Glasses for Seniors
Glasses come in all shapes and styles for seniors at various price points.
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Prescription eyeglasses aren’t the old, clunky frames they used to be. Today’s prescription eyewear comes in all styles, shapes, and colors, offered by a variety of brands. As people age, their vision can change; plus, they may develop eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, which make prescription eyeglasses a good option. This means less eye strain and clearer vision, so you can continue your active lifestyle.
Glasses for seniors can be a good alternative for those with specific eye conditions or those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of using contact lenses. Glasses for seniors not only sharpen your vision but are a good choice for individuals prone to dry eye and irritation, which may be exacerbated with contacts. Plus, glasses are easy to take with you on the go, and you can have backups in case you misplace a pair. Seniors can also have one pair of glasses for long distance and one for reading to give them even more control and flexibility.
Glasses for seniors are lighter than ever; plus, there’s sure to be a pair, or two, that are right for you. In this guide, we will cover some tips for choosing glasses, the different kinds of glasses, and costs and coverage.
FYI:Being an AARP member pays off. Members get savings like 50 percent off prescription lenses at LensCrafters and discounted eye exams at Target Optical. Check out our complete list of senior discounts.
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Tips for Choosing Glasses
Your choice of eyewear can help express your personal style. Whether you are going for a more studious look or want to make a fashion statement — or something in between — there are dozens of glasses to choose from. With so many types of frames, where do you start?
Did You Know? There are 166.5 million adults who wear prescription eyeglasses.1
There are different types of glasses for different vision problems, such as lenses that correct astigmatism or those for nearsightedness. It’s important to see an eye doctor to get a prescription and know which lens type and pair of glasses are best for you. Once you know this information, follow these tips for choosing your glasses:
- Pick based on your face shape — whether it’s oval, round, square, diamond, or heart-shaped. Oval-shaped faces look good in most frames.
- Pick a color that complements your skin tone. A cool-colored skin tone may want to pick black, gray, and blue; a warm skin tone may want to stick to tan, pink, and red.
- Pick eyewear that highlights your personality — whether it’s playful, serious, or confident.
- Consider your lifestyle. Pick durable frames if you are an athlete and make sure the pair fits well at the bridge of your nose.
Did You Know? Nearsighted (myopia) means you have trouble seeing far away, and being farsighted (hyperopia) means you have trouble seeing up close. Having good distance vision but blurry near vision with age is called presbyopia.
Important Considerations for Glasses
When selecting a pair of glasses, it’s important to consider how lightweight and strong the pair of glasses is, along with flexibility and durability. Eyeglass frames are typically made of plastic and metal, while some use a combination of both materials. You will also want to make sure your frame is the right size and not too tight or so loose that it may slip off of your face.
Metal Eyeglasses
Metal eyeglasses are made of metal, titanium, or alloys (mix of metals), and can be more corrosion-resistant and less likely to succumb to wear and tear.
Plastic Eyeglasses
A more popular and inexpensive choice is plastic eyeglasses. They are lighter and come in more colors and styles but can break more easily.
Rimless Eyeglasses
Rimless eyeglasses are lightweight and don’t block your view. They have no frame and just have the lens, nose bridge, and temples. These glasses appear almost invisible when worn but don’t work for higher prescriptions.
FYI: Wondering what the nose bridge is? A nose bridge is the part of the frame that makes contact with your nose and is between the lenses. It supports the weight of the glasses against your face. Getting the right nose bridge measurement will ensure perfect comfort and fit of your glasses.
Different Types of Glasses
Depending on your preference and prescription, you have a choice of different types of glasses. These include:
Single-Vision Glasses
Single-vision glasses have the same prescription and can be worn for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or by those with presbyopia.
Bifocal Glasses
Bifocals are for people who need correction for near and distance vision; they allow for reading on the bottom and for distance on the top. Lenses are split into two defined segments with two prescriptions, so you use just one pair of glasses instead of two.
Trifocal Glasses
Trifocal glasses have three lens corrections for distance, intermediate, and near vision, with lines separating the segments.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses, also called no-line bifocals, are typically considered better than bifocals and trifocals. This is because they offer a seamless transition from near and far viewing, with no visible lines on the lens.
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses provide correction for close-up tasks and can be worn over contact lenses or as an extra to regular glasses.
Protective Coatings
These are not lenses, but they provide a choice of anti-reflective coatings, which reduce glare. Ultraviolet (UV) coatings protect your eyes from the sun's harmful radiation. Polychromatic coatings are worn inside and outside, adjust per light exposure, and produce a darker glass tint in sunlight.
FYI: If you wear hearing aids, make sure that the fit of your glasses at your temples doesn’t get in the way of them. Look for a thinner temple end and work with your optician to find the right fit.
Medicare Coverage for Eyeglasses
The cost of corrective eyewear can range between $50 to $1,000 or more, but, on average, costs about $200.2 Medicare does not typically cover eyeglasses.3 However, for post-cataract surgery, Medicare Part B does cover a single pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or a set of contact lenses if a senior had cataract surgery to implant an intraocular lens. Check out our guide to Medicare and Medicaid enrollment to see if you qualify.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may provide vision benefits like routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Having vision insurance can help offset the costs associated with prescription eyeglasses. Check out our vision insurance guide for other coverage options.
FAQs About Glasses for Seniors
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How often should I have an eye exam?
It is recommended that seniors have an eye exam every one to two years. However, if they have a condition like diabetes or a history of eye issues, then they should visit their eye doctor more often. Research found that 28 percent of people over the age of 71 have a visual impairment, including those already wearing their regular glasses or contact lenses4 — which highlights the importance of seeking regular eye exams to update your prescription.
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How can I keep my glasses clean?
A microfiber cloth and lens cleaner are all you need to keep your eyeglasses in good shape. Avoid using paper towels or any other type of material to prevent scratches on the lens.
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How can I keep my glasses from slipping off of my face?
Working with your optician to get the proper fit is key. But you can also use adjustable nose pads, temple tips, and eyeglass straps.
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Can I wear my glasses while exercising or playing sports?
Yes. You can purchase sports-specific eyewear that is made to stay put and be more durable, so you can continue to enjoy your physical activities.
The Vision Council. (2021). Organizational Overview.
glasses.com. (2022). How much do glasses cost.
Medicare.gov. (2024). Eyeglasses & contact lenses.
JAMA Network. (2023). Population Prevalence of Vision Impairment in US Adults 71 Years and Older.
