Reading Glasses: What You Need To Know As You Age

The great Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Reading a good book is a wonderful way to feed our curiosity and fuel our intellect. But as we age, it may become more difficult to make out what’s written on the page. Many turn to reading glasses to help them see, but you may be surprised to learn there are a few key differences between prescription lenses and generic drugstore reading glasses.

#1: Over-The-Counter Readers Are Specifically For Age-Related Presbyopia

The readers you’ll find in drugstores are designed to compensate for age-related presbyopia. This strikes most people around age 40. The lenses in your eyes become less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.

Readers from the drugstore will NOT help with astigmatism, myopia, glaucoma, etc. So if you’re having trouble seeing while driving, for example, you’ll want to set up an appointment with us to determine what the problem really is.

#2: Over-The-Counter Readers Have The Same Prescription In Each Lens

It’s very rare for someone to need the exact same correction for each eye. When we create your prescription glasses, we customize the lenses to each eye. Even if your problem is presbyopia, you may still find yourself struggling to focus with drugstore glasses and may benefit greatly from a more customized option.

#3: Prescription Glasses Have More Options

The quality found in prescription glasses will be higher. The frames will be more durable and the lenses clearer. You also have the option of lenses that are more resistant to scratches or glare. And of course, you’ll have more fashion choices.

Are you curious how your eyesight fairs? Check out the fun video below! It's certainly not a diagnosis, but it's still entertaining!

We Can Help At All Stages Of Life

If you're beginning to notice you're having trouble reading your favorite books don't hesitate to visit your local Vision Source® member! We care about your health and want you to be able to enjoy every page. Generic reading glasses have their place, but it's best to consult with an optometrist before you decide on any vision correction treatment. They can help you determine the best eye care solution for you.

Thanks for the trust you place in us!

Top image by Flickr user Rui Fernandes used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.