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What Strength Reading Glasses Do I Need?

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Person wearing magnification readers Our vision changes over time. While it may seem like your vision is OK, you most likely haven’t noticed the gradual change in your eyesight – very few people do. But how do you know if you actually need magnification readers?

If you’re unclear whether you need reading glasses or not, start by asking yourself the following questions. This will give you a general idea of whether or not it’s time for some reading glasses.

  1. Are you over the age of 40? While everyone’s eyesight changes at a different rate, most people develop presbyopia in their 40s. This is an aging-related condition where the eyes strain to focus on nearby objects.
  2. Do your eyes tire while reading or working on a computer? This is a common symptom of presbyopia. If you’re developing the condition, your eyes may feel like they’re working harder and straining more than they used to.
  3. Do you require brighter light when reading? Does it feel like you never have enough light? People in their 60s tend to need three times as much light as a 20-year-old.
  4. Are you seeing halos? When the lenses of your eyes can’t focus light into your retina, your vision can appear blurry. You will begin to see glowing circles around light bulbs and headlights.
  5. Do you get noticeably more headaches? Feeling a headache right behind your eyes? You will naturally get more headaches as you’re constantly straining your eyes to read or focus.

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it may be an indicator that you need reading glasses.

Once it’s been determined that you require reading glasses, it’s time to figure out the correct strength of reading glasses you’ll need. By following this guide, you’ll be better able to find the perfect pair of reading glasses for your unique vision needs.

1. What Is Your Age?

Most over the age of 40 will need reading glasses at some point. It happens to all of us. This is typically caused by age-related changes in the eye’s lens. These changes can make it much more difficult to focus on small print or close-up objects.

If you’ve never had to previously wear prescription glasses, you’ll likely be able to wear non-prescription magnification readers. There are various over the counter reading glasses strengths to choose from. But which strength is right for you?

A good starting point is to use your age to determine a recommended range of reading glasses power:

Your Age                  Recommended Reading Glasses Power

40 to 44                      +0.75 to +1.00

45 to 49                      +1.25 to +1.75

50 to 54                      +1.75 to +2.00

55 to 59                      +2.00 to +2.25

60+                             +2.25 to +2.50

Those in their 40s typically do better with lower power reading glasses. Those in their 60s, on the other hand, do best with higher power reading glasses. This is because, after the age of 60, the optimum reading glasses power tends to remain pretty constant.

The drawback to charts like this, however, is that they assume you’re using the glasses to read normal-size print held at a perfect distance of 14 to 15 inches away from your eyes. We all know this is not often the case. While this chart is a good starting point, your perfect pair of reading glasses will take into account more factors than just your age.

2. What Are Your Typical Habits?

When choosing your reading glasses power, consider how you will most often be using your glasses. This can play a big role in how to determine reading glasses strength.

If you will typically be using your reading glasses for viewing things very small or up close, you’ll want to consider a stronger reading glasses power than what the age-based chart may suggest.

If you’re going to primarily be using your reading glasses when you’re at a computer, you should choose a lower reading glasses power. Most people view their screen from a greater distance than when they’re reading print material. The rule of thumb is that the farther the viewing distance, the less reading glasses power is needed.

3. Get Your Dr. S Reading Glasses Strength Test Score

An accurate way to determine your proper reading glasses power is to take the Dr. S Reading Glasses Strength Test, also known as a diopter test. Start by printing off our easy-to-use guide at actual size (100-percent). Then, hold the page about 12 to 14 inches from your face. Attempt to read each line until you land on a line that you can read clearly and easily. The coordinating strength of that line is your strength score. This is the number you’ll use when ordering your new pair of Dr. S Eyewear magnification readers.

 

 

Find Your Perfect Pair Of Reading Glasses Today

Don’t waste your time or money on low-quality drugstore reading glasses. Try Dr. S Eyewear’s Unisex Reading Glasses for total comfort and quality. Questions? Contact Dr. S Eyewear today for more information.

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