Cheaters, readers, magnifiers. Whatever you want to call them, reading glasses are an incredibly practical and cost-effective way to aid your vision as you age. Never has this been truer in an era where we use our eyes to read, work, and view screens more than ever!
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Reading Glasses
Frame Materials
Cellulose Acetate – Many of the top eyewear designers in the world chose to use premium cellulose acetate, a type of organic plastic, to create their frames. Premium acetate frames are typically shaped and polished by hand which results in a luxurious look and feel. The material can be produced in an near infinite amount of colors and patterns providing designers an incredible pallet from which to create their frames. Acetate is also an excellent material for eyewear due to its ability to be both flexible and durable.
Titanium – Titanium is an extremely lightweight and durable metal making it an optimal choice for eyewear frames. It is also very resistant to corrosion and is hypoallergenic. Often it is combined with other metals like nickel and copper to reduce the overall cost of the frame. Many manufacturers can produce it in a variety of colors which adds a little excitement to is sleek and modern look.
Lens Style & Materials
Full Lens Readers – This style of the lens provides magnification across its entire surface. Total surface magnification means that your entire field of view will be enhanced by whichever magnification or power you choose for your lens. Full lens reading glasses are best used for extended periods while reading or working as you won’t be able to see long distances without distortion. To see normal distances again you will simply need to remove your glasses, but of course, this could get a little annoying if you need to do this often.
Bifocal Readers – This style of reading glasses tends to be more versatile than full lens readers if you only occasionally use your readers. The small semi-circle portion of the lens provides magnification when you need it, and the rest of the lens typically has no magnification at all. This allows you to use your normal or distance vision without removing your glasses. That said, if you plan to use readers for any amount of time longer than 3o seconds we recommend going with the full lens variety over bifocals.
You can’t talk premium reading glasses without mentioning Eyebobs. They are among the leaders in optical quality, designer reading glasses and offer hundreds of truly unique styles. You would be hard-pressed to find a more superior pair of quality OTC reading glasses better than anything Eyebobs has to offer.
The Waylaid reading glasses (see it on Amazon) are among one of our favorites that Eyebobs has to offer, featuring a distinct amber and crystal front paired with full amber temples. The lenses are optical quality, full lens magnifiers, resulting in crystal clear vision. The classic wayfarer-shaped frame looks good on just about anyone and like all Eyebobs readers, are made from premium acetate.
Lenses are available in magnifications of +1.5, +1.75, +2.00, +2.25, +2.5, +2.75, +3.00, and +3.5.
Scojo New York reading glasses share many similar traits with Eyebobs, but with one exception. While they too have dozens of premium acetate readers, we are most intrigued with their line of Gels reading glasses.
The Gels (view on Amazon) are designed to be ultra lightweight and minimal, to make you feel as if you aren’t wearing anything at all. They are made from extremely durable TR-90 plastic and include premium optical quality lenses in all their styles. Shown above is their classic Gels reader, but they offer a number of other Gel styles including the Gels Manhattan, Wideline, and Blulite.
The Gels are available in 23 colors and with eight different magnifications including +1.00, +1.25, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00 +2.25, +2.50, +3.00
The Kate Spade brand is a leader in women’s fashion accessories, and nearly everything they create is wildly popular. That goes the same for their reading glasses which are a fan favorite amongst those in need of chic, fashionable readers.
All their readers feature premium acetate frames and optical quality lenses, but the defining characteristics are their combinations of eye-popping colors paired with interesting tortoise patterns. The Jodie (view on Amazon) shown above combines Havana tortoise with a blue teal demi to create a vivid front that will get compliments anywhere you go.
Kate Spade only features a few different readers (the Rebecca being another) with fewer lens power options than it’s competitors. That said, we think “quality over quantity” reigns supreme and these reading glasses exemplify that statement.
All Kate Spade New York reading glasses are available in +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, & +3.00 magnifications.
Best known for their housewares and famous checkerboard pattern, the Mackenzie-Childs design house also produces one awesome pair of reading glasses.
Drawing inspiration from the 65-acre farm surrounding their studios, Mackenzie-Childs applies its iconic checkerboard pattern to the full acetate fronts of Courtly Check Round Readers (available on Amazon). The checkerboard front is then beautifully contrasted by brilliant havana tortoiseshell acetate temples.
A brass logo plaque is inset into each temple side, adding a nice detail and providing a touch of luxury. The readers come in magnifications of +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, and +3.00 which can actually be swapped out for prescription lenses by your local optician.
