Which reading glasses to buy

Elizabeth Yuko, PhD, is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Dublin City University. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here.

We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Great for any gender, these frames are anti-reflective and scratch- and impact-resistant. Sturdy, spring-hinge frames available in a multipack so you'll always have a pair on hand.

Metal frame reading glasses in a multipack backed by a lifetime warranty, all with a range of power levels. Great for blocking blue light and reducing eyestrain in kids, even without a prescription. Fashionable choices for everyday wear in styles to suit any need, all with UV and anti-scratch coating. Folding frames and high-powered lenses make a great portable choice for people who don't wear reading glasses all the time.

Best Luxury: Warby Parker Whalen at warbyparker. Up until relatively recently, most people who needed reading glasses visited their local pharmacy or big-box store, selected a few different frames and sometimes varying prescriptions from a circular display to try on, and then made their purchase.

In addition to that, the concept of reading glasses , and what they do, has expanded. According to Richard Davidson, M. This is because when we struggle to read we tend to blink less frequently, and that leads to symptoms of dry eye and ocular irritation.

We researched dozens of reading glasses and evaluated them for reviews, frame materials, lens type, fit, pricing, durability, and return policies. Each of the glasses chosen in this article were determined to be the best of these factors. Here are the best reading glasses on the market today. This stylish, unisex frame from Foster Grant comes with several features for a reasonable price, including anti-reflective, scratch- and impact-resistant multi-strength polycarbonate lenses.

The round frames are available in either black or teal. Even though plastic reading glasses may hold their shape better than metal or wire frames, some people still prefer their look and feel. If you fall into that category, this five-pack of thin metal frames is a safe bet—especially since the company offers a lifetime breakage warranty on both the lenses and frames.

But at the same time, some people seem to think they help and continue to purchase them. If you find that applies to you, you may want to consider a pair of frames from Zenni Optical, outfitted with Blokz blue light blocking lenses. They are available in non-prescription or prescription lenses. Instead, their parents need to take them to see their pediatrician for an eye screening , followed by an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist , if necessary.

Ranging from contemporary frames to those that are vintage-inspired, even the most fashion-conscious people should find something they like. Plus, the spring hinges on the frames provide added comfort. For this reason, some people prefer reading glasses that fold, like this pair from Doubletake. Actually, these foldable glasses come two-to-an-order, complete with a hard carrying case for each pair, at a reasonable price. When Warby Parker first hit the scene, the company offered a lower-cost and significantly more convenient way of buying glasses—so it may seem odd to see them listed as our luxury pick.

But compared to all of the other options for reading glasses out there, these are definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum. At the same time, people who have ordered from Warby Parker previously may be more comfortable going with the brand again, and their one-year no-scratch guarantee can definitely come in handy.

For a tried and true pair that have a reputation for high quality lenses, Warby Parker Whalen view at Warby Parker glasses are another great pick. Check the description of the frame to find out which category it falls into.

These can include everything from a scratch-resistant coating to lenses made from more lightweight materials to a blue light blocking coating. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Invest in Thinoptics! A diopter test chart will tell you what strength reading glasses you need.

The chart has rows of words that range in text size that correspond to reading glasses strengths. Step 2: Print eye strength test. Make sure your printer is set to print to size and not scaled to fit paper size. The chart dimensions are exactly 5 inches wide. People who sit at a computer for long periods will appreciate the blue-light-filtering protection of the frames.

While most reviews rave about how these glasses provide relief from eye strain, some do report quality control issues such as cracked lenses. If you buy a pair, treat them with care.

This pair of square-shaped frames are also available with lenses without magnification. You have 90 days from your purchase to return these glasses, so read the return policy before you click buy. Shipping and returns are free.

For additional fees, you can have these outfitted with prescription lenses. Enter armless reading glasses. These may not be the most stylish but they do come in six colorways. The lenses come in a carrying pod that makes them easy to bring anywhere. Also, 80 percent of reviewers rank them as 4 stars or above. In order for them to work without arms, they perch or pinch on the bridge of your nose. This pair blocks out UV light and, according to users, works well for outdoor reading.

Since these are sunglass-style readers, you may want to use them as your main sunglasses, but be wary of driving with them on. Classic tortoiseshell frames the lenses on these readers. Translucent arms and the Tory Burch logo polish off the look. The cat-eye shape of these readers combined with the wood arms will certainly make a statement if you like your eyewear to stand out. They have a program giving one pair of eyeglasses to an adult or child in need of eyewear for every pair you buy.

Nonprescription readers can be a great option if you frequently lose track of your prescription reading glasses, or if you want to keep multiple pairs around your house for when you need them.

With that being said, you should make your purchase choices based on a few factors, including:. Picking up a pair of readers at the pharmacy or online may help as a short-term solution to your eye strain, but see an eye doctor regularly to check the health of your eyes. Stopping glasses from fogging is about preventing air from escaping from the top of your mask.

Here are several ideas to try. Do blue light glasses work? Read what the research says and learn how you can change your lifestyle and technology use to reduce blue light exposure….

Foggy glasses aren't just an annoyance.