Reading glasses

Reading glasses are spectacles with positive (convex) lenses, designed to enable you to see objects clearly at close range. You mainly use reading glasses for tasks that require you to look at things up close: reading, writing, doing handicrafts, looking at your mobile phone or working on a computer.

Most people need reading glasses from their 40s to 50s, when the eye’s lens becomes less flexible and the eye struggles to focus at close range. This condition is known as age-related long-sightedness or presbyopia. Even people who are naturally long-sighted may need reading glasses for close-up work at a younger age.

The strength of reading glasses is expressed in dioptres, with a plus sign, for example +1.00 or +2.50. The higher the number, the stronger the correction. The strength you need depends on your age and the extent to which your eye’s lens can still accommodate.

Reading glasses only correct vision at close range. If you hold them up and look into the distance, your vision will be blurred. For people who need correction for both near and far vision, there are multifocal or progressive glasses, as well as multifocal contact lenses.

When do you need reading glasses?

You’ll realise you need reading glasses if you can no longer see text or small details clearly at close range, or if you find yourself having to stretch your arm further and further out to read something. Other signs include headaches, tired eyes or difficulty focusing after prolonged close-up work. These are typical signs of presbyopia.

Have your eyes tested by an optician or optometrist to determine the correct prescription. Reading glasses with the wrong prescription can put extra strain on your eyes and make symptoms worse.

Reading glasses and contact lenses

Do you wear contact lenses for distance vision and find that you also need correction for close-up vision? If so, there are several options. You can wear reading glasses over your contact lenses, or switch to multifocal contact lenses that correct both distance and close-up vision. Another option is monovision: correcting one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision.

Discuss with your optician or contact lens specialist which solution best suits your situation.

Ready-made reading glasses

In shops and chemists, you’ll find ready-made reading glasses in standard strengths, often ranging from +1.00 to +3.50. These are useful as a temporary solution or as a spare pair, but they have the same strength in both lenses and do not correct for any other conditions such as astigmatism or a difference in prescription between your eyes.

For everyday use and optimum comfort, a pair of bespoke reading glasses from an optician is the better choice.

Care and cleaning

Clean your reading glasses regularly with lukewarm water and a mild washing-up liquid, or use a special glasses cleaner. Dry the lenses with a clean microfibre cloth to prevent scratches. Store your glasses in a case when you’re not wearing them to prevent damage.