The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Readers
Find the right reading glasses for your everyday needs, whether you're reading a book, working at a computer, travelling or enjoying the outdoors.
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Folding Reading Glasses
Shop Folding ReadersCompact reading glasses that fold down small enough to take wherever you go.
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Monitor Reading Glasses
Shop Monitor ReadersDesigned for comfortable close-up viewing of computers and digital screens.
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Folding Reading Sunglasses
Shop Reading SunglassesReading magnification combined with tinted lenses for comfortable outdoor reading.
Reading Glasses
What Are Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses are designed to make close-up vision clearer and more comfortable when small print, books, menus, phones and other nearby objects become harder to focus on.
The most common reason people begin using reading glasses is presbyopia, the natural age-related change in near vision that typically becomes noticeable from the early 40s.
Reading glasses use positive-powered lenses, measured in dioptres (D), to provide the additional magnification needed for comfortable close-up vision.
Choosing the Right Reading Glasses
Not all reading glasses are designed for the same situation. A pair that works beautifully for reading a book may not be the best choice for working at a desktop computer, while ordinary reading glasses aren't designed for bright outdoor sunlight.
Flexvision offers three specialised types of reading eyewear, each designed around a different way of using your glasses.
Folding Reading Glasses
Best for: books, newspapers, menus, smartphones, everyday reading and travel.
Nannini folding reading glasses combine full reading magnification with an exceptionally compact folding design. The Compact 1 and Compact 2A fold down neatly into a protective case, making them easy to keep in a pocket, handbag, laptop bag, car or travel luggage.
They're an excellent choice when you want your reading glasses available whenever you need them without carrying a bulky case or full-size pair.
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Monitor Reading Glasses
Best for: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and extended digital-device use.
Nannini Monitor Reading Glasses combine reading magnification with integrated Blue-Ray lens technology, designed to filter a portion of the high-energy blue light emitted by digital screens.
They are available in a range of reading strengths and selected models are also available with +0.00 lenses for people who want the Blue-Ray filtering without reading magnification.
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Folding Reading Sunglasses
Best for: cafés, restaurants, holidays, travel, boating, gardening, the beach and other outdoor activities.
Standard sunglasses can make small print difficult to read, while ordinary reading glasses don't provide the benefits of tinted lenses outdoors. Folding reading sunglasses combine the two in a single pair.
Nannini folding reading sunglasses provide reading magnification with UV-protective tinted lenses and fold into a compact protective case, making them particularly convenient for travel and outdoor living.
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How to Choose Your Reading Glasses Strength
Reading glasses are available in different strengths, measured in dioptres. Flexvision offers reading strengths ranging from +1.00 to +3.50, depending on the product.
Typical strengths include: +1.00 · +1.50 · +2.00 · +2.50 · +3.00 · +3.50
A higher number means greater magnification, but stronger does not necessarily mean better.
Your ideal strength depends on more than your age. Your eyesight, reading distance and the type of close-up work you do can all affect which strength feels most comfortable.
If you're unsure which strength to choose, see our Reading Glasses Strength Guide .
| Age | General Starting Range |
|---|---|
| 40–45 | +1.00 to +1.50 |
| 45–50 | +1.50 to +2.00 |
| 50–55 | +2.00 to +2.50 |
| 55–60 | +2.50 to +3.00 |
| 60+ | +3.00 to +3.50 |
These are general guidelines rather than a prescription. Your ideal strength can vary according to your eyesight and reading distance.
Reading Glasses for Different Activities
The best reading glasses aren't necessarily the same for every activity. Choosing eyewear designed around how you actually use it can make a significant difference to comfort.
Reading Books and Newspapers
Traditional reading glasses are ideal for close-up reading such as books, newspapers, menus and printed documents.
Nannini Folding Reading Glasses are designed for everyday close-up use and are available in a range of strengths to suit different users.
Reading on Your Phone or Tablet
Smartphones and tablets are generally held at a different distance from a book. Depending on your eyesight, you may find that a slightly different reading strength is more comfortable.
The important thing is to choose a strength that allows you to read clearly without bringing the device unusually close to your face.
Working at a Computer
Computer screens are usually viewed further away than a book or phone. That's why conventional reading glasses aren't always the most comfortable solution for extended computer use.
Monitor Reading Glasses are designed specifically around this type of digital-device use and combine reading magnification with Nannini's Blue-Ray lens technology.
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Reading Outdoors
Trying to read a menu, phone or book in bright sunlight with ordinary sunglasses can be frustrating because tinted lenses make small print harder to see.
Folding Reading Sunglasses combine reading magnification with UV-protective tinted lenses, allowing you to read comfortably outdoors without constantly changing between sunglasses and readers.
Why Choose Folding Reading Glasses?
One of the biggest advantages of folding reading glasses is simply portability.
Traditional reading glasses can be easy to forget or awkward to carry. Nannini's folding design allows the glasses to collapse into a compact protective case that can be kept almost anywhere.
The range focuses on:
The result is simple: your reading glasses are there when you need them.
Reading Glasses for Digital Screens
Digital devices have become part of everyday life, from computers and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
If you spend a significant amount of time working with screens, your eyewear needs can be different from those of someone who primarily reads printed books.
Nannini Monitor Reading Glasses combine reading magnification with integrated Blue-Ray filtering technology, designed to filter a portion of the high-energy blue light emitted by digital screens while maintaining clear near vision.
