As someone who relies heavily on reading glasses, I've recently run into a bit of a snag. My eyesight seems to be changing, and I needed stronger reading glasses than I usually buy. This led me down a rabbit hole of research and some unexpected discoveries, especially concerning availability in certain areas. I wanted to share my journey in finding the right pair of reading glasses and hopefully help others facing the same issue.
I was having trouble reading labels, books, and even my phone. I realized my old +2.5 reading glasses weren't cutting it anymore. I went to my usual online retailer, ready to order a pair of +4.0 reading glasses. To my surprise, I kept running into issues with them not being available for shipping to my location. It was frustrating because I just needed something to help me see things up close, not drive! It felt like I was being penalized for needing a little extra help with my vision.
I started wondering if there was a limit on how strong over-the-counter reading glasses could be. I remembered seeing a wide selection of strengths at my local dollar store, but I wasn't sure if those were reliable. I decided to investigate further, and what I learned was quite interesting.
I learned that some states, including New York, have regulations on the strength of non-prescription reading glasses that can be sold. Apparently, the sale of ready-made readers stronger than +2.75 is prohibited. This explained why I was having such a hard time finding stronger glasses online! It seemed a bit odd, but I guess there's a reason behind it.
I also discovered that in Europe, reading glasses over +3.50 are often considered medical devices. This means they're only supposed to be dispensed by an optician after a doctor's prescription. While I understand the need for eye care professionals, it felt a bit excessive for simple reading glasses.
One theory I came across was that the restrictions might be due to lobbying by the opticians' industry. The idea is that they want people to get eye exams and buy expensive prescription glasses instead of relying on cheaper, over-the-counter options. While I can't say for sure if this is the case, it certainly makes you think.
Faced with these restrictions, I had to get creative. I considered a few options:
While looking online, I stumbled upon Mozaer Eyeglasses. They had a great selection of reading glasses, and while browsing, I found something that really caught my eye. It was the Unisex Folding Reading Glasses with Box Ultra-light Rimless Magnetic Eyeglasses Bifocal Magnifying Ultralight Eyewear +1.0~4.0 Strength 100(Set 1). I was a little skeptical at first, but the reviews were good, and the folding design seemed really convenient. I decided to give them a try. Since I needed stronger reading glasses, I was glad to see they offered up to +4.0 strength.
I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, and I have to say, I’m impressed. The glasses are incredibly lightweight, and the folding design makes them perfect for carrying in my pocket or bag. The magnetic closure is a nice touch, keeping them securely closed when not in use. Most importantly, they work! I can finally read comfortably again without straining my eyes. I've been able to read comfortably again, thanks to the clear lenses. Finding the right strength made a huge difference in my daily life.
Here's a quick breakdown of what I like about them: