The process seems easy enough.
While prescription options are recommended for some people, over-the-counter reading glasses seem to be available just about everywhere.
That doesn’t mean you should just use any old pair, however.
Verywell / Brooke Pelczynski
Aside from different colors and styles, reading glasses come in different strengths.
Which you should use depends on your vision and habits.
This article will help you learn how to buy reading glasses.
Your vision may also seem slow to focus from near to far.
This happens when thecrystalline lensesin your eyes become less flexible.
It can also happen if the muscle that supports the lens gets weaker.
Having presbyopia makes it harder for your eyes to focus on objects that are close to you.
That’s why you notice it when you’re trying to read.
OTC readers are available at drugstores, big box stores, grocery stores, and even bookstores.
you’re free to also get them online.
Generally, a pair of readers will cost under $20.
That way, they’ll always have a pair handy when they need to read something.
What Strength Reading Glasses Do You Need?
The powersor strengthsof reading glasses go from +1.00 to +4.00.
These numbers are called diopters.
They tell you how much magnification the lenses have.
Usually, powers go up in increments of 0.25.
That means you don’t have to jump right to +2.00 if +1.00 is not enough.
Your provider will tell you which power to get.
That said, see to it you tell them about your job and hobbies.
These activities may change which power they recommend for you.
Everyone’s eyes are different, but people of different age ranges typically require certain strengths of reading glasses.
Whereas OTC readers make things larger, prescription glasses address specific problems with your vision and correct them.
However, if you have other vision conditions, like nearsightedness, you might need to get prescription lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
This has nothing to do with the use of readers, however.
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Brown B.The Low Vision Handbook for Eyecare Professionals.
American Academy of Opthamology.Tips for choosing the right reading glasses.
2021;41(5):1034-1047. doi:10.1111/opo.12867
American Academy of Opthamology.Can I buy OTC glasses for nearsightedness?
Schott Technical Information.TIE-28: Bubbles and Inclusions In Optical Glass.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Tips for Choosing the Right Reading Glasses.
