Zenni Optical: A Homesteader's Take on Affordable Eyewear

If you’re a homesteader like me, then you know how important it is to balance practicality with cost-effectiveness. Whether it’s tools, seeds, or even something as basic as eyewear, every purchase needs to pull its weight. So, when it was time to replace my old, worn-out glasses, I decided to give Zenni Optical a try. Their affordable prices and wide range of customization options seemed like the perfect fit for my needs.

As homesteaders, we often embrace a DIY approach, and ordering glasses online felt like an extension of that mindset. Why drive hours into town for an expensive pair of glasses when I can order a custom set delivered right to my door? But, as with many things in life, there were some surprises along the way—some good and some... well, let’s just say they gave me a bit of a headache (literally and figuratively!).

In this post, I’ll walk you through my experience with Zenni Optical, especially their Eyeqlenz lenses, which offer transition capabilities and infrared protection. I’ll also share a few quirks I encountered along the way, particularly with my iPhone’s Face ID. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether Zenni is the right choice for you, read on!

Why Zenni Optical?

One of the main reasons I chose Zenni Optical was their promise of affordable, customizable glasses. For those of us living in rural areas, getting to the nearest optometrist can be a hassle. On top of that, the price of glasses at traditional retailers can be quite steep, especially if you need specialized lenses.

Zenni caught my eye because they allow you to choose everything—from the frame style to the lens type—at a fraction of the cost of most brick-and-mortar stores. Their website is easy to navigate, and you can even upload a photo of yourself to see what different frames would look like on your face.

For someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, dealing with everything from planting to animal care, I needed a pair of glasses that could keep up. I didn’t want to be constantly switching between regular glasses and sunglasses every time I stepped outside. That’s why I opted for Zenni’s Eyeqlenz transition lenses, which seemed like the perfect solution.

The Eyeqlenz: A Closer Look at the Tech

When browsing through Zenni’s vast selection, I was immediately drawn to the Eyeqlenz. As someone who spends plenty of time outdoors, I needed lenses that could adapt to changing light conditions. Eyeqlenz lenses transition from almost clear indoors to dark grey outdoors when exposed to sunlight, which seemed ideal for my lifestyle.

But what really stood out about the Eyeqlenz is that they come with built-in infrared protection. This isn’t an optional add-on, but a standard feature of the Eyeqlenz design. The infrared protection is meant to filter out infrared light, helping to reduce eye strain, particularly when exposed to bright outdoor conditions.

Now, you might wonder how that affects the look of the lenses. The infrared protection gives the lenses a subtle red tint when light hits them at certain angles. It’s not something you notice when you’re looking through the glasses—in fact, from the wearer’s perspective, the lenses look perfectly normal. However, if someone is looking at you, they might notice the red tint on the outside of the lenses, especially in bright light. You might even catch a glimpse of the red tint on the inside corners of the lenses when light is behind you.

As someone who spends a lot of time outside in varying lighting conditions, the Eyeqlenz seemed like a great fit. However, this unique feature also led to an unexpected issue that I didn’t anticipate—especially when it came to using my iPhone.

Face ID and the Red Tint Problem

Here’s where things started to get a bit tricky.

I’m not glued to my phone like some people, but I do rely on it to manage my blog, stay connected, and keep track of my homesteading to-do list. One feature I’ve come to rely on heavily is Face ID. Whether I’m unlocking my phone, approving purchases, or logging into apps, Face ID is a convenience that I’ve come to expect.

However, after I started wearing the Zenni Eyeqlenz, I noticed something strange—my Face ID wasn’t working as smoothly as it had before. At first, I thought it was just a minor glitch. Maybe my phone needed an update, or maybe I’d set up Face ID incorrectly. But after some trial and error, I realized that the problem was with my glasses.

The red tint from the infrared protection on the Eyeqlenz seemed to be confusing my iPhone’s Face ID sensors. Face ID uses infrared technology to scan your face, and the red tint on the lenses was interfering with the sensors, preventing my phone from recognizing me. The issue wasn’t constant, but it happened frequently enough to be an annoyance. Every time I tried to unlock my phone, I had to manually enter my passcode—something I haven’t done regularly in years.

A quick online search revealed that I wasn’t alone in experiencing this problem. Glasses with certain coatings or tints, especially those with infrared protection, can cause issues with Face ID. It’s a quirk of the technology, and while it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you use Face ID as much as I do.

If you’re considering Zenni’s Eyeqlenz and you rely on Face ID, be prepared for a little frustration. Unfortunately, the infrared protection is built into the lenses, so it’s not something you can opt out of. If you want to avoid this issue altogether, you might need to look into other lens options, like brand-name transition lenses or generic photochromic lenses that don’t include the infrared protection.

The Pros and Cons of Zenni Optical

After a few weeks of wearing my new Zenni Eyeqlenz glasses, I’ve developed a good sense of the pros and cons of ordering from Zenni Optical. Here’s my breakdown:

Pros:

Affordability: Zenni Optical offers a wide range of frames and lenses at a fraction of the cost of traditional eyewear retailers. For someone living in a rural area, this is a huge plus. The ability to customize your glasses without breaking the bank is a game-changer.

Customization: Zenni’s online ordering system allows you to choose from a variety of frame styles, colors, and lens options. You can truly tailor your glasses to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for basic prescription lenses or more advanced features like transition lenses.

Convenience: Ordering online means you don’t have to make the long trip into town just to pick out glasses. For busy homesteaders, the convenience of having your glasses shipped directly to your door is a big benefit.

Quality: Despite the low price point, the quality of Zenni’s glasses is impressive. My Eyeqlenz lenses have held up well to the daily wear and tear of homesteading, and the frames are lightweight but durable.

Cons:

Face ID Issues: As I’ve mentioned, the red tint from the infrared protection in the Eyeqlenz can interfere with iPhone Face ID. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to be aware of if you rely on Face ID frequently.

Adjustment Period: Like any new glasses, there’s a bit of an adjustment period with Zenni glasses. They arrived well-fitted, but I still had to make a few tweaks to get them to sit just right on my face.

Tips for Ordering Glasses from Zenni Optical

If you’re considering ordering from Zenni Optical, here are a few tips based on my experience:

Double-Check Your Prescription: Make sure you’ve entered your prescription details correctly, including your pupillary distance (PD), to ensure that your lenses are centered properly.

Consider Your Daily Routine: Think about how you’ll be using your glasses. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in varying light conditions, transition lenses like the Eyeqlenz could be a good choice. However, if you rely heavily on Face ID, you might want to consider other lens options.

Frame Selection: Take your time choosing a frame that suits both your style and your lifestyle. Zenni offers a virtual try-on feature that lets you see how different frames will look on your face, which can be helpful.

Order in Advance: Zenni is an online service, so it will take some time for your glasses to arrive. My order took about two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you’re in need of a new pair quickly.

Overall, I’m happy with my Zenni Optical experience. The Eyeqlenz have made my daily outdoor chores much easier, and the price point is unbeatable. However, the issue with Face ID is something I didn’t anticipate, and it’s worth considering if you use your phone’s facial recognition technology frequently.

For homesteaders looking for affordable, customizable eyewear, Zenni is a great option. Just be mindful of the quirks that come with high-tech lenses like the Eyeqlenz. After all, as homesteaders, we’re no strangers to adapting and making things work—whether it’s in the garden, the barn, or with our tech!

What about you? Have you tried ordering glasses online? I’d love to hear your experiences—especially if you’ve run into any unexpected surprises like I did! Drop a comment below or share your tips for getting the most out of your Zenni Optical order.