In today’s world, it seems there are more strains on our eyes than ever before. Air conditioning drying them out, car headlights getting brighter, and the constant presence of screens on computers and phones. As we age, there’s more demands on our eyes yet still, and according to the 2018 National Health Interviews Survey, 9.2 million American seniors ages 65 and over reported experiencing ‘significant vision loss’.

Common wisdom adheres that we should get our eyes checked every couple of years. But as we get older, is there value in getting optical exams more frequently?

If you are still living at home, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly to ensure you’re still driving safely, for example. If seniors are in an assisted living or care home, it’s important for them to consult their on-site health professionals about their eye care. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, may not show symptoms until they’re at an advanced stage, so seniors should be particularly attuned to issues such as headaches, nausea, and redness of the eyes. Even without any symptoms or concerns, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends regular eye exams, specifically after age 40.

Ages 40 – 65

It’s important to have a baseline eye exam near the age of 40. This gives an eye doctor an understanding of the condition of your vision in order to aid with tracking any changes in vision over the coming years. The most common worsening in our sight in the immediate term is often long-sightedness, or presbyopia.

As we age, the lenses in our eyes lose some elasticity, and focusing on close up objects may become more difficult. Oftentimes, presbyopia can be remedied by wearing reading glasses when necessary. Middle age is usually when issues such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and diabetes start to become more prevalent, which can also affect eyesight.

While our vision changes as we age, needing more light for reading is common, as is lessening of tear production (particularly in women experiencing changes in hormone levels). However, these aren’t necessarily danger signs, so it’s important to get our eyes checked regularly so that your eye doctor can monitor them, particularly if you have further risk factors such as a visually demanding job.

Ages 65+

It’s recommended that adults 65 and over get their eyes checked at least biannually, and more often if they have risk conditions such as a family history of glaucoma or diabetes. For seniors in assisted living situations, it’s important to talk to your on-site healthcare professionals about health conditions. As part of their healthcare administration degree program, they will have concentrated on senior services and learned about topics and issues relating to the gerontology field.

It’s important to make sure conditions are being managed properly so they don’t get worse. The CDC found in 2020 that 24.2 million people aged 65 and older have pre-diabetes. Progression into diabetes would heighten the risk of diabetic retinosis, which if left unchecked can lead to blindness.

It’s important for seniors still living at home to maintain a regular relationship with both their eye doctor in addition to their primary care physician (PCP). An AARP survey in 2018 reported that 58 percent of those who had regular medical check-ups reported that their primary care physician or other providers hadn’t asked about their eyes. It’s important to recognize and report on changes in the eyes such as worsening of central vision, which is often a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Blurry vision and dulling of colors can be an early sign of cataracts.

High blood pressure can cause changes to blood vessels in the eyes, either thinning or ballooning, which can lead to swelling of the optic nerve. Vessel changes can often be spotted with an optical exam from a qualified eye doctor. Health administrators in senior facilities should consider eye care for those under their care with dementia-related conditions. Look out for seniors who may be bumping into objects or having difficulties with reading and writing – this may be related to eyesight and not simply be effects of dementia.

Our eyesight is a key part of our total health and doing things such as quitting smoking, monitoring our blood pressure, cardiovascular health and glucose levels benefit our whole bodies and not just our eyes. Talking often with our healthcare professionals about our eyesight, and having regular checks with an eye doctor, is an important part of a virtuous circle to maintain the lifestyle we wish to lead for longer.

Are you due for a comprehensive eye exam? Find an eye doctors near you to make an appointment ›

Cheerful. Classic. Bold. Our newest collection of reading glasses just launched, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and your vision into focus.

We’re proud to introduce the Disney x Foster Grant® readers collection, now available at Readers.com®!

These five new reader styles pay varying degrees of tribute to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Whether you prefer a subtle nod to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse or want to proudly share your love of the famous Disney duo, this collection has something for everyone!

All Disney x Foster Grant® styles have scratch-resistant fully magnified lenses, are available in powers +1.25 to +3.00, and include a coordinating drawstring microfiber pouch. From black and white Mickey Mouse sketches to Minnie Mouse’s stylish big red bow, these Disney readers will transport you back to a simpler time and place.

The Celebration

A round metal frame with Mickey Mouse head cutouts on each temple is a subtle way to show your love of Disney! Available in a wine or rose gold frame color option.

