Are expensive eyeglasses worth it?

When it comes to eyeglasses, there is a huge range in pricing. Some places offer glasses for as little as $20, while designer brands can cost upwards of $500. With such a wide range, many eyeglass wearers wonder if splurging on expensive glasses is really worth it. Here are the main factors to consider when deciding whether high-end eyeglasses are worth the investment.

Lens quality

One of the biggest differences between cheap and expensive eyeglasses is lens quality. More expensive lenses are often thinner, lighter, and made of higher grade materials. Here are some lens features that come with premium eyeglasses:

High index lenses – Made of plastic or polycarbonate, these lenses are thinner and lighter than standard plastic CR-39 lenses. This makes the glasses more comfortable to wear.
Trivex lenses – Trivex is a type of plastic that is lighter than polycarbonate and more impact resistant than CR-39. Trivex lenses are also polarized to reduce glare.
Glass lenses – Glass is more expensive but provides very sharp optics. The material makes the lenses a bit heavier though.

Photochromic lenses – These lenses darken when exposed to UV light, acting like automatic sunglass lenses. No swapping between prescription glasses and shades.
Anti-reflective coating – A premium AR coating eliminates glare and reflections. This makes vision clearer and glasses lenses essentially “disappear.”

The improved optics and lighter weight of high-end lens materials can make a significant difference in comfort and vision quality. Many optometrists consider upgraded lenses to be one of the most worthwhile eyeglass investments.

Lens treatments

Lenses aren’t just about materials — specialty treatments also improve vision and comfort. Quality eyeglasses often include value-added lens treatments, such as:

Scratch coating – Protective layers make lenses more scratch resistant.
Blue light filtering – Reduces exposure to blue light emitted from digital screens.

UV protection – Protects eyes from ultraviolet rays.
Anti-fog coating – Prevents fogging up in wet conditions.

While generics may have basic coatings, premium brands offer advanced treatments and stackable coatings optimized for activities like driving, computer use, playing sports, and more.

Frame quality

Like lenses, frames come in a range of materials, shapes, and levels of craftsmanship. Here are hallmarks of high-quality eyeglass frames:

Durable metals – Titanium, stainless steel, and beryllium are durable, hypoallergenic options.
Flexible TR90 – TR90 nylonplastic holds shape even under stress.

Natural materials – Handcrafted wood or leather make unique frames.
Adjustable fit – Custom shaping and adjustable nose pads and temples distribute weight comfortably.
Spring hinges – Sturdy hinges maintain shape without bending or breaking.

A sturdy frame made with quality materials and precise engineering is crucial for long-term wear. While cheap frames may fall apart or deform easily, premium frames will hold up for years or decades.

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses are a popular sunglass upgrade that also benefit prescription glasses. They work by filtering out intense reflected glare. Benefits of polarized lenses include:

Reduce eye strain – Glare fatigue is greatly diminished.

Boost contrast – Details are easier to distinguish in bright light.
Enhance driving safety – Cut through reflections and see the road better.
Improve sports performance – Pick up balls in flight better.

Since strong polarization comes at an added expense, this feature is usually reserved for high-end glasses. For activities like driving, fishing, boating, and sports, the benefits are substantial enough to warrant the cost.

Premium aesthetics

For some eyeglass wearers, looks and style are the top consideration. Premium eyeglass brands pour resources into design and place great emphasis on aesthetics:

Iconic styling – Well-known designers have distinctive looks.

Luxury materials – Leather, wood, gold accents express sophistication.
Fashion-forward shapes – Shapewear, bold colors, and trends keep styles fresh.
Artisan craftsmanship – Attention to detail in every aspect of frame design.

The high-fashion appeal of brands like Prada, Coach, and Tiffany is a primary reason many gravitate toward the expensive end of the market. For these buyers, the elevated aesthetics are worth the premium price.

Advanced coatings

Special lens coatings that provide extra protection, comfort, and visual performance have already been covered. Additional specialty coatings found on high-end brands further enhance premium glasses.

Oleophobic coating – Extremely oil repellant to prevent smudges and staining.

Hydrophobic coating – Causes water to bead up and roll off the lenses.
Anti-static coating – Stops dust from accumulating on lenses.

While generics may skip these add-ons, top companies like Zeiss, Nikon, and Essilor Excel include them in their high-end packages. The coatings keep glasses cleaner and clearer for longer.

Lens options

Premium eyeglasses provide plenty of customization options to dial in vision correction. Add-ons like these maximize visual acuity:

Multifocal lenses – No-line progressives, Hyper Focus lenses, and specialized computer lenses.
Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism and other corneal irregularities.

High cylinder lenses – Clear vision even with strong prescriptions.
Custom decentration – Compensates for uncentered pupils.
Prism lenses – Correct double or uneven vision.

With cheap glasses, you often get a single vision option and that’s it. The capacity to fine tune vision with premium materials makes expensive glasses a sensible solution for those with specialized optical needs.

Lens size

Small generic lenses look stylish, but provide less optimal viewing. Expensive eyeglasses tend to prioritize lens size and coverage:

Large lenses – Broad lens real estate enhances field of vision.

Wraparound lenses – Curved lenses eliminate side-gaps and peripheral distortion.
Tall lenses – Extra lens height improves down-vision.

Maximum lens size does come at increased thickness and weight. Yet for screen users, athletes, and the safety conscious, the improved sightline is advantageous despite some compromises.

Specialized prescription needs

For those with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or other vision disorders, cheap glasses often don’t cut it. Custom designed lenses optimized for strong prescriptions require expertise and special materials only available from premium brands. Here are some of the options that advanced opticians offer:

Extra thin high index lenses for stronger prescriptions.
Aspheric lenses minimize peripheral distortion.

