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Choosing Reading Glasses: Buying Guide

Getting Started The first step is an eye exam to determine what strength of reading eye glasses are necessary, and to determine how womens or mens reading glasses will work in conjunction with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatisms that already exist. There's a good chance that reading glasses, in strengths of 1% magnification-4% magnification, will correct vision problems that have developed due to aging. Stylish Reading Glasses Full-frame reading glasses provide a larger area to look through, but blurriness will occur during reading, when you look up from the page. Half-frame reading glasses are designed for easy reading, and are small enough to look up and over the top of the readers. When selecting your first pair of mens or womens reading glasses, refrain from selecting thick half frames; it takes a while to learn to look past the frame, which is visible as you look through the lenses.

Custom vs. Pre-Fab Reading Glasses
Pre-fabricated reading glasses are a one-size-fits-all deal. If prescription eyewear is necessary, headaches could occur with pre-fabricated reading glasses. Single-vision reading glasses may not be the best bet for reading from computer screens. However, bifocal reading glasses provide close-up magnification needed, and a clear viewing area for looking up at the computer screen. Purchasing the wrong glasses to work on computers will not only cause eyestrain and fatigue, but may also cause stiff neck and shoulder muscles caused by leaning and straining to focus on the computer screen.

The Frame-Up
Faces are categorized as oval, oblong, round, square, heart-shaped, or diamond-shaped. Frame shapes should contrast with the shape of the face; frame size should be appropriate for the width of the face. Reading glass frame colors should complement either cool or warm skin tones and hair colors.

The sturdiest frames are full-rim; other options are semi-rim and rimless reading glasses. If you're looking for frames with bold and exciting colors, select plastic frames. Although they discolor with time, plastic frames are sturdy and often less expensive. Many metal reading glasses contain nickel and copper. These are strong frames that require few adjustments, but they are not hypoallergenic. For those with nickel and copper allergies, stainless steel or titanium reading glass frames are hypoallergenic, and offer strength and lasting beauty.