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There are many reasons that people begin to use prescription reading glasses. As we grow older, our eyes tend to become more rigid, which makes it difficult to switch between seeing near and far. Due to this, many people begin using reading glasses to aid with this transition. Nearly everyone’s eyesight will decline over time, so it is helpful to ensure that you pay attention to your eyesight when reading. Those who frequently engage in more fine, detailed work may notice that they need reading glasses earlier on, as their work will require them to carefully examine close things. There are two general options for reading glasses, including both over the counter and prescription varieties. If you are ever uncertain regarding the best decision to improve your vision, you should schedule an eye exam with us to obtain more information about your options!
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the official term for what is often called “farsightedness.” This condition is extremely common as individuals reach the age of 40 or older. It begins gradually, so you may not notice its development until the difficulty reading close words impacts your life. It may interfere with your regular tasks, but failure to notice it early on won’t necessarily cause damage to your vision. It is most important to use the proper corrective methods to prevent these from damaging your eyesight, rather than waiting to resolve the issue.
A healthy eye transitions smoothly between viewing objects that are near and objects that are far away. This is due to the lens of the eye contracting and expanding to adjust accordingly. As we age, presbyopia may set in. This causes the lens to become rigid, which prevents this contraction when focusing on close-up objects.
Signs that you have Presbyopia
Understanding the signs of presbyopia can help you to know when it is time to obtain reading glasses to optimize your reading processes. If you notice that you are squinting while reading or holding your reading materials far away, it is likely that you are beginning to develop presbyopia. Those with presbyopia often have difficulty reading in low light. Due to the fact that presbyopia impacts reading close materials, those with presbyopia may have difficulty reading things up close, but little to no difficulty when reading far away.
If you previously have had glasses or contacts to correct your vision, and they cease to meet your needs for reading, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia. Presbyopia places a significant amount of strain on the eyes. Keep in mind that presbyopia often sets in around the age of 40, so you are at greater risk if you are of this age.
Prescription vs Ready-Made Reading Glasses
There are two general categories for reading glasses. There are reading glasses that you can obtain ready-made from many different stores and there are prescription reading glasses that can be prescribed by your optometrist. Understanding the differences will help you to make the best decision for your reading glasses and there are advantages and disadvantages to each option. Ready-made reading glasses are simple to obtain and often less expensive. However, they only come in one power, which may not fit the needs of your vision. Ready-made glasses are often most useful when an individual only needs very minimal correction, because higher powers may cause headaches, nausea, and tired eyes.
Prescription reading glasses are often available in wider varieties of styles and strengths. They tend to be of much higher quality, though they are also more expensive. It is important to keep in mind that eyesight is often different between each eye, which is why many people will have a different prescription for their right and left eye. Ready-made glasses don’t account for this difference, though prescription reading glasses can come in multiple powers to optimize their effectiveness. Prescription reading glasses can also come with a tint in order to protect the eyes from potentially harmful UV rays.
There are multiple options that may allow you to combine reading glasses with your standard glasses. Glasses may come in single vision, which will allow for either near or far vision correction. They can also come in bifocal varieties, which allow you to both see near and far with the same pair of glasses. Trifocal lenses can provide further comfort, as they allow for vision in near, far, and intermediate varieties. Finally, progressive lenses also allow for three different distinct areas, but transitions slowly between these segments.
Protecting your Eyes
Obtaining prescription reading glasses can go a long way toward protecting your eyes. They provide more options for potential coatings to ensure that your eyes are protected. Anti-reflective coating is particularly useful if you need to regularly read on reflective surfaces, such as computers screens or tablets. This can make it easier to read comfortably, even in the sunlight. Blue light protection is another valuable asset for staring at a screen, as it can prevent many issues that occur with frequent screen time. Prescription reading glasses may also be combined with sunglasses in order to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Prescription reading glasses can both allow you to read more comfortably, as well as protect your eyes from many potential issues. If you have recently begun experiencing discomfort or difficulty while reading, there is a good chance that you are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia. In these situations, you should consider obtaining reading glasses to ensure that you can be comfortable while reading. Consulting with an optometrist will allow you to make the best possible decision for your vision and corrective implements. To learn more about prescription reading glasses, as well as how to obtain prescription reading glasses, contact our experts at Wolcott Optical today! We strive to provide all of the services that you need to obtain both stylish and effective glasses for all of your needs. From eyeglasses and contact lenses to prescription-level sunglasses, these services can ensure that you are able to see clearly, with glasses that you will feel confident wearing.
