Do you notice that your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be – specifically when reading or seeing things up close? It could signify that you’re developing presbyopia, a natural product of aging that affects your ability to see things closely. But it’s no cause for concern. The solution could simply be that you need reading glasses. In this article, you’ll learn all the signs to look for (no pun intended!) to determine if reading glasses are right for you.
Signs You Need Reading Glasses
- If you notice things look blurry when you hold them close to your line of vision. For example, if you are reading a book and have to intentionally place it farther away to read the words more precisely.
- You are unable to see tiny lettering in dim lighting.
- You have to close one eye to see better with the other.
- You experience pain when you try to do any activity that requires you to focus on details.
- You frequently experience headaches when you read.
What Strength of Reading Glasses Should You Choose?
You can easily purchase reading glasses at your local supermarket or drugstore. Reading glasses have a variety of strengths, measured in diopters that typically range from +1.00 to +4.00 and go up in units of 0.25. If you only need minor vision correction, you’ll probably need a strength of +1.25. If your vision worsens, you may need to go up in diopters. If you are unsure what strength is right for you, start at a low number, then try to read something close up to see if there is any improvement. Go up or down diopters until you find a strength that makes reading sharp and easy. There are also online diopter reading tests that may help.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you need reading glasses, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, who can properly assess your eyes and recommend the strength. They may also recommend certain pairs of glasses like bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses to improve your overall vision. An eye doctor will also evaluate for potential eye complications or underlying factors causing your vision problems.