Reading Glasses and Spectacles all Strengths Great Colours and Styles
By Nell Rose
Reading in Style
In the old days buying reading glasses meant that you had to make an appointment with your optometrist, sit and be measured, and then finally take them home. Also they could be quite expensive. You had to pay for the frames, extra for the lenses, and of course pay the Optometrist. Pretty expensive business. Of course if you are short sighted then it is worse. You have to make an appointment and get the glasses the same way. But these days there is another way for you to buy and wear reading glasses. You no longer have to have a prescription pair. Let's face it, how many of us really need 'proper' reading glasses? I must admit I was quite sceptical when I first heard about the over the counter glasses. I am lucky I have never needed reading glasses, but I do wear contact lenses for long distance. The trouble started when my contact lenses became too strong for me to read the newspaper. So I was advised to buy a pair of reading glasses to wear whilst wearing my lenses. So I thought to myself, well, I am not going to go and get an expensive pair. I will try and check out the cheap over the counter ones.
Newest Design from Milan!
 | Amazon Price: $13.99 List Price: $22.00 |
Milan Style!
It just goes to show that you don't have to be frumpy to wear reading glasses. You can buy great colours and styles from one of the most well known, fashionable cities in the world!
Classic Fashion Reading Glasses
 | Amazon Price: $11.99 List Price: $15.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.99 List Price: $35.00 |
Trying them on for size
My first thought was, where to buy them? I had heard that that they were available in the Chemist or pharmacy, so of I went determined to find myself a nice pair. Well, I nearly passed out with the shock at the prices! I know it wasn't much, but 50 pounds (approx 70 dollars!) just for a pair of glasses that you took your chance with? So out I walked and into, would you believe it, a newsagent that had a great selection on display in the shop. When I looked at the price I realised that they were only 5 pounds or 8 dollars! Great, I thought, and started trying them on. To be honest at first I didn't think much of them, then I realised that I needed to check the strength! Duh! Of course, we are all different, not everybody will be able to see with the same glasses! I eventually found the right lens strength and grabbed myself a lovely little pair of glasses. I even bought them with a silver pen shaped case. These lasted me ages until I sat on them. Yep, you heard me right. So imagine my amazement when I realised that you could buy them at Amazon! So this is where it brings me up to date. The colours and styles surprised me, as I thought they would be plain or just practical. Why not come and take a look?
Classic Fashion
Classic Fashion reading glasses are stylish and comfortable. They come in a variety of great colours, why not check them out?
Let's Go Pink!
 | Amazon Price: $12.99 List Price: $25.00 |
Reading Glasses in Cool Pink and 5 Other Great Colors
There are so many different styles. Some people prefer the good old plain reading glasses, but these day most people like them with a bit of zazz. You can be fashionable, colourful or even if you prefer not to be seen in glasses, then of course you can buy the rimless ones.
You could even buy loads for swap and change. Different colours for different outfits! I have so many old glasses laying around the house, it is unbelievable how many years that I must have collected them. But the trouble was, when I was a lot younger, reading glasses were always sold as 'boring'. You only read a book or a paper with them. So what was the point? But now as you can see, there are so many different styles and makes, you are lucky enough to be spoilt for choice.
Safari Animals
 | "Safari" animal-print designer reading glasses for youthful women with a wild side. Jungle Heat 2.50 Amazon Price: $19.99 List Price: $29.99 |
Go on Safari!
Be Wild with the cool Safari glasses. Great colour frame with a jungle pattern stem. Not all colours are available all the time. But don't worry, if your colour choice is not available, and you let Amazon know, they will choose a great alternative colour for you!
Professor Style Vintage Reading Glasses
 | Amazon Price: $14.99 List Price: $25.00 |
Hello Professor!
Not only are these Euro chic, they are also vintage. This style of reading glasses, called the round readers has been sold in stores and boutiques for at least 5 times the price! These are possibly a future collectable. These glasses fit small and average faces. The approximate dimensions are 5" across the face, lens height 1 3/8" and the stem is 5 3/4".
Front Connect!
- Ergonomic reading glasses. Never lose them again as they have an adjustable head and neck stand, 6 different magnifying powers, and even better, the lenses can be removed for your prescription fit lenses!
