FAQ: Should You Buy The Old Boy Circular Reading Glasses?

The Old Boy Tr90 Reading Glasses: An Honest Buyer’s FAQ

Thinking about getting circular reading glasses? The 'Old Boy' line is popular because of its vintage look and low cost. But buying new glasses can be tricky. You need to know if the product holds up, especially with mixed reviews out there.

Here are answers to questions I wish I'd known before ordering the 2019 Tr90 Presbyopic Glasses, breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly about the purchase experience.

• They look good and feel light on the nose.
• Customer service (if you call them) is usually great.
• They cover a wide range of powers (+1.0 to +4.0).

Are these circular reading glasses durable?

Short answer: No. Here's why. The frame is made from TR90, which is a good, light plastic. It’s flexible, which means it won't snap right away. But users report that the overall build quality just doesn't last for long-term use.

If you are someone who has worn glasses for years, you will notice the difference right away. These are cheap glasses meant for light use or as backups. They are not built for daily wear and tear. You cannot rely on them to last a year or more. One long-time glasses wearer summed up the durability issue clearly:

“I have worn glasses for 25 years and this is the first pair of glasses that I want to throw out - they just dont hold up in terms of build quality.”

Look, if you need them to be tough, these aren't the ones. They might be okay if they stay on your desk all day. But if they go in and out of your pocket or bag, expect issues quickly. The joints, hinges, and lens screws are often the first things to fail on cheap eyewear.

Verdict: Buy only for occasional use. If you need maximum durability, you need a higher quality frame than this plastic model.

Are they comfortable for long reading sessions?

Short answer: Yes. Here's why. TR90 plastic is incredibly lightweight. This is the one area where this product really excels. Heavy glasses push down on your nose and hurt your ears after an hour. Because the 'Old Boy' frames are minimal and the material is light, you almost forget you are wearing them.

This comfort makes the circular reading glasses excellent for reading a book in bed or sitting at your computer for a few hours. The frames do not pinch or feel stiff, especially if you have a wide or sensitive face shape.

However, comfort is based on fit. Make sure you check the measurements (mm width). Don't trust the picture alone. Even the most comfortable material will hurt if the frame arms are too short or too wide for your head.

Verdict: High marks for comfort, especially due to the lightweight TR90 material.

Is the product worth the price?

Short answer: It depends entirely on how low the price is. Here's the thing. Value is about the product lasting. Since these glasses fail on durability, they are only worth it if they are super cheap. Think "backup pair" pricing.

If you find these glasses for less than $15, they are probably worth the gamble for a temporary pair. But if you start paying $40 or $50 for this model, you are paying too much for the quality you get. The overall cost of ownership goes up if you have to replace them every three months.

“Team members are great at this location - as for the company i wouldn't suggest them as they nickle and dime you after you purchase...”

Also, watch out for hidden fees or upcharges later in the process. Some companies are great upfront but start charging extra for anti-glare or basic coatings, making the final price much higher than expected. If you want to understand value and price comparison before committing, you can find out more about how we rank reading eyewear options.

Verdict: Only buy if the price is low enough to justify them being disposable glasses.

How smooth is the purchasing process?

Short answer: It can be a nightmare. Look, if you need customer service, they are fantastic. Users rave about the people. They are patient and helpful:

“Alex was great! He explained the promotions and process to us thoroughly and was patient, didn’t feel rushed at all :) Also the glasses arrived pretty quickly!”

However, the website itself seems to cause massive problems. If you have a complex prescription or need to enter specific data, the website fails often. This leads to hours wasted trying to input information or save your order.

This kind of frustration can make you skip the purchase completely. Trying to order two pairs of glasses was described by one customer as a complete waste of time:

“Web site was so messed up it took me 2-1/2 hours to purchase two pairs of glasses... I am not sure I will ever attempt to order glasses from glasses USA ever again. The entire process was so very frustrating and certainly a waste of my time.”

Action Step: Do not rely on the website interface. If you run into any trouble at all:

• Step 1: Get your prescription ready.
• Step 2: Call customer service directly.
• Step 3: Ask them to process the order for you or send them the prescription via email.

Who are these circular reading glasses best suited for?

Short answer: The stylish, careful, and patient reader. These glasses are perfect for two groups of people:

First, people who want the vintage, circular look without spending much money. The 'Old Boy' style is classic and fashionable. If style is more important than longevity, these work.

Second, those who need an emergency or travel pair. Since they cover powers from +1.0 all the way up to +4.0, they are easily customized. If you lose your main pair, these can serve as a quick, cheap replacement while you wait for a better pair to arrive.

They are definitely not for someone who is rough on their items, or who needs one reliable pair to last for years.

Verdict: Great for style and occasional use, bad for heavy daily reliance.

Final Recommendation: Would I buy them?

If you are looking for comfortable, stylish, and cheap circular reading glasses, these are fine. Just understand that you are buying a product with poor long-term build quality.

If I needed a pair right now, I would call the company instead of fighting the website. I would also keep my expectations low regarding durability. I would look at them as a six-month temporary solution, not a permanent part of my vision life.

If you need maximum reliability, look for glasses that specify higher-grade metal frames or known durable materials, even if they cost a bit more.

Overall Verdict: Buy them only if you are willing to replace them often.