Why eyeglasses expensive

Every person is different, but in general, people simply want the freedom to live the life and lifestyle that they want to live. Many report to us that their glasses and contacts get in the way of living their best lifestyle. Frequently though, patients also take into account the rather expensive and guaranteed continued cost of their eyeglasses.

Good vision is important, but have you ever wondered why eyeglasses and sunglasses cost so much? A lot of people do. The frames appear to be made of mostly plastic and metal, but a new pair of glasses can hit your wallet harder than a new tablet or smart phone. It seems that they are getting even more expensive too. One reason: the manufacturing and materials used to create eyeglasses. Prescription eyewear represents perhaps the single biggest mass-market consumer ripoff to be found.

Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica advocacy group, has worn glasses her entire life. I reached out to the Vision Council for an industry perspective on pricing. I asked why. Just pause to appreciate the lengthy shadow this one company casts over the vision care market.

You go into a LensCrafters retail outlet, where the salesperson shows you Luxottica frames under various names, and then the company pays itself when you use your EyeMed insurance. Do you have Transitions lenses in your frames? I reached out to the parent company as well as the Luxottica and Essilor subsidiaries asking about how frames and lenses are priced.

None of them got back to me. Ranjeet Bajwa, president of the California Optometric Assn. Fair enough. Your choice of lens material glasses, plastic, composite or other also is a major factor in the cost of eyeglasses. Glass lenses are still considered the highest quality, but they are also more expensive, heavier and a safety hazard in the event of a broken lens, plus they take longer to make and are not even an option with stronger prescriptions.

Plastic lenses, according to The Vision Council, are much lighter than glass lenses and widely prescribed for their comfort, durability and impact resistance. Plastic lenses also are more affordable, more durable and come in a range of options. A scratch-resistant coating can be applied to plastic lenses to prevent unwanted scuffs and marks. This lens material is more expensive than regular plastic, but they are becoming more affordable.

Progressive no-line lenses are customized and require a much higher degree of expertise to suit your needs, not to mention a heftier price tag. After you and your eye care specialist decide on the proper lens material, you may decide to add protective coatings and other customizations to keep your eyes comfortable and protected or to enhance a desired look.