5 Mistakes I Made Buying Cat-Eye Prescription Glasses (So You Don't Have To)

Everyone loves a good deal. When I needed a finished pair of Sun Myopia Eyeglasses, I headed straight online. I spotted an incredible price on a sleek pair of finished cat-eye prescription glasses and thought I’d hit the jackpot. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

In the end, I wasted time, lost money, and endured a major headache. I made these errors so you can avoid them. Learn from my experience and shop for your next pair of glasses wisely.

• You’ll save time by steering clear of pricing scams.
• You’ll end up with glasses that fit your face properly.
• You’ll avoid the frustration of unhelpful customer service bots.

Mistake #1: Going for the Cheapest Option

I came across frames that were unbelievably cheap. They advertised the necessary diopter range (-0.5 to -6.0) for next to nothing. I figured, “How different can plastic frames really be?”

That was a huge error. The most affordable frames use the thinnest, lowest-quality plastic. The screws come loose quickly, and the hinges feel stiff before breaking after just a few weeks. These glasses are essentially disposable, not built to last. You might save $20 today, but you’ll need to replace them in three months. That’s not saving money—it’s wasting it.

Verdict: Set a reasonable budget. If the price for finished prescription glasses seems too good to be true, the materials probably are.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Material Quality

Online descriptions often vaguely state “Frame Material: Plastic.” I overlooked this red flag. High-quality frames use specific materials like TR90 or premium acetate, which are flexible, lightweight, and durable.

The cheap plastic frames I purchased felt heavy, pinched my temples, and constantly slid down my nose. If a seller doesn’t specify the exact material, assume it’s the lowest grade available. Poor materials lead directly to discomfort and broken frames.

Verdict: Always look for specific material names (like TR90). Generic descriptions typically indicate low quality and poor comfort.

Mistake #3: Not Checking Customer Service Reviews

This was one of my biggest oversights. I focused solely on the product price and forgot that buying prescription lenses involves more than just a transaction. If the glasses arrive incorrectly, you need real support. Reliable customer service is crucial.

I learned the hard way that some companies disappear when problems arise. Consider this feedback from another customer:

"They have no customer service phone number, and the bot chat was useless! I finally reached a live person who gave me the runaround… blaming the price increase on the first lens, which is a separate charge. These guys are shady!!!"

I had a similar experience. When I had a question, I was met with automated responses and evasive answers. If a company doesn’t provide a clear way to contact a real person, don’t buy from them. Poor support can turn a minor issue into a time-consuming battle.

Verdict: Read reviews focusing on returns, shipping, and customer support response times. If support is lacking, the company is too risky.

Mistake #4: Falling for Shady Pricing Practices

This mistake cost me extra money and caused significant frustration. I saw one price advertised on the product page, but it changed when I reached checkout. I was confused and irritated—a classic bait-and-switch tactic.

The company I used was called out for this exact issue:

"The website showed a price of $40.60, so I built my order. At checkout, it was $58.00! I was about to submit a screenshot, and they raised the price again! Shady!! … What about your responsibility as a business to provide good service or products at honest prices? Changing the advertised price is not good business."

The agent I spoke to gave me the same runaround, blaming the increase on separate charges that weren’t clearly advertised—even citing the frame color! Reputable companies offer honest, upfront pricing. Dishonest ones try to trick you with hidden fees.

Action Step: Take a screenshot of the initial product page price. Review every line item during checkout. If the price increases and the company can’t provide a clear explanation, cancel your order.

Verdict: Transparent pricing is a hallmark of a trustworthy business. Don’t support companies that use deceptive pricing tactics.

Mistake #5: Skipping Necessary Measurements

I assumed that buying “finished myopia eyewear” meant I didn’t need to worry about measurements. These cat-eye prescription glasses come pre-made with specific diopter ranges (like -2.0 or -4.5). However, one measurement is absolutely essential: your Pupillary Distance (PD).

PD is the distance between the centers of your pupils. The optical center of each lens must align precisely with your pupils. An incorrect PD can cause significant eye strain, headaches, and dizziness, even if the prescription strength (diopter) is accurate.

If an online retailer sells prescription glasses but doesn’t ask for your PD, they’re using a standard measurement that may be completely wrong for your face. My first pair was unusable because of this oversight.

Steps to avoid this mistake:

1. Obtain your PD from your most recent eye exam.
2. Confirm that the retailer requests this measurement.
3. If they don’t ask, assume the fit will be incorrect.

Verdict: Accurate measurements are non-negotiable. Never skip providing your PD, even for finished glasses.

What I Should Have Done: Choosing Trust and Honesty

After that disastrous purchase, I learned to value honesty over the lowest sticker price. I should have sought out companies that prioritize transparency and service. When it comes to medical items like prescription glasses, trust is paramount.

A positive experience, as described by other shoppers, looks like this:

"I had a wonderful experience purchasing glasses here. I appreciated how honest the associates were about the glasses. I felt I could trust their opinion, and they worked with me to find a pair that suited my face shape and features best."

That level of honesty and dedicated service was exactly what I needed. I realized a trustworthy retailer would have clear pricing and agents who work with you, not against you. When searching for quality eyewear, consider retailers like Cinily Optical, where the focus is on clear communication and building customer trust.

Lessons Learned: Your Checklist Before Buying

Don’t repeat my mistakes. Buying finished prescription glasses online can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

• Verify the Price: If the price changes between the product page and checkout, leave the site immediately.
• Check the Specs: Ensure the seller lists specific frame materials (like TR90), not just “plastic.”
• Measure Your PD: Never order prescription glasses from a retailer that doesn’t require your Pupillary Distance.
• Read Support Reviews: Look for reviews mentioning successful returns or interactions with live agents. Avoid companies relying solely on bot support.

Invest a little extra time in research upfront. You’ll save both money and stress by avoiding deceptive pricing and subpar eyewear.