The Dreamer

A bolder frame option, The Dreamer’s cat eye frame proudly showcases either a red Minnie Mouse bow print on a navy blue frame or a black crystal frame with a Mickey Mouse print.

The Iconic

A timeless Mickey Mouse sketch print appears on the inner temples of this frame, and you have the choice of a crystal grey or black solid frame front. A classic retro square shape, this style is perfect for men and women.

The Imagination

Whether you choose the black or red frame option, this rectangular style features a red inner temple with a fun Minnie Mouse bow print.

The Wonder

This classic round frame is available in brown tortoise or a navy blue frame with a bow print on the red inner temples. The best part? Both styles feature metal rivets in the shape of the classic Mickey Mouse head for a touch of cheer!

The Animation Pouch

Available in two prints, this playful drawstring microfiber pouch can help keep any pair of readers dust- and damage-free when not in use!

Shop the Disney x Foster Grant® Collection ›

We get it, visiting the doctor, dentist, or any other health care provider isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, caring for your eyes, whether or not you see the need, is extremely important for your long-term vision.

Routine eye exams detect eye disease and conditions that may have nothing to do with refractive errors, like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms of these and other general health conditions may not show themselves in obvious ways, but they could be putting you at risk.

So, even if you don’t have problems seeing or reading fine print, routine exams can help you rule out underlying conditions that could be affecting your overall health.

These exams can also determine if you would in fact benefit from reading glasses now or in the future — even if it is at a lesser power.

I don’t have vision problems. Do I still need an eye exam?

Even if you’ve never worn eyeglasses or contact lenses, your eyes still deserve the care and consideration of routine comprehensive eye exams. For those who don’t experience vision problems or risk factors — like diabetes or genetic eye conditions — the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends regular eye exams, specifically after age 40.

At this particular age, early signs of disease and major changes in vision may start appearing, according to the Academy. Catching the signs and treating them as early as possible can help your vision.

Around 40, people also begin experiencing presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness. This condition makes it difficult to focus on things up close and read the fine print in books, on labels, and on screens.

Typically, presbyopia can be corrected with a pair of reading glasses, which adds magnification to small objects. Our reading glasses have magnifying powers ranging from +1.00 to +7.00.

Curious if you would benefit from a pair of readers? Try out our power finder.

How often do I need an eye exam after age 40?

Generally speaking, adults between the ages of 40 and 54 who don’t experience vision problems or risk factors, like diabetes, should plan to see their eye doctor every two to four years. This recommendation again comes from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

If you are between 55 and 64 and still aren’t experiencing vision problems or risk factors, it’s recommended that you have an eye exam every one to three years. For the same circumstances after 65, the AAO recommends scheduling routine exams every year or two.

Of course, everyone’s vision health is different. Depending on your personal vision concerns and medical history, you may need to schedule exams more frequently — but your eye doctor can help you set up a game plan for your vision needs.

Why are comprehensive eye exams important?

Whether or not you wear reading glasses, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to make sure your vision is efficient and that your eyes are in good health.

Comprehensive eye exams tell you more than just how well you can see; they can also detect eye conditions and diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — all of which affect older adults.

Genetic eye disease is another thing to take into consideration. Some eye diseases and conditions don’t affect people until later in life, and sometimes people are unaware that they have them because they don’t always present themselves clearly. The sooner an error in vision is detected, the sooner it can be treated.

What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

During a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist or optometrist is checking the overall wellness of your vision. You will be asked to read an eye chart to determine if your vision (both near and far) needs correction. Your eye doctor may also:

• Test the alignment and movement of your eyes.
• Measure your depth perception.
• Check your peripheral vision.
• Check for signs of glaucoma with an “air puff” test.
• Evaluate your retinas and optic nerves for any sign of damage or disease.

How long does a comprehensive eye exam take? Comprehensive eye exams typically last between 45 and 90 minutes.

Reading glasses may not be part of your current vision plan, but if they are in your future, we’re here for you with many styles, colors, and lens powers to choose from. Until then, be sure to take care of your eyes and general health with routine comprehensive eye exams.

Are you due for a comprehensive eye exam? Find an eye doctor near you to make an appointment.

