Sharpen Your Vision and Your Style With These 8 Best Reading Glasses (2024)

If you are experiencing presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness (when you don’t see as well close up), the right pair of reading glasses can magnify objects like the print in books or words online so that you can see and read the material.Over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses are designed for as-needed wear and work best for people without astigmatism and for those who have an equal prescription in each eye, says Ronald Benner, OD, president of the American Optometric Association.

When selecting reading glasses, you want to look for clear lenses and precise magnification (make an appointment with your eye doctor first to know which magnification you need, or to find out if you need a prescription pair). According to the experts we spoke to, the right pair should sit comfortably on your nose and around your ears. Choosing glasses with anti-glare coatings can help minimize glare.

To find the best reading glasses, we tested 17 pairs from Warby Parker, Caddis, Zenni, Foster Grant, and more top brands using prescriptions they received from an optometrist. We rated each pair of glasses for clarity, fit, comfort, and value while using insight and guidance from Masako Chen, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who practices at Mount Sinai.

Our Top Picks

Reading Glasses We Also Tested

• Caddis D28 Reading Glasses: These reading glasses fit perfectly and were fairly comfortable. But they lacked clarity; and the magnification promised did not actually match the magnification received.
• Foster Grant McKay Multifocus Round Reading Glasses: Both comfortable and lightweight, these reading glasses felt like we were wearing nothing at all. They are great glasses to have on hand as backups like in a bag or in the car.
• Amomoma AM6003 Reading Glasses: These reading glasses offer a great price and style, but our reviewer did not feel they measured up as reading glasses. They would work for occasional computer work, but for more tedious tasks, they fall short.

How We Tested the Best Reading Glasses

Our editors received a prescription for reading glasses from an optometrist and then ordered a pair of reading glasses as part of our at-home testing process. While testing and reviewing the 12 reading glasses on our list, our experts wore the glasses for one month. We also received input from Masako Chen, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who practices at Mount Sinai. While testing, we considered the clarity, fit, and comfort of each pair of reading glasses.

• Clarity: We paid attention to how much more clearly we could see when we wore each pair of glasses. Glasses that scored well helped us read fine (small) print without causing us to strain our eyes. Glasses were docked in testing for causing distorted vision or if they led to headaches and eye strain.
• Fit: We looked closely at how well each frame aligned with our face’s width at our temples. Well fitting glasses had both of our eyes centered in the lenses and, barring stylishly oversized glasses, left our eyebrows visible above the frames. We also paid attention to how comfortably they sat above our cheeks, and how easily they rested on our nose and behind our ears without feeling tight or heavy.
• Comfort: When your glasses aren’t comfortable, you’re less likely to wear them and see clearly. Glasses that were so comfortable we forgot we were wearing them scored the highest. We focused on whether they slid down our noses, pinched at our temples or were generally too large or too small. We also took note of any red marks they may have left behind after wearing them for an extended period of time.

The Three Types of Reading Glasses

• Single-vision reading glasses give you clarity at one range of distance but depending on their strength, you may not be able to see far or on a computer.
• Bifocal glasses are a traditional design correcting vision for two focal distances. The top part of the lens aids distance vision, while the lower portion is tailored for near vision, typically at about 16 inches, says Inna Lazar, OD, founder of Greenwich Eye Care and Dry Eye Spa.
• Trifocal glasses have lenses offering three focal lengths separated by lines: distance vision at the top, an intermediate zone for comfortable computer use, and a lower section for near vision.
• Progressive glasses have evolved to offer the same three ranges of vision that trifocal lenses do, but are blended without lines separating each focal distance.

How to Choose the Right Magnification

The magnification you need will depend on your age and the reading distance. Before you start shopping, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to find out your correct magnification or whether you need a prescription (for example, if you need a different magnification for each eye or need bifocals or progressive lenses).

In addition to visiting your eye doctor, it's often helpful to try out different magnifications in person before you buy with reading material or the mobile device you want to use, David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, director of research for Retina Vitreous Associates and member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, says. If you need a pair of reading glasses before you can get to your doctor, he recommends that people in their 40's start with a +1.00, 50's start with a +1.50, and people in their 60's start with a +2.00.

Some additional tips:

• If you wear reading glasses primarily when using a computer, you will likely need a lower power than when reading a book or magazine. The longer the viewing distance, the less reading glasses power is needed for comfortable vision, Ronald Benner, OD, president of the American Optometric Association, says.
• In most cases, when two different powered reading glasses seem equally suitable, choose the glasses with the lower power. Picking reading glasses that are too strong typically will cause more discomfort problems than reading glasses that are a little too weak.
• Headaches, eye strain, and nausea can result from wearing reading glasses that are not a correct prescription or do not correct each eye equally. That’s why it’s important to find the right glasses in conjunction with a doctor of optometry, Dr. Benner says. They can determine the best prescription for your specific needs.
• And, even though reading glasses are readily available at a pharmacy, department store, or even online, it is still important to have regular eye exams to make sure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

