Buying prescription glasses online can be a brilliant way to find better choice, better value and a frame that actually feels like you. But it only works properly when the order is treated as an optical purchase, not just a fashion purchase. The frame has to fit. The prescription has to be entered correctly. The lens choice has to suit the prescription. The measurements have to be accurate. When those parts are handled properly, buying glasses online becomes far less risky.
This guide walks you through the whole process so you know exactly what to check before ordering. It is written for real customers, not optical professionals, so it keeps things practical: what you need, what the numbers mean, where people go wrong, and when to ask for help rather than guessing.
The simple rule
Do not choose glasses online by frame style alone. Choose by frame style, frame fit, prescription suitability, lens choice and measurement accuracy. That is the difference between a pair that looks good in a product photo and a pair that works properly on your face.
Why buying prescription glasses online can work brilliantly
The old view was that buying glasses online meant taking a gamble. That was often true when websites simply asked customers to pick a frame, type in a prescription and hope for the best. But online eyewear has moved on. A good online service should give you more choice, clearer information and enough support to make a sensible decision before you order.
The biggest advantage is time. In a shop, you may feel rushed, watched or limited by the stock available on the wall. Online, you can compare shapes, colours, brands and measurements without pressure. You can look at your current glasses, check the size, think about your wardrobe, and come back to the decision later. That slower decision often leads to better choices.
The second advantage is value. Online retailers usually have lower overheads than a high street practice. That can make the final price more competitive, especially if the business is transparent about what is included in the frame and lens price. Cheaper does not automatically mean worse. But cheaper with no professional checking is where problems start.
The third advantage is range. You are not restricted to a small display. You can browse designer frames, independent styles, prescription sunglasses, thinner lenses, frame-only options and specialist lens choices from one place. The challenge is that more choice can become confusing if you do not know what to look for.
Guessing your way through checkout
Choosing a frame because it looks good, guessing your PD, entering prescription values without checking them, and choosing the cheapest lens because it is there.
Using guidance before the lenses are made
Choosing a suitable frame, checking your prescription, using accurate measurements and asking for help before anything is glazed.
Online is not the problem. Guessing is.
The internet does not make glasses inaccurate. Poor information does. If your prescription is checked, your measurements are accurate and the frame suits your lenses, online ordering can work very well. If you guess the important parts, it quickly becomes expensive trial and error.
What you need before ordering glasses online
Before you choose lenses, you need your latest glasses prescription. This is the written prescription given after your eye test. It tells the person making the lenses what optical power is required for each eye. In the UK, you should be given a copy of your prescription after your sight test.
Your prescription may look simple or complicated depending on your eyes. Some people only have a sphere value for each eye. Others have sphere, cylinder, axis, reading addition, prism, base direction and extra notes. A complicated-looking prescription is not unusual, but it should not be guessed. If you are not sure what the values mean, send a clear photo for review rather than forcing the numbers into boxes and hoping they are right.
Before you order, have these ready
- Your latest glasses prescription
- The date of your eye test
- A clear photo or scan of your prescription card
- Your current frame size, if you already own glasses that fit well
- The reason for the new glasses: distance, reading, screen use, sunglasses or varifocals
- Any notes from your optician about prism, thinning, coatings or lens type
You also need to know what you want the glasses for. This sounds obvious, but it is one of the most common causes of confusion. Distance glasses are not the same as reading glasses. Reading glasses are not the same as computer glasses. Varifocals are not the same as single vision lenses. Prescription sunglasses may need different lens choices again.
If you are starting from scratch, browse the full glasses collection, then check the prescription lenses page so you understand what lens options are available before ordering.
How to understand your prescription
Your prescription is the instruction used to make your lenses. It is not a measurement of your frame. It is not your PD. It does not tell us how the glasses sit on your face. It simply gives the optical correction required for each eye.
The most common values are SPH, CYL and AXIS. SPH, or sphere, is the main power of the lens. A minus value usually corrects short-sight. A plus value usually corrects long-sight. CYL, or cylinder, corrects astigmatism. AXIS tells us the direction of that astigmatism correction. The axis is not a power; it is an angle. That means it must be entered in the correct place.
Prescription terms at a glance
The main lens power for short-sight or long-sight.
The correction for astigmatism.
The angle of the astigmatism correction.
