Noun Round Ivory Tortoise Eyeglasses, EyeBuyDirect ($35)

I've worn glasses every day for the last 20 years, and not matter how hard I try to keep my glasses in good condition, I know that having some spare frames is always a good idea. But at the same time, I don't like spending $100 to $200 on frames if I can avoid it, so I decided to give EyeBuyDirect a try.

The brand offers cheap glasses that are still sturdy and look good. Prices range anywhere from $6 to $200, but most of their popular frames cost around $30 to $40.

EyeBuyDirect ships glasses in small, neat packing (available in 2-day expedited shipping or 7-14 standard shipping).

Ordering glasses online is easy so long as you have your prescription handy. You can use EyeBuyDirect’s online quiz to get an idea of what frames would look best on your face, and you can also utilize their size guide to make sure you’re not buying wide glasses if your face is more narrow(or vice versa). 

EyeBuyDirect even has a lenses guide, in case you get thrown off, as I did, about the difference between single-vision lenses and progressive lenses (single vision lenses correct nearsightedness, while progressive lenses are highly customizable and correct distance, middle and near-vision correction). 

Ahead of ordering glasses for this review, I saw my optometrist and got a newly updated prescription. Then I spent about fifteen minutes looking at frames online to try and pick a pair that would look cute on my face.

Once you’ve selected your frames, you’ll be prompted to pick your lenses (distance, multifocal, reading, or non-prescription).

If you’re getting prescription lenses, you’ll then need to enter your prescription.

Choose your lens color (clear, blue-light filtering, sun, or light intelligent lenses).

Pick the thickness of your lenses; there’s a standard size, then a few lens types that are thinner but cost more money, like advanced lenses and premium lenses.

Finally, add accessories like a glasses case or a chain accessory.

I chose a $35 frame and $29 lenses (I needed anti-glare and I opted for blue-light filtering), which meant my glasses cost just $64. I could have chosen lenses that cost nothing extra and saved some money, but getting a quality pair of glasses for under $70 is still a good deal in my opinion. The price is much better than other online retailers: to get a similar pair from Warby Parker, it would have cost me $195 (their frames are $95, the blue-light blocking filter is an extra $50, and the super thin lenses cost another $50). 

You can opt for adding-on a glasses case at checkout when buying new frames.

As a Warby Parker lover, I was nervous to try a new company, especially one with frames that start at around $6. I picked a pair of frames right in the middle of the price range. I was surprised to find such a cheap pair of glasses that felt so sturdy. I also opted for the glasses case when ordering and it is a nice Wythe-Chestnut case. So far, I am very impressed with the quality of these glasses for the price.

If you look closely, you can see the blue-light filtering lenses (it looks like a glare).

I paid 2-day shipping because I am impatient. I ordered my glasses at 9:30 on a Tuesday and 48 hours later (almost exactly to the minute) my glasses were on my doorstep. 

Standard shipping from EyeBuyDirect takes seven to 14 business days for $5.95.

EyeBuyDirect glasses start at $6, with average coses around $30 to $40 for frames

Blue-light-blocking glasses have grown in popularity over the last few years, but what are they? Blue light is a short-wavelength color in the visible light spectrum, which means it produces higher amounts of energy. Blue light can be beneficial during the daytime as it can boost attention and focus, but at night it can be detrimental. Exposure to blue light before bed can suppress melatonin, which might make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

That means blue light from computers, smartphones, and tablets can disrupt your whole day. Wearing blue-light blocking glasses before bed might help with this, or you can turn your phone to dark mode and limit your phone usage before bed. Glasses companies have implied that blue-light blocking glasses can protect your eyes, but a study reprinted by the National Library of Medicine found no measurable UVA or UVB radiation (the most harmful part of light) from computer screens. 

There is truly not enough data to actually confirm that blue-light-blocking glasses work. A recent study concluded that there was little evidence to support the claim that many glasses retailers say that blue-light-blocking glasses help reduce the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain (DES)

I suffer from chronic migraines and have for years now. One of my triggers is eye strain, typically after a long day of staring at my computer for work followed by looking at my phone for hours after. I decided to get the blue-light filtering glasses from EyeBuyDirect (not blocking; these glasses are marketed to reduce your exposure to blue light from some phone, computer, and tablet screens, which may contribute to eyestrain at certain wavelengths).

I’ve worn these glasses every day for work for the last three weeks, and I cannot confirm that the blue-light filtering did anything to help My migraines have not been bad over the last month, but I could not directly relate that to the glasses — It isn’t like I was having bad migraines and they suddenly disappeared. I’ve still had about one migraine a week.

The film to filter the blue light is noticeable upon first wear. I'd compare the film to feeling like there is a glare on the glasses. It took a few days of wearing these glasses to get used to the blue-light filtering. If you’re already sensitive to things like this, I’d save your money and get your glasses without the film.

If you’ve ever heard of EyeBuyDirect, it was probably through a promotional offer. I don’t think I’ve ever browsed this site without a sale going on.

Right now, you can buy one and get one 15% off during this winter sale with promo code TWINPEEKS. Or, you can check out the sale section for all of their discounted frames. Our readers can use the promo code FUN30 to get 30% off the entire site with any purchase of $65 or more.

Ana Suarez is the senior commerce editor for Hearst Newspapers. She is always on the hunt for good sales, but really, she just won't shut up about her senior dog, Tyrone.