How Do I Know If I Need Reading Glasses?

You may be noticing 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 arm’s length to read your text messages. Does this sound like you?

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 +3.50, 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

Use our Power Finder Tool to determine the best reading power for you. You can also use this tool if:
· You are locating eyewear with your current prescription.
· 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 Type of Reading Glasses Lens 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.

Blue light reading glasses are a great option for those who will be using a computer or other digital device for an extended period of time. These glasses help filter blue-violet light* from the sun and digital devices and are available in fully magnified, multifocal, unmagnified lenses, and special lens coatings.

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.

Multi-focal reading glasses are perfect for multi-tasking throughout your day with the same pair of glasses. The lenses are divided into three varying strengths: your reading power, your adjusted computer viewing power, and your face-to-face conversation power.

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.

How do I take care of my reading glasses?

Taking care of your reading glasses is important to ensure they last a long time and provide clear vision when you need it. One of the best ways to care for your glasses is by using a microfiber cloth. This type of cloth is gentle on the lenses and helps to remove dust and debris without scratching them.

When you’re not using your glasses, it’s also important to store them in a glasses case or pouch to protect them from accidental damage.

Finally, using a cleaning solution specifically designed for glasses is important to keep them clean and smudge-free.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your reading glasses in great condition for years to come.

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.

 

*Blue-violet light refers to the 415-455 nanometer range of the visible light spectrum. The percentage represents the average amount of potentially harmful blue light filtered at 5 nanometer increments in this range. Covered under U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,574. Other U.S. and foreign patents pending.
[Updated: January 2020]