What strength reading glasses do I need?

One of the most frequent questions we hear is, “I need reading glasses, but how do I know what power I need?”

Reading difficulty happens to the majority of us as we age and usually becomes noticeable when we get to our 40s. The condition is called presbyopia, which is caused by a naturally occurring loss of elasticity in the eye. That is why the print on menus, newspapers, and smartphones becomes difficult.

Do you recognize these indicators?

• You find yourself squinting and holding your reading material further away.
• You have a hard time reading in lower light conditions.
• You are around 40 years old and experience eye strain when reading.
• You recently began having trouble reading, but your vision is still great at a distance.

If these sound familiar, you’re probably a candidate for reading glasses. We say “probably” because if you have any of the problems mentioned and experience difficulty or eye strain with objects farther away, like when driving, you might need a prescription solution.

Once you’ve determined you need reading glasses, the next question is, “What strength do I need?”

So, what power of reading glasses do I choose?

The best answer is to have an eye doctor determine the strength you need. However, we know in-between eye care visits, many will want to approximate what you need. And since you’ll probably search the internet and find all manner of advice, charts, and rules of thumb (some good, some not so good), we’ll share what we think is the best way to proceed, starting with The Eye Chart Method.

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Download your PDF Eye Chart:

MORE INFO:

FOLLOW RG:

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NEED HELP?
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[alxr]

The actual information starts at 1:45.

[lizzalkula]

I am 34. I have a history of a lazy eye (astigmatism?) and have had glasses off and on all my life. More off than on of late.

For the last few years I've noticed issues with reading for long periods of time (both print and electronic material).
I went to an eye doctor last year because of this so I could get something because 1. I am a retail supervisor and often need to read small numbers on items/the registers 2. Im taking school online so there's a lot of reading 3. It's bothering me and affecting my life/work and finally 4. I.could finally afford something **good**

I was told that I would probably need glasses "when I got older" so the doctor didn't want to give me a prescription (because I would become dependent on the glasses).
When i asked about readers (roughly ten years ago a different doctor told me that readers would be ok in a pinch. Then i could barely afford the appointment I was at).
This newer doctor said pretty much "don't bother"

It's still bothering me.
I find myself having to move around whatever im looking at or squinting or closing one eye (my right is much better than my left)

I plan on getting another opinion but right now (during covid pandemic) I don't want to make an appointment.

Any suggestions or tips for me or anyone who might have had this issue?

[newwavepop]

i have had SUPER human vision my entire life, now that i have hit 50 they have started going bad fast for up close reading. but what bothers and strains my eyes far more than anything is looking at WHITE MONITOR AND COMPUTER SCREENS, lik the blaring one in this video about sight loss.

[pamelaclark]

Hi! Thank you for all the important information! I have an issue with my reading glasses since I don't need them to walk about or drive when I am reading is the only time that I need my glasses. But it is so annoying to try to keep up with them. I am trying to find a solution on how to keep up with my glasses but I don't want to wear one of those strings around my neck. Do you have any solutions?

[douglaswatters]

Thank you for talking to me like I'm four years old for seven straight minutes

[RJMEL]

I know this is 3 yrs old, but Eye Chart mentioned to download not found.

[AmandaAllen-cq]

i am turning 36 in September of this year, and was just told thst i need reading glasses.

[TheZakkmylde]

What about if you have a prescription from your doctor with the numbers?🤔

[sheelmirji]

I am 54 yrs old . Using progressive lenses. Should I go for separate reading lenses with single number?

[christinaroche]

I got glasses recently and they give me a headache whenever I wear them. What should I do?

[danabutterfield]

If the od is +1.25 and the oi is +1.25 what strength reading glasses do I need

[youknoweverything]

Im 29 and got my first set of reading glasses today its 240 i think

[swamygee]

Is Diopter strength the same as magnification? Like if the diopter strength is 2.0, does that mean it's saying magnification is 2x?

[anjalijain]

I have 0.5 sphere in each eye and 0.75 Add number. What is my actual number??

[ratendrasinghjayara]

Hello.Does reading glasses needs Astigamatism correction?

[avhatakalishandukani]

I use computer 5 day a week is it possible for me to get reading glasses and what lens I must use

[michelledalton]

How do i download the eye test sheet please

[karmaali]

sorry- not increase diopters as +2.00 0r +4.oo with age as in many documents-It is according to the one's person sight

[tammymurphy]

How far away do i hold the chart from my face?? Tkx

[ryanbender]

This lady is advocating ordering glasses without a current eye exam from a licensed Optometrist. Please everyone - be careful with your eyes.