You’ve probably put off going to the eye doctor for far longer than you should. This might be in part due to the way they dilate your eyes, or just because you don’t like the experience of having lights shone in them, reading off tiny letters on a board, or for the different lens strengths you are forced to endure during an examination. The worst part, however, might be selecting your new frames. If you’ve ever dreaded walking into the display section only to be disappointed, you’re not alone. This is why shopping for glasses online can be not just a wonderful but exceptional choice.

The first thing you will want to do when selecting an eyeglass retailer is to see what their prices are like. More often than not, many eyeglass retailers run sales or offer coupons to new customers to entice them into shopping at their particular website. Finding a retailer and checking out the deals they offer is an important part of the process, one you shouldn’t skimp on.

However, once you’ve found the retailer you’re interested in, you should take note of what type of styles, lens shapes, and colors you’re interested in. Though most eyeglass retailers offer a wide range of products, some styles are more prevalent on some sites than others. Narrowing down what you’re interested in buying will help aid you in the process of finding the eyeglasses of your dreams.

Upon determining your style, frame, and color choice, note what size your glasses are, especially for the outer frames that sit along your ears. These can often be found on the numbers on the left or right side of the frames. These numbers indicate the length of your glasses, and finding this will ensure you have the right size to fit your head and face shape.

If you’re worried about how they’ll look on your face, many eyeglass retailers have virtual “try it on” modes that allow you to see what they’ll look like on your face simply by taking and uploading a selfie. When using these features, be sure to follow the appropriate instructions to ensure you get the truest-to-life fit. You might be surprised at how well these virtual “try-on rooms” look, especially when you receive your new pair of eyeglasses in the mail.

With this in mind, it is also important to be aware of your selected retailer’s return policies. By informing yourself of the process, you can be mindful of the limitations that the retailer may impose upon you, especially if the prescription seems slightly off or if the size isn’t correct for your head and face shape.

Ultimately, online shopping has become a newfound strength for providers and customers. By uploading your verified prescription, you have the option to find any number of eyeglass frames online. If you’ve been hesitant to order your glasses online, now’s your chance to try it.