As I've gotten older, I've noticed my eyesight changing, especially when it comes to reading. It started with needing a little more light, then squinting at menus, and finally, the dreaded acceptance that I needed reading glasses. Finding the right pair has been a bit of a journey, with some bumps along the way, but I've learned a lot about finding affordable options and adjusting to different types of lenses. This is my story of finding the best reading glasses for my needs.
It started with a bit of urgency. I needed reading glasses, and I needed them fast. I didn't want to spend a fortune, especially since I wasn't even sure what strength I needed. I remembered seeing reading glasses in various places, but I wasn't sure where to start. I was looking for something weak, around +1.0, just to help with those small print moments. Like many, I was looking for the most affordable option.
My first stop was a local dollar store. I figured they might have something basic that would tide me over. Sure enough, they had a whole rack of them! All kinds of styles and strengths. I even found some in the neighborhood stores that sell everything from batteries to kitchen gadgets. I was surprised at how many options were available for just a few dollars. It was a great starting point to figure out what strength worked best for me.
Then, someone mentioned Daiso. I went to check it out and they had a selection of reading glasses too. Another option I found was Valuedollar; they also had a good variety. Japan Home was another place suggested, and I was able to find some for under $5 there. These were all incredibly affordable options, perfect for someone just starting out with reading glasses or needing a spare pair to keep around.
After using basic reading glasses for a while, I decided to explore progressive lenses. I figured it would be nice to have one pair of glasses for everything, instead of switching back and forth. I'd been hearing about progressive lenses for years, and I thought it was time to give them a try. However, transitioning to progressive lenses wasn't as smooth as I had hoped.
I went to my optometrist, got fitted, and picked up my new glasses. But something felt off. I was having trouble reading with them, which defeated the whole purpose! It was frustrating because I expected to be able to read comfortably right away. I went back to my optometrist and explained the problem. He assured me that there's always an adjustment period, and taught me how to find the sweet spot in the lens.
I learned that it takes time to adjust. A lot of it involves learning where to look through the lenses. My eye doctor told me to give it two weeks. It's all about training your eyes and your head to move in a way that allows you to see clearly through the correct part of the lens. It's like learning a new skill!
I also realized that not all progressive lenses are created equal. I had an experience where the glasses tech just eyeballed where to put the progressive line, and the glasses were terrible. I had to go back and get them redone. It's important to find an eye doctor who takes the time to carefully measure and position the progressive line for optimal vision.
One trick I learned is to adjust my head position. For reading, I tilt my head up slightly so I can look through the bottom part of the glasses. It feels a bit weird at first, but you get used to it. It's all about finding what works best for you and your individual needs.
Given how much time I spend in front of a computer these days, I started looking into reading glasses that also offered blue light protection. That's when I discovered Mozaer Sunglasses. I decided to try their Anti-blue Light Reading Glasses. I was particularly drawn to the Simplicity Men Women Presbyopic Eye Glasses Ultralight Optical Farsighted Eyewear.
I ended up purchasing the 200-Purple-Single Vision version, with a +1.0 strength. And let me tell you, they've been a game-changer! The ultralight design makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the anti-blue light feature has definitely reduced eye strain. It's like having a shield for my eyes when I'm working on the computer or scrolling through my phone. The blue light blocking glasses have really helped me.
Here's a quick rundown of what I like about them: