Primer for First Timers

Do You Need Reading Glasses?

Reading difficulty happens to the vast majority of us as we age, and usually becomes noticeable when we get to our 40’s. The condition is call presbyopia, which is cause by a naturally occurring loss of elasticity in the eye. That is why the print on menus, newspapers, and smart-phones become difficult to read.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Do you find yourself squinting and holding your reading material farther away?
• Do you have a hard time reading in lower light conditions?
• Are you around 40 years old and experience eye strain when reading?
• Have you recently begun having trouble reading but your vision is still great at a distance, or you traditionally wear contact lenses to correct distance vision but notice your up-close reading is becoming more difficult?

If any of those indicators feel familiar, you’re probably a candidate for reading glasses. We say ‘probably’ because if you have any of the problems we just mentioned and experience difficulty or eye strain with objects farther away, like when driving, you might need a prescription solution and not a ready-made solution, which is what reading glasses are.

Are Reading Glasses
the Same as Regular “Glasses”?

Reading glasses are available throughout the united states as a non-prescription solution. They are the most common remedy for the loss of near vision as the are safe, effective, affordable, and quick-to-access. Those just beginning to notice the need for reading glasses will generally select something in the lower power ranges, like +1.00 to +1.50 range. These numbers represent “diopters,” the unit optometrists use to measure the degree of correction (focusing power assistance the eyes need.

Finding the Right
Reading Glasses for You

Single Vision
Full Readers
Single magnification throughout entire lens keeps text in focus no matter which portion of the lens you’re looking through.
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Single Vision
Half Readers
Single magnification throughout entire lens keeps text in focus no matter which portion of the lens you’re looking through. Lower frame profile allows wearer to glance over the lens for undistorted distance vision.
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Progressive
No-line Bifocals
The upper portions of the lenses are clear (not magnified). As you lower your eyes the magnification increases gradually - with full reading power at bottom.
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Computer-style
Progressive Bifocals
Computer reading lenses are a version of progressive lenses. They incorporate full reading power at the lower portion of the lens; the upper lens has approximately 60% magnification strength, perfect for mid-range desktop reading and other tasks.
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Progressive No-line
Reading Sunglasses
The upper portions of the lenses are normal tinted sunglasses (not magnified). As you lower your eyes the magnification increases gradually, with full reading power at bottom.
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Bifocal Reading
Sunglasses
Most of the lens remains non-magnified. In the lower portion of the frame, a secondary lens provides magnification for when you want to read. The entire lens provides UV protection.
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Traditional
Bifocals
The upper portion of the lenses is clear. Lowering your eyes to the bifocal segment provides magnification for reading.
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Frame & Face Shape
Fit Guide
We’ll help you find your first pair of reading glasses that feel comfortable and look great.
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