Front Connect Reader
 | Amazon Price: $21.99 List Price: $39.95 |
Summary.
There are a great many styles and shapes of reading glasses to choose from. Whether your taste is simple or you prefer the celebrity look, you can't go wrong with these choices. We all need a little help occasionally with reading a book or a magazine, so why not try some of these great colours and styles? I hope you find something the right glasses for you.
Points to remember when buying Reading Glasses.
1. Always check that the style you want comes in the right size for you. Each and every pair will be different, and you don't want to buy them and then realise too late that they are the wrong size. Double check every item.
2. Always find out your own personal eye strength before ordering. Most of the glasses do come in a range of strengths but make sure that the pair you order do sell them in your personal eye strength. Before you buy, the best option is to go to your opticians and check your eye strength. The optometrist will be happy to check your eyesight for you. It may also be on record in the Opticians. Make sure you get it exactly right. It is a good idea to do this even if you think you know your eye strength. You would be surprised to discover how quickly your eyes change from one set of glasses to the next. Believe me, I speak from experience! You may think that they will be adequate for you if you go by your old glasses, but think how much better it will be if you get an up to date check.
Happy reading!
Rimless Spring Hinge Glasses
 | Amazon Price: $11.99 |
 | 2 Pairs 1.75 Strength Foster Grant Alumineyes Rimless Lightweight Reading Glasses with Spring Hinges Amazon Price: $18.99 List Price: $39.98 |
UB Fashion Frame Reading Glasses
 | Amazon Price: $7.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.30 |
Antique Silver in Metal Tube w/Spring Hinge and Pocket Clip
 | Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $24.99 |
Men's Bifocal Sunglasses!
 | Amazon Price: $12.99 |
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Comments
Hi Nell.
I might check that out.
I do need to change my reading glasses anyway.
Thanks for the selection.
Hi Nell - Wow the "drug store" glasses over there are "out of sight"! Luckily they are about $20 over here (12.69BPS), if you want cool frames. Now if only they would offer mixed strengths. My eyes are wonky with one far-sighted and one near-sighted! I often sit at the computer with my store bought specs sitting half on half off so the bad eye gets serviced! LOL what a looker I must be.
these are great and the prices are amazing compared to the those at the eye doctor. Now that I've learned a thing or two from you here, I'm gonna be styling and saving a ton of cash, after all I know my prescription or as it is the numbers... Well done! :) Katie
This is great Nell,I remember once i paid $ 389.00 for a pair of glasses from Lens Crafter. I had cataracts,one on each eye,which i had surgically removed,then had inplants(Crystal lens) I now see without glasses.I went to the drivers license office,took the eys exam and got the restriction (To wear glasses when driving) taken off my drivers license.If i ever need glasses again,you can bet that i will buy them on line.I feel that i was ripped off by the company,maybe people will wise up.I know i have.Thank you so much for info.
Cheers
I am needing to look into getting some reading glasses. The hours on the computer monitor has taken it's toll on my 20/20's.. This is a great starting place to figure out what I want Thanks Nell!
Hi, BJB, I end up sitting on mine! lol thanks for stopping by, cheers nell
Hi, christopher, I didn't realise that they did them until I needed a pair, good luck with finding some that you like, and thanks again
Hi, Green Lotus, lol that sounds like me! When I had to wear them with my contact lenses it took ages for me to get them right, it was so much easier without lenses or glasses! thanks again nell
Hi, Katie, that's great! I am so glad it was helpful, it amazes me what amazon does sell, it never dawned on me that they did glasses! thanks again nell
Hi, Ruby, that sounds great, my aunt had a cataract and had to have a lense insterted, she was terrified at the time, but it was really worth it, thanks so much nell
Hi, TheMMAZone, I know what you mean, sitting in front of a computer does mess with the eyes! lol thanks so much cheers nell
Me too ‘developed’ the need for those glasses - for reading and for my work. At work, though, I read the data on the source document through the glasses, and then I have to look OVER the glasses to my computer’s keyboard and screen. I became the laugh of the day during meetings when I take minutes and look over the glasses to those attending… lol! Anyway, I have five – each one exactly where I need it. Because I’m one of those – always have to find what I need where I’ve used it the last time… Great hub, Nell! Buying reading glasses online is awesomely convenient.
