtual try-on: Yes | Price range: From $74 to $82 | Return policy and warranty: 90 days for returns and a one-year warranty | HSA/FSA accepted: No

For those who don’t need prescription glasses, readers (or magnification lenses) are the go-to option to help the eyes to see better. Look Optic specializes in stylish designs at reasonable prices and with a customer-friendly return policy. Its patented UV400 blue light lenses are available for all models. Like their designs but don’t need magnification? You can also purchase them without it. Reviewers appreciate the affordable prices and the fact that the frames are light and “bendable.”

Pros:

• Blue light lenses with or without magnification
• Excellent return policy and warranty
• Stylish designs

Cons:

• A limited selection of models
• No prescription options or HSA/FSA accepted

Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses For Easy Shopping

Liingo: Insurance-Friendly, Access To Frames And Much More

Liingo Eyewear

Mia Blue Light Eyeglasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: Yes, and at-home try-on for select styles | Price range: From $79 to $129 | Return policy and warranty: 60 days for returns and replacements from damage | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes  

Liingo (a 1-800-Contacts company) offers hundreds of frames at affordable prices—no frame is more than $150. Blue light filters can be added to any lenses, which also include UV filtering to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes (the blue light glasses are endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation). All glasses can be purchased with HSA/FSA plans and like Warby Parker, Liingo has an at-home try on program. While you’re on the site, you can shop for other family members, order sunglasses and contacts, too.

Pros:

• Non-prescription blue light lenses are free
• Lenses also protect against skin damage around the eyes
• At-home try-ons plus adjustment reimbursement (up to $25)

Cons:

• Not all frames are eligible for at-home try-on
• Smaller selection, exclusively in-house designs

Best Oversized Blue Light Blocking Glasses

DIFF Eyewear: Fashion-Forward Frames For Everyday

DIFF Eyewear

Bella Cream Tortoise Blue Light Technology Glasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: No| Price range: From $85 to $109 | Return policy and warranty: 30-day returns for non-prescription models, 14 days for prescription; one-year warranty against manufacturing defects, extended coverage available | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes  

DIFF eyewear is where high fashion meets function. The brand’s blue light blocking glasses are available in prescription, non-prescription and readers. Prices start at $30, though most sit in the $70 to $90 range. These higher-end blue light blocking glasses are worth the investment, especially if you spend most of your day looking at a screen. There are over 400 pairs to choose from, including many bold, oversized styles. Many satisfied customers report getting “lots of compliments” on these stylish frames and one added that she liked them so much that she got a second pair in another color.

Pros:

• Wide variety of designer-looking styles
• Frequent sales and discounted frames
• Charitable giving with every purchase

Conts:

• No virtual try-on
• Prescription option only available on select frames

Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses For Quick Delivery

Amazon: Basic Frames When You Need Them ASAP

Amazon

Livho Two-Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Prescription option: No | Virtual try-on: No | Price range: From $1 to $100 | Return policy and warranty: Varies depending on the seller | HSA/FSA accepted: No

While you won’t find many designer blue light blocking glasses on Amazon, it’s the place to turn to when looking for non-prescription and affordable pairs. From square and rectangle frames to cat eye and circular, Amazon has more than 3,000 options starting as low as $1. With nearly 110,000 4+ star ratings, this pair is particularly popular. One user says she uses the glasses to “game, work, and binge-watch without the eye fatigue.”

Pros:

• Affordable
• More than 3,000 frames to choose from
• Fast, free shipping with Prime

Cons:

• Lower quality frames
• No prescription options
• No virtual try-on

Best Durable Blue-Blocking Blocking Glasses

Roka: Sturdy Prescription Frames Built To Last

ROKA

Roka Evans Blue-Blocking Eyeglasses

Prescription option: Yes | Virtual try-on: Yes | Price range: From $215 to $270 | Return policy and warranty: 3o day return policy and 1,000 day warranty | HSA/FSA accepted: Yes

Roka’s trademarked GEKO grip guarantees that their frames won’t slip or slide around on your face. While most blue-blocking glasses only filter out 3% of blue light, Roka frames, including the stylish Hamilton featured here, filter out an impressive 11% of blue light. All glasses come with built-in anti-scratch coating and you can have the blue-blocking coating added onto prescription glasses, which can also be slimmed down with high indexing. One of our writers swears by Roka and says she’s “grateful to be able to wear the same pair of glasses to yoga and out cycling after staring at her computer for 10 hours.” If you require maximum blue light protection, consider their Rise series, which blocks out 53% of artificial blue-light. We love the Rise Lola 2.0 glasses (available without prescription).