Extra power for reading or varifocal lenses.
| Prescription term | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| SPH / Sphere | The main strength of the lens. | Higher numbers may need thinner lenses or a more careful frame choice. |
| CYL / Cylinder | The correction for astigmatism. | Must be entered with the correct sign and matching axis. |
| AXIS | The direction of the cylinder correction. | It is an angle from 1 to 180, not a lens strength. |
| ADD / Addition | Extra near power for reading or varifocal use. | Important for reading glasses, occupational lenses and varifocals. |
| PRISM | A correction for eye alignment. | Needs careful review before online glazing. |
| PD | Pupillary distance. | Positions the optical centres of the lenses correctly. |
Do not ignore plus and minus signs
A prescription of +2.00 is completely different from -2.00. The sign matters. The same applies to cylinder values. If a number is copied into the wrong box or the sign is missed, the finished glasses can feel wrong even if the frame is perfect.
If your prescription looks complicated, pause.
High prescriptions, prism, large differences between the two eyes, unusual notes or previous adaptation problems all deserve a proper check before glazing. That does not mean you cannot order online. It means the order should be reviewed before lenses are made.
Choosing the right frame online
A frame is not just a style choice. It affects comfort, lens thickness, vision, weight and how your prescription performs. The right frame should suit your face, your prescription and the type of lenses you are ordering.
Start with width. A frame should not be much wider than your face. If it is too wide, it may slide, sit badly or make the lenses look thicker. If it is too narrow, it may pinch, bow out at the sides or feel uncomfortable after a few hours. Your eyes should sit reasonably central in each lens, not pushed too far towards the inner or outer edge.
Then look at the bridge. The bridge is the part that sits on your nose. This is one of the hardest things to judge online because bridge fit depends on both the measurement and the frame shape. A 19mm bridge in one frame can feel different from a 19mm bridge in another. Keyhole bridges, saddle bridges and adjustable nose pads all sit differently.
Finally, consider depth. Lens depth matters for varifocals, reading area, style and prescription thickness. Very shallow frames may not be ideal for varifocals. Very deep frames may look stylish but can increase lens weight and thickness, especially with stronger prescriptions.
Frame size makes a real difference
Often better for stronger prescriptions because it can help reduce edge thickness and weight.
Can look fashionable, but may create thicker, heavier lenses in stronger prescriptions.
Choose balanced
A medium-sized frame is often the safest daily option. It should feel comfortable, stable and easy to wear with different outfits.
Choose controlled
Avoid going too large. Smaller, rounder shapes can help keep lenses neater and more comfortable.
Choose enough depth
Varifocals need room for distance, intermediate and near zones. Very shallow frames may be unsuitable.
How to use frame measurements
Most glasses have measurements printed on the inside arm. They often look like this: 52–18–140. The first number is lens width, the second is bridge width and the third is side length. These measurements are useful, but they are not the full story.
Two frames with the same numbers can fit differently because shape, bridge design, material and curvature all affect how the frame sits. Measurements are a guide, not a guarantee. If you own a pair that fits well, use those measurements as a sensible starting point.
Frame fit checklist
- The frame is not much wider than your face
- Your eyes sit reasonably central in the lenses
- The bridge looks suitable for your nose shape
- The sides should not press hard into your temples
- The lens depth suits your lens type
- The frame size makes sense for your prescription strength
Use your current glasses as evidence.
If your current glasses fit well, check the numbers printed inside the arm. You do not need to copy them exactly, but they give you a realistic guide. If your comfortable pair is 50–18, jumping to a very wide 58–16 fashion frame is a big change.
Choosing the right prescription lenses
The lenses are the part you actually look through, so they matter more than most people realise. A good frame with the wrong lens choice can still be disappointing. A sensible lens choice should be based on your prescription, your frame, how you use your glasses and whether you care more about thickness, clarity, glare reduction, convenience or price.
The most common lens type is single vision. Single vision lenses correct one viewing distance. They may be used for distance, reading or screen work depending on the prescription. They are suitable for many everyday orders and are usually the simplest online lens purchase.
Varifocals are more advanced. They combine distance, intermediate and near vision in one lens without a visible line. They are convenient, but they require more accurate measurements and a suitable frame. They should not be treated like a basic single vision order.
For one viewing distance
Best for distance, reading or screen use. This is the most common lens choice and works well for many online orders when the prescription and PD are correct.
For distance and reading together
Best when you want one pair for multiple distances. Needs a suitable frame, accurate fitting height and professional checking.
Lens thinning explained
Lens thinning is usually described by lens index. A standard 1.5 index lens is suitable for many lower prescriptions. A 1.6 index lens is thinner and lighter than standard and can be useful for moderate prescriptions. Higher index lenses may be considered for stronger prescriptions.
