I,m with you on this one. What really bugs me is trying to read the size of a sewing machine needle.
I have purchased all kinds of magnifiers and none of them work.

I have clip-on magnifying glasses that I use for ripping seams when I use a small stitch length. I have to use them every time I thread my Featherweight. I also use them for all of my hand sewing. I'd have to give up sewing if I did not have those clip-on magnifying glasses. I think I have about 6 pairs.

Not yet, but I'm close. To compensate for now, I have the likes of airport runway lighting installed in my sewing room.

You might try looking at Harbor Freight and see what they have. I think I remember seeing some in there.

Don't do what I did to see some stitches - I caught my fabric on fire!!! My daughter had borrowed a prom dress that was strapless and she is not the strapless kind- so she had me to sew on some spaghetti straps - navy dress and navy straps. After the prom I tried to cut off the straps but could not see the stitches, so put one of those big magnifying glasses around my neck and went outside - sitting on the porch - I could see the stitches really well but kept smelling hot fabric. I just thought that I was smelling hot fabric from the sun - not burning fabric from the sun going through the magnifying glass. Luckily it was just a small hole and I was able to mend it.

Years ago, I bought a drafting table and magnifying lamp attachment that became such a worthwhile investment. The height of the table is perfect for cutting (no back pain) and the magnifying lamp with adjustable positioning is perfect for seam ripping and good working light. Bought the two at Aaron Brothers for a very reasonable price (not sure what it is today but I'd highly recommend this combination any time for quilters.)

I bought a hands free lighted magnifying glass from Nancy's Notions last year and I love it. I would definitely use it to rip a seam if I needed it. I love it for threading my hand sewing needles. It was the best money on a gadget that I had spent last year.

I wear bifocals and need to take them off to see to rip, but fabric needs to be about 4" from my eyes. lol

I have a magnifier with a light. Best thing I ever invested in--especially when I am trying to open black on black!!

I've noticed different strength reading glasses make me hold things different lengths from my eyes.