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As you get older, it is normal for your eyes to become weaker. It is normal to have trouble reading, and almost everyone will experience some degree of presbyopia over time, the technical term for age-related blurred vision, caused by the lens of the eye becoming less flexible.
“The human lens grows like a little onion and adds layers, and it gets stiffer around age 40,” Dr. Viola Kanevsky, a former president of the New York State Optometric Association, told CNET. “Even someone who has always had perfect vision suddenly needs reading glasses and starts pulling things further forward.”
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that reading glasses can be a simple solution if presbyopia is your only vision problem. To determine your prescription and specific strength needs, and to check for any underlying vision problems, it is crucial to have a thorough eye exam. Once you have your strength numbers, however, you can easily buy reading glasses online and have them shipped right to your door.
There are countless retailers that offer reading glasses online, but not all of them are good. After scouring nearly a dozen sites and carefully considering customer reviews, product variety, and shipping policies, we’ve selected our top picks to help you buy the best reading glasses for your needs. Find out where to get the best reading glasses and find your perfect pair.
What are the best reading glasses?
GlassesUSA is our pick for the best reading glasses you can buy online, thanks to their extensive inventory, honest policies, and great customer reviews. GlassesUSA was also one of CNET’s picks for the best online eyeglasses and the best prescription sunglasses.
Best Reading Glasses for 2024
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GlassesUSA offers nearly 200 frames for reading glasses. You can get lenses from +0.25 to +4 for each pair, which is one of the widest ranges of any brand we looked at. Even people with very weak or very strong farsightedness can get their reading glasses here. There are many different styles to choose from, from traditional to flashy. Regular sales bring prices down to around $34 for a pair. GlassesUSA also has other policies and benefits that make it a convenient retailer to buy from. These include virtual try-ons, free shipping, free returns or exchanges, and a one-year warranty.
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Warby Parker is a popular and well-known brand in the online eyewear world, and for good reason. The site makes it easy to shop for the exact styles you’re interested in based on size, shape, color, and more. You can try on frames virtually or even from the comfort of your own home. All Warby Parker eyewear is available as reading glasses with prescriptions ranging from +0.25 to +2.75. Glasses start at $95 and come with free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
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You can’t go wrong with budget glasses from Zenni, with over 1,700 frames to choose from. The company now offers a line of ready to wear reading glasses with powers ranging from +0.50 to +2.75 starting at just $7. (If you need +0.25, you can also go the custom route.) The site offers a virtual try-on experience, and because the frames are so affordable, it’s easy to get a few pairs for different occasions or to stash in different locations. If you change your mind, you can return them within two weeks for a refund or within 30 days for in-store credit.
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There is certainly something to be said for buying reading glasses from a brand that specifically focuses on that product. Readers.com offers little extras like an online “PowerFinder” to help you determine the best prescription for your eyes, and sells frames in +1 to +4 prescriptions to meet a wide range of vision needs. The frames on the site come in a variety of prices and styles (over 500). You can filter your search by shape, style, and more.
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Peepers, a brand you might recognize from talk shows or Oprah’s Favorite Things, is ideal for those who want a bold or creative look at a reasonable price. The brand keeps things simple: the selection isn’t huge, but it’s well-curated, and each pair is priced exactly the same: $29 (excluding tax and any applicable discounts). Virtual try-ons are available, and shipping is free over $42. Powers range from +1 to +4.
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Pair Eyewear is unique in that each frame allows for multiple different looks — you can add magnetic attachments to the frames to create a new color or pattern. Every frame on Pair’s website can be converted into reading glasses with powers ranging from +0.25 to +2.75 for the same price as prescription glasses. There are 15 basic frames for women and 11 basic frames for men to choose from, and nearly 500 premium frames to swap out on a frame-by-frame basis. CNET reporter Jessica Rendall detailed the process in her review of Pair Eyewear.
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| Company | Powers | Send | Gives back | Guarantee | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlassesUSA | +.25 to +4 | Free Standard Shipping; $20 for Next Day Shipping | 14 days | 1 year | $19 to over $400 |
| Warby Parker | +.25 to +2.75 | Free Standard Shipping; $25 plus tax for expedited shipping | 30 days | Six months warranty against scratches | $95 to $295+ |
| Zenni | +.25 to +2.75 | $5 shipping; $19 expedited shipping | 2 weeks for refund or 30 days for credit note | 30 days | $12 to $50 |
| Readers.com | 1 to 7 | Free First Class Shipping over $35; $13+ for Priority Express or Next Day | 90 days | 90 days | $14 to over $42 |
| Viewers | +1 to +4 | Free Standard Shipping over $42; $9 for Priority Mail | 90 days | No | $29 |
| Pair of Glasses | +.25 to +2.75 | Free Standard; $15 for Priority or faster | 30 days | 30 days | $60 and up |
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- Power: Reading glasses usually reach from +0.25 to +2.50 diopters (the unit of power used in eyeglass lenses). It is important to consult an eye doctor to find the power that is right for your eyes. You may need a stronger pair as you get older, or you may want bifocals or progressive lenses if you need both distance and nearsightedness correction.
- Style: Expressing your style is one of the most important benefits of wearing glasses. Find the perfect shape, width, material and color. Don’t be afraid to change things up.
- Price: Reading glasses can be quite affordable, as they don’t have to be custom-made like prescription glasses. However, designer reading glasses cost more, with prices ranging from $150 and up. If you tend to lose your glasses or like to keep multiple pairs on hand, you may be better off opting for less expensive options.
- Improvements: Consider whether you need lens treatments, such as blue light filters, polarizing, or anti-reflective coatings.
- Shipping and Returns: If you choose an online sample, you probably won’t be able to try them on in person, so it’s important to choose a company that offers fast shipping and easy returns or exchanges.
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- Selection: We looked not only at the number of different frames, but also at the range of colors, shapes, materials, etc. In short, how likely is it that a range of people can find a pair they like in this store?
- Shipping Policy: We looked at whether free shipping is available, how long it takes, and how much it costs to upgrade to faster shipping. We also looked at warranties and return policies.
- Customer satisfaction and reviews: We took into account the experiences of other CNET editors as well as online customer reviews.
- Price range: We looked at the average price of a frame and the lowest and highest prices to find the best reading glasses for different reader budgets.
Read more: 4 DIY Goggle Adjustments for a Comfortable and Snug Fit, No Special Tools Required
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How do I know what strength reading glasses I should buy?
Are cheap reading glasses okay?
