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If you’re finding reading difficult, you might be tempted to buy a pair of cheap, off-the-shelf reading glasses rather than going to an optician. Here at KJ Green Opticians in Benfleet, Essex, we always recommend getting an eye examination if you haven’t needed glasses before, or if your eyes have got worse.
Eye tests check that your eyes are healthy
If you’re 40 or over, (the age when people usually start needing reading glasses), you need regular eye examinations to make sure that your eyes are healthy.
As you age, the chance of developing eye problems that don’t have symptoms increases. An optician will check for the following conditions, which are more common from middle age onwards:
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Prescription glasses versus ready-made glasses
So, once you’ve had your eyes tested, is it okay to buy ready-made reading glasses? Let’s look at the difference between ready readers and prescription glasses.
‘Ready readers’ can be found in most chemists, supermarkets, and even petrol stations. But, while they offer some sight correction, they can’t do the job as well as prescription lenses.
Glasses only work properly when several parts of the lens and frame are tailored to the person wearing them. And, it’s vital the artificial lens curves precisely to compensate for the eye’s faulty one.
Ready-made reading glasses:
- Lenses may not be correctly aligned with your eyes
- Same lens for both eyes – but many people need a different lens for each
- Frames and lenses are mass-produced with standard measurements
- Ready-made glasses don’t correct astigmatism (the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football)
- Not suitable for wearing for driving or watching TV
- Can give you headaches and eyestrain
Prescription reading glasses:
- Correct any differences between your eyes, and astigmatism
- Are precisely measured to make sure your lenses sit in the correct position in front of your eyes
- Suitable for use when reading, watching TV, and driving
- Will resolve headaches and eyestrain
- How eyesight changes as you get older
- When you change from looking at something far away, to looking at something close up, the lenses in your eyes change shape to focus. As you get older, the lenses become less elastic causing long-sightedness. The condition is called presbyopia.
Presbyopia is something that happens to everyone and is a natural part of ageing. By the time you reach your late 50s, your eyes will no longer have any natural focusing ability.
Signs that you need reading glasses
If you’re in your late 30s or over 40, and you find yourself holding things away from you to see them properly, you may need glasses. Presbyopia happens gradually as your lens loses its elasticity. So close work, such as threading a needle, will be affected at first, followed by things like reading a magazine and focusing on a computer screen.
You might notice you’re getting headaches, suffering eyestrain, or feeling tired after doing certain activities, such as handwriting.
Do glasses make eyesight worse?
Wearing glasses won’t make your eyes worse; presbyopia happens because the lenses lose flexibility, not because the muscles in your eyes are getting weaker.
Off-the-shelf ready reader glasses probably won’t do you any harm either. They can be useful as a spare pair when you’re shopping, or for keeping in the car. But KJ Green Opticians recommends you have at least one pair of accurate, prescription glasses that you use for most reading.
Your custom pair will fit your exact prescription, and the lenses will sit correctly in front of your eyes, so you look through the centre of them. The frame will fit your face comfortably too, which will make using your glasses easier. At KJ Green Opticians, we combine years of experience and expertise with first-class, friendly customer service. Book an appointment today for a thorough and detailed eye examination for a clearer tomorrow.
Ray Franklin
2023-05-09
My family have been using Matthew and his team at K J Greens for a number of years and we will continue to do so. There customer care and service is excellent, they go that extra mile to treat like there most important customer every time. Another very happy customer Regards Ray F
Mark Nelsondethleff
2023-03-23
I’ve been a customer for 20 years and always received a great service. Matthew and his team always make me feel welcome and everything is done with a smile. Thoroughly recommend kJ Green Opticians
Alicia Lewins
2023-03-15
I've been wearing glasses for 28 years and have always used K J Green opticians and experienced the very best customer service, as have my whole family. We would never go anywhere else. Highly recommended.
Helen Rubinstein
2023-02-26
Very helpful. Extremely thorough.
Maria Pearman
2022-12-19
I received excellent service which was very helpful and friendly. The eye test I received was very thorough and I am really pleased with my glasses. Thank you 😊
Alex Willing
2022-12-12
K J Green we’re amazing with helping me with a bit of trouble I had with my contact lenses! Thank you so much!
Peter Lillystone
2022-10-01
Wasn't even a customer but Richard fixed my frames and gave me some excellent advice. I know where my next eye test will be.
peter burgering
2022-09-12
This was my first visit to K J Green and I must apologise for not visiting sooner. I was given the most thorough eye test compared to other places! I found the service excellent and was very impressed with the choice of glasses offered and last but not least, pleasantly surprised at the final cost.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 13 reviews
For over 50 years, KJ Green Opticians have upheld the highest standards of optical services that exceed our established reputation. Based in Benfleet, Essex, we pride ourselves on having a dedicated and knowledgeable team, available for everyone.
Contact us
- 01268 752919
- reception@kjgreen.co.uk
- 135 London Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5UH
- Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:30, Sat: 9:00 - 14:00, Sun: Closed
More information
- Book An Eye Examination Online
- About KJ Greens Opticians
- Privacy Notice
- Practice Policies
© 2024 K.J. GREEN OPTICAL LIMITED. Company Registration: 10149707. All Rights Reserved.
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