The eyewear market is much more diverse and populated than a few decades ago. The industry’s undeniable growth has given consumers more options, ranging from the most exclusive, luxurious spectacles to the cheapest pair of sunglasses you can bulk-buy for a party. All this abundance is excellent for choice but can make it harder for savvy shoppers to determine what they should choose. 

Globally, the eyewear market has already hit a value of $170.98 billion. The continued growth has been a matter of growing vision problems worldwide and their timeless appeal as fashion accessories. Not everyone has the same sentiment, of course, with Brazil and India opting for cheaper frames while Germany and the United Kingdom go for more accessible luxury sunglasses. Meanwhile, the United States still has the highest overall market share. If you’re not sure which budget perspective is the best for you, it depends on what you’re looking for and why you’re shopping for eyewear in the first place. 

Whichever situation applies to you, we can help guide you toward saving or splurging. 

Save: If You Only Require Single-Vision Lenses

As the name suggests, single-vision lenses are given when you only need to correct one field of vision. Getting an eye test will let you know if this is all you need. It’s less complicated than multifocal lenses since you only need to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. In many cases, you can even stick to reading glasses when you need help seeing up close, which tends to be even cheaper. This is why non-profits like the Vision Catalyst Fund use reading glasses to bridge the gap in vision care for vulnerable communities in places like Peru. Their initiative tackles presbyopia, which you are more likely to develop after you hit 35. 

Practically any optical shop (and even some general goods stores or dollar stores) will have a pair of reading glasses you can quickly nab for cheap. Since these stick to select strengths, you need to know your dioptre power requirements or by trial and error checking to see which one makes reading clearer for you. Brands like Readers even offer free shipping in the United States and have pairs that range from $8 to $25. 

Splurge: If You Have A More Complex Prescription 

If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple refractive errors or more complicated vision problems that require a complex prescription, the reality is that you’ll likely have to spend a bit more on a good pair of glasses. Without the proper lenses, you worsen your vision over time instead of stopping the progression in its tracks. If you’ve already got a prescription, you can even check out different brands outside your vicinity since many retailers offer international shipping. 

For instance, Oscar Wylee is a family-owned glasses brand that caters to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. You can get a pair like the Mumford for $169 and different frame color options in metal and acetate. It may even be worth getting the double-pair deal at $199, so you have an alternate of equal quality, so it will be easy to replace one in case of damage.

Save: If You’re Only Looking For Sun Protection 

For those who don’t need vision correction, sun protection is still essential to protect your eyes from strain and damage. Whenever you’re out, even if it’s cloudy or rainy, you are exposed to UV rays and glare that can cause discomfort and hurt your vision. Thankfully, better manufacturing technology has made it possible for most cheaper sunglasses to come with a reliable UV coating and tint to help minimize brightness. Just look for a label that says UV 400 or “100% UVA and UVB protection.” 

If you look at popular budget retailers like Eyebuydirect, you can find solid sunglasses for affordable prices. Their Paradise sunglasses retail for $22 and come with polarized lenses, an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, and UV protection. This price point even allows you to get more variations for the sake of fashion. 

Splurge: If You Need Multifunctional Eyewear

Things aren’t so simple when you want sun protection, need corrective glasses, and enjoy -some added features that protect your eyes in different conditions. In this case, the splurge is worth it in the long run and even saves you the cost and hassle of buying different pairs of eyewear to switch between. Ray-Ban offers prescription sunglasses with the stylish and, more importantly, the exceptionally durable build quality the brand is known for. These dance around the $200 mark but often have 50% sales from the official site. Models like the RB4441D even use bio-based materials for more sustainability and longevity. 

Instead of giving up your visual clarity when wearing sunglasses or going without them completely, you can invest in the convenience of a stylish and protective pair from a reputable classic. Since these were initially built for military use, you know you’re getting comfort and clarity worth the price tag. You can even check out the dedicated ‘high prescription’ filter to take advantage of web exclusives and options for more complex visual needs. 

Save: If You’re Looking To Buy Backups

Sometimes, you need an emergency pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses to keep just in case you can’t find your favorite pair. It’s good to have some backups stashed away in your bag, car, or workstation in case you need them suddenly. Since they’re just backup pairs that aren’t meant for everyday use, you don’t need to spend as much money as you would on your regular eyewear. 

Dedicating a selection of cheap eyewear for backups is an excellent way to save your money, especially if you’re relying on sinking funds for an irregular expense like glasses to cover this expense. By stashing a few dollars away regularly, you should easily end up with enough funds to cover any emergency eyewear needs without any worry. Similarly, you can stock up on a few cheap pairs of eyewear to get you by just in case you sit on your glasses or misplace them. With the savings from these pairs and your smart budgeting, you should be able to get a new pair as a replacement and use your substitute while waiting. Plastic frames from Sungait cost around $15, and you can occasionally get a three-pack for $25. This comes with a warranty, too, so it wouldn’t hurt to have these around just in case, and you don’t have to worry about kids or pets getting rough with them. 

Splurge: If You’re Planning To Use Your Eyewear Often 

There are plenty of reasons you might have to use eyewear consistently. Vision correction alone is a more prevalent need in the digital age. On the other hand, you may like its aesthetics, or you may do a lot of activities that require you to shield your eyes from external elements. If these things apply to you, then you need to invest in durable and stylish frames that won’t let you down after the third time you put them on. 

You don’t have to stick to designer brands that cost $300. You can still get a solid pair from a brand like Eyebobs, which costs around $135. It’s worth the investment if you want more care in the design and materials used. 

Final Thoughts

With a mix of practicality and style, you can easily find the right pair (or two or three) to suit your preferences. If you know your budget and needs, it’s just a matter of personal taste, and there’s no singular wrong or correct type of eyewear to get. Just stick to reputable retailers to be nice to your budget, ensure your eyes get the best care, and avoid the headache of returns or additional expenses for replacements.