Designer Reading Glasses vs. Drugstore Readers

What are your eyewear priorities? Affordability, style, or maybe quality?

Depending on what matters most to you, you’re probably weighing the trade-offs between designer glasses and drugstore readers.

I’ll help you decide by walking through what each option provides.

At a Glance

• Drugstore readers can work if you don’t need prescription glasses, don’t wear your readers every day, and use them for short tasks.  
• If you need prescription reading glasses, you can find a range of designer frames online, upload your prescription, and have them shipped.
• Drugstore glasses may be cheaper than designer glasses but are usually worse in quality, which means you may need to replace them more often.
• Designer glasses are a smart choice if you want a high-quality pair. You’ll find options at different price points.
• One main difference is that designer frames are made by well-known companies like EssilorLuxottica in Italy, and they also have lots of online reviews.
• Drugstore readers may feel cheaper, and you don’t really know where or how they’re made.

Need Custom Prescription Lenses?

You can find over-the-counter glasses at many drugstores and general stores, including CVS, Walgreens, and even Costco. They’re a popular choice for people who don’t need to wear readers every day and instead use them for quick tasks.

But drugstores usually don’t make custom lenses with specific prescriptions. So you’re buying basic readers, which you can try on in-store to see if they’re close enough to your prescription.

If you need complex reading lenses (such as progressive lenses, which help you see close-up and at a distance), you can buy your glasses online or in-store from a retailer that can fit prescription lenses into your frames of choice.

An online retailer such as EZContacts could be a smart choice if standard drugstore readers won’t work for you or if you’d rather go for a designer look. They sell a range of designer glasses at many price points and can fit them with custom lenses in their authorized lab.  

Which Option Is Cheaper?

People often automatically assume that drugstore readers are cheaper. While the upfront cost of the frames may be less, they can cost you more in the long run.

You’re probably wondering how. Well, cheap frames can be poorly made, which means that, as with everything that takes shortcuts, they can break or show signs of wear faster.

So if you have to replace them constantly because of issues with the cheap frame or lenses, they may end up costing you more than a pair of designer glasses that last longer.

Designer glasses come at a range of price points. Some start at under $100, while others can cost more. It depends on the brand. For example, Prada and Versace may have higher price tags than some brands because they’re popular global fashion names.

Some other popular options include Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Coach, and Michael Kors. These brands offer a variety of frames without breaking the bank.

For example, these Black Michael Kors glasses are currently under $100 for the frame. EZContacts reviewer Mimi was happy with her frames and lenses:

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Lovely Feminine Frames

“I have ordered prescription glasses online before from another website, and although it’s my same prescription, for some reason the lenses would strain my eyes. So far, no strain or discomfort… I got the Black MK Santa Clara and I love, the frame is very nice and lightweight.”

Look for Differences in Quality 

When it comes to designer glasses, many work with reputable, world-famous manufacturers. For example, Marcolin in Italy manufactures Tom Ford and Max Mara, while EssilorLuxottica, the biggest global eyewear manufacturer, makes Prada and Chanel. 

Not only do these glasses often look more expensive, but they’re also designed to fit well. Reviewer Erron pointed out the fit of his unisex Balenciaga glasses and the precision of the prescription:

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“I love my glasses the fit good and the prescription look s dead on I got them quickly!!”

These manufacturers have global factories and use high-quality components like Japanese titanium and Italian acetate. They test and refine designs, then release new models with updated styles and features.

In comparison, drugstore brands may not disclose their manufacturing process, who makes their glasses, or where they are made. The materials can be subpar, with cheaper components and plastic frames that don’t fit well. Poor fit could lead to you having a sore nose or straining your eyes.

So with designer reading glasses, you’re also paying for the quality, not just the brand name or logo. While some drugstore readers offer affordable options, they might not be a good pick if you want a durable pair with a high-quality feel.

Which Readers Are Easier to Buy?

Some people think drugstore readers are easier to buy because you can pop into a store and pick them up. But sometimes your size or a certain model might be out of stock. Even if you find the right glasses, it might not be clear what the refund and return policy is or whether the manufacturer or store offers a warranty. 

EZContacts sells thousands of styles of designer glasses, and they come with a 30-day warranty. After that, you’re covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for a certain period (check the warranty card that comes with the glasses).

Ordering designer glasses has never been easier because you can shop online, where you can also find major discounts. So there’s no need to drive to a drugstore and spend hours trying to find the right pair of readers. In fact, you can now try on designer glasses virtually with EZContacts’ FittingBox feature, so you can see which style suits your face. 

FAQS

What are some popular designer eyewear brands?

When it comes to designer reading glasses, famous brands like Gucci, Prada, and Tom Ford are popular, but specialized eyewear brands such as Oliver Peoples, Cazal, and Persol also make luxury glasses.

How do I decide on drugstore or designer glasses?

If you don’t know if designer glasses are right for you, check the reviews to help you choose. For drugstore readers, you may need to ask for in-store advice and try them, since reviews can be limited.

If I don’t wear readers every day, are drugstore glasses a good option?

If you don’t need complex lenses and need standard reading glasses, drugstore specs are an option, especially if you only need readers for quick tasks like reading a restaurant menu.