5 Mistakes I Made Buying Quality Reading Glasses (So You Don't Have To)

I needed new glasses in a hurry after my old pair snapped. Online, I spotted an incredibly low price for a pair described as "Women's Anti Blue Light Blocking Glasses Student Myopia Eyeglasses Frames Hyperopia Reading Glasses Computer Eyewear New Fashion Bright black-Anti blue 0." It seemed like a fantastic deal.

I rushed into the purchase, convinced I’d found a smart bargain. Instead, I ended up with a two-week headache, wasted money on shipping, and absolutely no customer support. I made these mistakes so you can avoid them when searching for quality reading glasses.

Don’t repeat my error. Learn these five critical steps before you click 'Buy now':

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Option Available

I understand the appeal—we all want to save money. But when it comes to your vision, the cheapest option is almost always the wrong one. I went for the lowest-priced anti-blue light glasses I could find.

That was a big mistake. An unusually low price often means corners were cut in important areas.

What typically happens with super cheap reading glasses?

• The anti-blue light coating is poor quality and wears off quickly.
• The plastic frame feels brittle and is prone to breaking near the hinges.
• The lenses scratch incredibly easily.

I saved ten dollars upfront but ended up with glasses that needed replacing within a few months. This is not the way to find quality reading glasses.

Verdict: Avoid the absolute cheapest pair. Aim for mid-range options with solid reviews focusing on frame durability.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Frame Material Quality

I only looked at the picture. The glasses appeared shiny and black. I didn’t bother reading the description to see what the frames were actually made of. If a listing only says "Plastic" or "PC" (Polycarbonate) without specifying the type, be cautious.

Cheap plastic frames can warp easily. If you accidentally sit on them or leave them in a hot car, they may lose their shape and no longer fit your face properly.

Don’t make my error. You need to look for specific, durable materials.

Action Step: Seek out these materials:

• TR90: A lightweight, flexible, and highly durable plastic.
• Acetate: A stronger, higher-quality plastic that holds color well.
• Titanium or Stainless Steel: Ideal for long-lasting metal frames.

Verdict: Always check the material description. Steer clear of anything vaguely listed as "new fashion cheap frame."

Mistake #3: Not Checking Company Logistics Reviews

This was my biggest oversight. I looked at the product rating (which was average) and completely ignored the terrible feedback about the company itself.

I later read this negative review, which described my exact experience:

"Terrible company. Ordered glasses March 30th, paid for express 3-5 day shipping because my old glasses broke. Day 5 rolls around and it's still in production, day 10 still in production. Day 11 I call to ask for a shipping refund... Day 19 or whatever and still no glasses!!!"

I realized I had chosen a company with no real control over its supply chain. They promised 3-5 day shipping but took weeks just to start manufacturing the glasses. When I called, they acted like refunding shipping was a routine occurrence—a major red flag.

Learn from me. A great product rating means nothing if the company can't actually get the product to you.

Action Step: When buying glasses, sort the reviews by '1 Star.' Read those first. Are people complaining about shipping delays, refund issues, or poor communication? If so, look elsewhere.

Verdict: Avoid companies known for long lead times and unclear production schedules.

Mistake #4: Falling for Misleading Express Shipping Ads

I paid extra for "Express Shipping." I was desperate because my old glasses had broken. The company guaranteed delivery in 3–5 business days.

What they didn’t disclose was that the 3–5 days only started *after* they finished making the product. And they took 10 to 15 days just to manufacture the frame and lenses.

I paid an extra $10 for express shipping only to wait nearly three weeks total. That money was completely wasted.

Big mistake. I assumed I was buying a ready-made item. In reality, I was placing an order that entered a slow overseas production queue.

Here’s what you need to understand about shipping promises:

• Total Time = Production Time + Shipping Time.
• If the seller doesn’t clearly state the Production Time (P.T.), assume it’s lengthy (7–14 days).
• If the P.T. is long, paying for faster shipping is pointless.

Verdict: If you need glasses quickly, choose a verified seller that guarantees shipping within 2 days of ordering, not 2 days after 'production completion.'

Mistake #5: Skipping Necessary Measurements

I glanced at the pictures and thought, "These frames look like they’ll fit my face." I bought them without checking any of the sizing numbers.

All glasses frames have three key measurements printed on the temple arm:

1. Lens width (usually 45–60 mm)
2. Bridge width (usually 14–24 mm)
3. Temple arm length (usually 130–150 mm)

When my glasses finally arrived, the bridge was too wide. They kept sliding down my nose every time I looked down, making them unwearable for reading long emails or books.

Skipping measurements wastes both time and money. Even high-quality glasses are useless if they don’t fit your face correctly.

Verdict: Before buying, note the measurements of your current frames. Only purchase new frames that are within 2mm of those numbers.

What I Should Have Done: Prioritizing Reliability and Quality

Instead of chasing the lowest price, I should have focused on reliability. I should have sought out companies that handle prescription and reading glasses professionally, with clear turnaround times and a track record of excellent customer service.

A reputable company will confirm your prescription or power level and begin production promptly, not let your order sit for two weeks before processing it.

For instance, I’ve since found that reliable providers offer faster processing and better lens guarantees. In the future, I’ll choose specialists in corrective eyewear, such as Mozaer Prescription Glasses, because they understand the urgency of needing new lenses.

If I had bought from a reliable supplier:

• I would have received accurate production updates.
• I wouldn’t have paid extra for shipping that didn’t deliver as promised.
• The frame quality would have been guaranteed against quick breakage.

Lessons Learned

Buying quality reading glasses online is straightforward, but only if you avoid the trap of the cheapest offer. My lesson cost me almost three weeks without usable glasses and a great deal of frustration dealing with an unreliable company.

Here’s a quick checklist to follow before you spend your money:

Checklist for Buying Reading Glasses:

1. Check your measurements (Lens/Bridge/Temple numbers).
2. Verify the frame material (Aim for TR90 or Acetate).
3. Read the 1-star reviews focusing on shipping delays and customer service issues.
4. Ignore "Express Shipping" offers unless the seller guarantees a fast production time (under 3 days).

Do your research first. Your eyesight is worth the small extra investment.