What Strength Reading Glasses Do I Need?

Some subtle changes in the body are common with ageing, and difficulties in reading are one of them. If you are facing this issue, don’t worry; it is not a critical eye issue. 

It mostly happens because to presbyopia, which 69% of people in the UK suffer from. You can fix this with the correct reading glasses. We know that visiting a local store and grabbing some stylish reading glasses is tempting, but it is not the ideal way. 

You must know the ideal reading glass strength for the best results. The correct reading glasses will not only help you to see clearly but also help you get rid of various discomforts. In this scenario, you might be confused about, ‘How do I know what strength reading glasses I need?’. 

To answer this, today, we will delve into various facts about reading glass strength and provide a chart. The reading glasses strength chart will help you choose the perfect one and live a smooth life. 

Let’s begin!

What is Reading Glasses Strength?

Before discussing the deeper factors of reading glass strength, it is urgent to explore the definition of reading glass strength for better understanding. The strength of reading glass means the strength of its lenses, and higher strength means increased magnification level of the lenses.

The strength of the reading glass is denoted as “dioptre” or “reading power”,” and sometimes it is referred to with a plus sign. It is measured in increments of .50 dioptres to distinguish between stronger and weaker vision. 

This means that if you have significant vision issues, you will require high-strength glasses, the strength of which will increase to .50 dioptres. For example, if you have high vision issues, you might need a strength of around +3.00. 

On the other hand, if you are at the primary stage or have minor issues, you will require a glass with +1.50 strength or lower. If you are stuck on the question, ‘What strength reading glasses do I need?’, you must first understand the depth of your issue. 

What is the Difference between Non-prescriptions vs. Prescription Reading Glasses? 

Before delving into the difference, let’s identify the definition first. When you visit a clinic, get checked, and get the ideal lenses, you are buying prescription reading glasses. On the other hand, when you visit a store, wear different reading glasses, and buy whatever feels comfortable, you are buying non-prescribed reading glasses. 

Most buyers prefer buying random reading glasses from shops, known as over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses. They feel it is way more convenient than visiting a doctor and getting checked due to its affordability and flexibility. However, it is not a good way; the best decision is to connect with an expert. 

This is because the doctor or optician does not focus only on clearing the vision for reading. They take time to examine other issues and suggest correcting measures. For example, with a dedicated lens and reading, you can see the phone screen or car dashboard smoothly. 

On the other hand, the OTCs are one size fits all, so they might not be comfortable for all or perfect for all objects. Naturally, it is not going to pay you for a longer run. It is only the tip of the iceberg; here are some more distinguished differences of these two- 

Reading lenses are an aid fitting into your lifestyle and demands. It must be according to you. Additionally, the expert provides an overall eye health check-up while visiting the clinic.

You might visit to find out, ‘What strength reading glasses do I need?’ The optician will help you diagnose issues like cataracts or glaucoma, which means that one visit, will pay off in the long run.  

Why Do Anyone Need Reading Glasses? 

Booking a clinical appointment or getting the reading glasses is easy; do you know the most challenging part? It is to understand why you need one reading glass and why.

Presbyopia is a condition where you need a reading glass. In this condition, you face issues focusing on nearby objects and words over time. Naturally, you struggle to read or see nearby things. 

In short, you need reading glasses to clear your vision and prevent future complications. Although it is common in adults, like those 40 or older, you can develop it earlier if you read extensively. Apart from reading, if you do any job that requires higher eye strength or hours of constant focusing on one object, you might develop it earlier. 

What is the Importance of Having the Correct Reading Glasses Strength?

The importance of prescribed glasses often gets underestimated, and people prefer OTCs due to their affordability. Sometimes, people delay buying because they ‘don’t feel so’ and keep reading by squinting. Additionally, it is crucial to mention that there is a myth that reading glasses make the eye lazy and delay the purchase. 

Let us inform you that reading glasses is paramount, and the mentioned myth is only a myth. Here is a glimpse of its importance- 

1. Reduced Headaches 

If you suffer from presbyopia, it causes reading difficulties and eye strain. Due to this, you might suffer from frequent headaches, too. 

Reading glasses with the correct strength reduce the strain and ease the pain. You might think, ‘Reading glasses, what strength do I need?’. The only answer is to go to a clinic and get checked to know this.

2. Smooth Reading 

One crucial importance of reading glasses is that they ensure smooth reading. Correct lens strength sharpens the small print and makes it easy to read. Naturally, you can read peacefully without any pain. It also reduces eye fatigue (because of lesser strain), and you can read for hours. 

3. Personalised Lenses 

Correct reading glasses always offer customisation, which means they will craft it according to the needs of your eyes. People often have some odd strength (highest or lowest) and do not find the perfect one at the shops. It confuses them, and they ask, ‘What strength of reading glasses do I need?’ With an accurate diagnosis and lens, you will never face this question. 

4. Cost Effective 

You might be shocked by this point because the prescribed reading glasses are costlier. How are we claiming this? Remember, the prescribed glasses come in top-notch quality, last for years, and do not require repetitive costs. These high-quality glasses also offer facilities like anti-scratch coating, which makes them ideal for daily use and profitable investment. 

5. Perfect Fitting 

Fitting is crucial for eyeglasses because they will not serve the purpose if they don’t fit well. Random glasses tend to be oversized to address maximum people, so for many, they don’t fit properly. Naturally, many people get confused about how to choose the perfect one. If you go for the prescribed one, the experts will make it according to your needs, and it will fit perfectly. 

For the future, read ‘How to choose the correct size frame?‘ and you will never face any issues while choosing the ideal frame. 