But lens index is not magic. Frame size still matters. A strong prescription in a large frame can still look thick even with a thinner lens. A more suitable frame can sometimes improve the final result more than simply paying for a higher index.
| Lens option | Best for | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 standard index | Often suitable for lower prescriptions and everyday single vision use. | The thickest standard option, but excellent value and optical quality when the prescription and frame are suitable. |
| 1.6 thinner index | Often suitable for moderate prescriptions or customers wanting a neater, lighter lens. | A strong all-round choice, but still affected by frame size, lens shape and prescription strength. |
| 1.67 high index | Often suitable for stronger prescriptions where lens thickness and edge appearance need more control. | Noticeably thinner than 1.6 in the right prescription and frame, but not always necessary for every customer. |
| 1.74 ultra high index | Often suitable for very strong prescriptions where reducing thickness and weight is a priority. | The thinnest plastic lens option, but frame choice still has a major impact on the final result. |
| Anti-reflection coating | Most everyday prescription glasses. | Improves clarity, reduces reflections and needs proper cleaning to keep lenses performing well. |
| Tinted lenses | Prescription sunglasses and bright conditions. | Choose colour based on comfort and use. |
| Polarised lenses | Driving, glare reduction, water, roads and bright outdoor conditions. | May affect how some digital screens appear. |
| Transitions lenses | Convenience moving between indoors and outdoors. | They are not always a full replacement for dedicated sunglasses. |
Do not buy lenses like upgrades on a takeaway menu.
The best lens is not automatically the cheapest or the most expensive. It is the one that suits your prescription, your frame and how you use your glasses every day.
A 1.74 lens is not automatically better than a 1.6 lens, and paying for unnecessary upgrades wastes money. Equally, choosing a lens that is too thick for a stronger prescription can leave you with heavier glasses and thicker lens edges than necessary.
Every Burghley & Co prescription is reviewed before glazing to ensure the lens choice is appropriate for your prescription and frame.
For more detail, use the Burghley & Co prescription lenses guide before choosing your lens option.
PD and fitting measurements
PD stands for pupillary distance. It is the distance between the centres of your pupils. It tells the lab where the optical centres of the lenses should sit. If the PD is wrong, the lenses may not line up properly with your eyes.
Some prescriptions include PD, but many do not. That does not mean it is unimportant. It simply means it was not written on your copy. For single vision glasses, PD is important. For varifocals, PD and fitting height are both important, along with how the frame sits on your face.
Prescription + PD
Most single vision orders need accurate prescription values and PD. Stronger prescriptions are less forgiving if measurements are guessed.
Prescription + PD + fitting height
Varifocals need additional measurements and a suitable frame. This is where a guided process matters.
Guessing PD from a mirror
Guessing your PD is not a professional measurement method. A few millimetres can matter, especially with stronger prescriptions. If you do not know your PD, ask for help or use the measurement process provided.
Measurements are not admin. They are part of the optics.
Customers often see PD as a small detail, but it directly affects where you look through the lens. If you are unsure, pause. Do not guess measurements just to get through checkout faster.
The most common mistakes to avoid
Most poor online eyewear experiences come from the same handful of mistakes. The good news is that they are avoidable if you slow down and check the order properly.
Choosing oversized frames with a strong prescription
Large frames can make lenses thicker, heavier and more distorted at the edges.
Entering values in the wrong boxes
Sphere, cylinder and axis are not interchangeable. Copy them carefully.
Guessing your PD
PD affects optical positioning. Guessing is not worth the risk.
Treating varifocals like standard lenses
Varifocals need extra measurements and a frame with enough depth.
Buying only by brand name
A designer frame is only a good buy if it fits and works with your lenses.
Not asking for help
If your prescription card looks confusing, get it checked before ordering.
How the Burghley & Co ordering process works
The Burghley & Co process is designed to keep ordering simple while still giving your prescription the care it needs. The point is not to rush you through checkout. The point is to help you choose correctly before the lenses are made.
Choose your frame
Browse the collection and choose a frame based on style, size, fit and suitability for your prescription.
Select your lens option
Choose frame only, single vision, sunglasses or another available lens option. If you are unsure, ask first.
Provide your prescription
Enter the details carefully or send a clear image of the prescription card for review.
Your order is checked
Your prescription and lens choice can be reviewed before glazing. If something does not look right, it can be queried before the lenses are made.
Your glasses are prepared and delivered
Your order is made, checked and sent to you. Prescription orders take longer than frame-only orders because lenses have to be produced and fitted.
Can you order prescription sunglasses online?
Yes. Prescription sunglasses can be a very good online purchase, provided the frame and lenses are suitable. The main decision is whether you want a standard tint, polarised lenses or light-reactive lenses.
A standard tint reduces brightness and gives the appearance of sunglasses. Grey tints keep colours more neutral. Brown tints can feel warmer and may improve contrast. Green tints are a classic sunglass option and can feel comfortable in bright conditions.