They are available for desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets, depending on the model.
Selected models are also available with +0.00 lenses, providing Blue-Ray filtering without reading magnification.
Explore Monitor Reading Glasses →
Reading Glasses for Travel and Outdoor Living
Travelling is one of the situations where having the right reading glasses can make a surprisingly big difference.
You may need to read restaurant menus, maps, travel guides, boarding passes, hotel information, smartphone screens, books and magazines.
Folding reading glasses are particularly convenient because their compact design makes them easy to carry.
For outdoor use, Folding Reading Sunglasses add another useful feature: tinted lenses with UV protection while retaining reading magnification.
Why Choose Nannini Reading Glasses?
Flexvision specialises in genuine Nannini folding eyewear.
Nannini combines Italian design with a practical approach to compact eyewear, creating reading glasses that are designed to be carried, used and enjoyed every day.
The range focuses on:
The range includes Compact 1 and Compact 2A designs across folding reading glasses, Monitor Reading Glasses and folding reading sunglasses.
How Do I Know Which Reading Glasses Are Right for Me?
Start by thinking about what you use them for.
For general reading: choose Folding Reading Glasses.
For computer and digital-device use: consider Monitor Reading Glasses.
For reading outdoors: choose Folding Reading Sunglasses.
Then choose the appropriate reading strength.
If you're unsure, our Reading Glasses Strength Guide provides general guidance on choosing between the available strengths.
Over-the-counter reading glasses are not a substitute for a prescription eye examination. If you have significantly different vision between your eyes, persistent headaches, double vision, blurry distance vision, or reading glasses don't improve your vision, an optometrist can assess your individual needs.
FAQs
What strength reading glasses should I buy?
The right reading glasses strength depends on your eyesight, reading distance and the type of close-up work you do. Flexvision offers reading glasses in strengths from +1.00 to +3.50, depending on the model. As a general guide, lower strengths are typically suitable for people who are beginning to need reading assistance, while stronger magnification is generally needed as near vision changes with age.
If you're unsure which strength to choose, see our Reading Glasses Strength Guide for more detailed guidance.
Are stronger reading glasses better?
No. Stronger reading glasses are not necessarily better. The ideal strength is the one that allows you to see close-up clearly and comfortably at your normal reading distance.
Using a strength that is too strong can make focusing uncomfortable, particularly if you're using the glasses for extended periods. If you're unsure, start with the lowest strength that gives you clear, comfortable near vision.
Can I use reading glasses for my phone?
Yes. Reading glasses are commonly used for smartphones and tablets. Because phones are generally held closer than books or computer monitors, the most comfortable strength can vary between individuals.
If you spend a lot of time using a computer or other digital screens, Monitor Reading Glasses may be a better option because they are designed specifically for digital-device use
What are Monitor Reading Glasses?
Monitor Reading Glasses are designed for people who spend extended periods working with computers and other digital screens. Nannini Monitor Reading Glasses combine reading magnification with Blue-Ray lens technology, designed to filter a portion of the blue light emitted by digital screens.
They are available in different reading strengths, with selected models also available with +0.00 lenses for people who don't require magnification.
Can Monitor Reading Glasses be used for normal reading?
Yes. Monitor Reading Glasses provide reading magnification and can also be used for books, magazines and other close-up reading.
They are particularly useful if you regularly switch between reading printed material and working on a computer or other digital device.
What are folding reading glasses?
Folding reading glasses use a compact folding design that allows the frames to fold down considerably smaller than conventional reading glasses.
Nannini folding reading glasses, including the Compact 1 and Compact 2A, are designed to combine full reading magnification with a compact format and protective case. They're particularly convenient when you want to keep your reading glasses with you throughout the day.
Are folding reading glasses suitable for travel?
Yes. Folding reading glasses are particularly well suited to travel because they take up very little space when folded into their protective case.
They're convenient for keeping in a pocket, handbag, laptop bag or luggage, and are useful for reading menus, boarding passes, travel documents, books and smartphone screens while you're away from home.
What are reading sunglasses?
Reading sunglasses combine reading magnification with tinted lenses and UV protection, allowing you to read comfortably outdoors while protecting your eyes from bright sunlight.
They're useful for reading books, menus, phones and other close-up material at cafés, restaurants, on holidays, at the beach or while enjoying other outdoor activities.
What is the difference between reading glasses and reading sunglasses?
Regular reading glasses are designed primarily for indoor and general close-up use. Reading sunglasses combine reading magnification with tinted lenses and UV protection, making them suitable for reading outdoors in bright conditions.
Nannini folding reading sunglasses also use a compact folding design, so they can be carried conveniently when travelling.
Where are Nannini reading glasses made?
Nannini reading glasses are designed and manufactured in Italy. The brand combines Italian design with compact folding construction and practical everyday eyewear.
Flexvision offers a range of Nannini reading glasses, including Compact 1 and Compact 2A folding reading glasses, Monitor Reading Glasses and folding reading sunglasses.
Find the Right Reading Glasses for You
Whether you need compact readers for everyday use, specialised eyewear for working at a computer, or reading sunglasses for enjoying the outdoors, Flexvision offers a range of Nannini reading glasses designed around different ways of life.
- Choose your style.
- Choose your strength.
- Take your reading glasses wherever you go.