What are reading glasses for?

Reading glasses improve vision for seeing things at close range. Activities like looking at a computer screen, sewing, reading a book, or drawing can strain the eyes if there is an issue with your sight. Reading glasses give your eyes a little boost to see things more clearly so you can continue doing important tasks and hobbies that require you to see up close.

Do you only wear reading glasses if you're reading?

Despite their specific name, reading glasses can be used for a variety of activities. Many people require the use of reading glasses to sew, text on their phone, use a computer, paint, draw, cook dinner, read a map, or even watch a movie. Anything that involves seeing at close range may require the use of reading glasses.

How do I know if I need reading glasses?

It's not uncommon for anyone in their 40s and beyond to start experiencing blurry vision or headaches when they are viewing things up close. If you have to read a book at arm's length or take a break from your phone because the text is blurry, this is a good indication that reading glasses would help you.

Do I need to visit an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) before purchasing reading glasses?

It is always a good idea to visit your eye doctor since they often look for more than just vision problems at your check-up. They can identify muscle issues, cataracts, dryness, and glaucoma that may not currently affect your eyesight. However, seeing an eye doctor before buying reading glasses is not absolutely necessary. Reading glasses can be purchased over-the-counter, meaning anyone can buy them online without a prescription.

Are reading glasses expensive?

Depending on the retailer, brand, and lens type, reading glasses usually range anywhere from $10 to $400. It is not hard to find high-quality reading glasses for $100 or less though. Usually if you're spending a lot of money, it's because you are getting a name-brand pair of reading glasses and going all out with customizations. Reading glasses are usually quite affordable and don't need to be something that hurts your wallet.

How do I choose the best reading glasses for me?

Start by deciding what color, shape, and style you want. Do you want glasses with a pattern? Or a solid color? You'll also want to consider what power to buy for your reading glasses. Anywhere from a +1.25 to a +2.5 should be adequate for computer work or reading books. There are resources online to help you decide what power to buy to get the most out of your reading glasses.

What is the difference between reading glasses and normal eyeglasses?

Over-the-counter reading glasses offer the same prescription in each lens, even though most people have one eye that is stronger than the other. Reading glasses usually always come at a low power and are meant to be worn occasionally when doing tasks that require you to see up close. They are not meant to correct vision, but rather give a boost to your eye muscles to help them see at close range when needed. Prescription eyeglasses are meant to correct vision issues and are usually worn all day long. They typically require a visit to the ophthalmologist to find out what prescription you should use.

Will wearing reading glasses cause my sight to weaken?

It is a common misconception that wearing reading glasses will weaken your eyesight. Some people worry that by "handicapping" their eyes and wearing reading glasses, their muscles will relax to the point that their vision gets worse. However, this is not something to be concerned about. Your eyes are still working hard to do their job, but reading glasses just make things clearer and sharper to make up for what your natural eye cannot do.

Best Reading Glasses Stores for July 2025

Item: The Best Reading Glasses Stores
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Sunday, July 20th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 Reading Glasses Store Reviews

Here you can see how Readers and EyeBuyDirect match up head-to-head in a battle for the Best Reading Glasses Stores in 2025.

Readers

500+ reading glasses options
Pricing from $8.89 to $41.95
Eye doctor finding tool

Readers is a leading online retailer specializing in affordable reading glasses. With over 500 options available, they offer a wide selection of styles, including reading sunglasses. On top of a great selection, Readers provides a 90-day happiness guarantee, ensuring customer satisfaction. Overall, they offer quality reading glasses at competitive prices, making them a top choice for budget-friendly glasses. It was only beaten by our top company due to its higher inventory and wider array of products. However, Readers is a very close second to our top pick and is definitely worth your time browsing for your next pair of reading glasses.

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EyeBuyDirect

272 styles of reading glasses
Priced from $6 to $72
Coupon codes available

EyeBuyDirect boasts an extensive selection of eyewear, catering to diverse preferences and needs. They offer a variety of standard and name-brand glasses suitable for everyday use, outdoor activities, and sports. With an overwhelmingly positive reception from more than 75% of customers, coupled with a high rate of return customers, and excellent customer service, EyeBuyDirect emerges as a solid retailer in the eyeglass retail industry as a one-stop shop that also sells reading glasses.

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Are you looking to refresh your glasses with a new and exciting look? Getting reading glasses is a must-have for those without 20/20 vision, but that shouldn't mean you can't love your new accessory. Whether you're looking at your first pair of glasses, or you've gone through a few pairs and need something more exciting, it can be hard to pick the best option for your needs.

According to current research, there are 197.6 million adults who need vision correction. Reading glasses are essential for individuals who have difficulty seeing clearly up close. As people age, the flexibility of the lens in the eye diminishes, resulting in a condition called presbyopia. This age-related condition leads to a gradual loss of near vision, making it harder to read books, newspapers, or even digital screens.

Reading glasses provide the necessary magnification to help individuals with presbyopia read comfortably. In terms of cost, reading glasses typically range in price, with many consumers reporting spending between $100 and $150 for frames. However, it's important to note that the expense can vary depending on factors such as frame material, brand, and additional features like prescription sunglasses.

Getting the right reading glasses is important for your health and personal style. With different shapes, colors, sizes, lens types, and more, there are almost an unlimited number of frames to fit your face. There are even some that are provided by premium brands, so you can look for your favorite fashion designers for your eyes. However, it can be hard to decide which one to get, much less where to get them. Fortunately, that large variety of options means there's a perfect pair of glasses out there for everyone.

So, how do you find the best reading glasses store for your needs? There are a lot of things to consider. If you're not sure where to start your reader journey, here are a few things to help you sift through the options:

Price: Are you looking for designer readers? Or maybe just a replacement for your favorite pair? Are you okay with dupes for fashion brands, or do you need to have the real thing? Keeping your budget in mind can help you find a place that caters to your wallet as well as your fashion sense.
Function: Do you just need standard readers Or maybe bifocals? Do you just want a pair of snazzy reading sunglasses for catching up on your favorite book by the pool? Knowing what kind of readers you need can help you decide where to shop. Some places have bifocals and sun glasses, while others only have standard clear readers.
Return Policy: You're buying reading glasses online without trying them on. It can feel a little scary. So, checking out the return policy and warranties offered by different companies can help you with your peace of mind.
Popularity: Do you want to order from a company with a top-notch reputation? Or are you more worried about inventory and price than customer feedback? Keeping an eye on customer comments can help you guide your decision if you're stuck between two standout options.

To help you find the right reading glasses store for your needs, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular retailers on the market. We hope this will help you find your perfect pair of reading glasses and get back to enjoying your relaxation time with a good book or your trusty Kindle!

Readers vs EyeBuyDirect

2025 Reading Glasses Store Reviews

Readers

EyeBuyDirect

Reading Glasses Store FAQ