Reading Glasses 101: What You Need to Know

2022 Trends: The Hottest Reading Glasses Frames and Colors

Frames: Choose a Style That Suits You

With so many frames to choose from—wayfarer, cat eye, round, square—you're sure to find an option that complements your face shape and personal style. Metal or plastic, colorful or neutral, subtle or statement-making—the possibilities are endless. For a stylish yet practical choice, look for frames that are adjustable, lightweight, and provide full coverage of your lenses.

Lens Material: Know Your Options

The most common lens materials are glass, polycarbonate, and Trivex. Glass offers the best optics but less impact-resistance. Polycarbonate is lightweight, impact-resistant, and wallet-friendly but prone to scratching. Trivex combines the best of both worlds with excellent optics, impact-resistance and scratch-resistance. For most people, Trivex lenses are a great all-purpose choice.

Magnification Level

Determine how strong of a prescription you need based on your vision needs and everyday tasks. For most people over age 40, magnifications of +1.00 to +3.00 are suitable for basic tasks like reading, computer use, and driving. Stronger powers like +3.50 or higher provide extra magnification for smaller print, low light, and more advanced presbyopia. The good news is you can choose different strengths for different pairs of glasses depending on your needs.

Additional Treatments

Consider add-on lens treatments like anti-glare coating to reduce eyestrain and visibility of your eyes behind the lenses. Photochromic lenses that automatically darken in sunlight are ideal if you frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments. Tints like rose or amber can filter out harsh blue light from digital screens and fluorescent bulbs for more comfortable all-day wear.

With so many options, you're sure to find reading glasses that suit your needs, your style, and your budget. The key is to shop at a reputable eyewear retailer, get properly measured for your prescription, and take into account how and where you'll be using your glasses most often. Once you find that perfect pair, you'll be seeing—and looking—your best in no time.

Choosing Reading Glasses to Match Your Personal Style

Cat Eye Frames

Cat eye frames are making a huge comeback this year. Their retro-inspired shape is playful yet sophisticated. Available in a variety of colors like tortoise shell, black, and red, cat eye frames are a perfect choice if you want to make a stylish statement. Pair them with a circle skirt and ballet flats for a vintage-inspired look or skinny jeans and a leather jacket for an edgy style.

Round Metal Frames

Round metal frames are simple yet chic. Their minimal wire frames and circular lens shape give off an intellectual vibe. Metal frames are lightweight, durable and complement any face shape. Gold and rose gold are popular metal colors this season. Metal frames pair well with casual and business attire. For a stylish look, combine them with a button-down blouse, midi skirt and loafers.

Blue Light Blocking Lenses

With many people working from home on computers and devices, blue light blocking lenses are in high demand. Blue light blocking lenses filter out the high energy blue light emitted from screens that can cause digital eye strain and potentially lead to age-related macular degeneration. Stylish blue light blocking frames are available in a variety of styles from cat eye and round to rectangular and aviator shapes.

Whether you prefer a bold cat eye, minimal round metal or functional blue light blocking frames, there are so many on-trend and stylish reading glasses options to choose from this year. Update your look with a new pair of fashionable frames and you'll be seeing clearly in style.

Styling Tips: How to Wear Reading Glasses for Any Occasion

When it comes to reading glasses, you want a pair that fits your personal style and fashion sense. Think about the colors, shapes, and details that you’re typically drawn to in your clothing and accessories. Do you prefer conservative frames or something more stylish? Minimalist or embellished? Your reading glasses can make just as much of a fashion statement as the rest of your outfit.

Frame Shapes and Colors

The shape and color of your frames is key to matching your personal style. If you like classic styles, consider rounded frames or simple rectangles in black, tortoise shell, or metallic tones. For a bolder look, try cat eye frames or semi-rimless frames with decorative details on the arms. Bright colors like red, turquoise or patterned frames can make a fun fashion-forward statement.

Coordinating with Your Wardrobe

Choose reading glasses that will complement most of your everyday wardrobe. If your style tends to be professional or business casual during the week, a simple pair of frames in black, brown or navy will coordinate well. For a stylish weekend wardrobe, try a pair with embellishments or in a bright accent color that you often wear. Keep in mind the occasion and have a few different pairs so you’re ready for anything.

Wear Them with Confidence

The most important thing is wearing your reading glasses with confidence and comfort. Even the most stylish frames won’t make you feel good if you’re self-conscious about needing reading glasses in the first place. Focus on how they enhance your ability to see clearly and participate in activities you enjoy. Your reading glasses are a stylish accessory and a symbol of wisdom and life experience. Rock them with pride!

Following these tips will help you find reading glasses to match your personal style. Choose frames, colors and details you genuinely like and that make you feel like your most stylish self. Your reading glasses can be functional and fashionable at the same time.

Finding the Best Reading Glasses for You

For a Casual Day

On a normal day running errands or relaxing at home, casual, comfortable frames are perfect. Try on square or rounded frames in popular colors like black, tortoise shell, or navy. Plastic frames keep things laid back. Pair them with jeans and a tee or your favorite loungewear.

At the Office

For work, opt for retro-inspired frames like aviators or wayfarers. Metallic frames in gold or rose gold add polish. Pair them with business attire like slacks or a pencil skirt and button-down. Rectangular frames complement oval or heart-shaped faces.

A Night Out

Want to wear your reading glasses out for dinner or drinks? No problem. Choose a stylish cat eye or horn-rimmed frame. Add some glam with a metallic finish or jewel-encrusted details. Dramatic frames pair well with your favorite LBD or a sharp blazer and heels.

Making a Statement

If you want your glasses to make a bold fashion statement, try an exaggerated square frame or ones with unique details like leather or wood accents. Colored frames in red, blue or purple attract attention. Pair them with a solid-colored outfit to let your frames shine.

The key to wearing reading glasses with confidence is finding frames that match your personal style. Once you’ve found the perfect pair, rock them with pride, no matter the occasion or outfit. Your glasses are part of what makes you, you!

Roger Sarkis