WHAT ARE READING GLASSES?Read More

WHO NEEDS READING GLASSES?Read More

WHY IS A REGULAR EYE EXAM IMPORTANT? Read More

WHY SHOULD I GO TO AN EYE DOCTOR WHEN I CAN PURCHASE READING GLASSES WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION? Read More

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN READING GLASSES AND PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES? Read More

IS IT SAFE TO WEAR READING GLASSES ALL DAY?Read More

CAN I WEAR MY READING GLASSES INSTEAD OF MY PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES?Read More

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE CHANGING MY READING GLASSES?Read More

DO CHEAP READING GLASSES CAUSE EYE DAMAGE?Read More

HOW TO FIND THE READING GLASSES AND ACCESSORIES THAT ARE BEST FOR YOU.Read More

WHAT ARE READING GLASSES?

Reading glasses are eyeglasses that magnify the size of close-up objects and help compensate for diminished vision caused by presbyopia.

PRESBYOPIA is an age-related eye condition that occurs when the eye’s lens loses elasticity and its ability to focus on close-up objects.  The onset of presbyopia usually begins at age 40, but individuals of all ages can experience presbyopia symptoms.  Also, there are a small percentage of people who never experience a gradual loss of vision with aging.

Reading Glasses enlarge the size of small print; making it easier for eyes to focus on books, magazines, cell phones, computer screens, and any close-up projects or tasks.

Over 52 million pairs of Reading Glasses were sold in the United States in 2016. (Statistica)

NO PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED. Reading Glasses are sold online and in drugstores, big box stores, department stores, and at specialty retail stores.  Reading Glasses sold in these establishments do not require a prescription from an eyecare professional.

PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED.  Individuals with astigmatism and those needing different prescriptions for each eye require prescription Reading Glasses.  Prescriptions for Reading Glasses can be obtained after an eye examination is performed by a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist. 

Many individuals require Progressive Reading Glasses, also known as Multifocal Lenses.  Progressive Reading Glasses have lenses with three prescriptions in one pair of Reading Glasses.  With Progressive Reading Glasses, close-up work like reading a book, middle-distance work like viewing a website on a computer, and distance viewing like driving can all be done without needing to change your Reading Glasses.     

WHO NEEDS READING GLASSES?

If you are over the age of 35, here are a few indications that you might need Reading Glasses:

  • Your eyes hurt when reading, sewing, knitting, crafting, or doing other close-up work.
  • You have been experiencing headaches when trying to focus on reading text.
  • It is difficult for you to read small print.
  • You have trouble seeing smaller print in dim light and require brighter light to read comfortably.
  • You need to hold reading material further away from your face to read text.
  • Your eyes feel tired, especially after reading or viewing written material on a computer screen.

Even though all Reading Glasses do not require a prescription, a consultation with an eyecare professional is recommended if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.

WHY IS A REGULAR EYE EXAM IMPORTANT?

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eye exams at every age and life stage can help keep your vision strong.

Regular eye exams by a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist are necessary to identify and diagnose eye diseases in the early stages when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective.

Eyecare professionals can frequently identify signs of stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and more, through an eye exam.

Eye exams play an important role in preventing the following common eye diseases from causing permanent vision loss or blindness:

  • Cataracts (clouding of the lens), the leading cause of vision loss in the United States
  • Diabetic retinopathy (causes damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye), the leading cause of blindness in American adults
  • Glaucoma (a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve)
  • Age-related macular degeneration (gradual breakdown of light-sensitive tissue in the eye)

The CDC maintains that regular eye care can have a life-changing positive impact on preserving the vision of millions of people and encourages people to visit

WHY SHOULD I GO TO AN EYE DOCTOR WHEN I CAN PURCHASE READING GLASSES WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION?

Reading Glasses can be purchased without a prescription online and from local retailers. 

Before purchasing your first pair of Reading Glasses, scheduling an exam with a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist is strongly recommended for the following reasons:

  • Regular eye exams are the best way to catch “silent” diseases like glaucoma in their early stages, when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective
  • Not all people are able to wear non-prescription Reading Glasses
  • People with astigmatism are unable to wear non-prescription Reading Glasses
  • Individuals who require different prescriptions in each eye also need prescription Reading Glasses.    
  • And, finally, many people require Progressive Reading Glasses, also known as Multifocal Lenses.  Progressive Reading Glasses have lenses with three prescriptions in one pair of glasses.  With Progressive Reading Glasses, close-up work like reading books, middle-distance work like viewing a website on a computer, or distance viewing like driving can all be done without needing to change your Reading Glasses.     

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN READING GLASSES AND PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES?