What to Look for in Reading Glasses

• Frame Material: The frame material you select will impact the comfort and durability of your reading glasses. Opt for lightweight yet sturdy materials like titanium or acetate for frames, suggests William Hogue, OD, an optometrist with Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York (VRMNY).
• Lens Material: As for lenses, materials like polycarbonate or high-index plastics are durable and provide clearer vision. You also may want to consider scratch-resistant coatings to prolong lens life, Dr. Hogue says. It's also important to ensure that the glasses are comfortable and lightweight if you plan to wear them for extended periods, Dr. Lazar says. The higher the 'plus value, the heavier your lens will become.
• Durability: Look for frames with reinforced hinges and flexible temples to withstand daily use, Dr. Hogue suggests. Meanwhile, scratch-resistant coatings will protect your lenses from minor abrasions. Regular care, like storing glasses in a protective case when not in use, also contributes to their longevity, he says.

Our Experts

• Ronald Benner, OD, president of the American Optometric Association
• David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, director of research for Retina Vitreous Associates and member of the American Society of Retina Specialists
• William Hogue, OD, an optometrist with Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York (VRMNY)
• Inna Lazar, OD, founder of Greenwich Eye Care and Dry Eye Spa
• Richard Davidson, MD, an ophthalmologist with UC Health Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center in Colorado
• Benjamin B. Bert, MD, FACS, an ophthalmologist with Doheny Eye Institute, UCLA Stein Eye Institute
• Bhavin Shah, MCOptom, a behavioral optometrist at Central Vision Opticians in London, England
• Masako Chen, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who practices at Mount Sinai

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do good-quality reading glasses cost?

Prices for reading glasses can vary based on factors like brand, quality, and features. While there are affordable options available, investing in good quality reading glasses ensures better comfort and longevity, Dr. Hogue says.

Generally, prices can range from $20 to $600 or more, depending on your preferences. Factors like designer frames, high-index lenses, and advanced lens coatings can drive the price toward the higher end, Dr. Lazar says. The reading glasses on our list range from around $15 to $100, but that price is impacted by any special features you add like anti-glare, progressive lenses, and more.

Should I get progressives or reading glasses?

Progressive lenses, also known as multifocal lenses, are ideal for individuals who require correction for both near and distance vision, Dr. Hogue says. They eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses and provide a seamless transition between different distances.

Progressives are especially beneficial for those with presbyopia, a common age-related vision issue. You should consider progressives if you want to buy prescription readers and do not like the cosmetics or functionality of lined bifocals, Dr. Eichenbaum says.

Because progressive lenses have multiple prescriptions built into the lens and a gradual change in prescription from the top to bottom, it is much easier to adapt to progressive lenses, Dr. Benner adds. Manufacturers have developed ways to maximize the usable visual portion of the lens and minimize the distortion in the lens.

Can you wear reading glasses without a prescription?

While it’s generally a good idea to see an eye doctor about any vision problems, Dr. Davidson says that it’s possible (and not harmful) to purchase and wear reading glasses without getting a prescription for them first. That said, getting prescription reading glasses may provide slightly better vision due to the higher lens quality and the ability to correct any astigmatism you may have. But, OTC reading glasses are perfectly acceptable if you are comfortable with the image quality, he says.

How often should you wear reading glasses?

In short, reading glasses should be used as much as is needed for adults over 40, Dr. Bert says. Although you may feel that using reading glasses will make your eyes lazy, the process and progression of presbyopia will happen regardless of whether you use reading glasses or not. So make yourself comfortable and avoid unnecessary eye strain.

If you find that you need reading glasses at a younger age, or if you’re having difficulty focusing up-close and you’re under 40, it may be worth seeing your optometrist or ophthalmologist to have a refraction performed and see if you need prescription glasses, Dr. Bert adds.

How can you measure your glasses size?

Some online glasses companies like Warby Parker and Zenni provide instructions for customers, walking them through how to measure their face to make sure they order glasses that fit. These directions can be useful even if you’re purchasing a pair of reading glasses on Amazon, as they’ll often list the sizes and dimensions of the frames.

But overall, this is one of those situations where in-person shopping can be easier, solely for the fact that it allows you to actually try glasses on physically, and not just virtually. When trying on reading glasses, Bhavin Shah, MCOptom, a behavioral optometrist at Central Vision Opticians in London, England, says that it’s most important to ensure that the glasses fit properly at the bridge of the nose—meaning that they should fit comfortably and not slide down your nose.

Next, check to see if the glasses fit well on the sides of your head. Your glasses shouldn't press in on the sides of the glasses or stretch out too much, Shah explains.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sherri Gordon, CLC, has been covering health and social issues for nearly two decades and has written countless articles with a health focus. She is well versed and knowledgeable about a number of health conditions that impact our everyday lives. Plus, as someone who spends multiple hours per day reading, writing, and using the computer, Sherri knows firsthand how important it is to find reading glasses that not only fit comfortably but also allow you to see clearly and focus.