Pros:

• Frames stay in place, even during strenuous physical activity
• Ultra-lightweight design
• High-indexing available to slim down thick lenses

Cons:

• Expensive
• Only available in prescription

How We Chose The Best Blue Light Glasses

Choosing a great pair of blue light glasses isn’t something we take lightly: After all, most of us spend hours in front of the screen every day. We consulted with two health professionals, assistant professor Phillip Yuhas, O.D., Ph.D. and ophthalmology professor Sunir J. Garg, M.D., to understand how blue light glasses work and what goes into choosing the right pair. We also research, edit and continually update this list to ensure we’re offering you the best options. To start, we surveyed the entire market, looking at specialist eyewear retailers and generalist marketplaces. Then we sorted through a range of styles and prices and considered features such as prescription and magnification. Lastly, we tested each site to discover how easy it was to try the glasses while carefully assessing refund policies and warranties.

What Should I Consider When Buying Blue Light Glasses?

From cheap, basic frames to prescription designer specs, there are thousands of blue light blocking glasses for every need and budget. Consider the points below to help you find your perfect pair.

Usage

First thing’s first: Do you want frames you can wear all day, including to work meetings? It might be worth spending a little more for a decent pair that’ll hold up (and make you feel polished in front of your colleagues). Or, if you also want to wear them to yoga, the gym or while running or playing sports, you may want to opt for a performance pair like the ROKA Evans Glasses, which are also available in prescription.

If you’re just looking for a pair for occasional use or you’re shopping for your kids, lower-cost styles that you can afford to lose and replace may be your best bet. That said, you don’t have to settle for generic, low-quality glasses. For instance, Zenni (above) offers affordable options that are also well-made, stylish and affordable.

Prescription Options

Do you already wear prescription glasses? Consider getting a pair that does double-duty with prescription blue light blocking glasses. Several of the retailers above let you customize your lenses with upgrades like a blue light-filtering coating.

Return Policy

Higher-end blue light glasses can be a splurge, especially if they include prescription lenses. For pricier specs, especially, be sure to check the retailer’s return policy. Some give you a two-week window, some allow a one-time return for store credit, some charge a restocking fee and some don’t allow returns on custom orders.

Strength Of Blue Light Blocking

The blue light blocking glasses featured in this article are everyday frames, not safety gear. In other words, the frames do offer protection from harmful blue lights but they do not have the yellow-tinted lenses that are made specifically for very heavy screen use instead of daily use. The frames in this article protect your eyes from blue light but they still have clear lenses and can be worn to work and in casual settings.

If you plan on using the frames for significant screen use, you may want to choose a pair that blocks out a higher amount of light, like Felix Gray’s Volta Blue Light Glasses, or even consider a pair of specs with tinted lenses like Roka’s Rise Lola 2.0 glasses, which block out 53% of artificial blue-light.

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is one of the colors on the visible light spectrum. It has a short wavelength, which means that it produces more energy than other light colors. There are two types of blue light—natural (from the sun) and artificial (from devices like your phone, computer, tablet and TV). While exposure to natural blue light during the day isn’t much of a concern, regular exposure to artificial blue light has been linked to various problems, like eye strain, fatigue and headaches.

Is Blue Light Really Bad For You?

