The Best Reading Glasses, Plus Expert Tips From An Ophthalmologist

Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 14 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: The virtual “mirror” feature lets you upload your photo and try on frames, and the company offers free shipping and returns.
• What could be better: Glasses orders with multifocal lenses have a longer turnaround time, so plan accordingly.

GlassesUSA sells almost 300 styles of reading glasses and the price you see is very transparent; its frames include free single-vision lenses (if you opt for progressives or special features like blue light-blocking coating, the cost will go up). It also offers virtual try-ons and free shipping and returns, if your readers aren’t exactly right for you. The Muse Elle is a versatile, classic choice: the frame compliments many face shapes, the price is reasonable and it comes in three colors.

Expert tip: GlassesUSA offers a wide range of lenses, including bifocals and progressive lenses. Here’s how to tell the difference between bifocals and progressives: “Bifocals tend to have a clear line in the lens, telling you where to look in the frame to see far (usually above the line), and where to see near (usually below the line). This contrasts with progressive lenses that do not have a line of demarcation,” says Dr. Abugo.

Turnaround time: 1 to 2 business days | Return policy: 90 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: All the reading glasses cost $29 or less, and correction strengths range from +1.0 to +4.0.
• What could be better: Returns aren’t free (a $4 label fee is deducted from refund).

Peepers specializes in reading glasses and it has a great menu of online services, including a virtual try-on tool to help you find the best styles, an optical guide that helps nail down that best fit (down to the millimeter) and the ability to test your vision to determine which magnification strength you need. The frames are also affordable—all 150 reading glasses cost $29 or less, and many include blue light protection. The Creekside has a universally flattering rounded silhouette, three easy-to-wear tortoise colors and a durable recycled polycarbonate frame. The lightweight lenses, which are available up to a +4.0 prescription, come with blue light protection, anti-reflective coating, UVA/UVB protection and more.

Expert tip: “A UV-blocking coat could be helpful if you spend a lot of time outside, and an anti-reflective coating can be helpful in reducing glare,” says Dr. Abugo.

Turnaround time: 7 to 14 business days | Return policy: 14 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Yes with claim submission, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: You can return pairs within 14 days if the prescription doesn’t feel quite right, which is helpful because it can take several days (or weeks) to get used to progressives.
• What could be better: Free shipping is only offered if you spend $119 or more.

EyeBuyDirect aims to create a simple shopping experience for customers with all types of vision needs including progressive lenses, which seamlessly correct vision at multiple distances, eliminating the need for separate reading glasses. It offers over 1,600 progressive frame styles and lens customization options like blue-light blocking, UV protection and premium lenses that work with smaller frames. The Vinyl has a modern shape and large frame size that fits its standard progressive lenses—which run a bit larger than regular readers—in order to provide enough clarity for multi-distance viewing.

Expert tip: The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this piece of advice for getting used to progressive lenses: “Point your nose toward the object you’re focusing on and adjust your chin up or down until the object appears clear. If you experience eye strain or a headache, take a break, remove your glasses and try again later.”

Turnaround time: 1+ business days | Return policy: 60 days | Insurance accepted: No, but HSA/FSA is accepted | Virtual try-on: No | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: Most frames are available in stronger prescriptions like +3.5 and +4.0.
• What could be better: Tinted lenses may take an extra five to seven days to ship.

Caddis is all about making reading glasses fun, not a depressing sign of aging. From lens tints to 70s-inspired silhouettes, its reading glasses are the kind you’ll actually want to show off. The D28s have many customization options like 12 frame colors, eight lens tints and two frame sizes to choose from. The slightly oversized, square frame is an ideal pairing for oval, round and heart-shaped faces.

Expert tip: While these readers offer stronger correction than some other brands, “the specific power of reading glasses that you need should be determined during an eye exam,” says Dr. Abugo. “If you need a stronger or customized lens, you can get a prescription from an ophthalmologist.”

