For middle-aged and elderly consumers, reading glasses are helpful tools for viewing nearby objects such as newspapers and mobile phones. While some opt to have reading glasses tailored at optical shops, others choose ready-to-wear reading glasses (also known as non-prescription reading glasses) that are relatively inexpensive and available for immediate use.
The Consumer Council tested 17 models of ready-to-wear reading glasses. The results showed that although all models performed satisfactorily in mechanical strength and stability, resistance to ignition, nickel release, and drop tests, most models lacked the labelling and warning statements required under the European standard EN 14139:2010. Among them, 10 models did not indicate the applicable pupillary distance (PD), making it difficult for consumers to choose suitable products. Even among the 7 models that indicated PD, their prismatic power performance in optical tests varied. This may cause displacement of viewed objects and could lead to visual fatigue or even double vision. However, in other optical performance aspects, including transmittance, spherical power, and cylindrical power, the 7 models met the requirements. In addition, after the resistance to perspiration test, the markings on the frame of 1 model became unclear, which may affect future use.
The Council urges suppliers to improve product quality and labelling. The Council also reminds consumers that, before purchasing reading glasses, they should undergo an eye examination provided by eye care professionals, to determine their degree of presbyopia and whether there are other eye health or vision problems, before choosing suitable glasses accordingly. Ready-to-wear reading glasses are not custom-made and are only suitable for short-term use to meet occasional needs.
Between January and May this year, the Council purchased 17 models of ready-to-wear reading glasses from retail outlets including department stores, household goods shops, street vendors, optical shops, and online stores. The claimed degree of presbyopia for all models was +2.50 or +2.5 dioptres (commonly known as 250 degrees), with prices ranging from $8 to $490. Among them, 7 models indicated PD or optical centre distance (OCD), while the remaining 10 did not.
The laboratory recommended to adopt the European standard EN 14139:2010 Ophthalmic optics - Specifications for ready-to-wear spectacles as the basis and made references to various standard test methods. Test items covered optical performance, mechanical strength and stability, drop tests, resistance to ignition, and resistance to perspiration. It also examined whether there was a risk of nickel release for models with metal parts in contact with the skin, and whether the labelling and instructions were adequate and accurate.
10 Models Did Not Indicate PD
Other Models Met Requirements for Transmittance, Spherical and Cylindrical Power
Optical performance is crucial to whether reading glasses provide clear and comfortable vision. Relevant parameters include transmittance, spherical power, cylindrical power, and prismatic power. Transmittance reflects how much light passes through the lenses to reach the eyes. For these single-power reading glasses, spherical power represents the degree of presbyopia. As the glasses are not intended to correct astigmatism, they should not have cylindrical power.
Optical tests must be conducted based on the product’s labelled PD or OCD. However, as 10 models did not provide such information, the laboratory could only conduct optical tests on the remaining 7 models using the labelled data from the samples. After completing the tests, the Council contacted the suppliers of the 10 models. Some were able to submit the relevant information, indicating that such information did exist. The Council urges manufacturers to include such information on products to facilitate consumers in selecting suitable models.
For the 7 models that indicated PD or OCD, all met the requirements for transmittance, spherical power, and cylindrical power, with satisfactory performance. All recorded transmittance levels exceeded 80%, meeting the requirements for category 0 filters. For spherical power, the measured degrees of presbyopia of the 7 models did not exceed the tolerance limit of ±0.12 compared with their labelled values of +2.50 or +2.5 (250 degrees). For cylindrical power, although slight astigmatic power was detected in either the left or right or both of the lenses of 5 models, all remained within the tolerance limit of ±0.09.
4 Models Exceeded Horizontal Tolerance of Prismatic Power
Long-term Use May Cause Eye Fatigue
Prismatic power also significantly affects optical performance. It measures the deviation of light passing through a lens. At the optical centre of the lens, there should be no prismatic power, and objects viewed through this point should not appear displaced. If the OCD of the lenses does not match the wearer’s PD, the lenses cannot align accurately with the pupils. This creates unnecessary prism effects. Eye muscles must continuously exert effort to compensate for this deviation, which over time may lead to severe eye fatigue, eye discomfort, headaches, and even double vision (seeing one object as two images).