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If you already wear reading glasses, but it seems like they’ve become less powerful, it may be time to reevaluate your vision’s needs. So what exactly does pr bbbesbyopia look like, and are there specific changes in your vision that you should be looking for?

Take a look at what this age-related farsightedness looks like so you when it’s time to invest in the appropriate vision correction. Following are a few visual examples of how presbyopia can affect your vision:

Reading your mail is important, and not just for social updates and clipping coupons. Bills and other important statements and notices can be difficult to see if you don’t have proper vision correction.

If you have dietary restrictions, you know how important the information provided in a nutrition label can be. Reading cooking instructions and finding expiration dates are also common issues with food packages. Presbyopia can cause you to have trouble reading any of this smaller print.

Communication designed to be quick and efficient through a mobile device can often be slowed down by the effects of presbyopia. Smaller type in text messages and emails can appear blurry and hard to read, and enlarging the text in your mobile device’s settings can be tedious — not to mention a potential privacy risk.

A night out is a great way to treat yourself, but it can quickly become frustrating if your presbyopia affects your ability to read the fine print on a restaurant menu. It can also feel embarrassing to ask the person you’re with, or even the server, for help reading details and price points.

Low-light conditions are difficult for anyone to see clearly, but driving at night adds another risk factor — especially for those who experience presbyopia. The condition intensifies glare from oncoming headlights and street lamps, which can be a danger to you and other drivers.

Correct Your Presbyopia with a Pair of Reading Glasses

Presbyopia is common and it is easily manageable with the right pair of reading glasses, no matter what lens power you need. The great news is that there are many shapes and colors of readers to choose from—and many don’t look like reading glasses!

Reading glasses help to sharpen your vision for reading print up close — whether on a menu, in a book, or on a digital screen.

As you age, your relationship with your body is going to change: Your joints will creak, your memory will fade and you may find yourself turning to reading glasses when you’re curling up with a good book.

How does age affect your vision? What visual condition is leading you to have readers in your car, in your office drawer and various places around your house?

Let’s take a look:

Vision Changes with Age: What’s Normal?

Common age-related vision changes include blurry vision, night blindness, and loss of the ability to focus on near objects. You may also develop tunnel vision or experience central vision loss.

In many cases, corrective lenses, medication and/or surgery can help restore your quality of life.

Aging Eyes and Common Vision Problems

↓ Click infographic to enlarge ↓

Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness): One of the most common signs of aging is it gets harder to focus on near objects. For example, you may have trouble reading a menu or text messages on your phone. If you don’t already need vision correction, a pair of non-prescription reading glasses might be just what you need. The key is finding your reading glasses power.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): The macula is the part of the retina that’s responsible for your visual acuity (your ability to see clearly, drive, read, and even recognize faces). AMD is the top cause of central vision loss among older adults and can be diagnosed as wet (neovascular) or dry (non-neovascular).

Cataracts: Cataracts — the world’s leading cause of blindness — are the clouding of the eye’s lens. Symptoms include blurred vision and increased glare (which makes it difficult to drive at night). There are three types of cataracts: subcapsular, cortical, and nuclear. Nuclear cataracts are most closely linked with aging.

Glaucoma: This eye condition, caused by excess pressure inside the eye, is characterized by damage to the optic nerve and can lead to peripheral vision loss and blindness. Because there are no warning signs for glaucoma — and vision lost from the condition cannot be restored —, it’s important to get regular eye exams to try to catch it early. This is especially true if you have a family history of glaucoma or any other risk factors for it.

If you experience any changes in vision, including any of the symptoms listed of age-related vision conditions above, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor right away. After a comprehensive eye exam, you’ll have a better idea of what steps need to be taken (if any) and, if necessary, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for additional testing and care.

Can Eyesight Improve with Age?

If you feel like your eyesight is improving as you get older, it’s possible you’re just noticing that your vision has stabilized. However, if it really is improving, that may not be a good thing. Some improvements may actually be warning signs that worsening vision is on the way.

For example, one symptom of cataracts is “second sight,” in which your near vision can temporarily improve. But as cataracts develop, and your lenses cloud over, that improvement will vanish and it will become even more difficult for you to see.

The good news, at least about cataracts, is that it’s not all bad news. Cataract surgery is extremely common, safe and effective, and provides good chances of restoring any vision you may have lost to the condition.

Is Nearsightedness Affected by Age?

