I've made all the mistakes so you don't have to. When I needed new reading glasses, I wanted something both stylish and protective. Instead, I ended up with a cheap pair that wasn't worth the money. Learn from my experience and avoid these common pitfalls.
This was a big mistake. I tried to save money by buying the absolute cheapest shaded reading glasses I could find. I figured, "Glasses are glasses, right?" I was wrong. The cheap frames broke within a week, and the lenses scratched easily. In the end, I spent more money replacing them.
Super cheap usually means low quality. The materials are often flimsy, the construction is poor, and the lenses might not even offer the advertised protection.
Verdict: Don't make my error. Spending a little more for better quality will save you money in the long run.
I didn't pay attention to the details. I didn't check what the frames were made of—were they plastic or metal? I didn't look at the hinges to see if they were sturdy or flimsy. I didn't even consider the lens material or whether it was scratch-resistant or shatterproof.
Here are some quality indicators to look for:
Verdict: Always check these quality indicators before you buy shaded reading glasses.
I bought the glasses without reading a single review, which was a huge mistake. Other people had already tried them and knew the pros and cons. I could have learned from their experience. After my purchase, I saw a review that said, "Though it was delayed I received my glasses." A delayed order is never a good sign.