I understand the desire to save money. When I needed new readers, I came across a listing for the Ahora Metal Progressive Multifocal Reading Glasses. They appeared stylish and offered impressive features at a low cost. I hit 'Buy' far too quickly.
I made these errors so you can avoid wasting your money or ending up with a major headache. Learn from my experience how to steer clear of poor-quality reading glasses to go.
Here is what you will learn:
I assumed all progressive multifocal lenses were identical. That was a significant error. Progressive lenses are highly complex, integrating multiple focus zones into a single lens for distance, intermediate, and close-up reading.
When you opt for the cheapest version, quality control is often poor. The zones may blend incorrectly, and the lens edges can distort your vision. You might save $20, but you could end up feeling dizzy or nauseated every time you try to read a menu.
Cheap progressive glasses simply aren't worth the discomfort.
Verdict: Never compromise on lens quality with multifocals. If the price for a progressive lens seems too good to be true, the optics are likely subpar.
The product description for the Ahora glasses mentioned a metal frame. I imagined something sturdy. Upon arrival, the silver frame felt thin and fragile—the type of metal that practically announces, "I will snap if you accidentally sit on me."
Reading glasses designed to go everywhere with you need to be durable. If you toss them into a bag or pocket, cheap metal can bend out of shape quickly, and they may never fit properly on your face again.
Look for specifics about the metal. Is it stainless steel or a durable alloy? If the company doesn't disclose the material, assume it's the cheapest and weakest option available.
Verdict: Choose frames with clearly stated material strength. If they feel as flimsy as aluminum foil, walk away.
I was so captivated by the promise of "Luxury Brand Eyeglasses" that I overlooked the negative feedback, focusing only on the five-star review titles.