Corinne McCormack was one of the first designers to release on trend and stylish reading glasses for the fashion world. Some twenty years later, they are still one of the front-runners in hip eyewear.
The Abby reading glasses (found here on Amazon) shown feature a rich dark tortoise frame created in a classic horned rimmed silhouette. They represent a sophisticated take on over the counter reading glasses and match up well against mid-tier to high-end optical frames.
The lenses feature full magnification across their entire surface and are available in magnifications of +1.50, +2.00, +2.50.
Warby Parker launched almost 10 years ago to change the way we view eyewear entirely. They eliminated the middleman and expensive licensing agreements to reduce the cost of premium eyewear dramatically.
Their free home try-on program (5 frames for 5 days) was the first of its kind and remains one of the best options for online eyewear today. Currently, Warby Parker is only 1 of 2 retailers offering free in-home try-on for reading glasses.
That’s right, most people don’t realize that they too offer over the counter reading glasses through their website. You can get their high-quality acetate frames made into ready readers without a prescription.
It’s a little hidden on their site but simply put a frame of your choosing into your shopping cart with non-prescription lenses selected and proceed to checkout. Once there, you will have the option to choose a magnification to be applied to the lenses.
One of our favorite frames is the Percey in Striped Sassafras shown above. The bold contrasting acetate and subtle keyhole bridge are what won us over the most. If the Percy isn’t quite your style, you can head over to Warby Parker to browse dozens of trendy acetate and titanium frames yourself!
The lenses feature full magnification across their entire surface and are available in magnifications of +0.25, +0.50, +0.75, +1.00, +1.25, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00, +2.25, +2.50, +2.75.
Dubbed the Warby Parker of reading glasses, LOOK Optic is the only other eyewear company offering free in-home try-on for reading glasses. They keep it simple with only four styles available but make up for it by offering each style in 5 – 9 different colors.
The Sullivan in Honey (shown) is our favorite due to its bold color and classic wayfarer shape. Like all Look Optic readers, the Honey is made from high-quality acetate and features optical quality reading lenses. You’ll also get to enjoy a 30-day trial and all readers are covered by a 1-year warranty.
Power / magnifications are available in +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, and +2.50 and all frames come with a nice hard case.
If you decide to try the in-home trial, you’ll get to choose 3 frames to wear around for 14 days! This is incredible and is nearly three times longer than Warby Parker allows! LOOK Optic also carries sunglasses, computer glasses, and can provide prescription lenses as well.
Readers.com has one of the most extensive reading glasses collections with nearly 500 styles to choose from. Their incredible selection includes just about any color and lens combination you can dream up.
It’s tough to choose just any one pair of their readers, but we are drawn to the pop of color found on the Etta Bifocal. We love the semi-transparent pink demi used for the front paired with the equally loud, solid pink temples. The retro cat eye shape turn these classic readers into a piece of pop art!
The Etta bifocal comes in two additional colors, and bifocal magnifications include +1.00, +1.25, and +1.50.
Foster Grant is considered the original American eyewear company, getting their start all the way back in 1929. They became one of the premier eyewear companies during the Hollywood Golden Era of the ’50s and ‘60s and still operate as one of the biggest producers of affordable reading glasses and sunglasses today.
The Conan multi-reader shown is one of our favorites for a few reasons. The rootbeer tortoise pattern is a timeless look, and the price is definitely right at $20 – $35 depending on the lens magnification. But what we like most of all is the Conan features Foster Grants Multi-Focus lenses.
The lenses turn these into a 3 in 1 reader with different focal areas for mid, distance, and reading. Magnifications include +1.00, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00, +2.00, & +2.75.
The Bookclub Eyewear makes a name for itself by offering stylish reading and computer glasses at an even more attractive price. All of their glasses fall in the $30 – $40 range providing excellent value for the quality.
They have a ton of unique styles, but our favorite has to be the Grime in Banishment frame. We have no idea where they get their name, but the semi-transparent cola color really grabbed our attention.
All The Bookclub readers come with optical quality lenses in magnifications of +1.00, +1.50,+2.00, +2.50. Also worth noting is the fact that all of their lenses come coated with and anti-blue light coating to ease eyestrain when working on the computer.
Our list features a complete collection of over the counter reading glasses. Meaning, you don’t need a prescription from an eye doctor to purchase any of these readers. That said, eye exams are essential, and you should always get your eyes checked at least once a year to confirm everything is in tip-top shape as far as eye health goes.