As the importance of prescribed reading specs can be stated, it saves your eyes for the future and reduces your pain. Hence, do not take any second thoughts; your eyes are precious. Go for the prescribed one only. 

What are the Different Strengths of Reading Glasses? 

Reading glasses come in different strengths, and the strength of the eyeglass depends on your presbyopia and needs. Reading eyeglass strength starts at a low level, like +0.25, and goes as high as +4.00 dioptres. 

However, the lowest and highest power is not common, and you must custom it. The most common available power is +1.00 and +2.50. Usually, the power increments by 0.25 or 0.50, and during the test, the optician use different power glasses to understand the requirement. 

According to doctors, presbyopia takes years to develop, and it can be controlled with proper care. In the beginning, you don’t need high-strength glasses, yet with ignorance, it can worsen and cause threatening issues like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. 

For example, it starts with mild vision problems, and a spec with eyeglass strength like +0.25 or +0.50 is enough. Increasing age and negligence can worsen and require glasses with power like +3.50 – +4.00 dioptres. 

If you plan to buy glasses from a drugstore (which we don’t recommend), look at the strength of the regular reading glasses. This will help you evaluate which one is best for you. 

1. Reading Glass Strength for Beginners

 According to experts, the most suitable glass strength for beginners is +1.00 dioptres to +1.50 dioptres. This power is perfect for people with mild presbyopia who need a slight magnification for reading small print. Usually, people in their mid- or early 40s need it while developing the issue. 

2. Reading Glasses Strength for Moderate Issues 

People with moderate vision problems need one level higher correction than beginners. For them, eyeglass strength +1.50 dioptres to +2.50 dioptres is perfect. People in their mid or early 50s need this type of higher magnification to solve their reading issues.

3. Reading Glasses Strength for Severe Problems 

These reading glasses solve issues of people with severe vision problems. These glasses have the strength of +2.50 dioptres to +3.50 dioptres. The higher magnification level helps people to read the smallest print and reduces discomfort. 

Reading Glasses Test Chart

If you live in a remote place without a well-equipped clinic or drugstore, you might be confused about ‘How do I know what strength reading glasses I need’?

To survive this condition, you can conduct an eye test at home to determine your reading eyeglass strength. It might seem daunting because you don’t have the correct equipment, but it is not impossible. 

For the eye test, arrange some glasses with different strengths and print an eyeglass reader’s strength chart. Place the chart about fourteen inches from your face, and you can start the test. 

To take the test, read the chart from top to bottom with the strength glass mentioned in it. The chart starts with the shortest words and ends with the largest ones. 

Close one eye, wear a glass, and read the chart for accurate results. Stop when you can see crystal clear words, and do not forget to note the power. 

There are chances that you might have two different powers in two eyes, and take note of that, too. Here is the chart you need to print out and read- 

The chart is ideal for home tests, and for the best results, it is advised to hang it against the wall. This will ensure zero movement and an accurate reading.

Ways to Know the Right Reading Glasses Strength 

Finding the perfect reading glasses is crucial. They help clear vision and contribute to decreasing other discomforts like headaches, eye strain, eye fatigue, etc. Now, one might ask, how do I do it best? 

The best way is to visit a clinic and get checked by a professional. This leaves no room for guessing or mistakes and ensures the best for you. Apart from the accurate examination, the expert also provides an overall eye examination, which helps to identify any underlying issue and custom design the eyeglass strength. 

However, if you live in a remote place and can’t access an expert right now, here are some ways to know the correct reading glass strength. 

1. At-home Eye Test 

The above section already includes an eyeglass strength chart, which can be used for an at-home test. However, you must arrange all the strength glasses for accurate results and conduct the test one eye at a time, which will help you evaluate the strength separately. 

Then, visit any offline store or eyeglass website to make reading glasses according to your preference. Again, do not forget to recheck the eyeglass strength from an optician once you get the chance. 

2. Use Your Age to Choose Glass 

Presbyopia mainly develops with age and worsens over time. Most people start getting it in their early or mid-40s, yet, depending on the profession, many can develop it faster.

As it is closely associated with the ageing process, you can use your age as a tool to choose the ideal reading glass for yourself. Here is a guideline that commonly gets used-

3. Visit Offline Stores 

Many people prefer to buy reading glasses from stores or over the counters. This helps them get updated, stylish glasses at a cheaper price. To get accurate glasses, try visiting stores with a wide range of frames (for trial) and reading charts. 

It will help you test the glasses correctly and choose the ideal one. You can carry reading materials from home to test the glasses. Do not hesitate to ask for help; take ample time before heading to the payment counter. 

Choosing the ideal glass ensures your comfort and eye health. Hopefully, these tips will help you get the perfect one and avoid future issues. If you face persistent issues (despite using a reading glass), visit a doctor as early as possible. 

Wear the Right Reading Glass and Bid Adieu to Discomforts 

Many users remain confused over ‘What strength reading glasses do I need?’ because choosing the perfect one can be tricky. Your two eyes can have different powers or many other issues, so you are advised to visit a clinic. Only a professional can properly evaluate your eye health and other concerns and suggest perfect glass strength. 

If you are worried about style, don’t worry; Royal Specs is here to save you. Get a prescription for eyeglass strength, upload it on their website, and get your customised specs done. They offer both prescription glasses and sunglasses online at an affordable price. 

Their over a decade of experience helps them blend style with comfort and medical science. Additionally, they offer facilities like a 30-day return policy, free shipping over £99, and more. Visit the site to learn more and get your glasses now!

Ste-Todd

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