10 Best Reading Glasses in the Philippines 2026 | Executive Optical, Sunnies Studios, and More

It is common amongst people with poor vision to have different prescriptions in each eye, which makes custom glasses the better option. The lenses will be fashioned after your prescription, meaning they adjust to the different strength in each eye. 

While you may be tempted to check your own eyes online instead of going to an eye doctor, it does more bad than good. Optometrist and ophthalmologist have tools at their disposal that allows for a thorough diagnosis. It's only then that your eyes get the 20/20 vision it should have long had. 

First, ask the doctor if this is an option for you. If your reading struggle is mainly attributable to age and has no underlying and hereditary blurry vision problems, then you can easily buy these off-the-shelf reading glasses. The good thing about it is you can determine the lens power right there as you fit it.

Check the label on the lens itself for indicators of its diopter or lens power. The strength appears as a number, say 1 to 4, yet with '+' or '-' signs before it. If you're farsighted, go for the plus sign and minus sign if you're myopic. The higher the number, the more difficult it is for you to read the finer prints. 

Also, check for reading eye charts you may view online and do your own test by reading from the bottom up. If you squint just by looking into the text, read the line above it and see if the font size is more readable. The larger the font size you are unable to read, the higher the strength your lenses have to be.

The thought of reading glasses might remind you of those massive eyeglasses where the bottom half is differently angled than its middle to the upper half. 

These types are the bi-focal lenses which have a correction for reading on the bottom and another for distance on the top for the readers out there who bury themselves in vanilla-scented softbound books. 

On the other hand, there are single vision lenses to correct distance vision. It will be perfect for aiding people who travel a lot, or just for helping them survive the daily grind with better eyesight. You'll never be accused of being "isnabera" with these lenses perched on your face.

Lastly are tri-focal and progressive lenses. From the name itself, tri-focal ones afford the wearer three correction sections: distance vision, intermediate vision, and a near vision. 

The progressive type is aptly named as it creates a smooth transition between distance and near focal minus tilted angles or varying lines across the lens itself. 

Its impact-resistance has made it a convenient choice for the adventurous and athletic reading-glasses wearing individuals. 

If you work or play where your glasses get scratched quickly, this safe and lightweight choice should be your go-to. Guaranteed shatter-proof with UV protection, this has made itself the optimal choice for kids and adults alike. 

Much has been said about the damage that the sun is causing our eyes. Besides the option of having this made from glass or plastic, its selling point is its reaction to sunlight – changing from clear to tinted for that optimum eye protection. This way, you need not switch between reading and sunglasses. 

Having a lot in common with polycarbonate lenses, Trivex exudes a crystal clear look and vision. It's also suitable for correct vision as it has less internal stress and may produce sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses. 

The durability aspect of metal for frames will have the most bespectacled people swoon. Not only is it sturdier, but it also provides a lightweight feel around the nasal bridge area. 

Overall it stands up better against wear-and-tear. Plastic, on other hand, makes up for its chic and stylish appeal for what it lacks, or has in excess of, in the weight department. 

It speaks minimalist in a way while not trying to overpower your entire face. After all, your reading glasses are reading or seeing aid first before turning it into a fashion statement. 

If rimless ones don't oomph your mojo, you may still fancy a semi-rimless design that has the frame at the top and none at the bottom.