Bah. It's time for reading glasses

Beth

I turn 47 this month, and my near vision is becoming a problem. I really, (REALLY) dislike wearing glasses, but if it's unavoidable, I might as well find fun ones.

Where do you ladies of a certain age find cute, but not extravagant, readers?

10 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Jjsloane

Marilyn

Veteran

I just have basic ones from Joe Fresh. I have multiple pairs that I leave here and there.
I'm currently doing a trial for multi-focal contact lenses and hoping they'll work out. Lots of trial and error to get them right. But I can see up close without my readers with them which is a real bonus.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I wear multi focal + mono vision contacts so no help on readers I'm afraid. I have heard that it's a good idea to spring for quality so you don't strain your eyes. My optician tells us to get prescription readers so they're exactly right. But that could just be them trying to sell more specs.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try Anthropologie and Nordies. Kate Spade has fun ones.

10 years ago

deb

Veteran

First off, are both eyes in need of the same prescription? I found one eye was different than the other. For example, my right eye needed a strength of .5 but my left eye needed 1.5. Off the shelf spec only have the same strength in both lens so they would not work for me. A trip to the eye doc will give you a better idea of where to shop.

10 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I buy them at CVS, Target and Walmart. I have had prescription ones, but the cheap ones are just fine. I do get prescription sunglasses, with readers.

10 years ago

Anonymous

My experience with reading glasses was nothing but frustration. I much prefer glasses full time. I still don't need lenses for distance and can pass my drivers test without glasses, but even have prescription sun glasses.

10 years ago

retailgirl

Veteran

I second Angie's rec. for Kate Spade readers. You can get them at Nordstrom or on the Kate Spade website. Corinne McCormack readers are nice, too. I also have some cheap ones and I keep a pair in the car, one in the kitchen, one in the bathroom. I've needed the same strength for a few years, so I've accumulated a nice selection of cute readers. (All Kate Spade) I was excited to need readers, because it's another fashion accessory! But I'm not going to go the glasses on a chain route.

10 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi Beth --

I feel your pain. It's why I've worn contacts the majority of my life! [But I'm not at the point where the multifocal are the best choice.]

Depending on what you do all day (lots of computer time?), keep in mind you may be wearing -- and people will be seeing you in -- glasses the vast majority of the day. So it's just like wearing glasses, sigh.

And it's the reason my readers are neutral shades -- on days when I wear a lot of color I didn't want to be (irrationally) irritated by having readers in some "fun" shade that doesn't really tie in.

I have both fairly inexpensive ($30) off-the-shelf ones from my optician and more expensive frames with custom Rx (to correct minor astigmatism) and fancy $$$ anti-glare coatings that are supposed to help eye health. I leave the latter at work. TBH the major difference is the coated ones smudge even more, grrr, so I hope they're doing something behind-the-scenes.

ANYWAY -- Since you're a non-glasses person, I might start with a pair of lower-end frames you feel good in, then think about upgrading, going with an Rx pair or multiple pairs etc. I personally think of my readers as a medical device vs accessory and don't go overboard with them.

10 years ago

kerlyn

Veteran

I actually found a bunch of adorable ones at Michael's (yes, the craft store!). They were back by the yarn (visions of grannies knitting!), but these were super cute and cheap (I think they were 4 bucks) . I have more expensive ones, but these are just as nice and came in many cute patterns (dots, floral, aztec, leopard, solid colors).

10 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Thanks for all the suggestions! Vix, I too have worn contacts most of my life and there's just a part of me that's so aggravated at having to wear correction twice over. It's hardly uncommon, so I need to get over it.

So many YLFers look incredible in their specs, and it really amps up their style, but glasses leave me feeling very un-fab. All of these good recs make me hopeful that I can find something fun!

10 years ago

carter

Veteran

I have some cute ones from a local gift store...the type of place that sells Vera Bradley and painted martini glasses. I only have to wear them for very fine print so far, but I think they'll be fun to wear more often.

10 years ago

celia

Veteran

Think about it as a fashion accessory. I know you are not keen on the idea but many YLF members rock them.

10 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Been there (but it hit me on my 43rd birthday when squinting no longer worked). It takes some getting used to (and they never seem to stay clean no matter if I don't touch them) and I've developed a new respect for friends and family who have worn glasses most of their lives.
I have found cute ones at Anthropology and Nordstrom Rack. I buy the 3 packs at Marshall's (brands vary from Kenneth Cole etc..) and keep a pair by each computer in the house.

10 years ago

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