Finding the perfect pair of reading glasses can be surprisingly difficult. I tried several before landing on the ideal ones. This is my story of moving from budget options to premium quality.
My first purchase was extremely inexpensive. I thought, "How much can reading glasses really vary?" I soon discovered the answer: a lot. I bought the IENJOY TR90 Reading Glasses Anti-Blue Light Reading Glasses Men Half Frame Prescription Eyeglasses Male Eyewear With Case1.0-4.0 +100-2pcs Black(No case).
The low price was appealing, but the glasses felt fragile and the lenses scratched almost immediately. It was a quick lesson in getting what you pay for.
The anti-blue light coating didn't seem effective. Without a protective case, they were constantly getting damaged in my bag. They barely lasted a few weeks before I needed a replacement.
Typical problems with very cheap reading glasses include:
Verdict: Steer clear of ultra-cheap reading glasses. They aren't a good value over time.
I decided to upgrade to a mid-priced pair, hoping a higher cost would mean better quality. The results were mixed. These glasses were definitely sturdier than the cheap ones. The lenses appeared clearer, and they included a simple case.
However, they still weren't ideal. The fit wasn't quite right, and they didn't feel built to last. I was still replacing them every few months. I was on the hunt for the best progressive reading glasses, but hadn't found them yet.
Overall, they were just average. The prescription accuracy was hit-or-miss, sometimes causing headaches. The frame styles were acceptable but unremarkable.