Yes! Both FSA and HSA funds are eligible to be used for OTC reading glasses. In instances where your HSA debit card can’t be used, you’ll be able to request a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement. For more on FSA and HSA eligibility, check out the great resources found over at the FSA Store.
Bifocal reading glasses simple house the reading portion or magnified area of the lens within its bifocal portion towards the bottom of the lens. In most cases, this area is easily found due to the semi-circle shape and district line across the lens. The rest of the lens is non-magnified letting you see distances while still wearing your readers. Bifocal reading glasses are most commonly found as sunglasses and can even be polarized. To learn more, check out our list of the best sun readers available today.
You may be on to something here! Most people don’t realize that designer and high-quality reading glasses can be turned into prescription glasses with new lenses. Their frame quality and materials make it easy to have new lenses cut and inserted creating designer prescription glasses for a fraction of the price. Be sure to double check your local optician is willing to cut new lenses for you before pulling the trigger on the idea. If they can’t or won’t, you can look into online options like Lensabl.
Thoughts, questions, or concerns? We would love to hear from you! Post your comments below, but please keep our site safe and clean for all to enjoy. Any comments posted under Eyewear Genius’ official account are not reviewed or endorsed by any retailers or brands affiliated with the reviewed products unless explicitly stated otherwise.
10 Best Reading Glasses of 2022 – Complete Buyer’s Guide
Cheaters, readers, magnifiers. Whatever you want to call them, reading glasses are an incredibly practical and cost-effective way to aid your vision as you age. Never has this been truer in an era where we use our eyes to read, work, and view screens more than ever!
Ready for new reading glasses now? Jump below to see our top reading glasses picks for 2022 →
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Reading Glasses
Frame Materials
Cellulose Acetate – Many of the top eyewear designers in the world chose to use premium cellulose acetate, a type of organic plastic, to create their frames. Premium acetate frames are typically shaped and polished by hand which results in a luxurious look and feel. The material can be produced in an near infinite amount of colors and patterns providing designers an incredible pallet from which to create their frames. Acetate is also an excellent material for eyewear due to its ability to be both flexible and durable.
Titanium – Titanium is an extremely lightweight and durable metal making it an optimal choice for eyewear frames. It is also very resistant to corrosion and is hypoallergenic. Often it is combined with other metals like nickel and copper to reduce the overall cost of the frame. Many manufacturers can produce it in a variety of colors which adds a little excitement to is sleek and modern look.
Lens Style & Materials
Full Lens Readers – This style of the lens provides magnification across its entire surface. Total surface magnification means that your entire field of view will be enhanced by whichever magnification or power you choose for your lens. Full lens reading glasses are best used for extended periods while reading or working as you won’t be able to see long distances without distortion. To see normal distances again you will simply need to remove your glasses, but of course, this could get a little annoying if you need to do this often.
Bifocal Readers – This style of reading glasses tends to be more versatile than full lens readers if you only occasionally use your readers. The small semi-circle portion of the lens provides magnification when you need it, and the rest of the lens typically has no magnification at all. This allows you to use your normal or distance vision without removing your glasses. That said, if you plan to use readers for any amount of time longer than 3o seconds we recommend going with the full lens variety over bifocals.
To learn more check out our guide on everything you need to know about reading glasses!
Best Reading Glasses Reviews:
Best Designer Reading Glasses
Best Home Try On Reading Glasses
Best Value Reading Glasses
Reading Glasses FAQ
Eyebobs – Waylaid
You can’t talk premium reading glasses without mentioning Eyebobs. They are among the leaders in optical quality, designer reading glasses and offer hundreds of truly unique styles. You would be hard-pressed to find a more superior pair of quality OTC reading glasses better than anything Eyebobs has to offer.
The Waylaid reading glasses (see it on Amazon) are among one of our favorites that Eyebobs has to offer, featuring a distinct amber and crystal front paired with full amber temples. The lenses are optical quality, full lens magnifiers, resulting in crystal clear vision. The classic wayfarer-shaped frame looks good on just about anyone and like all Eyebobs readers, are made from premium acetate.
Lenses are available in magnifications of +1.5, +1.75, +2.00, +2.25, +2.5, +2.75, +3.00, and +3.5.
