Trouble with your new glasses? Was it the PD?

Buying glasses online seems easy. Many people order glasses from their phone! The glasses may cost less money too. There is reason the old saying “you get what you pay for” is an old saying. It’s because it’s true.
But at Tacoma Eye at Westgate, we often help troubleshoot patients who have trouble with online glasses.Especialy when people get:
- blurry vision
- headaches
- eye strain
- glasses that do not “feel right” – Most likely because you measured your PD wrong or the online retailers never to “optical height” or the “optical center” into account
What Is PD?
PD means “pupil distance.” This is the HORIZONTAL space between your eyes. But what about the VERTICAL distance?
Many online glasses stores ask you to measure your own PD at home.We wish it was as easy as that, but your eyes are more complex than one simple number.
When you look at things close up, your eyes move and change focus.
Your eyes:
- turn inward
- focus harder
- make your pupils smaller
That means you can have:
- a distance PD
- a reading PD
- different measurements for each eye
Why Do Some Online Glasses Feel Wrong?
Online glasses companies try to make buying glasses fast and cheap. The problem may not be the prescription itself. The glasses probably do not line up with your eyes correctly.
Better Measurements Matter
At Tacoma Eye at Westgate in Tacoma, WA, we use advanced digital testing to help patients see clearly.
We use MARCO’s 5100 digital refraction technology to compare:
- your old glasses
- your new prescription
- your vision without glasses
This helps patients choose what looks best to them.
After the exam, ourstaff will measure:
- horizontal position
- vertical position
- optical center (OC)
These measurements help lenses line up correctly with your eyes. THese measurements are UNIQUE to the Frame you select and it included FREE to patients purchasing glasses from our office.
Q: Are Online Glasses Bad?
A: Not always.
Online glasses may work as:
- backup glasses
- simple readers
- emergency glasses
But patients with:
- strong prescriptions
- progressive lenses
- headaches
- eyestrain
- need prism correction
often do better with professionally fitted glasses.
* CAVEAT EMPTOR: Glasses Purchased online are in no way warranted by our office.
Why Patients in Tacoma Choose Tacoma Eye
Patients from Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, and Ruston come to Tacoma Eye at Westgate for:
- comprehensive eye exams
- digital eye exams
- progressive lenses
- Eyezen lenses
- help with blurry vision and headaches
We help patients find glasses that fit well, feel comfortable, and help them see clearly and If glasses purchased from our office do not work- we make it right!!
Schedule an Eye Exam in Tacoma
If your online glasses are causing blurry vision or headaches, we can help.
Our team at Tacoma Eye at Westgate can check your prescription and help you find the best lenses for your eyes.