Those who deal with nearsightedness (myopia) in their youth typically experience a stabilization of their vision in their 20s, and from there, it’s possible for their myopia to worsen or, less commonly, for it to get a bit better. This is not to say that you will no longer be nearsighted, just that your prescription might change.

And there will probably come a time when you’re both near- and farsighted: Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) is a common development for people over 40, so if (and when) it hits you, you may want to keep your reading glasses handy. Glasses with progressive lenses are another (albeit pricier) option.

If you’re having trouble reading the fine print, consider getting a pair of readers. With frames for every face shape and lenses to suit the sun or the screen, you’re sure to find the perfect pair.

SEE RELATED: Guide to Buying Reading Glasses

What Are Bifocal Readers?

Bifocals are lenses that have two focal points. At Readers.com, our bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses.

The unmagnified upper section of the bifocal lens helps you focus out in the distance while doing activities such as driving, watching tv, cooking, etc. On the bottom of the bifocal lens you will select your reading power, which helps you see up close while doing activities such as reading a book, looking at a map, sewing, or following a recipe.

Shop Bifocal Reading Glasses ›

Doesn’t “Bifocal” Mean a Lens Has Two Focal Points?

It does! Although the top of the bifocal lens is clear (also known as “plano”), it allows you to see at a distance without magnification correction, giving the lens two focal points: the unmagnified upper lens and the lower bifocal insert portion.

What Are Bifocal Sunglasses?

Like our regular bifocal readers, bifocal sunglasses are unmagnified at the top, and have your reading power in the bottom portion of the lens. The bifocal power helps with seeing your speedometer, writing on a scorecard, reading a compass, etc.

If you are an avid fisher you will love how our polarized bifocal reading sunglasses, which allow you to see out into the water and also look down to bait your line or remove the prized fish you just caught.

As an added bonus, all of our reading sunglasses include UVA/UVB protection!

Shop Women’s Bifocal Reading Sunglasses ›

Shop Men’s Bifocal Reading Sunglasses ›

Do You Carry No-Line or Executive Bifocals?

No, to be accurate, no-line bifocals do not exist. There are lenses called “progressives”, which we do not carry, and are commonly confused as no-line bifocals. These are different because they have multiple focal points and not just two.

Executive bifocals are lenses that have the bifocal power across the entire width of the bottom section of the lens, rather than the half moon (“flat top”) bifocals our readers have.

Can You Order a Power in the Top Portion of Bifocals?

Since our reading glasses are pre-manufactured and cannot be changed, it is not possible to order bifocals with a different magnification in the top and bottom of the lens.

Where Can I Buy Bifocal Readers?

Bifocal reading glasses can be found anywhere reading glasses are sold but may be harder to find than fully magnified lenses. At Readers.com, we carry 100+ styles of bifocal style reading glasses! In varying frame shapes, widths, and colors, there’s a style for everyone!

Still Have Questions?

Didn’t see your question answered above? We’d love to assist you! Contact our Customer Happiness team or give us a call at 1-800-210-3975 and we would be more than happy to help address any of your reading glasses needs.

Shop All Bifocal Reading Glasses ›

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.

Unlike other ocular conditions, leaving presbyopia untreated does not cause more harm to your vision or eye health. Without correction, presbyopia can interfere with day-to-day tasks and have an impact on your life, which is when individuals tend to seek treatment for their condition.

Some telltale signs of presbyopia include:

• Blurriness when reading items 12-18 inches from your face
• Squinting to focus on reading materials
• The need for bright light to read clearly
• Eye strain and headaches after reading

↓ Click Infographic To Enlarge ↓

What Causes Presbyopia?

Between the ages of 40 and 65, most people’s eyes go through a change that leads to presbyopia. In a healthy eye, the cornea and the eye’s lens (the clear disc behind your cornea) work together to focus the light that reflects off of an object so you see the object clearly. The lens contracts and expands thanks to the help of a circular muscle, which in turn allows your eye to adjust for your near and distance vision respectively.

When you develop presbyopia, that lens becomes rigid. This hardening of the lens prohibits the eye from contracting to focus on close-up objects. In the image below, you can see how a healthy eye has the light focused on the retina to produce a clear image thanks to a flexible lens. In an eye with presbyopia, the lens doesn’t contract, so the light is channeled to the focal point behind your retina producing a blurry image.