Polarised lenses go further by reducing reflected glare from surfaces such as roads, water and car bonnets. They are particularly useful for driving, bright outdoor conditions and customers who are sensitive to glare. Light-reactive lenses, often called Transitions-style lenses, are useful for convenience because they darken outdoors and clear indoors, but they are not always a complete replacement for a dedicated sunglass lens.
Good everyday sun protection
Best for customers who want a classic prescription sunglass with reduced brightness and UV protection.
Best for glare reduction
Ideal for driving, reflective surfaces and bright outdoor conditions where glare is the main problem.
Best for convenience
Useful if you want one pair that adapts in changing light, though a dedicated sunglass can still be better in strong sun.
What if your glasses do not feel right?
New glasses can sometimes feel different at first, especially if your prescription has changed, your frame shape is different or you are moving into varifocals. Some adjustment can be normal. But discomfort should not be ignored if the glasses feel clearly wrong, distorted, unbalanced or difficult to use.
The first thing to check is whether you are comparing them to an old prescription. If your old glasses were weaker, scratched or a different shape, the new pair may feel sharper but unfamiliar. The second thing to check is fit. A frame sitting too low, too tilted or unevenly can affect how the lenses feel. The third thing is use. Reading glasses will not work properly for distance. Distance glasses may not solve close work. Varifocals need correct head and eye positioning.
If your new glasses feel unusual, check:
- Has your prescription changed since your last pair?
- Are you using the glasses for the correct task?
- Is the frame sitting straight and at the correct height?
- Are the lenses clean and free from smears?
- Are you comparing them with an old pair that may no longer be accurate?
- Have you allowed reasonable adaptation time where appropriate?
Before ordering, it is also sensible to read the Burghley & Co Confidence Policy so you understand the support available after purchase.
Final checklist before you order
This is the checklist to use before buying prescription glasses online. If you cannot tick one of these confidently, pause and ask for help before ordering.
Online glasses order checklist
- I have an up-to-date prescription
- I have checked the plus and minus signs carefully
- I know whether I need distance, reading, screen, sunglass or varifocal lenses
- I have not guessed my PD
- I have chosen a frame size that suits my face
- I have considered lens thickness if my prescription is stronger
- I have checked whether the frame is suitable for varifocals if needed
- I understand the delivery time may differ for frame-only and prescription orders
- I know I can send my prescription card for review if it looks complicated
- I have checked the confidence or returns policy
If you are unsure, stop before checkout.
That is the honest answer. Do not push through an order because you feel you should understand it. Prescription glasses are not just another online product. A quick check before ordering is far better than fixing a mistake after the lenses have been made.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy prescription glasses online?
Yes, provided your prescription is correct, your measurements are accurate and the frame is suitable. The risk comes from guessing prescription details, PD, lens type or frame fit without proper guidance.
What if my prescription card looks complicated?
Do not guess. Send a clear photo of the prescription card so it can be checked. Some prescriptions include prism, reading additions or notes that need professional review before lenses are made.
Do I need my PD to order glasses online?
Yes. PD helps position the optical centres of the lenses. If you do not know your PD, use a proper measurement process or ask for help rather than estimating it yourself.
Can I order varifocals online?
Yes, but varifocals need more care than single vision glasses. They require suitable frame depth and accurate fitting measurements. They should not be ordered by guessing heights or using an unsuitable frame.
Can I buy frame only?
Yes. If you only want the frame without prescription lenses, choose the frame-only option where available. This can be useful if you want your own optician to glaze the frame or if you want non-prescription wear.
Are thinner lenses always better?
No. Thinner lenses can be useful, especially for moderate or stronger prescriptions, but the best option depends on your prescription, frame size and lens type. Sometimes choosing a better frame shape matters more than upgrading the lens index.
What is anti-reflection coating?
Anti-reflection coating helps reduce reflections from the lens surfaces. It can improve lens appearance, reduce distracting glare and make the glasses look clearer, especially under artificial lighting or when driving at night.
How do I know if frames will fit me?
Check the frame measurements, compare them with a pair you already own and consider the bridge, width and lens depth. Virtual try-on can help with style, but measurements and professional advice are still important for fit.
Can I order non-prescription sunglasses?
Yes. You can order sunglasses without prescription lenses where available. Choose the appropriate frame-only or non-prescription option during the order process.
Why are online glasses often cheaper than high street opticians?
Online retailers can often operate with lower overheads and a more streamlined process. Cheaper does not automatically mean fake or poor quality, but you should still buy from a retailer that is transparent about products, lenses and professional checks.
Need help?
Unsure what to choose?
If you are not sure about your prescription, frame size or lens choice, ask before you order.