View on eyebobs.com | EYEBOBS WAYLAID
Scojo New York – Gels
Scojo New York reading glasses share many similar traits with Eyebobs, but with one exception. While they too have dozens of premium acetate readers, we are most intrigued with their line of Gels reading glasses.
The Gels (view on Amazon) are designed to be ultra lightweight and minimal, to make you feel as if you aren’t wearing anything at all. They are made from extremely durable TR-90 plastic and include premium optical quality lenses in all their styles. Shown above is their classic Gels reader, but they offer a number of other Gel styles including the Gels Manhattan, Wideline, and Blulite.
The Gels are available in 23 colors and with eight different magnifications including +1.00, +1.25, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00 +2.25, +2.50, +3.00
View best price on Amazon | SCOJO NEW YORK GELS
Kate Spade New York – Jodie
The Kate Spade brand is a leader in women’s fashion accessories, and nearly everything they create is wildly popular. That goes the same for their reading glasses which are a fan favorite amongst those in need of chic, fashionable readers.
All their readers feature premium acetate frames and optical quality lenses, but the defining characteristics are their combinations of eye-popping colors paired with interesting tortoise patterns. The Jodie (view on Amazon) shown above combines Havana tortoise with a blue teal demi to create a vivid front that will get compliments anywhere you go.
Kate Spade only features a few different readers (the Rebecca being another) with fewer lens power options than it’s competitors. That said, we think “quality over quantity” reigns supreme and these reading glasses exemplify that statement.
All Kate Spade New York reading glasses are available in +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, & +3.00 magnifications.
View best price on Amazon | KATE SPADE NEW YORK
Mackenzie Childs – Courtly Check
Best known for their housewares and famous checkerboard pattern, the Mackenzie-Childs design house also produces one awesome pair of reading glasses.
Drawing inspiration from the 65-acre farm surrounding their studios, Mackenzie-Childs applies its iconic checkerboard pattern to the full acetate fronts of Courtly Check Round Readers (available on Amazon). The checkerboard front is then beautifully contrasted by brilliant havana tortoiseshell acetate temples.
A brass logo plaque is inset into each temple side, adding a nice detail and providing a touch of luxury. The readers come in magnifications of +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, and +3.00 which can actually be swapped out for prescription lenses by your local optician.
View best price on Amazon | MACKENZIE CHILDS COURTLY CHECK
Corinne McCormack – Abby
Corinne McCormack was one of the first designers to release on trend and stylish reading glasses for the fashion world. Some twenty years later, they are still one of the front-runners in hip eyewear.
The Abby reading glasses (found here on Amazon) shown feature a rich dark tortoise frame created in a classic horned rimmed silhouette. They represent a sophisticated take on over the counter reading glasses and match up well against mid-tier to high-end optical frames.
The lenses feature full magnification across their entire surface and are available in magnifications of +1.50, +2.00, +2.50.
View best price on Amazon | CORINNE McCORMACK ABBY
Best Home Try on Reading Glasses
Warby Parker – Percey
Warby Parker launched almost 10 years ago to change the way we view eyewear entirely. They eliminated the middleman and expensive licensing agreements to reduce the cost of premium eyewear dramatically.
Their free home try-on program (5 frames for 5 days) was the first of its kind and remains one of the best options for online eyewear today. Currently, Warby Parker is only 1 of 2 retailers offering free in-home try-on for reading glasses.
That’s right, most people don’t realize that they too offer over the counter reading glasses through their website. You can get their high-quality acetate frames made into ready readers without a prescription.
It’s a little hidden on their site but simply put a frame of your choosing into your shopping cart with non-prescription lenses selected and proceed to checkout. Once there, you will have the option to choose a magnification to be applied to the lenses.
One of our favorite frames is the Percey in Striped Sassafras shown above. The bold contrasting acetate and subtle keyhole bridge are what won us over the most. If the Percy isn’t quite your style, you can head over to Warby Parker to browse dozens of trendy acetate and titanium frames yourself!
The lenses feature full magnification across their entire surface and are available in magnifications of +0.25, +0.50, +0.75, +1.00, +1.25, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00, +2.25, +2.50, +2.75.
View at www.WarbyParker.com | WARBY PARKER PERCEY
LOOK Optic – Sullivan
Dubbed the Warby Parker of reading glasses, LOOK Optic is the only other eyewear company offering free in-home try-on for reading glasses. They keep it simple with only four styles available but make up for it by offering each style in 5 – 9 different colors.
