Collection: Unisex Reading Glasses

Unisex reading glasses are the most-bought eyewear category in the UK after the age of 40 — and the most poorly served by mainstream retail. At Ardor Eyewear in Derby we stock both ready-to-wear reading glasses in +0.50 to +4.00 dioptre and full prescription reading lenses cut to your individual eye power, in over 570 unisex designer frame styles from Ray-Ban, Emporio Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren, Vogue, Persol and Tom Ford. Free single-vision lenses are included with every frame.

Reading glasses correct presbyopia — the natural age-related stiffening of the eye's crystalline lens that affects nearly everyone between ages 40 and 50. The condition makes close-focus reading (a book, a phone, a menu) progressively more difficult, while distance vision remains unaffected. The fix is simple: positive-dioptre lenses ("plus" lenses) that add convergence power to short-distance work. The complication is choosing between off-the-shelf magnification readers (cheap, but not optically optimised for your eyes) and properly prescribed reading lenses (more expensive, but corrected for your specific eye geometry, pupil distance and any astigmatism).

Browse related collections to compare options: designer eyewear under £150, Ray-Ban prescription glasses, Emporio Armani glasses, Persol glasses, Polo Ralph Lauren glasses, Vogue Eyewear, Dolce & Gabbana glasses and Burberry glasses.

What makes unisex reading glasses worth choosing properly?

1. Ready-readers vs. prescription — the optical difference is measurable. Off-the-shelf magnification readers are ground to a single uniform power (typically +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00) with the optical centre at a fixed 62mm pupil distance. If your true PD is 58mm or 66mm, the off-the-shelf reader will cause eye strain after 30–60 minutes of use. Prescription reading lenses match your actual eye geometry, eliminating that strain. Anyone reading for more than 1 hour per day should choose prescription.
2. Astigmatism correction is impossible with ready-readers. Roughly 30–40% of adults have measurable astigmatism (corneal irregularity). Off-the-shelf readers cannot correct this; prescription lenses can. If you experience text shadowing, ghosting or vertical-line blur with a ready-reader, you almost certainly have uncorrected astigmatism.
3. Designer frames at the same price as supermarket readers. A Vogue Eyewear unisex prescription reader at Ardor Eyewear costs £79–£125 with lenses included — less than three pairs of Boots ready-readers at £25–£35 each. Customers typically replace ready-readers every 12–18 months as they lose, scratch or break them; designer prescription readers last 5–10 years.
4. Anti-reflective coating included on prescription readers. Every prescription reading lens at Ardor Eyewear ships with a standard hard-coat anti-reflective layer that reduces screen glare, ghosting and night-time light scatter. Add a blue-light filter (£49) for heavy screen users. Ready-readers rarely include any coating.
5. Progressive option for distance-and-reading combined. If you also need distance correction (mild myopia, hyperopia or longstanding prescription), progressive lenses (£179) combine distance, intermediate and reading zones in a single lens without a visible line. This lets you wear one pair of glasses all day rather than swap between distance and reading frames.

Reading-lens powers explained

Lens power	Typical age range	What it corrects	Reading distance
+0.50 to +0.75	40–44	Early presbyopia, slight reading effort	40–50cm
+1.00 to +1.25	43–48	Moderate presbyopia, fading book text	35–45cm
+1.50 to +1.75	46–52	Standard mid-presbyopia	33–40cm
+2.00 to +2.25	50–56	Advanced presbyopia	30–35cm
+2.50 to +2.75	54–60	Strong reading correction	28–33cm
+3.00 to +3.50	58+	Maximum standard reading	25–30cm
+3.50 to +4.00	Specialist use	Crafts, needlework, fine detail	20–28cm

