Our team’s goal is to provide you with the roadmap to your new path, to prevent you from making any wrong turns along the way. We hope to offer information about reading glasses in general, with some small pieces of advice that we found helpful. We also understand that everyone is different. Therefore we offer different tips tailored to match different lifestyles. Please, allow us to help you bring your life into focus.

Each section provides an assortment of advice that helps you incorporate readers into your life:

-What Is My Reading Power

-Which Frame Works Best For Me

-Making My Readers Last

What Is My Reading Power:

The first step we recommend taking when you begin to notice a cloud of fog is obscuring the text in front of you is to see an eye doctor. While online tests and other methods can be helpful in determining what power you need, they will be even more accurate if you have some basis of what your true eye prescription is. An eye doctor will provide you with the precise information you need so you can make the best judgment on where to start. Be aware that the glasses sold at the doctors can be pricier than other options. You can find specialized readers online for the same quality, but lower price.

As you age, your eyes age with you. We recommend using our Power Finder Guide to determine if you need to move up or change powers. Remember, if you decide to take the test – always refer to the lower power, meaning if you can see +2.5 and +2.25 clearly, use the +2.25 power.

Be aware that wearing readers does not weaken or strengthen your eyes in the long run. Choosing to not wear readers can only cause temporary headaches or eyestrain. If you are experiencing these symptoms while wearing readers, it might be due to an incorrect power or fit, be sure to consult your doctor and the company you bought from to ensure you have the right fit for your eyes.

Lastly, if you are in need of a powerful strength and are worried that your eyes will be blown up through the lens magnification, consider wearing aspheric lenses. Using the same technology as cameras, aspheric lenses weigh less and reduce distortion without compromising optical quality.

Which Lens Type Works Best For Me:

While there are numerous decisions to make with frames and styles, we recommend starting off with something simple: decide if you need fully magnified or bifocal lenses.

Fully Magnified

• Entire lens is magnified.
• Typically worn only for a short period.
• Most common pair with the widest variety of colors, designs, and shapes.

Pro: Provide a full clear vision when working on detailed tasks or single-focused projects. 

Con: Frequently having to take glasses on and off when switching between near and far-sighted views.

Bifocals

• Bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses.

• Common to wear for long periods throughout the day.

• Popular styles include reading sunglasses which allow you to use your readers outdoors and still have protection from the sun.

Pro: A solution for those who find it tiresome having to take their glasses on and off throughout the day.

Con: Can be difficult adjusting to the different magnifications for those wearing readers for the first time.

Something you may learn in the coming months is the frustration of misplacing your readers. As you settle into bed, turn your lamp on, and open up your book, you realize you cannot remember where you last placed your readers (unfortunately, our eyesight isn’t the only thing that fades as we grow older). If you are not prepared this will happen to you and trust me, no one wants to get out of bed to search for a pair of glasses. When you purchase your first pair of readers, be sure to buy more than one pair. You’ll thank us later.

Computer Readers

If your job entails looking at a computer screen for a multitude of hours, then be sure to check out computer readers. These glasses are designed to protect your eyes from the glare of the screen to prevent eye strain. The lens also has a modified magnification to adjust for the typical distance between your eyes and the computer. Check out this post to learn more about the benefits of computer readers.

Take a second and go over your daily routine. Think about when and where you’d need readers throughout the day and prepare ahead. For those of you who like to read the morning paper, keep a pair of half frames in a kitchen drawer, while having another pair at work or in your room. Check out all the different cases and accessories that you can store your readers in so you don’t have to search around each time you need to read.

Finding the Right Frames for My Face

If you need help finding a pair that matches your face, check out our face shape guide. Once you know what power and frame you want, go to Readers.com where you can find a wide selection of options and styles.

To find the best fit, make sure that you choose the correct size for your face. No matter how much you like a certain style, if the frame is too narrow you will be disappointed with how they look and feel on your face! Use our printable ruler to learn more about which readers will fit you best.

If you are still stumped, call our customer happiness team, and they will help you find the perfect pair that matches not only your facial texture but your lifestyle in general.

Making My Readers Last

The goal in this section is not to repeat common rules, but to provide you with handy tips to ensure that the quality glasses remains the same as the day you bought them.

• Microfiber cloths are your new best friend. We strongly suggest having a couple of different ones placed in your car, workspace, kitchen, and bedroom.
  

• When dirt, sand, or dust get on your readers, run the lenses under water, add a touch of dish soap and then use your fingers to wipe away any remnants.
  

• Do not use paper towels, tissues, or other household rags to clean or dry your glasses. The texture can cause scratches on the lenses. Use the microfiber cloths that you now have handy all over the house!
  

• To avoid your glasses from stretching, be sure to use both hands when putting your glasses. Never put your glasses on top of your head for that same reason.
  

• Taking your glasses on and off is even more frustrating when you have to search for a safe place to set them down. One way to get around this is to wear a cord or chain attached to the frames. With a wide selection, find one that matches your style and taste.
  

For more detailed specific information, learn more on our maintenance and cleaning page.

If you have any personal stories, advice, or tips you would like to share, please feel free add comments or suggestions so we can continue to update our information so that no runs into trouble as they bring their life back into focus.

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