Hi, Martie, thanks for reading it, I never knew they had them there! how convenient is that? I am lucky to be able to see because of my contact lenses, but up close? no way, not with my lenses in, so I have to wear glasses on top! ha ha thanks again nell
I got ripped off by Lens Crafters too a couple years ago and I knew about this online from my daughter-in-law, I should have already beat you with this, she got glasses she loves for under $40, online, maybe not including postage-not sure on that. My Mom had those implants and her eye sight was better than 20/20 her last few years.
I need them for a long time but never get round to it. Your hub is a very timely advice.
HI, Polly, I think that if you buy them at certain stores, either online or in your town, they can be really expensive, it is best to shop around, I will certainly be buying them online from now on! thanks again nell
Hi, Hello hello, I am so pleased that you found it helpful, good luck with buying them, cheers nell
Those are awesome, Nell....now all I need is an on-line hearing aid to go with them!
I've been a member of the reading glasses club for quite some time, now. I started out with the drug store 'readers,' which here, were available for around $10.
Eventually, however, I "outrgrew" the maximum strength available OTC, and had to go to 'real' prescription glasses. Bummer! Much more expensive.
And the whole idea of pricing lenses and frames separately! BAH! As if one is of any use without the other! That's like selling a car and pricing the engine separately!
I'm far-sighted, so I still only need glasses for close work, but boy, I do need them for that!
And I sympathize--I've sat on, mislaid, and crushed more pair than I can think of. That's why I'm glad the OTC ones are cheap!
Great hub..
Good information, Nell. My friend, you always come up with interesting topic and beautiful stuff like this one. When we talk about glasses, we talked about fashion trend. Better choose the best with our condition and check to the doctor first before buy reading glasses. Thanks for writing this. Very informative. Vote up as usual. Cheers...
Blessing and hugs,
Another brilliant informative Hub nell
I just know you have given loads of ppl a worthwhile idea.
My eyes are past the point of no return hahaha
But, for many this is cheep, useful, and convenient.
Not to mention really trendy.
Nice Hub as usual.
Hi, Audrey, what was that? can't hear ya! ha ha thanks as always for the laugh!
Hi, Dzy, I know what you mean, I buy contact lenses and they seem to be going up in price all the time! no more sitting on my glasses though! lol thanks again nell
Hi, prasetio, thanks for reading it, and you are right, we should always check with the optician first, thanks as always nell
Hi, debbie, thanks, I know what you mean! my eyesight is fine, it is just the newspaper print is getting smaller and smaller! ha ha
Great hub, Nell. Very informative. I get my reading glasses over the counter at a local variety store here in my city. I have only had to pay $10. in American money. But they work, as I can try on different strengths to make sure they are right for me. Now my driving glasses...they are a different story. Those unfortunately I have to go through the eye doctor. Enjoyed this hub though. :D
I get the reading glasses for my contact lenses in Tescos! Great hub on reading glasses and thanks for making the point that you do not have to pay a fortune for them.
Now I have to wear reading glasses. I have a red frame glasses. :-D
Hi, shygirl, it would be great if we could do that with long distance glasses, wouldn't it? thanks nell
Hi, CMHypno, I never thought of Tesco's! lol I will have to go and take a look! thanks again nell
Hi, hotsal, thanks for commenting, cheers nell
I hate to spend too much on them because I misplace them constantly.
I am glad you informed us that you can purchase reading glasses through Amazon for a fraction of the cost at a store. For some reason most of us lose them, because we keep taking them off, and don't know where we put them.
I was considering laser eye treatment until they told me as an old fart my eyes were old too and had at least two problems.
This is what I considered to be a privilaged glimpse of the blindingly obvious since I need glasses to read and glasses to drive not to mention glasses to find my other glasses when I put them down....
Laser surgery could correct one of the problems but not the other so after shelling out all the money guess what I'd still need glasses.....
There are so many great looking designs there. Well done great hub Katie.
