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power
Usually reading glasses ranges From +0.25 to +2.50 diopters (a unit of eye prescription measurement), although the average starting power is usually around +0.75. In rare cases, the reading glass strength can reach +4.00.
“Advice for buying reading glasses online is like buying off-the-shelf reading glasses from the pharmacy: it’s a convenient option but not a good idea for everyone,” says Dr. Ravi Goel, spokesperson for the centre. American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you have different medical needs in each eye, astigmatism, high-energy or more complex medical needs, you should see an eye care professional for updated eyeglasses.”
“The wrong prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain or even nausea,” Reed comments. “If you choose to buy online, we recommend choosing a lower strength when choosing between two strengths, as this is generally a safer option, and very strong lenses tend to cause more discomfort than those that are a little weaker.”
Joel points out that everyone over the age of 40 should see an ophthalmologist for a medical eye exam, because that’s the age at which presbyopia and blinding eye diseases typically begin. In addition, not all eye diseases begin with noticeable symptoms.
Type of reading glasses
“There are four main types of reading glasses: single vision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive,” says Joel, who defines them as follows:
- Single vision reading lenses Usually designed to correct near vision only.
- Bifocal lenses You have a correction for reading on the bottom half of the lens and another for distance at the top.
- Trifocal lenses There are three sections: distant, intermediate, and near vision. These can be especially helpful for people over 50 who suffer from decreased depth of focus, Reed says.
- Progressive lenses Achieve a smooth transition between far and near focal areas with no visible dividing lines. “It provides a more natural look and a smoother transition between different viewing distances,” Reed adds.
“When there aren’t enough generic OTC readers, prescription reading glasses — also called single vision readers — are a great next step. They’re custom-made by your eye doctor to correct astigmatism, uneven prescriptions, or other specific vision needs,” Reed says. “For those who need multiple levels of vision correction, there are multifocal lenses.”
Best lens material
“It depends on the lifestyle,” says Joel. “For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might prefer polycarbonate, which is lightweight and doesn’t break easily. There are also several lens coatings available for comfort (e.g., anti-reflective coatings) but they are not required.”
Joel points out that the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light-blocking glasses or lenses because “there is no scientific evidence to suggest that blue light-blocking glasses help reduce eye strain.” Instead, take breaks from work-related activities and use eye drops if necessary. If you still have symptoms, see an eye doctor.
According to Reed, most people choose from the following three lens materials for reading glasses:
- CR-39 plastic lenses: They are affordable, lightweight, and provide good optical clarity, making them a popular choice for basic reading glasses.
- Polycarbonate lenses: Lighter and significantly more impact resistant than CR-39 plastic, making them a safer option for people who tend to drop their glasses or want something more durable.
- High index plastic lenses: Thinner and lighter than other materials, they are a good choice for people who need a stronger prescription but want to avoid thick, heavy lenses.
“For most reading glasses, especially for casual or indoor use, CR-39 plastic works well,” Reed says. “If you need extra durability or prefer thinner, lighter lenses, polycarbonate or high-index materials may be a better fit. Your optometrist can help recommend the best lens material based on your specific needs.”
Reid adds that not all lens materials and coatings are created equal. That’s why it’s important to check with your eye doctor to make sure the reading glasses you choose are right for you.
style
One of the most fun parts of buying eyeglasses is finding a frame that suits and matches your personal style Your face shape. When shopping for eyeglasses online, pay attention to material, color and width.
price
Reading glasses can range from affordable to expensive. For example, if you want a pair of designer reading glasses, be prepared to spend more than $100. If you tend to lose your reading glasses, you may want to buy more inexpensive pairs to keep several on hand.
“The price of glasses does not necessarily reflect quality; the real question is whether someone finds off-the-shelf reading glasses useful or if they need custom reading glasses to meet their vision needs,” Joel explains.
“In general, spending more on frames doesn’t mean you’ll end up with better quality glasses. You don’t need designer frames to have a good set of glasses. For prescription lenses, such as bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses, an optometrist will help you choose good lenses that best meet your vision needs. Personal assessment of your vision needs is an added value that online sellers often miss.”
Additional coatings
You can get reading glasses with blue light-treated lenses and anti-glare and anti-polarization coatings. But note that you will likely have to pay extra for it.
Shipping and returns
If you buy your reading glasses online, you probably won’t be able to try them on before you buy. As a result, make sure that the company has a returns and exchanges policy that you can work with. As for shipping, if you need your reading glasses as quickly as possible, it’s best to go with a company that offers express or overnight shipping.