Cost difference between reading glasses and prescription lenses
Reading glasses or ‘readers’ are cheaper than prescription glasses for the following reasons:
- Mass production: Readers come with standardized magnification levels, typically ranging from +1D to +3D in increments of 0.25D
or 0.50D. Since they are not custom-made, they can be produced in bulk, which reduces manufacturing costs. Economies of scale
allow for manufacturers to spread the costs of production, materials, and design over many units, making each pair more affordable.
- Simplified design and options: The design of reading glasses is simpler compared to prescription glasses. Prescription glasses
must be tailored to an individual’s unique prescription, which involves additional manufacturing processes and quality-control
measures. Readers typically come in a limited range of styles, materials, and sizes. This simplifies the manufacturing process
and reduces costs compared to the customization required for prescription glasses.
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