Quetion about glasses?

Question

My doctor said I need READING glasses and gave me a prescription. I think he prescribed +150 glasses. My question is where can I get these glasses? I went to the store that specializes in glasses and the glasses sell for over $100 because they charge for the frame and then the prescription. But I also see READING GLASSES at other stores (that say +150) that sell for as low as $5. I put them on and with them I can read without straining my eyes. Are these good also? I mean I don't care about the money but I also would prefer that people don't try to take advantage just because I know nothing about glasses. Oh, and going to the stores the stores that specialize in glasses is no good because the sales people are horrible because they know nothing about glasses, only prices. Thank you for your input.

Answer 1

The only problem with the drugstore magnifiers is the quality of the lenses.

The focal points are not going to be in the precise place for your eyes, and will often cause your eyes to get tired faster than with a good lens. The optical quality of the material is vastly inferior also.

They do well as spares to have laying around for the phonebook or a recipe , but if you like to read a lot, you would find a big difference between the drugstore readers and real lenses made for you.

Answer 2

Check your prescription carefully. If they are just for +150 reading glasses, then a cheap pear of +150 reading glass should be just fine. If they specify anything else, you should probably get proper prescription glasses.

Since you're in doubt, you should probably call your eye doctor's office and make sure. If the person you speak to sounds unsure, tell them to have the doctor call you back.

This is part of what you paid for when you get an exam and prescription.

Answer 3

Unless you are a fashion freak, those glasses are perfectly fine.

Answer 4

+1.50 glasses from the drug store are the same thing you would get from a doctor.  Really the only reason that it would be better to get reading glasses from an eye doctor is if you have astigmatism and need correction for this.  If not, I don't see a problem with the drug store glasses, especially if you can see clearly through them.

This is my opinion as an optometry student.  The best advice you'll get will be from an optician.  Good luck!

Answer 5

I once worked at a private practice and alot of the income is retail. So of course they will try to sell you a top of the line frame, (quality counts) and premium lenses. (A good quality lens makes a difference, put your money there)  But if all you need is the +1.50 occasionally to read, get a cheap pair from walmart or walgreens. If  you need help with distance, along with the reading part, get a nice frame (I find if I'm spending money and wearing them alot, I go with a fun frame. Try ProDesign, they have nice plastics, and colors) Your eyes are important, so get a quality lens. It makes a difference. Be sure you go to a good optical place where the sales people are properly educated in the frames, and are using top quality optical labs that cut the lens. Anti glare is a good add on and besides the cosmetics of it, it helps with fatigue from overhead glare and minimizes glare from on coming cars. (not really necessary if you only use your glasses to read at home. There are also "computer lenses " that can be expensive, but are useful if you are working at a computer all day. They wont be good for distance. So many choices. Be sure you speak with a certified optician.