Fake glasses are non-prescription glasses. They are sometimes called clear lens glasses. They work as a fashion statement to add style to your wardrobe. They also may serve a purpose if they have blue light blocking lenses.
Throughout the years, many famous stars have worn fake glasses to improve their look. In movies, fake glasses are often worn by actors and actresses to achieve a certain style.
The fake glasses trend traces its origins to Taiwan and Japan. It has been popular since at least 2010.
Fake eyeglasses are popular, and there are various types of fake glasses frames available. There are plenty of different frame materials, styles, shapes, and looks available. From gold aviators to cat-eye frames to tortoiseshell hipster eyeglasses.
These fake eyeglasses are available in various sizes to suit different face shapes.
Here are some of the most popular types of fake glasses frames, all available without a prescription.
If you’re over 40, reading glasses can be a necessity. Reading glasses can also serve as a fashion statement.
The Advantages of Non-Prescription Glasses
Many people select non-prescription glasses for the following reasons:
They are inexpensive
They are widely available in a selection of styles and shapes
They can be easily replaced as fashion changes
Off-the-rack non-prescription glasses are popular for people who need reading glasses. These non-prescription reading glasses consist of two magnifying lenses mounted into an eyeglasses frame.
Like prescription glasses, these frames offer varying degrees of magnification or refraction. This usually ranges from +1.00 to +3.50 diopters. These non-prescription fake glasses may work for some people who require the same refraction in both eyes or can see in just one eye.
However, most people are better off investing in a professional eye exam instead especially if they require reading glasses.
Non-prescription glasses have their advantages. But by wearing them, they can cause people to delay or even avoid undergoing regular eye exams.
The Disadvantages of Non-Prescription Glasses
Even if you’re a good candidate for non-prescription glasses, professional advice is recommended. While some states ban the sale of eye lenses with refraction over +3.50 diopters, it’s possible to purchase them online. But it isn’t recommended to buy higher values without medical advice.
If you require a different correction for each eye or have astigmatism, prescription lenses are more suitable. The latter refers to irregularities in the lens or cornea of your eye.
Over-the-counter eyeglasses offer the same prescription in both lenses, even though most people have one eye stronger than the other.
Eyeglasses bought through an eye doctor, on the other hand, are customized to suit the prescription your eyes need. Fake glasses with magnifying lenses also cannot correct nearsightedness or astigmatism. In such cases, bifocal or progressive eyeglasses are a more suitable choice.
Why Is Fake Eyewear Trending?
The fake eyeglasses trend reached the United States and shortly after it hit the sports scene in 2012. This was when sports stars like Lebron James and Russell Westbrook began wearing thick-rimmed non-prescription eyeglasses.
The fake eyeglasses worn by these stars add to a ‘nerdy-chic’ look supported by backpacks, cardigans, and plaid socks. Since 2012, teens, “tweens,” college students, and adults have kept up with the trend.
Are Fake Eyeglasses Harmful?
Fake eyeglasses with non-magnifying glass, plastic, or nothing at all won’t harm your vision.
However, non-prescription glasses with magnifying lenses may have quality issues. Polycarbonate and other materials used to produce prescription lenses are usually defect-free or close to it.
Over-the-counter fake glasses with magnifying lenses may have small bubbles or imperfections in the lenses. While you may not notice these markings, they can affect your eyesight.
Imperfections can make it more difficult to see.
Costs of Fake Glasses & Where To Buy Them
If you want to experiment with fake eyeglasses, there are plenty of places to buy them. Depending on the retailer, prices differ vastly. Some options are as cheap as $5 or less, and some can cost up to $500 or more.
For affordable fake glasses, discount stores like Walmart and Dollar Tree often have best sellers available. GlassesUSA is another good option for a range of styles.
For high-quality options, designer brand Warby Parker has a great selection.
When ordering fake eyeglasses online, many retailers, including GlassesUSA, offer the option to select ‘non-prescription lenses’ during the checkout part of the shopping process.
Fake Glasses FAQs
Is it OK to wear non-prescription glasses?
Yes, wearing non-prescription glasses with no magnification is safe. There are no harmful effects of wearing non-prescription clear glasses.
Do fake glasses hurt your eyes?
No, fake glasses are safe to wear. If you add blue-light blocking lenses, there may even be a slight added benefit of non-prescription glasses.
What are fake glasses called?
Fake glasses are commonly called non-prescription glasses. They may also be referred to as clear lens glasses, clear lens sunglasses, or clear glasses.
Where can I buy non-prescription glasses?
GlassesUSA is a great option that offers free shipping & returns in the U.S. as well as a 100% money-back guarantee.
Can you tell if someone is wearing fake glasses?
It's very difficult to tell whether someone is wearing fake glasses or not. Strong prescriptions may change the appearance of someone's eyes when viewed through their lenses, however weak prescriptions won't produce a visible change. Non-prescription lenses will not produce a visible change either.
In this article
Best Places to Buy Glasses
Best Overall
Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.
Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. When she’s not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats.
Ellie is a full-time freelance writer, producing articles in various fields, including the medical industry. Ellie writes content in the areas of dentistry, addiction, mental health, and optometry. Her mission is to produce authoritative, helpful, and research-backed optometry content to encourage people to look after their eyesight and seek any treatment they need.
All Vision Center content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed optometrist to ensure the information is factual and meets industry standards.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from recent scientific research, scholarly articles, textbooks, government agencies, optometry websites, and medical journals.
The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.
