Power
Reading glasses usually range from +0.25 to +2.50 diopters (the unit of measurement for eye prescriptions), although the average initial power is usually +0.75. In rare cases, the power of the reading glass can go up to +4.00.
“Tips for buying reading glasses online are like buying pre-made reading glasses at the drugstore: It’s an easy option but it’s not a good idea for everyone,” says Dr. Ravi Goel, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “If you have unique prescription needs for each eye, astigmatism, high power or complex needs, you should see an eye care professional for updated eyewear.”
Reed seconds this, adding, “The wrong prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain or even nausea. If you choose to buy online, we recommend that you choose the lower power when deciding between the two powers, as this is usually a safer choice, and lenses that are too strong tend to cause more discomfort than those that are less weak.”
Goel notes that everyone over 40 should see an ophthalmologist for a medical eye exam because that’s the age when presbyopia and potentially blinding eye diseases often begin to develop. In addition, not all eye diseases start with visible symptoms.
A type of reading glasses
“There are four main types of reading glasses: single vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive,” said Goel, explaining that:
- Single vision reading lenses they are designed to correct near vision.
- Bifocal lenses have a reading adjustment at the bottom of the lens and another distance at the top.
- Trifocal lenses have three categories: distance, intermediate and near vision. Reed says this can be especially helpful for people over the age of 50 who are experiencing depth of focus.
- Progressive lenses have a smooth transition between distance and close focus areas with no visible dividing lines. “They provide a more natural look and a smoother transition between different viewing distances,” adds Reed.
“When regular OTC pupils are no longer enough, prescription reading glasses — also called single-vision pupils — are the next best step. These are customized by an optician to correct astigmatism, uneven prescriptions or other specific vision needs,” says Reed. “For those who need multiple levels of vision correction, there are multiple lenses.”
Excellent material for lenses
“This depends on the way of life,” said Goel. “For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might choose polycarbonate, which is lightweight and won’t break easily. There are also various lenses available for convenience (ie, anti-reflective coatings) but not required.”
Goel notes that the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend blue light coverage or lenses because “there is no scientific evidence to suggest that blue light blocking glasses help reduce eye strain.” Instead, take a break from work near work and use eye drops if needed. If you continue to have symptoms, see an eye doctor.
According to Reed, most people choose between the following three things for reading glasses:
- CR-39 plastic lenses: It’s affordable, lightweight and provides good visual clarity, making it a popular choice for basic reading glasses.
- Polycarbonate lenses: Lighter and significantly more resistant than CR-39 plastic, making it a safer option for people who frequently drop their glasses or want something more durable.
- High index plastic lenses: It’s thinner and lighter than other materials and is a good choice for people who need a strong prescription but want to avoid thick, heavy lenses.
“For most reading glasses, especially for occasional or indoor use, CR-39 plastic works well,” Reed said. “If you need more strength or prefer thinner, lighter lenses, polycarbonate or high-index materials may be a better fit. Your Optometrist can help recommend lens values based on your specific needs.”
Reed adds that not all lens materials and clothing are created equal. That’s why it’s important to check with your optician to make sure the reading glasses you choose are right for you.
Style
One of the most fun parts of buying glasses is finding a frame that speaks to your personal style and complements your face shape. When shopping for glasses online, pay attention to the material, color and width.
Price
Reading glasses can range from affordable to expensive. For example, if you’re looking for designer reading glasses, be prepared to spend more than $100. If you tend to lose your reading glasses, you may want to buy a less expensive pair to keep more on hand.
“The price of glasses is not necessarily indicative of quality; the real question is if someone finds pre-made reading glasses useful or if they need custom reading glasses to meet their vision needs,” explains Goel.
“In general, spending more money on frames doesn’t mean you’ll end up with better quality glasses. You don’t need designer frames to have a great set of glasses. For prescription lenses, such as bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses, an optician will help you choose the best lenses that best meet your vision needs. A personal evaluation that is often filtered through vision is missed by the Internet.”
Extra clothes
You can find reading glasses with lenses treated with blue light, anti-glare and polarization coatings. But be aware that you will probably have to pay more for these.
Shipping and returns
When you buy your reading glasses online, you probably won’t be able to try them on before you buy them. Because of that, make sure the company has a return and exchange policy that you can work with. Regarding shipping, if you need your reading glasses ASAP, it’s best to go with a company that offers express or overnight shipping.