The Sullivan in Honey (shown) is our favorite due to its bold color and classic wayfarer shape. Like all Look Optic readers, the Honey is made from high-quality acetate and features optical quality reading lenses. You’ll also get to enjoy a 30-day trial and all readers are covered by a 1-year warranty.
Power / magnifications are available in +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, and +2.50 and all frames come with a nice hard case.
If you decide to try the in-home trial, you’ll get to choose 3 frames to wear around for 14 days! This is incredible and is nearly three times longer than Warby Parker allows! LOOK Optic also carries sunglasses, computer glasses, and can provide prescription lenses as well.
View at LOOKOptic.com | LOOK OPTIC SULLIVAN
Best Value Reading Glasses
Readers.com – Etta Bifocal
Readers.com has one of the most extensive reading glasses collections with nearly 500 styles to choose from. Their incredible selection includes just about any color and lens combination you can dream up.
It’s tough to choose just any one pair of their readers, but we are drawn to the pop of color found on the Etta Bifocal. We love the semi-transparent pink demi used for the front paired with the equally loud, solid pink temples. The retro cat eye shape turn these classic readers into a piece of pop art!
The Etta bifocal comes in two additional colors, and bifocal magnifications include +1.00, +1.25, and +1.50.
View at Readers.com | READERS.COM ETTA BIFOCAL
Foster Grant – Conan
Foster Grant is considered the original American eyewear company, getting their start all the way back in 1929. They became one of the premier eyewear companies during the Hollywood Golden Era of the ’50s and ‘60s and still operate as one of the biggest producers of affordable reading glasses and sunglasses today.
The Conan multi-reader shown is one of our favorites for a few reasons. The rootbeer tortoise pattern is a timeless look, and the price is definitely right at $20 – $35 depending on the lens magnification. But what we like most of all is the Conan features Foster Grants Multi-Focus lenses.
The lenses turn these into a 3 in 1 reader with different focal areas for mid, distance, and reading. Magnifications include +1.00, +1.50, +1.75, +2.00, +2.00, & +2.75.
View best price on Amazon | FOSTER GRANT CONAN MULTI FOCAL
The Bookclub – Grime in Banishment
The Bookclub Eyewear makes a name for itself by offering stylish reading and computer glasses at an even more attractive price. All of their glasses fall in the $30 – $40 range providing excellent value for the quality.
They have a ton of unique styles, but our favorite has to be the Grime in Banishment frame. We have no idea where they get their name, but the semi-transparent cola color really grabbed our attention.
All The Bookclub readers come with optical quality lenses in magnifications of +1.00, +1.50,+2.00, +2.50. Also worth noting is the fact that all of their lenses come coated with and anti-blue light coating to ease eyestrain when working on the computer.
View at Nordstroms.com | THE BOOK CLUB GRIMES IN BANISHMENT
Reading Glasses FAQ
Do I need a prescription to buy reading glasses?
Our list features a complete collection of over the counter reading glasses. Meaning, you don’t need a prescription from an eye doctor to purchase any of these readers. That said, eye exams are essential, and you should always get your eyes checked at least once a year to confirm everything is in tip-top shape as far as eye health goes.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to purchase over the counter (OTC) reading glasses?
Yes! Both FSA and HSA funds are eligible to be used for OTC reading glasses. In instances where your HSA debit card can’t be used, you’ll be able to request a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement. For more on FSA and HSA eligibility, check out the great resources found over at the FSA Store.
What are bifocal reading glasses?
Bifocal reading glasses simple house the reading portion or magnified area of the lens within its bifocal portion towards the bottom of the lens. In most cases, this area is easily found due to the semi-circle shape and district line across the lens. The rest of the lens is non-magnified letting you see distances while still wearing your readers. Bifocal reading glasses are most commonly found as sunglasses and can even be polarized. To learn more, check out our list of the best sun readers available today.
Can I swap out the reading lenses for prescription lenses?
You may be on to something here! Most people don’t realize that designer and high-quality reading glasses can be turned into prescription glasses with new lenses. Their frame quality and materials make it easy to have new lenses cut and inserted creating designer prescription glasses for a fraction of the price. Be sure to double check your local optician is willing to cut new lenses for you before pulling the trigger on the idea. If they can’t or won’t, you can look into online options like Lensabl.
What’s Next:
View Our list of the Top Online Eyewear Brands & Retailers →
How to know if you need reading glasses? →
Are cheap reading glasses bad for your eyes? →