Hi, SJK, I do to! it drives me mad, I put them down, and then, gone! ha ha thanks again
HI, Nan, thanks for reading and commenting, isn't it funny how we always lose them? why them? we never lose anything else!
Hi, Merlin, ha ha you sound like me! I have even washed my hair with my glasses on before! I am so used to wearing contact lenses that I forgot I was wearing glasses! thanks again
HI, katie, glad you liked the designs, I tried to find as many different ones that I thought were unique, cheers nell
I have pair of reading glasses that as soon as I put them on, my children laugh their heads off! Never knew reading glassed could look so good, great hub Nell, Thanks!
Hi, Empressimani, lol I know what you mean! my son used to grab them off of my face, and giggle, when I tried to get them back he would put them on! thanks so much nell
Whoa . . you're kidding? Much needed advice for me. I've been blind as a bat for decades. Now the docs prescribed bifocals and their a blasted nuisance just like my mom warned me.
Every time I need to read I've got to take them off. So I vowed to get a normal pair of glasses and a pair of reading glasses. Thanks for the heads up voted up, marked useful, awesome, bookmarked and shared.
Hi, pmc, lol I have never tried bifocals but I can imagine what would happen if I did! I can't walk down the stairs in my normal glasses because of the gap at the bottom throws me, I would break my neck! I wear contacts and because they are so strong, I have to wear reading glasses on top of them to see the newspaper! but the funny thing is, when I take the contacts out, and don't wear glasses, I can see a pin drop! lol thanks again nell
This is very helful information. I don't know why I never thought of buying reading glasses online. Not only are the prices more reasonable, but the selections are fantastic. Thanks for a very useful Hub!
Hi, Sally, I must admit that I never thought of it either! lol but then I was scrolling through Amazon and spotted them! and believe me, I need about a 100 pairs so I don't lose them! thanks so much, nell
very nicely done - great advice as well
Awwww, Nell, you make even reading about reading glasses a big TREAT!!! Isn't it great, though? Where I live, one can go to the local market and pick up a pair of reading glasses 4 for $5.00....that's right..$1.25 each. Now, mind you, these don't last a REAL long time because they are CHEAP but, hey, if they even last a week or a month...and some last way longer than that..well, it's worth it. My friend, Al, goes through these like candy.
What a fun and interesting hub this is...again, you could make reading about anything fun and delightful!!!! Thank you for a happy...ness!!
UP Useful, Interesting, Funny and Cool!
Many years ago, in addition to being a bit near-sighted, I learned I had an astigmatism in one eye. Never could get used to the prescription glasses from the eye doctor, stopped wearing them and just lived with the near-sightedness. Then my arms got shorter and shorter, and I needed glasses to read and at the computer. Wasn't about to pay hundreds for another pair of prescrips. A friend had gotten her non-prescription reading glasses at the drugstore, so I bought a pair too (for around $10).
Another friend mentioned he had several pairs in various places in his home, for which he'd only paid $1 each at a Dollar Store. Well, the "dollar" glasses had gone up to around $5 by then, but I bought several too and have been buying reading glasses that way ever since. I'm not a fashionista, so basic frames work for me.
A couple of years ago a friend and I were at a restaurant. She'd left her prescription reading glasses at home, so I handed her my dollar store cheapies. That's when we found out we used the same lens strength, except hers from the eye doctor - with the same plain frames as mine - cost $300! She was NOT amused. ;D
Hi, missolive, thanks so much, cheers nell
Hi, Lucky Cats, Wow! that is the aquivalent to about 75p in England! we can't even get a bar of chocolate for that in my town! thanks again, nell
Hi, JamaGenee, I am not surprised she wasn't amused, I think the problem is that we are brainwashed into believing that actually we need the optician for something simple, therefore we have to pay hundreds of pounds or dollars for the priviledge! glad you sorted yours out though, I were contact lenses, and glasses, mostly lenses for outdoors, they are great but I do need glasses for when I take them out and give my eyes a rest, thats what started this hub really, because I though, If I could have loads of 'throw away' glasses around the house, then in theory I can't lose them! lol thanks again, nell
BJBenson 16 months ago
Hi, I really hate wearing them. I lose them all the time.
Great hub.