I’ve always invested in high-end frames, sticking with brands like Silhouette. But as prices kept climbing, I grew curious about those ultra-affordable online prescription glasses. Could they actually be decent? To find out, I ordered a basic Retro Square style (the Mozaer 5 model) from an overseas retailer.
After wearing them for three months, here’s my detailed experience—day by day—on whether saving $300 was a wise decision.
Shipping was surprisingly quick, arriving in about ten days. Unboxing them, I was pleased with the look. The retro square design was exactly what I had in mind. I was after a unisex fit, though the seller also carries more tailored prescription glasses frames for women.
The lenses were spot-on, matching my prescription perfectly—a major relief. However, the frames felt alarmingly light. My old pair had a solid, sturdy feel, while these seemed made of thin, delicate wire. Just picking them up caused a slight bend in the metal, which immediately raised concerns.
I checked for a material stamp, a telltale sign of quality. Good frames typically use marked materials like 316L Stainless Steel or Titanium. These had no stamp at all. When a seller doesn’t disclose the metal, it’s safe to assume it’s the cheapest, most fragile alloy available.
Daily wear revealed more flaws. Comfort was acceptable, but the fit was problematic. They constantly slid down my nose, requiring frequent adjustments. This highlighted how crucial accurate sizing is when buying online.
I revisited the product listing, which listed a 52mm lens width—my usual size. Yet these felt narrower, with a different bridge fit. I learned to rely more on customer photos. Always look for reviewers with a similar face shape to yours.
Handling them required extra care. Cleaning the lenses made me nervous about snapping the thin arms. This was a stark contrast to my old frames, which I could clean vigorously without a second thought.
Here, the low cost began to reveal its downsides. Priced under $30, these frames are made for quick turnover, not longevity. The arms began to warp noticeably. Removing them with one hand stressed the cheap hinges, causing them to twist out of shape. I found myself using the included mini screwdriver every other week to tighten loose screws.
Discoloration also appeared. The plating where the frames touched my skin behind the ears started wearing off—a classic sign of cheap materials. Inexpensive metal frames often have thin plating that fades within weeks from contact with skin or sweat. Once gone, the base metal can discolor or even irritate your skin.
Here’s how budget frames compare to premium ones:
Around the two-month mark, disaster hit. While adjusting them, one arm snapped clean off near the hinge—a result of metal fatigue from repeated bending. I contacted customer service for a warranty replacement, where the experience truly soured.
Getting a replacement took nearly two months, forcing me to use an outdated backup pair. Throughout that wait, I received around twenty promotional emails about sales and new products. The contrast was frustrating: eager to market, but painfully slow to support an existing customer.
The replacement pair finally arrived, identical in quality. After four weeks of use, I’m already anticipating another break. This ordeal underscores why choosing a reliable source for prescription glasses matters.