Eye health resource
How To Get New Glasses
Getting new glasses usually means confirming your prescription, choosing frames and lenses that fit your needs, placing the order, and making sure the finished glasses fit comfortably.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
Getting new glasses is easier when you separate the process into a few decisions: make sure your prescription is current, choose a frame that fits well, choose lenses that match how you use your vision, and make sure the finished glasses are adjusted comfortably.
1. Make Sure Your Prescription Is Current
If your vision has changed, your glasses are no longer comfortable, or it has been a while since your last eye examination, a comprehensive eye exam can evaluate both your vision and eye health. A refraction is the part of the visit used to determine an eyeglass prescription when that service is needed.
Your eyeglass prescription belongs to you. When a refraction is performed, Park Slope Eye provides the prescription without requiring you to purchase glasses from our optical.
2. Understand the Main Parts of an Eyeglass Prescription
- SPH (sphere) is the main lens power used for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- CYL (cylinder) and AXIS describe astigmatism correction when present.
- ADD may appear when additional near power is needed, such as in a multifocal or progressive prescription.
- PRISM is used in selected prescriptions when alignment or binocular-vision needs require it.
Measurements used to make the finished glasses—such as pupillary distance and fitting height—also matter because the optical centers and lens design need to line up correctly with your eyes and frame.
3. Choose a Frame That Fits Your Face and Your Life
There is no rule that a particular face shape must wear a particular frame shape. The better questions are whether the frame fits securely, feels comfortable, works with your prescription and lens thickness, gives you the coverage you want, and suits your personal style.
Park Slope Eye’s in-office optical emphasizes independent frame brands and children’s eyewear. Collections rotate, so the current selection is best seen in the office.
4. Choose the Lens Type and Features You Actually Need
Depending on your prescription and daily activities, options may include:
- Single-vision lenses
- Progressive lenses for multiple viewing distances
- High-index materials for stronger prescriptions
- Anti-reflective treatments to reduce surface reflections
- Photochromic/Transitions-type lenses
- Polarized prescription sunglasses
- Sports, safety, or other specialty prescription lenses
Blue-light-filtering lenses are also available in the marketplace, but current clinical-trial evidence does not show that they are routinely necessary for digital eye strain. If computer use is uncomfortable, factors such as prescription accuracy, dry eye, screen distance, breaks, blinking, glare, and ergonomics are often more useful places to look.
5. Place the Order
Park Slope Eye sells prescription eyewear in the office rather than through ecommerce. Prescription glasses are paid in full before lab work begins. We accept cards, tap-to-pay, HSA, and FSA payment methods.
Many routine prescription-eyewear orders are typically ready in about 3–5 business days. More specialized prescriptions, lens designs, lab work, or product availability can take longer. Direct shipping may also be available when appropriate.
6. Make Sure the Finished Glasses Fit Comfortably
Small frame adjustments can make a major difference in comfort and how the lenses line up with your eyes. Basic frame adjustments are available for the life of eyewear purchased from Park Slope Eye. More complicated repairs may need to go to a lab.
Prescription-frame purchases are refundable, while custom prescription lenses generally are not. If a lens type does not work for you, we generally remake the lenses into another appropriate type and refund an applicable price difference. Doctor remakes for adaptation or prescription issues are typically available within about 30 days. Most prescription lenses have a one-year warranty, while some upgraded anti-reflective options carry a two-year warranty.
You Can Take Your Prescription Anywhere
You are free to purchase glasses wherever you choose. If you would like to shop with Park Slope Eye, we appreciate the opportunity to help with frame fit, lens selection, measurements, and a quote. Learn more about eyeglasses and eyewear at Park Slope Eye.
Originally published . Substantially updated .