Are reading glasses really so bad?

I don't think so. I have -7.5 vision (which has actually been stable for years now). Have worn contacts since middle school. Never needed to wear readers until a couple years ago. But my near vision got to the point where I REALLY couldn't read expiration dates at the grocery store or small print on documents. So now I have about 30 pairs of readers around the house, in the office, in my car - ranging from -1.0 to -1.5, and ranging from Dollar Tree cheapies to higher quality ones (better construction, higher quality lense). Only need them if wearing my contacts (which I almost always do during the day). The between my eye and lense on my regular glasses is enough.

I've though about Lasik; my optometrist brings it up every visit. But, so far I haven't. The only reason I even consider it is for emergencies. Like what if I'm in a situation and I don't have my glasses and a contact fell out or something.

I never needed glasses until about 45 when I realized I needed them. I went for years with drugstore "readers" but realized I needed progressively stronger ones. Got prescription reading glasses, then got multiple pairs because they were never where I needed them. That got expensive. Finally at age 60, I bit the bullet and got progressives and wear them everyday. I have a relatively plain face and think the frames give my face some character.

Best guide I’ve found.

Good looking people look good with good eyeglasses

I think I’m going to get the monofocal. I’m not will to trade quality of distance vision or night vision for better reading vision when I’m already used to reading glasses. Plus, it’s thousands of dollars less cost.