Guide to Buying the Best Non Prescription Glasses for Women

Introduction

Non prescription glasses have become a popular fashion accessory and vision aid for women. Also known as plano glasses, these lenses have no corrective prescription. Women choose non prescription glasses for a variety of reasons from making a style statement to getting blue light protection for computer use. This comprehensive guide covers everything women need to know about buying the best non prescription glasses online or in stores.

Different Types of Non Prescription Glasses for Women

There are many styles of non prescription glasses available:

Reading Glasses

Reading glasses have magnifying lenses to help see things up close more easily. They come in strengths like +1.00 to +3.50 for minor age-related near vision changes.

Computer Glasses

Computer glasses reduce digital eye strain. They have an anti-reflective coating and weakly magnifying lenses tailored for intermediate distance.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Blue light glasses filter out high energy visible (HEV) blue light from screens. This helps prevent eyestrain, headaches, and sleep disruption.

Sunreaders

Sunreaders function like sunglasses to shield eyes from glare but also have magnifying lenses for reading.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses have impact resistant lenses and side shields for protection from debris, chemicals, or job hazards.

Sports Glasses

Sports glasses have lightweight plastic frames and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses optimized for athletics.

Fashion Glasses

Fashion non prescription glasses focus on trendy frame shapes and colors to make a style statement.

Benefits of Non Prescription Glasses

There are many potential benefits to non prescription (plano) glasses:

Vision Assistance

Magnifying reading glasses help see up close. Computer glasses aid digital tasks. Sunreaders provide reading help outdoors.

Eye Protection

Non Rx glasses protect eyes from UV rays, blue light, glare, flying debris, chemicals and impacts.

Fashion Accessory

Trendy non prescription glasses let women accessorize outfits and project style, sophistication, or status.

Confidence Boost

Some women feel more confident wearing plano glasses, whether for vision help or as an aesthetic accessory.

Screen Relief

Computer glasses or blue blockers decrease digital eye strain, headaches, and dryness.

Privacy

Non Rx sunglasses allow women to subtly conceal eyes or expressions in public.

Where to Shop for Non Prescription Glasses

Online Retailers

Buying online allows price comparisons across a wide selection. Popular sites include:

• EyeBuyDirect
• Zenni Optical
• GlassesUSA
• Eyeconic
• Warby Parker
• Lensabl
• Glasseslit

Chain Optical Stores

Many optical chains sell non prescription glasses including:

• LensCrafters
• Pearle Vision
• MyEyelab
• Americas Best
• Visionworks
• Site for Sore Eyes
• Cohens Fashion Optical

Drug Stores

Some pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have basic non prescription reading glasses.

Big Box Stores

Department stores like Walmart, Target, and Kohls typically have a selection of cheap reading glasses.

Buying Considerations

Vision Needs

Determine if you need magnification for reading, blue light filtering for computers, or sunglasses for outdoor use.

Prescription Strength

Select the right magnification strength for your needs. strengths range from +1.00 to +3.50 typically.

Frame Size and Style

Choose frame shapes and colors that complement your face shape and style preferences.

Lens Type

Assess lens quality in terms of durability, glare reduction, light transmission, and protection.

Added Features

Consider bonuses like anti-reflective coating, polarization, or photochromic lenses.

Budget

Non prescription glasses range from under $10 to $200+ depending on brands and features.

Return Policy

Review return policies in case you need to exchange for a different size or strength.

Prescription Strength Guide

Choosing the right magnification is key for effective non prescription glasses. Strengths include:

+1.00 to +1.50

Minimal magnification for beginning farsightedness or reading in dim lighting.

+1.75 to +2.25

Moderate strength for computer use or reading books and menus.

+2.50 to +3.00

Common strength for regular reading of books, newspapers and bills.

+3.25 to +3.50

High magnification for reading very fine print and doing intricate work.

Higher Than +3.50

Extra strong magnification usually reserved for extreme farsightedness.

