FAQs: Frames & Lenses

What are the advantages of buying glasses from your eye doctor?

Having your glasses measured, made and fitted by the same professional gives you the peace of mind that the details and accuracy of your exam will be processed into your new glasses.

We select the lenses that fit both your vision needs and your lifestyle. Unlike vendors who buy in bulk to save money, we have a wide variety of lenses to choose from.

To ensure the optical centers of your lenses are fitted in the proper location, we take the time to properly measure your pupillary distance. For multifocal prescriptions, we ensure bifocal power is placed correctly in your field of view by carefully measuring segment height.

When your glasses return from our lab, we check the prescription to make sure it is correct. We will adjust your glasses to fit your face properly and comfortably.

All of our frames come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty protecting you from possible defects. When you get glasses from us, we will always adjust your glasses, tighten/replace screws, replace nose pads and do minor repairs free of charge.

What is pupillary distance (PD)?

This is the measurement of the distance between your two eyes and it ensures that the optical centers of the lenses are centered within your pupils. The pupillary distance measurement is and always has been part of the eyeglasses fitting process. This measurement is only of a possible series of measurements. The PD may be different if you need distance versus reading  versus computer glasses. It may also be different depending on the frame selected. This is why we feel that measuring the PD should be done by a professional /office that is helping you with frame selection as well as lens selection. If you purchase your glasses from our office, we will help you with frame selection so they properly fit your face and then at that time, measure the pupillary distance. If you choose to purchase your glasses elsewhere, then that office/website would be able to help you with those measurements to ensure its accuracy to the frame and lens selected. We do not recommend ordering glasses online as we are unable to assist with any glasses issues.

Can I use my old frames for new lenses?

It depends on the status of your frames.

Most frames become brittle after two years and the stress from inserting the new lenses may break the frame. Neither Samuelson Eyecare or the labs we work with are responsible for any older frames that break during insertion of lenses, removal of lenses or adjustments of the frame. Also, most frame companies discontinue their frames after two to three years so we may not be able to get you a duplicate frame. Most of the time, we need to take your frame so we can send it into our lab for new lenses.

What are Transitions® lenses?

These are plastic lenses that darken when you go outside.

UV light activates the Transitions® material. The only drawback of Transitions is that it does not darken as much inside a car because your car windows block some of the UV light from getting to the lenses. If you are very light sensitive or want sunglasses for inside the car, then prescription sunglasses, such as polarized sunglasses or the DriveWear® polarized Transitions lenses may be a better option.

What are DriveWear® lenses?

These are a new type of polarized Transitions lens. It is a better option for driving because it is a bit darker in the car and is also polarized, so it will reduce glare off reflective surfaces. For more info, visit the Drivewear® Lenses website.

Do they still make photogray lenses?

Yes, these are the original glass lenses that change color as you go outside. Since this material is glass, it is heavier than the plastic Transitions lenses.

What lenses do you recommend for children?

We recommend polycarbonate lenses. This type of lens is impact resistant and is automatically coated with a scratch resistance coating and UV light blocking coating.

What is an anti-reflective coating?

This is a clear coating that can be added to most lenses to help reduce glare and improves the look of the lenses by reducing the reflections off the lenses. This helps to improve vision for night-time driving. It also helps reduce glare in areas that use a lot of fluorescent lighting.

Can my lenses be thin if my prescription is high?

Yes, we can use high index materials to help reduce the edge thickness of the lenses. We also recommend rolling and polishing the edges and adding an anti-reflective coating to help the lenses appear thinner.

Can I wear Progressive or No Lines?

Yes, most people can. At our office, we use the newest progressives available, which offer a wider reading area and less peripheral blur. We also offer a one time remake back into single vision or lined bifocals if you are not able to adapt to the progressives. No money will be refunded to you for the difference between the new lenses and the progressive lenses.

How long does it take to adjust to new glasses or new lenses?

For a first time glasses wearer, it can take about 7-14 days. You have two different things to adjust to: the frames and the new lenses. It can still take some time for previous glasses wearer to adjust to new lenses because all frames sit differently on the face and as we get older, it takes more time for the eyes to adjust to any changes in the prescription.

We ask that you try new glasses/lenses for at least 10-14 days. If you are still having problems, please call the office. The solution may be adjusting the frame to fit your face differently or we may set up an appointment for the doctor to check the Rx.

Do the frame and lenses have a warranty?

Yes, all of our frames carry a one-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. Lenses with a scratch resistance coating or an anti-reflective coating carry a one-year warranty from date of purchase. We do not offer any warranties to lenses without a scratch resistance coating.

Can you adjust bent frames?

If you purchased the frames from our office, we would be happy to adjust them so they fit your face properly. If you frame is older than one year or bent beyond repair, we may still try to adjust them, but there is no guarantee that the frames will not break. We are not responsible for the frames if they break during an adjustment.

Do you charge for repairing glasses?

If you purchased the frames from our office, then there is no charge for simple repairs. If the repairs require new parts for your frames, then you are responsible for those charges. If you did not purchase the frames from our office, then there is a fee for all types of repairs, including nose pad and screw replacement.

What if I lose my glasses?

If you lose your glasses within one year from date of purchase, we can replace them with a 15% discount off the full purchase price.

How do I clean my glasses?

The proper way to do this is to rinse the lenses off with warm water to remove any dust or debris. Then use a mild soap that has no lotions or abrasives to clean the lenses. Next, rinse the glasses with water to wash off the soap. Dry the glasses using a soft cloth such as a handkerchief or a cloth designed for eyeglasses. Never use Windex, rubbing alcohol or any other household cleaners on the lenses because it will break down the coatings on the lenses and frames. Do not use any paper products such as Kleenex or paper towels to dry your lenses. The wood fibers in the paper products will scratch the lenses.

What do I do with my old glasses or lenses?

If you do not need your old glasses ( frame and lenses ), we can donate them to the Lion’s Club for you. The Lions Club will then take the glasses with them on missions to areas where eye care is needed. We cannot take donations of just lenses. Sometimes we may ask you to keep your old lenses in case of emergency. If you lose one lens or one lens is scratched, then we may be able to put the old lens in your frame while we order you a new lens.

Can I cancel my glasses order?

You can cancel your order within 24 hours. Our lab receives our glasses orders the same day so we need to know within 24 hours so we can stop them from making the new lenses. If the lenses have already been made and sent to us, then you will be responsible for the cost of the lenses. If the frame has not left the office then you will not be charged for the frame. Once you have worn the frame, then you cannot return the glasses.

What are safety glasses?

These are occupational lenses designed to meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. They are thicker than standard dress lenses, which increases impact resistance. In order for lenses to be stamped ANSI Z87.1, the lenses have to be made for safety frames, which are also made to meet ANSI standards. We use Titmus as our safety frame company.