Among the 7 models with labelled PD or OCD, if a single value (e.g. 63mm) was indicated, that value was used for prismatic power testing. If a range including 62mm was indicated (e.g. 62mm to 64mm), 62mm was used for testing[1]. The results showed that 3 models did not exceed the tolerance of prismatic power, while the remaining 4 models exceeded the standard limits for horizontal tolerance of prismatic power in the left and/or right lenses, exceeding 0.33cm per 1m deviation to the left or right, indicating unsatisfactory performance.
1 Model Showed Weak Resistance to Perspiration
No Nickel Release Risk Found in Models with Metal Components
As reading glasses may be in prolonged contact with the skin, tests also examined the resistance to perspiration of the 17 models. Referencing the test standard, artificial sweat was added to the base of a container, while a mount was placed inside the container to support the samples in a higher position. The container was placed in an oven before cleaning and inspecting for discolouration, staining, corrosion, surface damage, or coating separation. The results showed that the markings on the inner temple of 1 model became unclear.
For chemical testing, if metal components released nickel onto the wearer’s skin, it may cause allergic reactions. Among 8 models containing metal parts in prolonged contact with the skin, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was conducted to assess the risk of nickel release. All models performed satisfactorily.
All Models Passed Mechanical Strength and Drop Tests
Mechanical strength and stability of reading glasses would affect durability. All models performed satisfactorily in lens mounting security, lens mechanical strength, bridge deformation, lens retention, durability, and dimensional stability at high temperatures.
Furthermore, the drop test, conducted with reference to EN71-1:2014+A1:2018, involved dropping each model from a height of 850mm onto a concrete surface 5 times. All models passed with no damage observed. All models also performed satisfactorily in resistance to ignition tests.
Most Models Had Inadequate Labelling and Instructions
Dimensional Information Were Not Available or Not Accurate Enough
As ready-to-wear reading glasses are typically selected by consumers themselves, adequate labelling and instructions are important. Assessment based on EN 14139:2010 and EN ISO 12870:2025 showed that only 2 models performed relatively well. Among the models, 10 did not indicate PD or OCD. Some models only displayed the lens power on removable stickers, which did not meet the standard requirement for permanent marking. Most models also did not specify that they were intended only for near vision use or reading and were not suitable for distance vision or for wearing while driving.
The Council urges suppliers to provide detailed instructions and warning statements, and to remind users to undergo regular eye examinations with eye care professionals to determine eyesight and eye health conditions.
Furthermore, standards recommend marking horizontal boxed lens size, distance between lenses, and temple length on the frame in a specified manner. Only 7 models provided such information, with some not meeting the required accuracy. Manufacturers should enhance the transparency and accuracy of product size information to facilitate consumers’ selection.
Advice for selecting and using reading glasses:
- Before purchasing reading glasses, consult an eye care professional such as a registered optometrist to determine degree of presbyopia, pupillary distance, and whether there are other vision problems. As degree of presbyopia and eye health may change over time, regular eye examinations are necessary;
- When purchasing ready-to-wear reading glasses, try them on and conduct simple checks, such as walking while wearing them to observe whether the ground appears level, and checking whether fixed objects (e.g. pillars or corners) appear tilted; also compare vision between the two eyes by covering them alternately;
- Ready-to-wear reading glasses are not custom-made and are suitable only for short-term use to meet occasional needs, such as reading menus and filling out order forms in restaurants;
- Ready-to-wear reading glasses generally have lenses of identical power for both eyes, thus they are unsuitable for consumers whose eyes have different degrees of presbyopia. If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or eye discomfort occur when wearing ready-to-wear reading glasses, consumers should stop using them.
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[1] 62mm is a commonly used pupillary distance for ready-to-wear reading glasses. An ophthalmic review study published in May this year also indicated that studies conducted in East Asia showed that the average pupillary distance of Chinese people is approximately 61–63mm.