Finding Your Proper Strength

Ways to determine your ideal non prescription strength include:

• Trying on various sample strengths in a store and assessing readability.
• Having an optometrist or optician help based on your age and viewing needs.
• Starting with a mid-level strength like +2.25 to +2.50 and adjusting as needed.
• Matching strength to your onscreen font size for computer use.
• Ordering multiple magnification powers to compare at home.

Buying Online vs In Stores

Non prescription glasses can be purchased online or in traditional brick and mortar retailers. Here's how they compare:

Online Pros

• Very wide selection of brands and styles.
• Ability to filter by parameters like frame material, shape, color, etc.
• Lower prices compared to store prices.
• Convenient home delivery.
• Easier price comparisons.
• Frequently discounted codes and sales.

Online Cons

• Unable to try on frames in person before buying.
• Must return by mail if exchanges or refunds needed.
• No personalized guidance from eye experts.
• Potential for sizing mistakes buying sight unseen.

In-Store Pros

• Able to try on frames and assess fit.
• Experts can assist with adjustments and finding ideal styles.
• Instant gratification taking glasses home same day.
• Can check optical quality when purchasing.
• Instant returns if needed.

In-Store Cons

• Smaller selection limited to in-stock inventory.
• Higher prices than online.
• May feel pressured by sales associates.
• Vision insurance rarely applies to non prescription purchases.

Avoiding Non Prescription Glasses Pitfalls

Some common mistakes to avoid with non prescription eyewear include:

• Ordering online without double checking your pupillary distance (PD) measurement.
• Not accurately measuring your existing frame width to get the same fit.
• Assuming you need the standard strengths without testing different powers.
• Choosing frames too big or small for your facial proportions.
• Selecting styles just for uniqueness rather than fit and comfort.
• Buying too strong of magnification that strains eyes.
• Assuming cheap glasses mean poor optical quality.
• Forgetting to account for bridge width and temple sizing.

Care and Handling

Caring properly for non prescription eyewear improves durability and longevity. Tips include:

• Use both hands when putting on and taking off glasses.
• Gently clean lenses as needed with proper spray or cloth.
• Store glasses in protective case when not in use.
• Avoid dropping glasses or setting them lens side down.
• Don't use paper products like tissues to wipe lenses.
• Tighten any loose screws as needed.
• Have optician adjust frames if arms become bent or lenses become misaligned.
• Choose protective sunglasses for active sports.

Signs You May Need an Eye Exam

While non prescription glasses can be helpful, women shouldn't rely on them as a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Signs you may need an updated prescription include:

• Blurry vision even with readers on.
• Squinting, eye fatigue, or headaches during close work.
• Needing stronger and stronger readers frequently.
• Discomfort viewing screens even with computer glasses.
• Eye strain or difficulty driving at night.
• Prescription outdated by more than 2 years.
• Family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or blindness.

See an optometrist right away if experiencing any sudden vision changes, eye pain, flashes of light, floaters, or injury.

Non Prescription Sunglasses

Plano sunglasses can also benefit women's eye health and style without an Rx. Advantages include:

• UV protection against sun damage.
• Reduced glare for outdoor activities and driving.
• Ability to filter specific light wavelengths.
• Softer contrast for visual comfort on sunny days.
• Wide selection of stylish lens tints and frame choices.
• Help for light sensitivity disorders.

Look for non prescription sunglasses that block 100% UVA/UVB radiation. Polarized lenses also cut reflective glare.

Insurance Coverage

Vision insurance typically only covers a portion of prescription eyewear purchases. Non prescription glasses are generally not covered by insurance plans. A few exceptions include:

• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) may reimburse reading glasses.
• Some plans cover computer glasses prescribed for digital eye strain.
• Safety glasses needed for jobs may qualify for reimbursement.
• Sunglasses prescribed for light sensitivity disorders like keratoconus.

Always check details of your specific vision benefits to confirm if non Rx glasses are eligible expenses.

Conclusion

From reading glasses to blue light blockers, non prescription glasses offer women versatile vision support and fashionable accessories. Take time to understand your needs and accurately determine sizing. Buying online provides convenience and affordable prices across countless styles. With proper fit and care, women can rely on non Rx eyewear to see clearly while making a stylish statement.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.