Reading Glasses: Do You Need Them & How to Choose

If you’ve started holding your phone at arm’s length to read a text, or you’re squinting at menus in dim restaurants, you might need reading glasses. This is one of the most common vision changes there is; almost everyone experiences it at some point, usually from their 40s onwards. Here’s how to spot the signs, understand what’s causing it, and choose the right glasses for you,

 

Signs You Might Need Reading Glasses

A few common signs suggest it might be time to consider reading glasses:

• Holding books, menus, or your phone further away to bring text into focus
• Needing brighter light to read comfortably
• Headaches or eye strain after reading or close-up work
• Blurred vision at close range, even though your distance vision is still sharp
• Struggling to read small print, such as medicine labels or restaurant menus

 

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth having an eye test to confirm what’s going on and rule out anything else that could be affecting your vision.

 

What Causes the Need for Reading Glasses?

The need for reading glasses is almost always down to a condition called presbyopia; a natural, gradual stiffening of the lens inside your eye that happens with age. It’s not a disease, and it can’t be prevented, but it can be corrected. For a full explanation of why this happens and the range of ways to manage it, see our guide on presbyopia here.

 

Types of Reading Glasses

Not all reading glasses are the same, and the right type for you depends on your prescription and how often you need close-up correction.

Off-the-Shelf (Ready) Readers

These are the pre-made reading glasses you’ll find in pharmacies and supermarkets, sold in fixed strengths like +1.00 or +2.50. They’re a low-cost option if you have a straightforward, symmetrical prescription and don’t need correction for anything else. However, they assume both of your eyes need the same level of correction, which often isn’t the case, and they offer no protection or advice tailored to your actual eye health. As Moorfields Eye Hospital confirms, off-the-shelf reading glasses are a suitable option for many people, though bifocals or varifocals are usually the next step for those withRe myopia.

Prescription Reading Glasses

Prescription reading glasses are made to your exact prescription, which can differ between your left and right eye, and can account for astigmatism too, something off-the-shelf readers can’t do. They’re fitted to your face for comfort and to make sure the optical centre of the lens lines up with your eyes properly, which off-the-shelf glasses can’t guarantee.

Bifocals & Varifocals

If you need correction for both distance and close-up vision, bifocals or varifocals may suit you better than reading glasses alone, since they let you switch between focal points without changing glasses.

For more information on bifocals vs varifocals, see our guide on bifocal and varifocal lens types here.

 

How to Choose the Right Strength

Reading glasses are measured in dioptres, shown as a number like +1.00, +1.50, or +2.50; the higher the number, the stronger the magnification. As a rough guide, most people find they need somewhere between +1.00 and +1.50 in their 40s, rising to +2.00- +2.50 in their 50s, and +2.50- +3.00 by their 60s and beyond. This is only a general pattern, though, and varies a lot from person to person.

Guessing your strength from a chart, or trying on pairs in a shop, can get you close, but it won’t catch underlying issues like astigmatism or a difference in prescription between your two eyes. The only way to make sure nothing else is affecting your vision is a full eye examination.

 

Reading Glasses for Men & Women at Opticare

We stock a wide range of reading and prescription glasses for men and women across our Newark, Anstey, Birstall, and Sileby branches, from classic frames to more contemporary styles. Whichever you choose, our team will make sure your glasses are properly fitted and centred to your eyes, not just picked off a shelf.

Ready to find the right pair? Book an eye test with us and we’ll confirm your prescription and help you choose frames that suit you.

Book an appointment now →

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reading glasses if I’m under 40?

It’s less common, but not impossible. Presbyopia typically starts to affect people from their early to mid-40s onwards, though some people notice changes earlier. If you’re struggling with close-up vision at a younger age, it’s worth having an eye test to check for other causes.

Can I just buy reading glasses from a pharmacy or supermarket?

You can, and for some people they work perfectly well. But they only offer a single, symmetrical strength, so if your eyes need different corrections, or you have astigmatism, they won’t give you the clearest possible vision. An eye test will tell you whether off-the-shelf readers are suitable for you or whether you’d benefit from a proper prescription.

What’s the difference between reading glasses and varifocals?

Reading glasses are designed for one focal distance: close-up. Varifocals combine multiple prescriptions into one lens, letting you see clearly at distance, intermediate, and close range without switching glasses. If you only ever struggling with close-up tasks, reading glasses may be all you need; if your distance vision has changed too, varifocals may suit you better. If you’d rather avoid glasses altogether, multifocal contact lenses are another option worth discussing with your optometrist.

How often should I update my reading glasses prescription?

Presbyopia tends to progress gradually over time, so most people need a stronger prescription every couple of years. It’s worth having a regular eye test, at least every two years, so any changes are caught early rather than waiting until you notice your current glasses aren’t working anymore.

Can reading glasses make my eyesight worse?

No. Reading glasses simply correct your vision for close-up tasks; they don’t change the underlying health of your eyes or speed up presbyopia. Wearing the wrong strength might cause temporary eye strain or headaches, but it won’t cause any lasting damage.