Even though more people are able to purchase medical insurance today, most health policies exclude coverage for vision. In past years eye-care was traditionally managed from start to finish by ophthalmologists or optometrists, many of whom still stock a wide range of frames and styles. The convenience and popularity of Internet shopping has dramatically upended that arrangement, and buying online prescription glasses and contact lenses is now big business.

This trend is a result of lower costs and better selection, but does not eliminate the need for professional screening. People who have struggled against visual impairment realize that exams should be performed regularly to ensure continuing good eyesight. Optometrists and other professionals are trained to recognize potentially serious conditions, and prescribe contact lenses or glasses to correct common problems.

When a prescription has been written, federal laws enacted within the past forty years guarantee that patients have the right to choose their own lens provider, including those having a primary Internet presence. Regulations today have been updated to include contact lenses, especially daily wear varieties. While some customers still prefer to buy frames at the optician, others have taken advantage of online shopping opportunities.

There have been immediate benefits for the nearly two million consumers who chose to order their lenses via the Internet during the past year. The selection is larger than that available in a brick-and-mortar store, with styles that accommodate nearly every taste, and prices that are usually discounted. The number of vision retailers on line has skyrocketed, making shopping simpler and faster than ever before.

Even though the Internet has brought optical marketing into the modern era, there are still some potentially serious problems to avoid, most having to do with product quality and design. Writing a prescription requires licensing and training, but selling frames and lenses is not as carefully controlled. For glasses to fit comfortably and ensure the sharpest vision, facial measurements must be taken carefully.

To avoid that issue, many sites now present virtual fitting rooms that help create the necessary measurements. While examinations are vital, they do not necessary provide customer information regarding eye spacing, variations in facial width, the optical center point of a face, and other important factors for a safe and comfortable fit. While some retailers allow returns, the process can be lengthy and frustrating.

When considering buying optical wear that is priced far below most of the competition, safety and durability are two important concerns. Because there are few regulations governing eye-wear manufactured elsewhere, some imported products in the past have not always met current standards. Lens coatings for computer glasses may be of poor quality, and some advertised features may be missing or different.

Even with the markedly lower costs of buying online, people with complex vision problems may be better served by a standard optician. Those with uncomplicated corrections should consider their purchases carefully, and make final decisions based on accurate measurements as well as trendy fashion modes. While an accessory can be ignored, good eyesight is irreplaceable, and should never be treated casually.