Reading glasses are ready-to-wear eyeglasses with a lens power, magnification, or strength, typically ranging from +1 to +4, that magnify(enlarge) close-up images. 

Reading glasses are available “over-the-counter” and do not require a prescription from a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist.  Reading Glasses are made with +diopter lenses that magnify up-close objects and are usually less costly than prescription eyeglasses.

Prescription eyeglasses can only be obtained with an individualized lens prescription from a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist.   Prescription lenses can have a combination of + and – lenses and are more expensive than over-the-counter reading glasses since they are customized for the individual wearer.

IS IT SAFE TO WEAR READING GLASSES ALL DAY?

Since Reading Glasses work by magnifying close-up images, it is recommended that Reading Glasses should NOT be worn all day and should only be used when needed. 

Wearing Reading Glasses for viewing faraway objects could cause harmful and unnecessary eyestrain and make these faraway objects appear out of focus.

Since wearing Reading Glasses all day is NOT recommended, losing Reading Glasses is a common complaint and problem for many people who wear Reading Glasses. 

To avoid losing Reading Glasses, Reading Glasses Chains and Cords are often worn to provide easy access to Reading Glasses when needed.  

Today’s chains and cords for Reading Glasses are attractive and are available in many colors and styles.   ReadingGlasses101.com has evaluated the different Reading Glasses chains and cords on the market today.  

Bifocal and Progressive Reading Glasses can be worn all day since these Reading Glasses provide magnification in a small portion of a lens, instead of the entire lens.

CAN I WEAR MY READING GLASSES INSTEAD OF MY PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES?

If you are unable to read the fine print with your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, it is best to consult your eyecare professional.

Using Reading Glasses to help with reading could be a terrific “first step” before a change to your existing prescription gets made.

Many contact lens wearers use Reading Glasses to help with close-up work, but this is a decision that should be discussed with your eyecare professional. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE CHANGING MY READING GLASSES?

As you grow older, your eyes will change, and you will need to increase the magnification power of your reading glasses.

Here is a guideline by age:

   + 1.00 Diopters Age 40-45 Years Old
   + 1.00 to +1.50 DioptersAge 45 to 49 Years Old
   + 1.50 to +2.00 DioptersAge 50-54 Years Old
   + 2.00 to +2.25 DioptersAge 55-59 Years Old
   * 2.50 to +3.00 DioptersAge 60 plus

You will know when it’s time to change the magnification of your Reading Glasses when you are no longer able to read the fine print with your existing Reading Glasses and/or when you are experiencing headaches or eyestrain from your existing Reading Glasses.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that individuals have their eyes tested once every two years.  In addition to identifying changes in your vision, regular eye examinations also help identify other problems, such as glaucoma, when it can be easily treated.

DO CHEAP READING GLASSES CAUSE EYE DAMAGE?

Some Reading Glasses cost $1.00, while other Reading Glasses are much more expensive.

Should you avoid wearing $1.00 Reading Glasses?  Will $1.00 Reading Glasses, or any pair of Reading Glasses under $20.00, harm your eyes?

Is there a difference in quality between Reading Glasses purchased at a Dollar Store versus other Reading Glasses?

Yes, there usually is a big difference in the quality and craftmanship of the lenses and frames purchased at a Dollar store.  The Dollar store readers are manufactured with less expensive materials than the higher priced alternatives.   Sometimes magnifications can be erratic, too.

Many people wear “Dollar” and/or lesser priced Reading Glasses without any problems.   Others experience headaches and dizziness. 

Therefore, it’s very important to try Reading Glasses on in the store to make sure that $1 Reading Glasses work for you.  Trying on several pairs at different strengths before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Many people purchase “Dollar” Reading Glasses as “spares” to use for emergencies and not for long term use. 

GOOD NEWS!  According to Ophthalmologist Dr. Michelle Andreoli, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ”Low-cost Dollar Reading Glasses are in fact perfectly safe and will not harm your eyesight”. 

Before making any decisions about Reading Glasses, it’s always important to get your eyes examined by a qualified eyecare professional.  

HOW TO FIND THE READING GLASSES AND ACCESSORIES THAT ARE BEST FOR YOU.

Use ReadingGlasses101.com to gain the knowledge and insight needed to get your questions about Reading Glasses questions answered and to select the best pair of Reading Glasses for you. 

Since Reading Glasses do not require a prescription, there are many different options available.

THE BEST READING GLASSES?   There is no one right answer for everyone.   The best Reading Glasses for you depends on your eyesight, style, budget, and your personal and professional needs.

The ReadingGlasses101.com team have evaluated hundreds of pairs of Reading Glasses and provided you with the recommendations needed to purchase Reading Glasses and accessories.