9 Cool Reading Glasses You Can Buy on Amazon
Updated: Mar. 14, 2022
If you're in the market for new reading glasses, these stylish options from Amazon will help relieve blurry vision without a trip to the store.
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Who needs reading glasses?
If you’ve never needed to wear eyeglasses before, you might not know the sneaky signs it’s time for reading glasses.
Age-related vision loss is no cause for alarm. Optometrist Amanda Korth, OD, says presbyopia, a type of farsightedness caused by loss of flexibility in your eyes’ natural lenses, typically sets in between the ages of 40 and 45.
You’ll know it’s time for reading glasses “when your arms get too short,” she says, referring to how aging adults hold books or papers at arm’s length to read.
She also says nearsighted people (those who cannot see far-off objects clearly) often never need reading glasses. “They either take their glasses off to read or they get bifocals of some sort,” she says.
Types of reading glasses
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) divides eyeglasses designed for vision correction into two main categories: single-vision glasses and multifocal glasses. However, when you shop for reading glasses, you might notice a variety of descriptions and labels. These are the most common types:
Bifocal reading glasses
These glasses have lenses with two types of magnification: correction for reading on the bottom half and correction for seeing at a distance on the top half.
Multifocal reading glasses
Multifocal reading glasses are either bifocals or trifocals (which includes correction for distant, intermediate, and near objects). Korth says multifocal reading glasses are the hardest to find, so you might need to search online instead of shopping at a local store.
Single-vision reading glasses
These glasses feature lenses with only one magnification power. Sometimes these are also labeled as fully magnified reading glasses.
Blue-light-blocking reading glasses
These lenses claim to offer correction in addition to filtering of blue light from televisions, computers, and smartphones. This is said to reduce digital eye strain, with reputed benefits for people suffering from insomnia and headaches.
While there are many positive consumer reviews for blue light glasses, the AAO says there is no scientific evidence that blue light damages eyes.
The coolest reading glasses you can buy on Amazon
Whether you’re an avid online shopper, or someone looking for a quick and easy way to find affordable reading glasses, Amazon delivers. The online marketplace offers dozens of reading glasses for men and women at a variety of prices. Just keep in mind readers are not well-regulated.
“Even if something is marked +1.50, they might be around that range from +1.40 to +1.60,” Korth says, referring to diopters, a unit of measurement for lenses’ magnifying power.
To help you save time scrolling, we searched for the most popular and highly rated reading glasses in a variety of cool styles. Here’s what we discovered.
(Here are tips on how to buy glasses online.)
Foster Grant Conan Multifocus Glasses
Foster Grant is a popular brand for stylish reading glasses, and it’s easy to see why. It offers options that are more distinct and trendy than multipack standard black frames, yet far more affordable than readers from companies such as Warby Parker or Eyebobs.
The Conan multifocal reading glasses sport a shiny tortoiseshell pattern and come in strengths from +1.00 to +2.75.
Foster Grant Zera Oval Multifocus Glasses
These Foster Grant Zera frames are marketed to women because of their gentle oval shape and slightly smaller size. However, they work just as well as reading glasses for men who like this style. The black plastic frames feature purple edging.
These multifocal reading glasses also come in magnifications from +1.00 to +3.25.
SIGVAN 3-Pack Reading Glasses
If you prefer to have pairs of reading glasses at home, in your car, and at work, this trio is for you. The unisex pack of reading glasses includes black, tortoise, and black-to-clear fade frames.
The lightweight plastic frames are not adjustable, although for about $5 per pair, you won’t lose much money if you dislike them. Vision correction ranges from +0.5 to +4.0.
EYEGUARD Fashion Reading Glasses for Women
With four pairs of reading glasses and four cases, this product from EYEGUARD ensures you have readers to match almost any outfit. The colors include purple and black, orange and black, speckled black, and blue and black.
The brand does emphasize versatile styling over versatile reading magnification. Lenses are only available between +1.00 and +3.00.
Foster Grant McKay Multifocus Round Reading Glasses
These unisex reading glasses from Foster Grant feature a woodgrain effect printed on clear plastic frames. The multifocal lenses can include three separate strengths: one for reading, one for computer use, and one for general daily wear.
With flexible spring hinges and a generous nose bridge, these cool reading glasses should fit most faces. Correction strength ranges from +1.00 to +3.25.
Peeperspecs Oversized Tortoise Glasses
These tortoiseshell reading glasses for women include blue-light-blocking lenses at magnification powers from 0.00 to +3.00. Spring hinges support a comfortable fit while a seven-layer antireflective coating keeps reading materials clear.
Peeperspecs offers these frames in four colors: gray tortoise, navy tortoise, classic tortoise, and rust (solid brown in front with tortoise in the back).
Foster Grant Charlsie Women’s Rectangular Multifocus Glasses
These Foster Grant Charlsie frames have simple and sophisticated curves, adjustable nose pads, and sturdy metal arms.
The slightly transparent tortoiseshell style keeps these classic reading glasses interesting. Charlsie reading glasses are available in magnification powers from +1.00 to +2.75.
OCCI CHIARI Oversized Reading Glasses For Women
Some people prefer simple, unobtrusive reading glasses that help them blend in with their peers.
Others want to stand out with cool, trendy frames. OCCI CHIARI oversized reading glasses will appeal to the latter group. These chunky square frames will ensure you’re noticed from across the room.
The statement reading glasses come in gray and clear frames for those who prefer a more muted look. Plastic lenses feature magnification strengths from +0.5 to +4.00.
ZUVGEES Retro Style Square Reading Glasses
The OCCI CHIARI frames aren’t the only oversized reading glasses available on Amazon.
These cool retro specs have big, square rims with polycarbonate lenses in magnification powers from 0.0 to +6.0. They come in solid colors like black, blue, and red, as well as designs like leopard print or clear frames.
Next, have you ever wondered what polarized sunglasses really do to help your vision?
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): "How to Choose Eyeglasses for Vision Correction"
- AAO: "Are Blue Light-Blocking Glasses Worth It?"
- Amanda Korth, OD, optometrist at Prairie Vision Center of Bondurant in Bondurant, Iowa
Originally Published: October 22, 2021
