How to Tell if Your Reading Glasses Have Real Glass Lenses?

When buying reading glasses, it can be tricky to tell whether the lenses are real glass lenses or plastic. However, the difference is important—glass lenses offer exceptional clarity, durability, and premium optical quality. Here’s a detailed guide from VS Eyewear to help you identify if your next pair has real glass lenses.

1. Check for Optical Clarity and Distortion

Genuine glass lenses provide true HD optics, thanks to their high Abbe value. A high Abbe number means the lens causes less chromatic aberration—those distracting color fringes around text or bright lights. If your reading glasses feel sharp with minimal visual distortion, they might be glass. Conversely, plastic lenses often produce slight color fringing when your vision shifts off-center.

2. Feel the Weight Difference

Glass lenses are naturally denser than plastic and are noticeably heavier. Most plastic materials are about 50% lighter than crown glass. If your frames feel surprisingly heavy, it could indicate glass lenses. But remember, high-index plastics can mimic the thickness of glass while feeling lighter.

3. Observe Scratch Resistance

Glass is naturally scratch-resistant—far more than plastic, even when coated. Inspect your lenses for fine scratches along the surface or after cleaning. Glass lenses typically remain pristine longer under normal use.

4. Look for Anti-Reflective Coating

Glass lenses naturally reflect more light. Quality glass reading glasses from VS Eyewear include a complimentary anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and lens reflections. If lenses appear unusually clear with minimal reflections, they likely have this premium coating.

5. Identify Lens Material by Index and Branding

High-index glass lenses (e.g., 1.6, 1.7, 1.8) offer thinner profiles for strong prescriptions. Brands often label lenses as “Standard Glass” or “PhotoGray Extra Glass.” Frames accommodating such lenses—especially small styles—are optimized for glass weight and clarity.

VS Eyewear’s real glass reading glasses are identified under the “Real Glass” department and support single vision, bifocal, or progressive options

6. Check the Lens Cut & Finish

Glass lenses are typically cut and polished to a crisp, clear edge. If your lenses feature a clean, sharp circle along the rim and offer smooth surface clarity, they’re likely made of glass. These lenses also enable precise nesting in bifocal or progressive designs, maintaining high-quality visuals across zones.

7. Test Lens Durability

Although breakable upon impact, glass is less prone to surface damage. Conduct a simple durability test—lightly tap with a microfiber cloth. Glass resists fine scuffs, while plastic may show signs of wear from repeated rubbing.

8. Ask About Abbe Value and Dispersion

Real glass, especially crown glass, typically has an Abbe value of ~58–60, which drastically reduces color dispersion and ensures crisp vision, crucial for reading. If your lenses offer pristine, blur-free vision—even at edges—they likely feature high-quality glass.

VS Eyewear remains among the few trusted sources offering real glass reading glasses with advanced glass options. Our lenses deliver:

• Superior optical clarity with high Abbe value and minimal distortion
  
• Scratch resistance unmatched by plastic
  
• Durable, polished edges are ideal for high-quality lens designs
  
• Streamlined aesthetics with thin profiles, especially in smaller frames
  
• Enhanced comfort, thanks to complimentary anti-reflective coatings

While glass can be heavier and more fragile than modern plastics, many readers and professionals prefer it for its reliable performance and timeless clarity.

Final Thoughts: Is Real Glass Lenses Right for You?

If exceptional visual clarity, scratch resistance, and lens longevity are priorities—and you don’t mind slightly more weight—real glass reading glasses are an exceptional choice. They offer unmatched precision for readers, writers, hobbyists, and anyone who views through reading glasses extensively.

Ready to Experience Real Glass Lenses?

Discover the difference at VS Eyewear’s Real Glass Reading Glasses department. Questions? Call us at 877-872-5780—our experts are here to help you find clarity that lasts.