Cheap Bifocal Computer Glasses

Aren't they pretty?

My computer bifocal glasses arrived a couple of weeks ago and I'm finally used to them so thought I'd share. They're non-prescription and (obviously) two different strengths - the bifocal part is for reading and the upper part has been adjusted for computer use. I'm a little confused about exactly what strength the upper part is because I've run into conflicting info. First I read that it was 1/2 the strength of the bifocal, which I think is the case. But then I read on another site that it is 1/2 diopter less, which would make the upper part of mine 2.5, which I don't believe that it is.

Anyway, if you're like me and all you need is two different strengths and you don't need stronger than +3 for reading, you can buy bifocals online for cheap. I bought two pairs for around $25 each and am happy with both. The reason I bought two pairs is that I wasn't positive which strength would work and you don't get free shipping unless your order totals at least $30. Also, I had two very different purposes for these glasses. Still yet, I basically guessed what I need and am happy to report that I seem to have guessed right.

Downside of non-prescription computer bifocals

I've found two downsides I'd like to caution about. First, they took some getting used to because I've never worn bifocals before. Secondly, they aren't the exact right strength for all lighting conditions - when I have bright natural light, they're a little strong. But they do allow me to use the computer and read small print, like when typing in ISBNs or paying bills where I need to refer to printed matter while online. So the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. And I'm used to them now so no biggie.

Why order two?

So why did I order two different strengths? Well, because I need one for computer use and the other for shopping. That's right - shopping. You see, store aisles are no longer wide enough for me to get far enough back from the shelves to clearly see what's there. And now that I need stronger glasses to read small print, the ones I carry in my purse have to be that strength. But perusing a shelf with the extra magnification is next to impossible. There I am, bent over peering closely as I move from left to right just to see the available choices of whatever it is I'm trying to buy. Not good.

With my new computer-turned-shopping glasses, I can look through the top to get the big picture and then through the bottom is I need details. And I can look over the tops to see distance (nothing wrong with that part of my vision!). So it's almost like trifocals, right?

Why go with non-prescription glasses?

There's two reasons I haven't gone the prescription glasses route. First, when I had my vision tested specifically so that I could finally get real glasses, the doctor told me if what I'm doing works, just keep doing it. I don't need any special correction - just magnification. There may come a time for real glasses but I'm not there yet.

Secondly, I like different strengths for different tasks and have several pairs at the ready in the strengths I need. For instance, hand sewing requires more magnification than machine sewing. If I settled for prescription glasses, I'd be limited to whatever strength I tested as needing, which I discovered is considerably less than what I want for some tasks.

So there you have it - my experience with non-prescription bifocal computer glasses. If you want to check them out for yourself, I get mine at ReadingGlassesShopper.com (no affiliation, just a satisfied customer). I've bought several pairs of glasses and sunglasses there and recommend the site - the selection is great, price is right, they're fast, and shipping is free on orders over $30. What more could you want?