Reading glasses help you see fine print easily, whether it’s your recipe ingredients or favorite magazine. They’re affordable and convenient, making them a brilliant addition to everyday accessories.
When shopping for reading glasses, be sure to take your diopter test results into account. Powers go up in increments of 0.25, so finding a strength that will work for you is crucial.
Fit
After age 40 or so, your eyes start to weaken; for most people, it is normal and can be an excellent reason to invest in a pair of reading glasses.
Reading glasses can be as flattering as they are functional if you choose a frame shape that complements your face shape. If your face is oval or round, most frames will look great on you. However, square and heart-shaped faces require more effort to find flattering frames.
If you already wear a pair of reading glasses that you like, check the measurements printed on the frame to find a similar size. Eye size, bridge width, and temple arm length measurements are typically found inside the frame’s temple arm or behind the bridge.
Then, consult a diopter chart to determine which strength reading glasses you need. For most people, a strength within +0.75 to +1.00 is sufficient. But it would be best if you always got a prescription from your eye doctor for the best results. They can ensure you have the correct reading glasses strength and check for other issues, like farsightedness or nearsightedness.
Color
Whether buying a pair of reading glasses for everyday wear or just a backup, the frames you choose are an opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Many online shopping services can test various frames with virtual mirrors to discover the best fit.
If you need help deciding what frame color to choose, some rules of thumb can help. For example, people with cool skin should consider blue, black, and pink frames, while brown or tortoiseshell frames might best serve those with warm skin. Another way to determine your skin tone is to hold gold and silver jewelry up against your face in natural light – if the golden hue flatters you, your complexion may be warm, whereas blue-based tones will suit a more fabulous skin type.
Choosing frames that highlight the broadest areas of your face can also help balance your face shape. For example, choose angular, square, or cat-eye frames to balance your appearance if you have a narrow forehead and wide cheeks or chin.
Material
When you shop reading glasses, it is vital to consider the material. You want a durable pair that will last you for a long time. You also want a pair that will not break or become scratched quickly. Reading glasses are typically made of plastic and metal, though some pairs are also available in other materials.
The type of frame and lens you choose will depend on how you plan to wear them. For example, you must read while working at a desk or using your computer. In that case, you will benefit from bifocal style readers that feature unmagnified lenses in the upper portion of the glasses and a magnified section in the lower.
Over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses are typically available in strengths up to 3 diopters (+3.00). If you require higher strength, you can fill your prescription with your eye doctor or purchase prescription readers online.
Lenses
Reading glasses pull your comfortable up-close focus point closer to you than your eyes naturally see, and they help you read at a range where you can still distinguish letters. You’ll want to start with a lens power close to your eye chart test prescription. Then, you’ll need to figure out how much stronger your reading glasses should be for other tasks, such as computer work or looking at a menu with smaller print.
You can also use a site that sells frames starting at $12 to try on pairs with different lens powers. The site offers a virtual try-on experience and allows you to return them within two weeks for a full refund or store credit.
Many people buy multiple inexpensive pairs of readers and stash them around the house. You can keep a pair in your purse or briefcase, tuck a pair into the pocket of your shirt, and even set one on your bedside table or family room table. Then, you’ll have a pair to grab quickly whenever needed.
Style
For those who wear reading glasses often, the frames and lenses should stand up to wear and tear. Taking them on and off throughout the day can lead to scratches or fogging, so frames that can withstand this everyday use are a good idea.
It would be best if you also considered the magnification strength of your glasses. While over-the-counter (OTC) readers typically only come in one magnification strength, prescription reading glasses are available in various powers, with higher strengths providing a more comfortable reading range.
Download and print our handy eye chart or diopter test to determine which magnification strength is best for you. Remove any other glasses or contact lenses you may have on, and hold the chart 14 inches away from your face. Scanning each row of words, starting from the top and working your way down, will help you identify the power that provides a comfortable reading range. It will be your target magnification strength for your new reading glasses.
