Article reviewed past Dr. Holly J. Vaught, OD

Determining if you need readersfinding your reading glasses powerhow to buy reading glasses

How Practise I Know If I Need Reading Glasses?

Sometime subsequently the age of 40, you may notice that your vision isn't what it used to be, but you can however see relatively well. Then one solar day, the menus at restaurants are a bit blurry and you detect yourself squinting. Your eyes experience strained at the end of the 24-hour interval, and you discover yourself property your phone out at an arm'south length to read your text messages. Does this sound like you?

These are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you may be developing presbyopia, the clinical term for what happens to your eyes equally you age, creating the need for reading glasses.

Between the ages of 40 and 65, most people's eyes go through a change that leads to presbyopia. The middle's lens, which contracts and expands cheers to the help of a round muscle, becomes less flexible and more rigid over time. This hardening of the lens prohibits the eye from contracting to focus on close-upward objects, which is what causes fuzzy vision when trying to read.

Although this may sound frightening, everyone develops some degree of presbyopia during their life, and a unproblematic visit to your heart medico for an eye exam can confirm the diagnosis. Luckily, there are several easy fixes to correct your reading vision! The well-nigh common solution is wearing a pair of reading spectacles, also referred to equally "readers." The Vision Council'due south VisionWatch Report states that 26.two% of American adults aged 45-54 currently wear reading spectacles — y'all're not lonely!

Finding Your Reading Glasses Ability

If y'all're going to be ownership and wearing reading glasses for the commencement time, you'll observe the words "reading power," "reading force," "reading magnification," and "diopter" used interchangeably – they all mean the same thing. When it comes to reading powers, the lower the number, the less magnification in that location is in the lens. At Readers.com®, we behave powers +1.00 to +7.00, including quarter powers (+.25 increments) and half powers (+.50 increments) then you can get the reading ability you need.

In that location are several ways to determine which reading power is correct for yous:

Current Eyeglass Prescription

At your almanac heart exam, inquire your eye doctor what reading ability yous need.

Power Finder

If you have a electric current reading glasses prescription with the "ADD" power listed, use our Power Finder Tool to determine the best reading power for you. You can besides apply this tool if:

  • Y'all have a pair of readers that used to work for you, simply now things are a flake blurry and you believe yous need a stronger power.
  • Or to get an estimated reading power based on your age range.

Printable Diopter Chart

This printable nautical chart tin can exist used as a guideline to determine the best reading power for you. If you can run across two lines equally clearly, choose the lower power. The nautical chart goes up to a +3.25 power, so if your vision requires a stronger power, we recommend visiting an eye doc to find your reading power.

Visit our What Reading Glasses Power Exercise I Demand? guide to learn more.

How to Buy Reading Spectacles

Kickoff your search for a pair of reading glasses may seem daunting, but if you know the answers to the post-obit questions, you'll be able to find the perfect pair of readers in no time!

What Reading Glasses Lens Type Exercise I Need?

What'due south My Reading Spectacles Style?

Knowing your personal style and the frame shape that looks all-time on you will help you choose the perfect pair of readers! From classic frame colors to playful patterns, very narrow to very wide widths, and any frame shape imaginable, reading glasses aren't the one-size-fits-all glasses they used to exist.

Hither'due south a printable ruler to help you find a style in a size that volition fit you lot best!

Where can I buy reading glasses?

Many people will contend over the best identify to purchase reading glasses, and information technology honestly comes downwardly to what yous're looking for in a pair of reading glasses. Over-the-counter (also called not-prescription) reading spectacles are commonly establish at drug stores, discount stores, and other retailers, but did you know that you can purchase reading glasses online? If you have all the info mentioned in this guide, yous're set to start shopping! Readers.com® is one of the largest online reading spectacles retailers, with more than 500 unique styles! We understand information technology tin be a trivial harder to buy reading spectacles online, which is why nosotros offer a simple 90-24-hour interval render or exchange policy.

Virtually Dr. Holly Vaught, OD

Dr. Holly J. Vaught, is the heart doc at Vaught Family Centre Care in Franklin, Indiana, where she provides comprehensive services for patients of all ages. In 2009, she graduated with honors from Indiana University School of Optometry. Her training includes the areas of diagnosis and treatment of common ocular diseases, primary care, contact lenses, and pre- and post-op care for refractive and cataract surgeries. Dr. Vaught is a member in adept standing of the American Optometric Clan, the Indiana Optometric Association, and Women of Vision.

Disclaimer: All references to "bifocals" herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a "bifocal style" single powered reading drinking glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.

[Updated: January 2020]