Turnaround time: 1 to 5 business days | Return policy: 90 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Not listed | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: The frames are made from 100% recycled material, and if you donate or recycle your old frames (from any brand), you’ll receive 25% off a new pair.
• What could be better: Not every style is available in every lens type.

Look Optic specializes in reading glasses with an emphasis on quality and style. Expect ultra-lightweight frames in clean silhouettes, versatile color options and a focus on sustainability that appeals to fashionable, discerning shoppers. The Lois has a vintage-inspired design and lightweight yet durable, recycled frame.

Expert tip: If you wear contacts for distance, you might notice that you need readers when your contacts are in, but that you can read just fine when you take your contacts out. It turns out there is a reasonable explanation for this: “Contact lenses change the shape of the cornea (the clear part of the front of the eye). When this happens, it can change the eyes’ ability to focus on close objects,” says Dr. Abugo.

Turnaround time: 7 to 10 business days | Return policy: 30 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: The frames are durable and come in wider widths, and the try-at-home program allows you to test out frames before committing.
• What could be better: The readers only go up to +2.75 strength, so if you need more correction, these may not work for you.

An eyeglass disruptor since their 2010 launch with its in-house designs and free try-on-at-home service, Warby Parker sells a number of styles for men that come in wide and extra-wide sizing. Its reader lenses are free with frame purchase and include scratch resistance, anti-reflective coating and 100% UVA/UVB protection. The clean-line, square Fletcher style is a bestseller made of impact-resistant polycarbonate and comes in four colors, three widths and even a low-bridge fit.

Expert tip: “There are no differences between men’s and women’s reading glasses when it comes to lenses,” says Dr. Abugo. But men often have larger faces and features, so they may prefer a heavier frame.

Turnaround time: 3 to 5 business days | Return policy: 14 days | Insurance accepted: Not listed | Virtual try-on: No | Virtual Rx renewal: No

• What’s notable: A $15 protection plan covers one pair of readers for two years, Diff donates a portion of every purchase to charity, and you get a travel case and cleaning cloth with each pair.
• What could be better: You have to spend at least $40 to qualify for free shipping.

Diff Eyewear not only focuses on style with its high-quality handmade frames, it also stays true to its philanthropic roots by donating glasses and eyecare to people in need for every Diff purchase. From sleek cat eye to modern round to minimal wire frames, its styles are versatile, durable and available in smaller widths to accommodate petite faces. Eaton’s personal pick, the Weston, has a scholarly look with a twist—a slightly chunky frame with unexpected top angles make a statement. Add in scratch-resistant polymer lenses and an option to upgrade to a high-quality blue light protection, and these frames relieve eye strain while improving vision clarity.

Expert tip: Traditionally, women have preferred smaller frames but chunky frames are trending now, too. Another thing to consider when selecting a frame size is the strength of your prescription. “For example, smaller, narrow lenses may work well if you have a weak prescription, but for stronger prescriptions or multi-focal lenses, larger lens shapes may be a more comfortable option to allow enough room for the entire prescription,” says Dr. Abugo.

Turnaround time: 3 to 5 business days | Return policy: 30 days, no questions asked | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes

• What’s notable: Felix Grey lenses block 15 times more blue light than other brands’ versions, and the lenses offer UVA/UVB protection.
• What could be better: There are no bifocal lenses available.

Digital eye strain is a side effect from looking at screens and Felix Grey is committed to protecting delicate eyes from blue light, which can lead to dry, tired eyes, headaches and possibly poor sleep. All of its readers include a proprietary lens technology that infuses the blue light filter into the lens material, rather than an external coating, all without a colored tint (but an amber tint is also available if you prefer that look). The Nash stands out as a favorite due to the medium frame size that works on many face shapes and its light weight won’t weigh you down after extended hours of wear.

Expert tip: The jury is out as to whether blue light-blocking lenses are really necessary. But either way, “if you’re worried about eye strain, taking breaks from screens every 20 minutes or so is the best way to avoid uncomfortable symptoms,” says Dr. Abugo