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How to Choose the Best Affordable Eyewear

How to Choose the Best Affordable Eyewear

Posted Jan 1, 2025 | Tips, Tricks & Tech

Eyewear is essential. And while a great pair of eyeglasses can make a huge impact on your life, it’s also a foundational part of your wardrobe. But don’t feel like you need to buy the most expensive eyewear you can find. While luxury has its benefits, it’s not your only choice.

If you’ve ever found yourself intimidated by the high price of frames, no worries. Eyeconic® has plenty of affordable—and stylish—eyeglasses available for anyone looking to save money on their eyewear. If you’re in the market for affordable frames, and don’t know where to start, here are a few things you should keep in mind when picking out your glasses.


1. FIND YOUR STYLE

Affordable frames don’t need to be boring! One of the first things to consider is your face shape. Not all faces are created equal, so be sure to check out our handy guide to figure out which glasses work best for your unique shape. You’ll also want to consider other factors like skin tone and hair color, which may factor into which color you’d like your frames to be. Finally, think about your lifestyle: do you prefer spending your time outdoors, or do you spend most of your day working in front of a screen? Do you find yourself hunting down the newest fashions, or are you the sort that prefers a simple accessory that matches any outfit? Depending on your needs, your choice of frames will vary. And speaking of frames...

2. PICK YOUR FRAME MATERIALS

Another thing to keep in mind is your frame material. Plastic is the most common material used for creating frames, and for good reason: it’s lightweight, durable, and flexible. That said, you’ll also want to be aware that the color of plastic frames can fade over time. Thanks to their flexibility, though, soft plastic is a great choice for young glasses-wearers, since it’s more likely to bend than break if they have an accident. Metals like titanium, meanwhile, are known for their strength and flexibility, but tend to be a bit more expensive, too. Take a look at our primer on frame materials to figure which is best for you.
 
3. CHOOSE YOUR LENSES

Now that you’ve landed on a style and frame material, the final factor in picking out your affordable glasses is deciding on a lens material. First and foremost: check your prescription! Your new glasses won’t be very useful if they don’t help you see, so before you make any final decisions, make sure the prescription for your glasses is up-to-date. The good news is that, regardless of your needs, Eyeconic offers polycarbonate lenses with the standard price of our prescription glasses. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner, lighter, and shatter-proof1—so even if you’re searching for less expensive glasses, you can be sure you’re still getting a solid pair of eyewear.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, check out our full Affordable Eyewear collection. And if you’re still struggling to pick a pair, here are three of our favorites:

Smart Staples WP 2021

stylish, transparent otis and gray glasses
These oversized, cat-eye glasses are the perfect option if you’re looking for a refined pair of glasses in a timeless style.

Smart Staples WP 20205

colorful chelsea morgan glasses
These clear frames—also available in black—will pair equally well with subtle tones like white and gray, and bolder choices like stripes and patterns.

MM7100

classic black robert mitchel eyeglasses
Thanks to their simple, rectangular shape, these glasses are flattering on almost every kind of face. A great choice if you’re searching for a reliable, no-frills pair of eyewear.

Don’t forget to connect your benefits: VSP® members can save up to $250 on their orders instantly!

SHOP AFFORDABLE EYEWEAR CONNECT MY BENEFITS

1. https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/lasik-glasses-lenses/glasses-lenses/lens-material

Savings and offers may vary depending on brand, type of lenses, and member eligibility. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Savings and offers cannot be redeemed for cash, applied to previous purchases, or combined with other discounts and coupons.  Any out-of-network insurance reimbursement is at the discretion of the insurance provider.  Federally funded healthcare programs may be exempt from this offer.