It’s a question we’ve all wondered at one point or another: can you wear reading glasses over prescription glasses? The short answer is yes, you can.
But should you? In this post, we’ll go over the pros and cons of wearing reading glasses over prescription glasses.
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Benefits of Wearing Reading Glasses Over Prescription Glasses
Cost Savings
There are a few benefits to wearing reading glasses over prescription glasses. First and foremost, it can save you money.
If you only need reading glasses for occasional use, it’s more cost-effective to purchase a pair of over-the-counter reading glasses rather than get a whole new pair of prescription glasses.
You Find It Better Than Wearing Bifocals or Multifocals
Bifocals and multifocal lenses can be challenging to adjust to, and some people find them uncomfortable.
For example, the segment height of the reading portion can be too low, or the focal point of the lens may be off.
If you’re one of these people, wearing a pair of reading glasses over prescription glasses might actually be more comfortable and provide a better optical experience.
You Don’t Like Switching Back and Forth Between Glasses
If you only need reading glasses for short periods of time, it’s frankly more convenient to simply wear a pair of reading glasses over your prescription pair.
This way, you can just wear your regular glasses all day, and then slip on some reading glasses when you need them.
You Like Being Odd
Let’s face it, you’ll certainly attract a few looks and double takes from those around you if you wear a pair of glasses on top of another.
But if you enjoy being a little different, wearing reading glasses over prescription glasses may be right up your alley.
Prescription Glasses vs. Reading Glasses
Drawbacks of Wearing Reading Glasses Over Prescription Glasses
Uncomfortable Fit
The biggest downside to wearing reading glasses over prescription glasses is that it’s not the most comfortable fit.
Depending on the shape and size of your frames, you’ll likely find yourself constantly readjusting them or pushing your glasses up your nose because you’re literally wearing two frames over each other.
This is particularly true since most reading glasses aren’t designed to fit over the top of regular glasses the way some fitover sunglasses or safety glasses are.
Poor Vision Quality
Wearing reading glasses over prescription glasses can cause vision distortion or blurriness.
That’s because you’re looking through two lenses, which can result in a distorted image.
In some cases, the lenses may even create an optical illusion where objects appear further away or closer than they actually are.
This can be particularly problematic if you’re doing anything closeup that requires exact measurements or accuracy.
Attention For All The Wrong Reasons
If you like standing out in a crowd, by all means, wear your reading glasses over your prescription glasses.
But if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself, you’ll probably want to avoid doing this.
People may make assumptions about your age or medical condition if they see you wearing two pairs of glasses, and it’s not always the most pleasant experience.
Bottom Line
Wearing reading glasses over prescription lenses is certainly an option if you only need them for occasional use and they don’t interfere with your existing prescription.
However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision—especially if you have a strong prescription.
If it doesn’t bother you to wear two sets of glasses, then go for it! But if it’s uncomfortable or your vision is negatively affected, do the prudent thing and consider getting a pair of prescription reading glasses.