Myodisc and lenticular lenses for extremely poor vision.
Bifocals and trifocals for aging vision needs.
Anisometropic lenses correct unequal prescriptions.

With generic retailers, special order requests may be difficult or impossible. For those with advanced optical needs, the custom approach of high-end eye care is critical.

Blue light blocking

Computer glasses with blue light blocking lenses have grown in popularity in recent years. Here are some key benefits this specialty filtering provides:

Reduce digital eye strain.

Alleviate headaches associated with overexposure.
May lower long-term retinal damage risks.
Help sleep better when using screens at night.

While some budget eyewear brands now offer basic blue light options, premium companies still lead the way in filter quality. And specialty computer glasses with ergonomic lens shaping remain exclusive to high-end brands.

Invisible bifocals/progressives

No-line multifocal lenses maintain crisp distance and near vision, without an obvious line bisecting the lens. Here are some perks of this advanced technology:

More natural sightline compared to lined bifocals.

Smooth transition between distance and reading zones.
More attractive cosmetic appearance.

Invisible multifocals require sophisticated design, precision optics, and custom fitting unavailable from most budget eyeglass sellers. For seamless bifocals, the skill of experts warrants the price premium.

Anti-fatigue lenses

Computer eye strain has led to advanced lens designs that specifically reduce visual fatigue. Here are some characteristics of premium anti-fatigue glasses:

Intermediate zone at arm’s length for monitors.
Base-in prism lowers convergence demand.

Trivex lenses maintain clear vision when eyes tire.
Cambered lens geometry to relax eye positioning.

While some basics have filtered down, the customized fatigue-fighting solutions from companies like Hoya, Zeiss and Essilor remain high-end offerings.

Refraction technology

To get the most accurate eyeglass prescription, advanced instruments and measurements are key. Premium brands invest heavily in the latest refraction technology:

Digital phoropters for precision adjustments.
Wavefront aberrometers measure distortions.

Topographers map corneal topography.
Pachymeters gauge corneal thickness.
Retinal imaging examines nerve fiber health.

This instrumentation enables a higher level of analysis and customization when determining prescriptions. Accuracy in matching lenses to eyes prevents vision errors and headaches.

Try-on technology

Virtual try-on apps allow you to preview frames on your face using a mobile device. Benefits include:

See how shape, size, and style complement your features.

Share photos and get others’ opinions.
Much faster than physically sampling frames.

While some free versions exist, premium brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley provide the most advanced virtual try-on tools. This takes the guesswork out of choosing the most flattering glasses.

Vision insurance coverage

When using vision insurance or an FSA/HSA account to pay for glasses, premium brands can provide more value for your benefit dollars. Here’s how it works:

Fixed allowance for frames, lenses, coatings etc.
Allowance goes further at high-end providers.

Upgrade features rather than pay out-of-pocket.

With generics, you often hit the limit of insurance coverage quickly. Pricier glasses enable you to take full advantage of covered expenses before paying extra.

Value perception

For some buyers, glasses priced under $100 seem flimsy, while those over $500 seem exorbitant. But the mid-range $300-$500 segment strikes a balance that suggests good value:

High enough to signal quality materials and manufacturing.
Low enough to not trigger skepticism about overpayment.

This sweet spot allows premium brands to deliver top-level quality while maintaining an accessible price point for most consumers.

One-stop shop

Budget eyeglass sellers focus solely on producing lenses and frames. Conversely, premium providers offer comprehensive vision care:

Thorough eye exams.
Treatment of eye disorders.

Contact lens services.
Emergency care.
Medical insurance billing.

Convenience and continuity of care add value. There’s no need to see one provider for eye health and another for eyewear.

Expert guidance

Ordering glasses online involves lots of clicks and assumptions. In person, premium eyewear experts provide insight you can’t get from a website:

Frame styling advice for your face shape.

Explanation of lens options.
Recommendations based on specific eye issues.
Fitting and adjustments for maximum comfort.

This personal touch ensures you select optimum eyewear for seeing your best and looking your best.

Quality assurance

When purchasing premium eyeglasses, you can have confidence regarding rigorous quality control:

FDA regulation of manufacturing facilities.

Strict industry standards for materials and processes.
High training requirements for opticians.
Warranties against defects.

These safeguards ensure consistency and minimize errors that could lead to impaired vision or ill-fitting glasses. With discounted brands, such protections may not exist.

Social signaling

A final intangible benefit of choosing high-end eyeglasses is social signaling. Wearing premium, recognizable brands conveys:

Fashion sense and personal style.

Attention to quality and detail.
Willingness to invest in positive self-image.
Self-esteem and pride in appearance.

While branding plays no role in visual acuity, the impact on how others perceive you is significant for many eyeglass buyers.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, are expensive eyeglasses worth the higher cost? Here are the key takeaways:

Advanced lenses, specialized coatings, and premium frames demonstrably improve vision, comfort, and longevity.

Customization options and expert guidance result in glasses precisely tailored to your needs.
There are justifiable reasons some glasses cost more – it’s not all branding markup.
Higher prices should deliver a proportional boost in performance and value.

For those with strong prescriptions or specialized needs, expensive eyeglasses are likely a sound investment. Even those with simple vision correction stand to benefit from the quality of high-end eyewear.

That said, buyers with low Rx power, no need for lens add-ons, and basic aesthetics can get by with budget options just fine. As with most purchases, defining your priorities is necessary to determine whether premium prices are justified.