Do you find it difficult to read the small text or focus on nearby objects? Do you need to hold your digital devices inches away from your eyes when scrolling social media? If you're struggling to complete close-up tasks, reading glasses may provide the comfort and clarity you've been missing.
People Also Ask
- What is the difference between reading glasses and regular glasses? Reading glasses are designed to view close-up objects and are not necessarily used for precise vision correction. Additionally, reading glasses are not meant for full-time use. On the other hand, regular glasses are meant for comprehensive vision correction and all-day wear.
- What is the point of reading glasses? Reading glasses are meant to make it easier to complete close-up tasks or to read small print. Reading glasses can help with a variety of things in day-to-day life.
- How do I know I need reading glasses? If you are unsure if you need reading glasses or prescription glasses, you should visit your local eye clinic. If you find yourself holding books differently, squinting your eyes to see fine print, or experiencing headaches or blurry vision, you may need reading glasses.
- Can I wear reading glasses all the time? Reading glasses aren't meant for full-time use - they are designed for part-time wear when completing close-up tasks, such as reading or sewing. If you wear your reading glasses frequently, you may need to update your regular prescription glasses.
Keep reading, and we'll tell you how reading glasses can help you.
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What Are Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses, also known as "readers," are non-prescription glasses that help with up-close vision. They are designed to help people see clearly when completing close-up tasks, such as reading, drawing, or sewing. They can make a huge difference in day-to-day life, giving people the ability to live with clarity and comfort.
As we age, our eyes naturally lose elasticity. This can affect our ability to focus on close-up objects, such as a smartphone or a book. Reading glass can give a temporary boost to up-close vision, allowing us to see close-up items clearly.
How Are Reading Glasses Different From Regular Prescription Glasses?
Reading glasses are crafted for a specific purpose, while regular prescription glasses are tailored for specific individuals. Prescription glasses can help individuals with refractive efforts such as astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), or hyperopia (farsightedness). Reading glasses can only assist with up-close vision.
- Prescription level: Regular glasses have a specific lens strength tailored to your needs. Your optometrist will find the lens prescription for your regular glasses when you go in for an eye exam. Readers usually have a generic strength, which typically ranges from +1.00 to +4.00.
- Focus area: Readers are only meant for near vision, while regular glasses can be for multiple distances, including near vision, far vision, or intermediate vision.
- Customization options: Readers can be purchased "off the shelf" and usually are only available in generic lens strengths. On the other hand, regular glasses offer a high level of customization, as they are usually tailored to each individual.
- Lens technology: Readers are typically only single-vision for close-up objects. On the other hand, regular glasses can have advanced lens technology, such as progressive lenses, anti-glare coatings, or polarized lenses.
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Do I Need Reading Glasses?
Readers are typically worn by people suffering from presbyopia. Presbyopia is an eye condition that is a natural part of aging, and causes the eyes to lose elasticity and become rigid. This can have an effect on near vision.
Because reading glasses are typically available in generic prescription strengths, it isn't always easy to find the right prescription lenses. Unlike regular glasses that are tailored to the individual, you may be required to find the right reading glasses through trial and error.
If you believe you may need a new pair of reading glasses (or even regular glasses), it's a good idea to visit your optometrist. Your optometrist will help you determine the right path when it comes to vision correction. An eye exam is a key part of overall wellness, as your optometrist will also screen you for signs of eye disease.
When you visit Oculus Eyecare, our team of opticians will even match you with the perfect pair of frames. Whether you have reading glasses or prescription glasses, beautiful frames will give you the confidence you deserve!
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.