“Cheater glasses” sounds slightly suspicious.
They’re not.
It’s simply an informal name for ready-made, non-prescription reading glasses - the kind you can buy in a set magnification strength without having prescription lenses made specifically for you.
They're designed to magnify close-up text and objects, making things like books, menus, labels and phones easier to see.
But somewhere along the way, “cheaters” became associated with flimsy pharmacy glasses you hide in a drawer.
We think they deserve better.
What Are Cheater Glasses?
Cheater glasses, readers, ready-made reading glasses and over-the-counter reading glasses generally describe the same basic thing:
Glasses with a predetermined magnification strength for close-up tasks.
You'll usually see the strength written as a plus number, such as:
- +0.50
- +1.00
- +1.50
- +2.00
- +2.50
- +3.00
The higher the plus number, the greater the magnification.
Unlike prescription glasses made specifically for an individual's vision, ready-made readers generally provide the same magnification in both lenses.
That's what Ministry of Sight readers are: ready-made reading glasses - just without the traditional “cheater glasses” aesthetic.
Why Are They Called “Cheater” Glasses?
It's an old-fashioned nickname rather than a particular type of eyewear.
The idea is that the glasses give you a little magnification when you need it - essentially “cheating” your way around small print.
You'll also hear them called:
Readers. Reading glasses. Ready readers. OTC readers. Over-the-counter reading glasses.
We prefer readers.
It sounds considerably better.
Who Are Ready-Made Reading Glasses For?
Ready-made reading glasses can be useful when close-up text has become difficult to see clearly and the same magnification works comfortably for both eyes.
They're commonly used for things like:
- Reading books
- Looking at your phone
- Reading restaurant menus
- Checking labels
- Doing paperwork
- Craft and other close-up tasks
They're intended for near work, rather than replacing glasses prescribed for other vision needs.
If you have a significant difference between your eyes, persistent blurred vision, double vision, eye pain or sudden changes to your eyesight, it's worth seeing an optometrist.
How Do You Choose the Right Strength?
Don't choose reading-glasses strength purely according to your age.
And don't assume stronger is better.
Instead, compare strengths using something you actually read at your normal reading distance.
A +1.00 provides less magnification than a +2.00, for example.
The goal is to find the lowest magnification that makes close-up text comfortably clear.
If you're unsure where to begin, we've put together a more detailed guide to choosing reading glasses strength.
You can also use our Lens Power Guide.
Are Cheater Glasses the Same as Prescription Glasses?
No.
Ready-made readers have predetermined magnification and generally use the same strength in both lenses.
Prescription glasses are individually made according to a prescription and can account for different requirements in each eye and other vision corrections.
That doesn't make one universally “good” and the other “bad”.
They're different products for different needs.
If standard readers give you comfortable, clear close-up vision, the simplicity of ready-made reading glasses can be extremely convenient.
If they don't, an optometrist can assess whether you need something different.
Cheap Readers vs Premium Reading Glasses
Here's where things get more interesting.
Ready-made doesn't have to mean cheap.
You can buy basic reading glasses in supermarkets and chemists, but the category also includes more considered eyewear.
The difference can be in the frame material, hinges, construction, finishing, lens features, fit and — importantly - design.
At Ministry of Sight, we wanted to take the convenience of ready-made reading glasses and combine it with the sort of frames you'd actually choose to wear.
That means premium acetate, considered shapes, polished finishes and colours that feel more fashion accessory than emergency pair from the bottom of your handbag.
If you'd like to know what to look for, read How to Check Glasses Quality.
What Should You Look for in a Good Pair of Readers?
1. The Right Magnification
This comes first.
Your readers need to make close-up text clear at the distance you normally use them.
2. A Comfortable Fit
Check the overall width, bridge and temples.
Your glasses shouldn't constantly slide down your nose or feel uncomfortably tight.
Our Reading Glasses Fit Guide can help.
3. Good Construction
Look beyond the colour.
Consider the hinges, finish, frame construction and how the glasses feel when you open, close and wear them.
4. Lens Features
Depending on the pair, ready-made readers can include additional lens features such as anti-glare, scratch-resistant coatings and blue-light filtering.
Choose features based on where and how you'll actually use your glasses.
5. Frames You Actually Like
This one matters more than people think.
If you're reaching for your readers several times a day, why buy a pair you don't particularly want to put on?
Can Cheater Glasses Actually Be Stylish?
Absolutely.
And this is probably our favourite part.
Reading glasses no longer need to be a tiny, apologetic accessory that you put on only when nobody is looking.
Try:
Tortoiseshell for something classic.
Clear or translucent acetate for a lighter, contemporary look.
Black for an easy everyday frame.
Oversized squares if you want something stronger.
Round frames for a softer or more retro feel.
Geometric frames if subtle isn't really your thing.
Shop Tortoiseshell Reading Glasses →
Shop Geometric Reading Glasses →
What About Reading Outdoors?
If you're regularly reading outside, ordinary clear readers aren't your only option.
Sun Readers combine reading magnification with sunglasses, making them useful for books, menus and other close-up tasks outdoors.
Ministry of Sight's Lumière Sun Readers use polarised progressive lenses with full UV protection in premium acetate frames.
Do You Need More Than One Pair?
Possibly.
Ready-made readers are particularly convenient because you can keep them where you use them.
One beside the bed.
One at work.
One in your bag.
One in the kitchen.
And then there's the pair you bought simply because you liked the frame.
If this sounds familiar, read How Many Pairs of Reading Glasses Do You Really Need?.
Cheater Glasses Without the “Cheater Glasses” Look
We don't particularly love the term cheater glasses.
But we understand why people search for it.
What we do love is the idea that something as practical as a pair of ready-made readers can also be something you're genuinely pleased to wear.
That's what Ministry of Sight is about.
Reading glasses that don't look like reading glasses.
Premium acetate. Interesting shapes. Great colours.
And absolutely no requirement to hide them when somebody walks into the room.
Shop Ministry of Sight Reading Glasses →
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