What Are Reading Glasses & Do I Need a Pair
August 26, 2024 ⢠5:30 PM
If you've been squinting at your favorite book or experiencing blurry vision when texting, you're not alone. These are signs your eyes might need a tiny bit of help to see things more clearly, especially up close. That's where reading glasses come in â they're a simple and convenient solution for those who need a little extra boost in their vision.
Reading glasses are designed specifically to correct presbyopia â a fancy term for when your eyes have a harder time focusing on close objects as you age. These glasses magnify text and objects, making everything from reading a menu to scrolling through your phone a breeze.
They're not one-size-fits-all, but we can help you understand how reading glasses can support your reading power.
Understanding Reading Glasses
If youâve never had prescription lenses but have recently had difficulty reading your phone, a book, or anything close up, youâre probably wondering if itâs time to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.
A yearly eye exam is a great way to rule out refractive errors like farsightedness, nearsightedness (also known as myopia), and astigmatism. If your eye care professional says your vision is otherwise okay, you probably just need a pair of prescription reading glasses or over-the-counter reading glasses.
Each type will help you see better if you have trouble reading text thatâs close-up.
What Are Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses, also known as "readers," are non-prescription eyeglasses that are designed to help with close-up vision. They have magnifying lenses that make objects appear larger and clearer, making it easier on your eyes to see small print or objects up close. These glasses are not meant for long-distance viewing, but rather for tasks like reading a book, sewing, or using a computer.
Reading Glasses vs. Distance Glasses
While all glasses are intended to address vision issues, the exact problems they target vary wildly from pair to pair.
For instance, distance glasses address the needs of folks with nearsightedness. But donât be confused by the ânearâ in ânearsighted.â Distance glasses are practically the opposite of reading glasses, which are designed to improve your vision up close, not far away.
Additionally, distance glasses will require you to obtain a prescription from your eye doctor, while reading glasses can be purchased over the counter in most cases.
Recognizing the Need for Reading Glasses
As we age, our eyes undergo changes that can affect our vision. One of these changes is presbyopia, which occurs when the lens of the eye becomes less flexible and makes it harder to focus on close objects.
This usually happens around the age of 40 but can occur earlier or later for some individuals. It is a natural part of the aging process and cannot be prevented, but reading glasses can help correct it.
Indications for Needing Reading Glasses
The Signs of Near Vision Difficulties
If you find yourself holding things at arm's length just to read them clearly or have trouble seeing small print even with adequate lighting, it may be a sign that you need reading glasses. Other signs include eye fatigue or headaches after prolonged reading or close work and squinting or straining your eyes to focus on nearby objects. Requiring brighter lighting conditions to read comfortably can also be an indication of near vision difficulties.
There is no shame in needing reading glasses â in fact, it's extremely common as we all get older. A study found that 62 percent of adults over the age of 40 have presbyopia and require reading glasses. So, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to try out a pair and see the difference they can make.
Think of your first pair of reading glasses as a right of passage into middle age and spare yourself from unnecessary eye strain.
Age as a Factor in Requiring Reading Glasses
As mentioned earlier, presbyopia typically begins to affect individuals around the age of 40. This is a natural part of aging and affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. However, some people may experience it earlier or later depending on various factors such as genetics and overall eye health.
Even if you already wear glasses for distance vision, having a separate pair of reading glasses can save you from constantly switching between frames or straining your eyes to read through your distance glasses. If you need glasses for distance vision and close vision, you may want to consider progressive lenses, which provide vision correction for multiple fields in one lens.
Benefits of Using Reading Glasses
Improved Reading Clarity and Comfort
The most obvious benefit of using reading glasses is being able to see things up close more clearly and comfortably. No more squinting or holding things at arm's length â just put on your readers and enjoy a clear view of the words on the page. To make you more comfortable, reading glasses take the strain off your eyes and reduce reading frustrations.
Enhancing Daily Tasks
Reading glasses aren't just for reading books â they can also make everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. Whether it's reading small print on a menu, checking ingredient lists at the grocery store, or using your phone or computer, having a pair of readers handy can enhance your daily activities. Simply put, they make the small print larger and your everyday tasks easier.
Choosing the Right Reading Glasses
Factors To Consider When Selecting Reading Glasses
Selecting the right reading glasses isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor, despite what the generic drugstore aisles may suggest. When choosing your next pair of reading glasses, it's crucial to consider these factors for optimal comfort and clarity.
Magnification Strength
Reading glasses come in various magnification strengths, commonly referred to as "diopters." The higher the diopter number, the stronger the magnification. It's best to consult an eye doctor or optometrist to take an eye exam and determine your specific needs. Youâll notice that the lens strength comes in diopter measurements from +1.00 through +3.50 at quarter increments.
Lens Type
There are different types of lenses available for reading glasses, such as single vision, bifocal lenses, and progressive lenses. Single-vision lenses have the same magnification strength throughout, while bifocal or progressive lenses blend multiple different strengths for near and far vision.
Progressive or multifocal lenses are a popular choice for people who require both near and distance vision correction or who also have astigmatism.
Frame Comfort and Style
You'll be wearing reading glasses quite a bit, so it's crucial to choose a frame that fits well. Look for features such as adjustable nose pads, spring hinges, and lightweight materials that provide a comfortable fit. Opt for a style that complements your face shape and personal taste.
Remember that trendy best-sellers like cat-eyes or aviators may not be available from your local drugstore. For those, youâll need to head to a manufacturer specializing in eyewear, like Pair.
Where To Get Reading Glasses
In-Store vs. Online
The choice of where to obtain your reading glasses is a personal decision. You may find the convenience of online shopping appealing for a wider selection of frames, with delivery straight to your doorstep. Others may choose to visit a glasses store in person to consult with an optometrist for a more customized fit and lens selection.
Drugstores usually offer a cheaper, over-the-counter reading option. These reading glasses may not provide the same level of quality and variety as a specialized eyewear retailer. You will often find a lot more options with personalized style and flare online.
Whichever option you choose, it's essential to make sure the glasses fit well and provide adequate vision correction. Ultimately, it's essential to prioritize your eye health and comfort when choosing where to get your reading glasses.
The Optometrist's Prescription
It's always best to consult with an optometrist to accurately determine your specific magnification needs. They can also recommend the best lens type for your vision. Additionally, they can check for any underlying eye conditions that may require further attention. There is always the option to get your prescription in person and order a pair of reading glasses online afterward.
Pair Eyewear
At Pair, we can help you find the reading glasses you want in the styles you crave. Whether you have a prescription or already know your reading glasses strength, weâve got you covered.
With Pair, your single Base Frames give you access to an unlimited amount of stylish Top Frames so that you can match your eyewear to your outfit or your mood. Itâs the best way to feel fashionable and confident in your readers.
Remember to grab reading sunglasses as well. At Pair, we offer reading sunglasses to help you see close-up when youâre reading a book at the beach or by the pool.
Embracing the Journey Towards Better Vision
Although presbyopia is a natural part of aging, it doesn't mean you have to give up on your reading hobbies or struggle with everyday tasks. Reading glasses offer a simple and effective solution to improve your near-vision clarity and comfort. Don't let the fear of needing reading glasses hold you back â embrace them as a tool to enhance your daily life and continue enjoying all the small print has to offer.
When thinking about reading glasses in your story, see it as a journey to clearer vision. Visit Pair Eyewear's online selection of the best reading glasses and computer glasses. Find the right pair of glasses to enjoy every aspect of your life without squinting or struggling.
Sources:
Presbyopia: prevalence, impact, and interventions | Community Eye Health Journal
Nearsightedness: What Is Myopia? | American Academy of Ophthalmology