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Find the perfect pair for you with these tested and reviewed readers. Glasses On Line
Suppose you are experiencing presbyopia or age-related farsightedness (when you don't see as well close up). In that case, over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses can help. They're designed for as-needed wear and magnify objects like the print in books or words online so you can see and read the material. They work best for people without astigmatism and those with an equal prescription in each eye, says Ronald Benner, OD, president of the American Optometric Association. According to our experts, the right pair should sit comfortably on your nose and around your ears. Choosing glasses with anti-glare coatings can help minimize glare.
To find the best reading glasses, we tested 17 pairs from Warby Parker, Caddis, Zenni, Foster Grant, and more top brands using prescriptions they received from an optometrist. We rated each pair of glasses for clarity, fit, comfort, and value while using insight and guidance from Masako Chen, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who practices at Mount Sinai.
The magnification you need will depend on your age and the reading distance. Before you start shopping, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to determine your correct magnification or whether you need a prescription (for example, if you need a different magnification for each eye or need bifocals or progressive lenses). David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, says if you need a pair of reading glasses before you can get to your doctor, he recommends that people in their 40s start with a +1.00, people in their 50s start with a +1.50, and people in their 60s begin with a +2.00.
Three pairs for price of one
May feel bulky to some
Magnification Range: 1.0 to 4.0 | Frame Material: PC | Frame Shape: Square | Lens Material: Not listed
Available in a pack of three different colors, these Zxyoo Oversized Reading Glasses are perfectly clear and offer blue-light blocking without any noticeable or distracting tint. Plus, they fit great and are made of plastic, which means despite their oversized design, they are still comfortable.
These glasses offer an oversized frame design that's stylish and suitable for any face shape. Plus, the pack includes three different styles, giving you more options and versatility. We received many compliments when wearing each of the three frame styles.
Another option for near-sighted people looking for single-vision options is the Bklyn Harman glasses. They’re a great introductory pair and are simple and functional—perfect for anyone hurting to get readers without much planning. The plastic is comfortable and lightweight, although it is a little less durable than we’d like. For stylish folk looking for a little something extra, we suggest the Zeelool Readers. These aviator-style readers are anti-reflective, sturdy, and have nine magnification strengths. We loved how they looked on us when we were on Zoom calls, and the clear frames were discreet enough to compliment various complexions and hair and eye colors.
The only downside is that their oversized design can sometimes make them feel a little bulky—especially after extended wear.
Tough to measure your pupillary distance
Magnification Range: -20.00 to +12.00 | Frame Material: Acetate | Frame Shape: Square | Lens Material: Spec
We fell in love with these Olvera Eyeglasses, which feature a retro square frame that creates a bold and iconic profile. Plus, they're available as bifocals and progressives and are easy to personalize. For instance, high-quality lenses are available in seven indexes, determining how thick or thin your lenses will be. So, if you have a stronger prescription, you might prefer a higher index for thinner lenses. Meanwhile, if you are more active, you might select their impact-resistant lenses.
For those who enjoy a more customized fit, you can’t go wrong with the Warby Parker Esme Glasses. They’re also available as progressive reading glasses, and not only do they look super luxe, but they come in multiple widths and sizes for all face shapes. And since they’re Warby Parkers, you can try them (along with four other pairs) for free at home for five days to get a sense of which ones you like most. Inputting our prescription through Warby Parker’s site for our custom-made readers was super simple. After receiving the finished pair, we couldn’t be happier with the fit.
Once you have your prescription in hand, it is pretty easy to order these readers—unless using technology is not your thing. It can be challenging to measure your pupillary distance on your own. But if you invest the time to learn how to order the right size for your face shape and needs (or if you can tell from another pair you already own), ordering is relatively simple.
Magnification Range: 1.00 to 3.25 | Frame Material: Metal and plastic | Frame Shape: Way/rectangle | Lens Material: Scratch and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses
After years of wearing this pair, we think the Foster Grant Donovon E-readers are the best for computer work. Not only are these reading glasses comfortable, but they also make things extremely clear when using the computer without any distortion. They even have a multi-focal option for those who need to see clearly at varying distances.
These reading glasses also fit our face well with our pupils centered and the width accommodating our face. They even have nose pads that help provide a more secure fit without causing any discomfort. Our headaches and eye strain symptoms have disappeared since using these glasses.
We also liked Foster Grant McKay's Multifocus Round Reading Glasses because they're comfortable and lightweight. These reading glasses felt like we were wearing nothing at all. They're great glasses to have on hand as backups, like in a bag or the car.
The metal and plastic frame is a little heavier than other pairs. You should consider other pairs if you want a lightweight pair of glasses.
Our editors received a prescription for reading glasses from an optometrist and ordered a pair as part of our at-home testing process. While testing and reviewing reading glasses, our experts wore the glasses for one month. We also received input from Dr. Chen. While testing, we considered the following:
Dr. Hogue says progressive lenses (multifocal lenses) are ideal for individuals who require correction for both near and distant vision because they eliminate the need for multiple glasses and provide a seamless transition between distances. Progressives are especially beneficial for those with presbyopia, a common age-related vision issue. Dr. Eichenbaum says you should consider progressives if you want to buy prescription readers and do not like the cosmetics or functionality of lined bifocals.
While it’s generally a good idea to see an eye doctor about any vision problems, Richard Davidson, MD, an ophthalmologist with UC Health Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center in Colorado, says that it’s possible (and not harmful) to purchase and wear reading glasses without getting a prescription for them first. That said, getting prescription reading glasses may provide slightly better vision due to the higher lens quality and the ability to correct any astigmatism. But, he says OTC reading glasses are perfectly acceptable if you are comfortable with the image quality.
In short, adults over 40 should use reading glasses as much as needed, Benjamin B. Bert, MD, FACS, an ophthalmologist with Doheny Eye Institute, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, says. However, using reading glasses may make your eyes lazy. If you find that you need reading glasses at a younger age, or if you’re having difficulty focusing up close and you’re under 40, it may be worth seeing your optometrist or ophthalmologist to have a refraction performed and see if you need prescription glasses, Dr. Bert adds.
Some online companies, like Warby Parker and Zenni, provide instructions for customers. But overall, in-person shopping can be easier. When trying on reading glasses, Bhavin Shah, MCOptom, a behavioral optometrist at Central Vision Opticians in London, England, advises ensuring the glasses fit comfortably and not slide down your nose. Next, check to see if the glasses fit well on the sides of your head. Your glasses shouldn't press in on the sides of the glasses or stretch out too much, Shah explains.
Sherri Gordon, CLC, has been covering health and social issues for nearly two decades and has written countless articles with a health focus. She is well versed and knowledgeable about a number of health conditions that impact our everyday lives. Plus, as someone who spends multiple hours per day reading, writing, and using the computer, Sherri knows firsthand how important it is to find reading glasses that not only fit comfortably but also allow you to see clearly and focus.
By Sherri Gordon Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert.
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