Although this may sound frightening, everyone develops some degree of presbyopia during their life, and a simple visit to your eye doctor for an eye exam can confirm the diagnosis.

Many people associate the need for reading glasses with aging, but don’t let reaching this milestone get you down. There are several easy fixes to correct your reading vision depending on your preferred method of treatment.

If you’ve received a diagnosis of presbyopia and have an eyeglass prescription from your eye care professional, visit our guide on How to Read an Eyeglass Prescription.

Treatment Options

After you’ve received a diagnosis of presbyopia from an eye care professional, you have several options to correct your vision.

Reading Glasses

If you need no other correction or wear contacts that don’t correct for presbyopia, reading glasses can be an affordable option. This is the iconic image people conjure up when they think of this age-related condition.

However, reading glasses aren’t what they used to be! It’s easy to find reading glasses that look like prescription glasses, are fashionable, and are not one-size-fits-all!  Nearly 50% of Americans aged 45-64 wear reading glasses to correct presbyopia according to The Vision Council’s June 2018 VisionWatch Report.

Reading glasses can be purchased through your optometrist if you have a different reading power in each eye, or need a very weak or strong reading power. Reading glasses purchased from an eye care office tend to be significantly more expensive than over-the-counter reading glasses found at Readers.com®, drug stores, dollar stores, or in value packs. Need help determining your reading glasses power? Try our Power Finder guide.

Prescription Glasses

Single Vision

Single vision lenses have one prescription throughout the entire lens that corrects for myopia (nearsightedness) or presbyopia (farsightedness). This type of lens is the most common and is also the traditional lens found in prescription or over-the-counter reading glasses.

Bifocal

Prescription bifocal glasses can correct for nearsightedness and farsightedness within the same lens. The top of the lens has the correction for distance vision, and the lower portion has the correction for close-up vision. Bifocal lenses have a visible line dividing the bifocal area from the rest of the lens.

Trifocal

Similar to a bifocal, a trifocal lens has three focal points and corrections throughout the lens: distance, intermediate, and close-up. Visible lines do appear between the viewing areas.

Progressive

Progressive lenses have three viewing areas, similar to a trifocal. However, progressive lenses have no lines because the power gradually, or progressively, changes throughout the lens. These lenses also eliminate some of the issues bifocal and trifocal wearers experience due to the abrupt power changes and visible lines in the lens.

Surgery

For those who aren’t interested in wearing glasses, surgical options are available to correct presbyopia for qualified candidates.

A somewhat new technique, a corneal inlay can be performed to correct presbyopia. This short procedure inserts a lens into the cornea of one eye to improve near vision. Corneal inlays can be removed or even replaced if vision post-procedure needs to be adjusted.

Another surgical route involves a refractive surgery like LASIK to help correct your vision by creating monovision. These procedures will reshape the cornea to create close-up vision in one eye, and distance vision in the other. Before performing a procedure like this, your eye doctor may recommend trying monovision contact lenses to ensure monovision is right for you.

*Please consult your eye doctor before making a decision about your eye health. The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. See our full disclaimer.

At Readers.com™, measuring to find your perfect reading glasses size is different than measuring for a pair of optical glasses. If you own a pair of prescription eyewear, you may be accustomed to the three-number frame measurement format (lens-bridge-temple) listed on the inside of the temple. Those optical measurements can be used as a guide, but they are different than the measurements we’ve found are most helpful for our customers.

To get an idea of the right reading glasses size for you, we recommend taking a pair of glasses or sunglasses that you know fit your face well and measuring those for the following dimensions.

Alternately, you can use our printable ruler to measure your face from temple to temple.

How to Measure Your Readers Frames

Frame Size

The width of each of our frames is measured from hinge to hinge on the inside of the frame. Available frame sizes are:

Frame Height

The frame height measurement is taken at the tallest part of the frame front, from the bottom of the frame to the top of the frame. This measurement includes the frame on the top and bottom of the lens. Available frame heights range from very small (13-24mm) reading glasses to very large (50-75mm) reading glasses.

Temple Length

To measure temple length, place your ruler at the hinge and measure straight back to the end of the temple. The correct temple length is important because it ensures that the frame rests comfortably on and behind your ear. We’re proud to offer temple lengths ranging from short temples(110-130mm) to long temples (145-160mm).

