I've always been a bit hesitant about wearing glasses. It felt like a big step, and honestly, I was worried about the cost. How much should I really be spending on prescription glasses? Turns out, it's a question a lot of people have! I decided to dive in and share what I've learned, what I've tried, and how I found glasses that fit my budget and my style.
For years, I put off getting glasses, partially because I wasn't sure where to start and how much it would all cost. I heard stories of people spending hundreds, even thousands, on frames and lenses. As someone who works with screens all day, I was constantly battling eye strain. Driving at night became increasingly difficult due to the glare from headlights. I knew I needed glasses, but the potential cost was a major barrier.
My initial thought was to visit a high street shop. After browsing a few places, I quickly realized that even basic frames and lenses could easily cost upwards of £170. I was surprised, and honestly, a little discouraged. It seemed like getting the vision correction I needed would be a significant expense.
I decided to explore different avenues to see if I could find more affordable options. I started by researching online retailers. The prices seemed significantly lower, but I was hesitant. I have a fairly specific prescription, and I wasn't sure if an online retailer could accurately fulfill my needs. I've heard that sometimes the lens quality or fit isn't quite right when ordering online, especially with complex prescriptions.
Then, I remembered a friend who always looks stylish in her cat-eye frames. I asked her where she got them, and she told me about Cinily Net. She said she found some really cute frames there at a reasonable price. She mentioned she uses them for reading glasses.
I decided to check it out. I found these Retro Women Cat Eye Glasses Frames.
They are so light, I barely feel them on my face. The TR90 alloy makes them durable but still comfortable. I’ve gotten so many compliments on them! It's definitely worth checking out [visit website](<https://cinily.net?utm_source=notion&utm_medium=seoartcle&utm_campaign=CIN_2025&utm_content=9ur6sf3b>) for a variety of styles and prices.
I also considered the benefits of adding anti-glare coating. Since I spend hours in front of a computer screen, and often drive at night, this seemed like a worthwhile investment. I found that adding anti-glare can increase the overall cost, but it significantly reduces eye strain and improves visibility in challenging lighting conditions. In my opinion, it's a worthwhile upgrade.
On the other end of the spectrum, I heard a story about someone who paid £750 for their first pair of varifocals with designer frames. While that's definitely a premium option, it highlighted the importance of finding frames that you genuinely love and feel comfortable wearing. If you're reluctant to wear glasses in the first place, investing in frames that you feel confident in can make a big difference.
Then, there's the extremely budget-friendly option of ordering glasses online using your existing prescription. I know someone who spends around £15 by ordering online. While I haven't personally tried this method due to my specific prescription needs, it's definitely a viable option for those with simpler prescriptions and a good understanding of their measurements.
I also learned about the importance of lens thinning, especially for stronger prescriptions. With my prescription, I was told that I would need to have the lenses thinned down to avoid the dreaded "bottle top" effect. This adds to the cost, typically around £200 for the lenses alone, plus the cost of the frames which can be between £70-£100. It’s certainly something to consider when budgeting.
I also looked into insurance options for my new glasses. I found that for around £20, I could get insurance that would cover potential damage or loss. This gave me peace of mind, knowing that I wouldn't have to pay full price for a replacement if something happened.
Here’s a breakdown of my key takeaways when it comes to finding affordable prescription glasses: