It’s a fact of life that near vision worsens with age. While you can always rely on your optometrist for assistance, you don’t have to these days. With so many over-the-counter options to choose from, you can arm yourself with a few simple tips and discover how to choose reading glasses on your own.
Why Near Vision Falters with Age
When someone pulls out a pair of reading glasses to peruse the menu at a restaurant, the cause usually lies with presbyopia. This condition is part of the natural aging process. In fact, presbyopia means “old eye,” and it’s the reason that over 60 percent of the population wears reading glasses, according to the Optometrists Network. Typically seen after the age of 40, presbyopia develops as the lens in the eye becomes more rigid, which makes focusing on closer objects harder.
Signs of presbyopia include the following:
- Difficulty seeing close items
- Frequently squinting or rubbing your eyes
- Trouble with tired eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Issues seeing after dark
- Problems with seeing halos around lights
How to Select Reading Glasses
If you need them, knowing how to choose reading glasses is a must. People who regularly wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts have an advantage. They can check with their eye doctor about the proper strength. However, choosing over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses requires some experimentation. After all, brands and preferences can vary.
Having the flexibility to pick up a pair of readers at the store is always handy. The following tips can help:
- Readers are available in a variety of styles and qualities. Choosing fashionable frames that fit your face is a great start, but don’t overlook the quality of the lenses. Look for a brand that comes with clear lenses without distortions, waves, or bubbles.
- Readers come in powers. This generally ranges from +0.75 to +3.00. The lower numbers offer weaker magnification and are typically recommended for younger people or less intensive tasks.
- In stores, displays of readers often have charts available to help readers pick a power of lenses. These charts are intended to mimic reading normal-size print at an average distance.
- Experts encourage people to experiment with readers in various powers for different tasks. If one power is ideal for reading a book, a lower power may be better for working on a computer because the screen is lit and farther away. A stronger power would generally be better when working on tiny, detailed jobs.
- Users who are unsure about which power to pick are encouraged to opt for the weaker reader. Using a weaker power is less likely to cause eyestrain than pushing through with a reader that is too strong.
Ready-Made Readers vs. Custom Eyeglasses
OTC reading glasses, which are sometimes dubbed cheaters, can be conveniently purchased at a drug store or the pharmacy of a big box retailer. You can also order them online. No prescription is required, and they generally cost less than $20. While you’ll find a variety of styles and a range of powers, they are a one-size-fits-all product. They only give near vision a boost. They do not provide custom solutions or address other common vision issues.
Custom eyeglasses are generally made from an optometrist’s prescription. While they’re more expensive, they can provide expert correction that is personalized for each of your eyes and the way that you use them. With the proper prescription, they can also deal with various visual issues, including troubles with near and far vision and astigmatism.
_____
Reading glasses are a handy tool that nearly everyone will need in one form or another as they age. Knowing how to pick a good pair is a useful skill. After all, even if you have prescription glasses or contacts that offer assistance with near vision, there may be times when you want the easy flexibility that affordable readers offer.
Good luck choosing your readers!
Are you looking for a community that provides a positive, healthy atmosphere where your loved ones can enjoy their golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen may be just the place. It’s an assisted living and memory care community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. Surrounded by a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, our residence offers the accessibility of apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments and more. We look forward to hearing from you!