Please note: We do not measure around the curve of the temples, and instead measure straight back to the end of the temple.

Bridge Sizes

Bridge size is important because it keeps your glasses firmly on your nose. To determine the bridge size, measure across the bridge from lens to lens at the point where the lenses sit closest to each other (where the glasses will sit on your nose). Our bridge sizes include narrow (10-19mm), average (20-21mm), and wide (22-34mm).

Frame and Face Shape

Your reading glasses are an important tool to help you see more clearly, but they should also complement your face shape so you can wear them with confidence!

The general rule of thumb is: the more round your face shape (round and oval), the more angular your frames should be; and the more angular your face shape (square and heart), the rounder the frame shape.

Square faces should avoid retro square, rectangle, or square readers and instead opt for aviator, cat eye, or round frames.

Heart-shaped faces should steer clear of round or oval frames, and migrate towards rectangle, retro square, or cat eye frames.

Oval faces have the most flexibility with frame shapes, but they tend to look best in round, rectangle, or retro square frames.

Round faces should avoid round or oval frames and look for browline, rectangle, or retro square frames.

Want to learn more about the frame and face shape dynamic? Check out our Face Shape Guide.

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How Do I Know If I Need Reading Glasses?

Sometime after the age of 40, you may notice that your vision isn’t what it used to be, but you can still see relatively well. Then one day, the menus at restaurants are a bit blurry and you find yourself squinting. Your eyes feel strained at the end of the day, and you find yourself holding your phone out at an arm’s 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 as 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 eye’s lens, which contracts and expands thanks to the help of a circular muscle, becomes less flexible and more rigid over time. This hardening of the lens prohibits the eye from contracting to focus on close-up 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 simple visit to your eye doctor for an eye exam can confirm the diagnosis. Luckily, there are several easy fixes to correct your reading vision! The most common solution is wearing a pair of reading glasses, also referred to as “readers.” The Vision Council’s VisionWatch Report states that 26.2% of American adults aged 45-54 currently wear reading glasses — you’re not alone!

Finding Your Reading Glasses Power

If you’re going to be buying and wearing reading glasses for the first time, you’ll find the words “reading power,” “reading strength,” “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 there is in the lens. At Readers.com®, we carry powers +1.00 to +7.00, including quarter powers (+.25 increments) and half powers (+.50 increments) so you can get the reading power you need.

There are several ways to determine which reading power is right for you:

Current Eyeglass Prescription

At your annual eye exam, ask your eye doctor what reading power you need.

Power Finder

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

• You have a pair of readers that used to work for you, but now things are a bit blurry and you believe you need a stronger power.
• Or to get an estimated reading power based on your age range.

Printable Diopter Chart

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

Visit our What Reading Glasses Power Do I Need? guide to learn more.

How to Buy Reading Glasses

Beginning your search for a pair of reading glasses may seem daunting, but if you know the answers to the following questions, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of readers in no time!

What Reading Glasses Lens Type Do I Need?

	Bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses. This lens type is perfect for those who prefer to wear their readers all day, or who look from their reading to distance vision frequently.
	Fully magnified reading glasses have the magnification of your choice throughout the entire lens. This lens type works best for those who only want to wear readers when necessary.
	Computer readers are the best option for those who will be using a computer or other digital device for an extended period of time. Available in fully magnified, multifocal, or unmagnified lenses, special lens coatings, and tints help reduce eye strain.
	Headed outside? Our reading sunglasses are available with bifocal or fully magnified lenses, and will help you see clearly while protecting your eyes from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays.

What’s My Reading Glasses Style?

Knowing your personal style and the frame shape that looks best 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 be.

Here’s a printable ruler to help you find a style in a size that will fit you best!

Where can I buy reading glasses?

Many people will debate over the best place to buy reading glasses, and it honestly comes down to what you’re looking for in a pair of reading glasses. Over-the-counter (also called non-prescription) reading glasses are commonly found 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, you’re set to start shopping! Readers.com® is one of the largest online reading glasses retailers, with more than 500 unique styles! We understand it can be a little harder to buy reading glasses online, which is why we offer a simple 90-day return or exchange policy. 

About Dr. Holly Vaught, OD

Dr. Holly J. Vaught, is the eye doctor at Vaught Family Eye 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 good standing of the American Optometric Association, 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 glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.

[Updated: January 2020]