Frame ranges suitable for reading at Ardor Eyewear

Brand & model	Style	Material	Best for	Price band
Vogue VO5328	Acetate rectangle	Mazzucchelli acetate	Office, all-day comfort	£79–£99
Emporio Armani EA1015	Slim metal	Beta-titanium	Lightweight, hypoallergenic	£95–£125
Ray-Ban RX5121	Wayfarer optical	Acetate	Casual, recognisable	£125–£155
Polo Ralph Lauren PH2126	Metal rectangle	Stainless steel	Smart-casual, business	£115–£135
Persol PO3007V	Acetate keyhole	Premium acetate	Office to evening	£165–£195
Burberry BE2275	Acetate rectangle	Acetate with check inlay	British heritage style	£145–£175
Michael Kors MK4047	Acetate round	Acetate	Modern, creative	£115–£135
Dolce & Gabbana DG5026	Acetate combination	Acetate with metal inlay	Italian smart-casual	£165–£195
Tom Ford FT5178	Acetate rectangle	Mazzucchelli acetate	Premium office	£225–£275
Swarovski SK5301	Acetate with crystal	Acetate	Occasion, embellished	£125–£145

Hero product spotlight: Emporio Armani EA1015 reading glasses

The most-recommended reading frame at Ardor Eyewear in the unisex tier is the Emporio Armani EA1015 with single-vision reading prescription. The frame weighs 13 grams in the 53mm size — among the lightest 53mm prescription frames in the UK market. The Beta-titanium temples flex without breaking, the adjustable silicone nose pads sit comfortably for 8–12 hour days, and the slim profile sits below your line of sight when looking up so it never feels obstructive. Available in matte black, gunmetal, brushed gold and rose-gold finishes. Total price with single-vision reading lenses included: £95. Add anti-reflective coating (£35), blue-light filter (£49) or photochromic (£99) as needed. Free UK delivery, 14-day returns, 2-year warranty — the workhorse reading frame customers come back to replace 5–7 years later.

Face-shape guide for unisex reading glasses

The same five-shape framework that applies to sunglasses applies to reading glasses. Below is a quick guide for choosing.

Oval face

Almost every reading frame works. Default recommendations: Emporio Armani EA1015 for lightweight metal, Vogue VO5328 for acetate, Ray-Ban RX5121 for Wayfarer aesthetic.

Round face

Rectangular and angular frames break up softness. Best picks: Polo Ralph Lauren PH2126, Tom Ford FT5178, Burberry BE2275 (all rectangular acetate or metal).

Square face

Curves soften a strong jaw. Best picks: Michael Kors MK4047 (round acetate), Persol PO3007V (keyhole bridge with soft corners), Vogue VO4156 (oval metal).

Heart-shaped face

Balanced lower-frame weight. Best picks: EA1015 slim metal, Michael Kors MK4047, Persol PO3007V. Avoid heavy top-bar designs.

Oblong / long face

Add horizontal width. Best picks: Burberry BE2275, Tom Ford FT5178, Polo Ralph Lauren PH4133. Avoid small narrow rectangles.

Lens options for reading glasses

Lens type	What it does	Best use case	Add-on cost from
Single-vision reading Rx	Plus-power lens calibrated to your eyes	Anyone over 40 reading 1+ hour daily	Free with frame
Anti-reflective coating	Reduces glare from screens, lamps	Heavy reading, office work	£35
Blue-light filter	Filters 380–450nm screen emission	Phone, laptop, e-reader users	£49
Photochromic (Transitions Gen S)	Clear indoors, darkens outdoors	Mixed indoor/outdoor reading	£99
Bifocal	Distance + reading in two visible zones	Distance + reading combined	£79
Progressive (Varilux, Zeiss)	Distance, intermediate & reading, no line	Distance + reading, modern aesthetic	£179
Office progressive	Computer + reading zones, no distance	Desk workers, designers	£195
High-index 1.67 / 1.74	Thinner lens for stronger Rx	+/-3.00 or higher Rx	£79–£149

Pricing — prescription readers vs. ready-readers

Option	Initial cost	Annual replacement	3-year cost
Supermarket ready-reader (Boots, Tesco)	£15–£35	1–2 pairs/year	£45–£210
Designer ready-reader (Foster Grant, EyeBuyDirect)	£25–£55	1 pair/year	£75–£165
Vogue prescription reader at Ardor	£79–£99	0.15 pairs/year	£79–£99
Emporio Armani prescription reader at Ardor	£95–£125	0.15 pairs/year	£95–£125
Persol or Tom Ford prescription reader at Ardor	£165–£275	0.10 pairs/year	£165–£275

The cost-per-year of a prescription reader at Ardor Eyewear is typically lower than serial ready-reader replacements after the first 18–24 months — and the optical quality is substantially better throughout.