What’s so wrong with blue light? For one thing, it contributes to eye strain, and it can also increase the risk of macular degeneration and other vision complications. It can also affect your sleep by disrupting your circadian rhythm. And while we’re all exposed to the blue light that comes from the sun (it’s the blue wavelengths in sunlight), which actually boosts attention and mood during the day, it’s our exposure to blue light outside of daylight hours that can affect us in less desirable ways.

Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Really Work?

It depends who you ask. There isn’t a lot of research to support the use of these screen protection glasses says Phillip Yuhas, O.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Optometry at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. That said, the technology is still new. “Some patients do find that some blue light blocking glasses improve subjective comfort while viewing a screen,” Yuhas says.

Blue light glasses may also help you get a better night’s sleep, says Sunir J. Garg, M.D., a professor of ophthalmology at the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital. “For some folks, exposing themselves to intense blue light at nighttime can screw up their internal clock,” he says. “That can mess up certain people’s sleep-wake cycles. There may be some advantage to people using blue light glasses at night if they’re having trouble sleeping.”

However, Valerie Kattouf, OD, optometry professor and medical reviewer for All About Vision, says that consumers shouldn’t use blue light glasses as a “band aid” since blue light itself is one piece of the puzzle contributing to digital eye strain. “I notice that [most people] are quite aware that the excessive amount of time they spend on digital devices is often the culprit for visual symptoms [but] even with this awareness, they don’t want to address the problem directly and alter their habits,” says Kattouf.

Ultimately, the evidence is mostly anecdotal but wearing a pair of blue light glasses while looking at screens won’t hurt. However, if you have any additional concerns about your eyes or vision, your best bet is to consult with your eye doctor. In the meantime, make sure you’re also taking regular breaks or making an effort to reduce screen time when possible to help improve your eye health.

What Are The Benefits Of Wearing Blue Light Glasses?

A systematic review of multiple trials and case studies suggests that blue light glasses are beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders, jet lag or variable shift work schedules. (Makes sense, since those issues are all related to disruptions in circadian rhythm.) There are also people who claim that wearing blue light lenses have helped decrease eye fatigue and frequency of headaches—but of course, that’s all anecdotal.

Are There Any Downsides To Blue Light Glasses?

Generally speaking, blue light glasses themselves won’t harm your eyes. However, they may not provide the protection you think you’re getting, which is why you’ll want to order your glasses from a reputable retailer or trusted eye care professional.

Another possible downside is the tint. Lenses that block substantial blue light tend to have a notable yellow or amber hue, which could distort how you perceive colors. (Superficially speaking, they also might not always look that appealing to wear.)

What Is The Difference Between Blue Light Glasses And Computer Glasses?

“’Computer glasses’ is a generic term that encompasses lens treatments and prescriptions to minimize the eye strain experienced by technology use,” says Kattouf. “Blue light lens treatments are just one option offered to patients who are seeking treatments for digital eyestrain.” Computer glasses could have lenses with blue light filters, but not always. Computer glasses may also contain anti-glare treatments so the lenses to help relax your eyes and these treatments typically offer different-colored tints to enhance eye comfort.

Are Blue Light Glasses Covered By FSA Or HSA Plans?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are pre-tax saving plans with funds that can be used for certain approved medical expenses. Both FSA and HSA accounts typically cover prescription eyeglasses, including blue light blocking pairs. Many online retailers qualify for these plans but it’s worthwhile to browse the FAQs section for any exclusions and check the specifics of your own plan before purchasing.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we approach all of our product recommendations with transparency and a critical (yet fashionable) eye. Our passion for fashion and high-quality products extends to our recommendations for the best blue light blocking glasses to prescription glasses. We know how important it is to protect our eyes when staring at screens and we know that our readers trust us to provide the most accurate information available. As such, we consider our own experience wearing blue-light blocking glasses and weigh that against input from experts and testimonials from actual users.

We thoroughly research products and put them through the ringer to rate their performance, quality and value so you can trust our opinions when it comes to finding the right blue light blocking glasses, whatever your needs and budget. To ensure you get the latest and best blue blocking glasses technology out there, we regularly update this list to ensure it contains the most relevant information available. This list was last updated in August 2023.

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