The Pros and Cons of Reading Glasses | Eyelux Optometry (2024)

FAQs

What is the disadvantage of reading glasses? ›

Often times headaches and nausea can result from wearing the wrong prescription of readers or may have optical centers far from your pupil centers. This is why we recommend having an eye doctor specialist do an eye exam.

But if your vision is already 20/20, you may still need glasses or contacts to correct other refractive errors like astigmatism or hyperopia (farsightedness), it's possible you may still need glasses.

The higher the number in diopters, the higher the strength. So, +1.25 reading glasses would be less strong than +1.50 reading glasses, which would be less strong than +1.75 reading glasses.

Are over-the-counter reading glasses safe? The reading glasses available at your local drugstore or dollar store are perfectly safe, say Yuen and Madan. They're just lower quality, and not the most effective. “The glasses that are over the counter are very simple magnifiers,” says Madan.

If you don't already need to wear regular eyeglasses, they may even be fine for longer. But cheap readers only magnify the print to help you read it. They are not specific to your individual eye's needs. They probably won't harm your eyesight, but you may experience headaches and eye strain if you use them too much.

You'll become more dependent on them as presbyopia sets in, but, this would happen regardless of whether you wear reading glasses or not.

Wearing reading glasses all the time won't harm your eyes' health, but you may get a headache from wearing them while driving, playing sports, or other activities that involve a wider scope of vision. It's important to get the right glasses for your particular circ*mstances.

Misleadingly called “magnifiers”

According to the FDA, over-the-counter reading glasses are categorized as “magnifying spectacles”, which is unintentionally misleading to many consumers. This is because the primary function of these convex lenses is to improve the focus of near objects.

Signs that it may be time for reading glasses

Blurry vision when viewing things at your typical reading distance. Holding reading materials at arm's length to see clearly. Increasing font size when reading on a smartphone, computer or tablet. Needing more light to be able to read.

It's possible you'll need more than one pair of readers. You might prefer stronger glasses for very close activities, like reading or beadwork, but weaker glasses for activities that are a bit farther away, like seeing a computer screen or woodworking. Remember, the higher the number, the closer you'll be able to see.

How do I know if my reading glasses are too strong? ›

There are a few warning signs to look for if you think your glasses are too strong, including blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, dizziness and nausea, and problems with depth perception.

How much do glasses cost? A pair of glasses can range anywhere from $10 for readers to several thousand dollars depending on the brand and prescription lenses. But average prescription eyewear costs between $200 and $300 in today's market. Without insurance to cover the cost, you will need to search for the best price.

The primary difference is in the quality of the materials. More expensive reading glasses will be made with better, higher quality materials. The lenses may be scratch resistant and fit the frame better. They may be made out of thinner and lighter materials.

The lenses of OTC reading glasses will likely have some quality issues. When you buy a pair of reading glasses from your eye doctor, they're made of high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate. These prescription lenses are free of defects. That means you'll see your best while wearing them.

Wearing reading glasses all day won't hurt your eyes, but you want to make sure you're only wearing them for reading, using your phone and other up-close tasks. Donning a pair of reading glasses is an easy way to enhance your vision while reading a book, tablet or phone screen.

Reading glasses can help you with a variety of things, including improving your vision and making it easier to read. Consider using them if you have difficulty reading small print or seeing close-up objects. They will not only help improve your vision, but they will also make daily activities much easier.

Yes, almost everyone will eventually need to use reading glasses, even if you have always had perfect vision. Presbyopia is a normal part of aging, and while you don't have to embrace it, you can try to enjoy it. Reading glasses can become another way to express your unique style.

“Many patients come to me panicked because someone told them over the counter readers are bad for their eyes and can cause damage but this is completely untrue.” Inna Ozerov MD Miami Eye Surgeon Director of the Miami Eye Institute says.