Why prescription readers beat ready-readers (a brief comparison)

Factor	Ready-readers	Prescription readers (Ardor Eyewear)
Pupil distance match	Single 62mm setting	Cut to your actual PD (58–72mm)
Astigmatism correction	None	Up to +/-4.00 cylinder
Different power per eye	Not possible	Standard (most adults have asymmetric prescriptions)
Anti-reflective coating	Rare	Standard option, £35
Frame quality	Acrylic, plated metal	Designer acetate, titanium, premium materials
Warranty	None or 30 days	24 months frame + free lifetime adjustments
Lens lifespan	12–18 months (scratches, deformation)	5–10 years
Eye strain after 1 hour	Common	Rare to non-existent

Frequently asked questions about unisex reading glasses

Do I need prescription readers or are ready-readers enough?

If you read for less than 30 minutes per day, a ready-reader is functional. If you read or screen-work for 1+ hour daily, prescription readers are objectively better — matched pupil distance, astigmatism correction, asymmetric eye powers, and substantially better lens quality. Cost difference is recovered within 18–24 months versus serial ready-reader replacements.

What power reading glasses do I need?

If you don't have a recent prescription, a rough guide: age 42–46 typically £1.00; age 46–52 typically +1.50; age 52–58 typically +2.00; age 58–64 typically +2.50; age 64+ typically +3.00. This is approximate — book a free 15-minute reading-check at our Derby store for a proper assessment, or have a full sight test (£25, NHS-funded for over-60s) to get a calibrated prescription.

Can I have an eye test at Ardor Eyewear?

Yes. Full sight tests are available by appointment in our Derby store with a GOC-registered optometrist. Tests are free for over-60s and those eligible under NHS criteria; otherwise £25. The test takes 25–35 minutes and produces a fully-calibrated prescription for distance, reading and any astigmatism correction.

Are unisex reading glasses different from gendered reading glasses?

Unisex frames have neutral styling and come in sizes that suit both narrow and wide faces — making them the safest choice if you're shopping by frame width without trying on. Gendered frames are sized and styled for narrower (women's) or wider (men's) average face proportions. Most reading wearers find unisex frames more versatile because reading glasses sit lower on the nose than distance glasses, making subtle style differences less visible.

Can I get blue-light filter on reading glasses?

Yes. Any prescription reading lens at Ardor Eyewear can be specified with Crizal Prevencia, Zeiss BlueGuard or Hoya BlueControl coating filtering 380–450nm screen-emission blue light. Add-on cost £49. Recommended for anyone reading 4+ hours daily on a screen (laptop, e-reader, tablet, phone), or experiencing eye fatigue or sleep disruption.

Should I get progressive lenses instead of reading-only?

Yes, if you also need distance correction or wear glasses for driving. Progressives (£179 add-on) give you distance, intermediate (laptop) and reading zones in one lens without a visible line. You wear one pair all day. If your only correction need is reading and you don't need distance glasses, single-vision readers (free with frame) are simpler and cheaper.

Does Ardor Eyewear accept NHS vouchers for reading glasses?

Yes. We accept HC2 and GOS3 NHS vouchers at current 2025/26 rates (£39.10 to £215.50 depending on prescription complexity). For most standard reading prescriptions, the voucher covers the lens cost entirely, leaving just the £79–£195 frame to pay. Bring your voucher to our Derby store at East Mall, London Road, DE1 2PL.

How long do prescription reading glasses last?

Designer frames at Ardor Eyewear typically last 5–10 years with reasonable care: 6–10 years for acetate (Vogue, Persol, Tom Ford), 8–12 years for metal (Emporio Armani EA1015, Polo Ralph Lauren PH2126). Lenses last as long as your prescription remains stable — we recommend re-checking your prescription every 2–3 years and re-lensing if it has shifted by more than +/-0.25.

