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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copays + 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $10-$200+ |
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Reading glasses might be needed starting around age 45, when it is common for the eye lenses to begin to lose their elasticity, making it harder to focus on objects up close. Patients who already wear glasses might begin to use bifocals, while patients who do not may use reading glasses.
Typical costs: |
- For patients with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays and coinsurance for the glasses of 10%-50%. Prescription reading glasses typically are covered by vision insurance.
- For patients without health insurance, reading glasses typically cost $10-$50 for a basic pair of pre-made reading glasses from a drugstore or other retailer. Cost can reach $200 or more for off-the-shelf reading glasses with designer frames. Prescription glasses from an eye doctor typically cost about $200-$1,000.
- For example,reading glasses cost $10-$30 at Walgreens. At ReadingGlassesShopper.com, all reading glasses[1] cost less than $20, including bifocal readers, flexible readers and folding readers.
- At ReadingGlasses.com, reading glasses with designer frames typically cost about $20-$200 or more, depending on the frame and type of lens. Reading glasses cost from about $20-$260 at EyeGlasses.com.
- Prescription eye glasses, typically cost about $200 but can cost up to $1,000, depending on the frame selected, the type of lenses and any additional features, such as scratch-resistant coating or a tint.
Related articles: Eyeglasses, Transitions Lenses, Eye Exam, Health Insurance
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What should be included: |
- An eye doctor will do an eye exam to check for presbyopia[2] , a common condition in which aging eyes lose their ability to focus on items nearby, which can make reading difficult. It is important to see a doctor to determine the exact cause of any vision change, and whether a prescription is needed.
- If the patient has presbyopia and does not already wear glasses, the doctor probably will recommend reading glasses, which can either be purchase off-the-shelf at a drug store or other retailer, or through an eye doctor or optical shop. Especially if a patient needs a different strength lens for each eye or has other vision problems, such as astigmatism, a doctor probably will recommend prescription glasses.
Additional costs: |
- Add-ons such as upgraded lenses, tint or anti-reflective coating price list can increase the price by $20-$70 or more.
- It is common to wear reading glasses on a cord around the neck so they are easily accessible when needed. At ReadingGlasses.com, designer eyeglass chains and cords[3] cost about $15-$75, depending on the designer and material. Glasses cases[4] can cost about $10-$80.
- Cleaning solution and microfiber cleaning cloths usually cost less than $20.
Discounts: |
- Some online retailers offer sales and significant discounts. For example, ReadingGlassesShopper.com sometimes offers seasonal discounts of as much as 30% and also has a clearance section[5] .
Shopping for reading glasses: |
- It is recommended to visit an eye doctor for an exam after any change in vision, even if the patient plans to buy pre-made reading glasses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides an ophthalmologist locator[6] , and it is recommended to verify board certification by contacting the American Board of Ophthalmology[7] . WebMD explains how to choose an eye doctor[8] .
- Reading glasses come in full-lens style, half-lens style and even folding styles that can be carried more easily. AllAboutVision.com offers a guide to buying reading glasses[9] .
- Off-the-shelf reading glasses come in different powers, or strengths. ReadingGlassesShopper.com offers a guide to finding the correct reading glasses power[10] .
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: |
- www.readers.com/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002021/
- www.readingglasses.com/search/search_results.php?searchinput=&sorting=4&cat_id=100...
- www.readingglasses.com/search/search_results.php?searchinput=&sorting=4&cat_id=100...
- www.readers.com/reading-glasses-sale-items.html
- www.aao.org/aao/find_eyemd.cfm
- abop.org/verify-a-physician/
- www.webmd.com/eye-health/choosing-eye-doctor
- www.allaboutvision.com/over40/readers.htm
- www.readers.com/resources/about-eyeglasses/reading-glasses/finding-your-reading-gl...
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