Everything You Need to Know About Buying Reading Glasses

Gone are the days when people were secretive about wearing reading glasses. Today, glasses are as much of a style statement as they are a device to correct your vision. The proof is on the runway, as designers are routinely showcasing the latest trends in eyewear--in the form of both sunglasses and eyeglass frames. You may even recall watching the A-listers wearing eyeglasses while presenting awards at the Golden Globes, Oscars, Emmys, and more. The right pair of glasses can not only help you read fine print without squinting, but they’ll make you look fashionably chic as well.

In this guide, we take a look at the key factors you need to consider, and the questions you need to ask, while choosing your first pair of reading glasses.

Determining Your Lens Power

This is the very first thing you need to do and its importance cannot be overstated. Lens power is the most important factor to be considered while choosing eyeglasses. For starters, check out (and print out!) our Reading Power Eye Chart. Note that your power strength will not be the same if you don’t print it on paper and read from about 14” away from you. An eye doctor can also help you determine if a different type of eyeglasses are required for your reading needs, but if you have presbyopia and are already aware that reading glasses are the answer, start by finding the power that’s right for you.

Determining the Type of Glasses You Need

If you are under the age of 35 and do not have any serious eye condition, general purpose single vision glasses might be a good choice for you. If you are over the age of 35 or have presbyopia, myopia, or any such eye condition, you need bifocals, which are meant for both distance as well as reading purposes.

Bifocals have a lens that is divided into two parts – the top of the lens is for distance vision and the bottom half is for reading at a close distance. Varifocals are similar to bifocals, but they do not have a distinct line separating the distance part of the lens from the reading part, which tend to look more aesthetically appealing.

Enhancements for Your Glasses

Depending on your lifestyle and preference, you can opt for lenses with anti-reflective coating, aspheric lenses, computer lenses, and spring hinges. Other fashion-centered enhancements include painted frames, like our Delilah Reading Glasses (below), or reading glasses with crystals.

Choosing Your Frame

The aesthetic appeal of your glasses depends mostly on the frame. Great looking reading glasses invariably have great looking frames. So, you need to choose a frame that is both fashionable and functional.

Depending on your preference, you can opt for full frames or half frames. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to wear, you can go for rimless or nylon glasses. If you are planning to wear your glasses while playing sports, you should go for a sturdy sports frame with plastic lenses.

It is important to choose a frame that matches well with your facial features. If you have a round face, rectangular or square frames are a good choice. If you have a square face or a heart shaped face with a narrow chin and high cheekbones, round frames could be the best choice for you. The thumb rule is that opposites attract. So, choose frames that contrast with the shape of your face.

If you are looking for something stylish, you have plenty of options like retro-wingtips, aviator glasses, oversized glasses, and sporty glasses. There are plenty of designer reading glasses for women as well. Certain frames like cat eyes, brow-lines, vintage inspired, and embellished glasses are extremely popular.

Tips for Proper Maintenance of Eyeglasses

Once you have your new reading glasses in-hand, it’s important to maintain them well. If you use a spray or cleanser, make sure it is specifically meant to be used for eyewear. Do not use anything other than microfiber cloths to clean your glasses. Our $5 Lens Cleaning Kit is perfect for keeping in your purse for on-the-go use. Lastly, when you are not wearing your glasses, keep them safely in their case and store them carefully to avoid scratches, or being bent or broken.

Time to Start Shopping for That Perfect Pair of Reading Glasses?

Browse our website for every style of readers you could imagine. Sort by shape, style, color, and type to find the pair that’s right for you!