Can I order reading glasses online for delivery to Derby?

Yes. Order on ardoreyewear.co.uk — select the frame, upload or post your prescription, and we ship within 5–7 working days for bespoke prescription orders or 1–3 days for non-prescription frame-only. Free UK delivery on every order. Click & Collect available for in-store pickup.

What if my prescription changes after I buy?

Any Ardor Eyewear frame can be re-lensed at any point in its life. Re-lensing typically costs £79 single-vision or £179 progressive, and extends the frame's life indefinitely. Most customers re-lens every 3–5 years as prescription drifts; the original frame remains theirs to wear forever.

How do I clean and care for unisex reading glasses?

Rinse with lukewarm tap water to remove grit, apply a single drop of mild dish soap, and dry only with the supplied microfibre cloth. Avoid kitchen roll, t-shirts, tissue and any spray cleaner with ammonia — these strip the anti-reflective coating within months. Store in the case when not on your face. Free professional ultrasonic cleaning is available in our Derby store for any frame purchased from Ardor Eyewear.

What warranty comes with reading glasses?

Every prescription reading frame at Ardor Eyewear carries the 24-month manufacturer warranty covering frame defects and structural failures, plus our own free lifetime adjustment service (nose-pad replacement, screw tightening, hinge alignment). Lens manufacturer defects are covered separately for 12 months.

Can I buy two pairs of reading glasses with one NHS voucher?

An NHS HC2 or GOS3 voucher applies to one pair of prescription lenses. If you want a second pair, the second is at full lens cost. We do offer a 10% second-pair discount on lens upgrades when both pairs are ordered together — useful if you want one pair for home and one for the office.

Are computer-distance reading glasses different from book-distance?

Yes. Standard reading lenses are calibrated for 33–40cm reading distance (book on lap, phone in hand). Computer-distance lenses are calibrated for 55–70cm (laptop on desk, desktop monitor) and use roughly 0.50–1.00 dioptre less plus-power. If you spend more time on a laptop than a printed book, ask for "computer-distance" or "intermediate" reading lenses at fitting — we can specify this for free at Ardor Eyewear.

Do reading glasses really cause your eyes to weaken over time?

No. This is one of the most persistent myths in eye care. Reading glasses correct presbyopia, which is age-related lens stiffening — not a muscle-weakening condition. Wearing readers does not slow or speed your eye's natural change; not wearing them simply makes reading effortful. The strain headaches you'd get from reading without correction don't make your eyes "stronger," they just make you uncomfortable. Wear them whenever helpful.

Can I get reading glasses with magnification stronger than +4.00?

Yes, by special order. Powers above +4.00 are considered low-vision aids and require an optometrist consultation to confirm suitability. We can fit lenses up to +6.00 single-vision and refer to a low-vision specialist for higher powers. Crafts (needlework, miniature painting, watchmaking) typically need +3.00 to +5.00 with a working distance of 20–28cm.

Why buy unisex reading glasses from Ardor Eyewear?

• Free single-vision prescription reading lenses on every frame — saving £79 versus chain opticians.
• Authorised UK distributor for every brand stocked (EssilorLuxottica, Safilo, Marchon). 100% authentic frames.
• Free UK delivery on every order, with optional same-day click & collect in Derby.
• NHS HC2 and GOS3 vouchers accepted at 2025/26 published rates (£39.10–£215.50).
• 14-day returns on all non-prescription frames; 2-year manufacturer warranty on every frame.
• Free lifetime adjustments & re-fitting — on every frame bought from us.
• Independent Derby optician since 1985 — East Mall, London Road, Derby DE1 2PL. Four decades of GOC-registered optical retail.
• Free 15-minute reading-power check with a dispensing optician before you commit to a frame and prescription.

Ready to upgrade from ready-readers? Browse the unisex reading collection above, or explore related ranges: Ray-Ban prescription glasses, Emporio Armani glasses, Persol glasses, Polo Ralph Lauren glasses, Vogue Eyewear, Dolce & Gabbana glasses, Burberry glasses and designer eyewear under £150.