Did you know that just about everyone requires reading glasses eventually? This is due to presbyopia, a natural aging process that causes the eye’s lens to become less flexible, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. Most of us will notice this vision change in our early to mid-40s. When it happens, you might be tempted to stroll into your local pharmacy for over-the-counter readers. But is that really the best option? Should you be scheduling an appointment with an optometrist instead? Let’s compare prescription reading glasses vs. over-the-counter readers.
Should You Buy Prescription or Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses?
If you’re debating prescription reading glasses vs. over-the-counter options, it helps to compare a few important factors. Let’s break it down . . .
Prescription Strength
If you’re like most people, your prescription strength varies from eye to eye. For some people, the difference is small; for others, it’s surprisingly large. Either way, having the correct prescription is essential for seeing clearly and comfortably.
Unfortunately, most over-the-counter reading glasses use the same prescription in both lenses, typically ranging from +1.00 to +3.50 in 0.25 increments. This means that only one eye will likely have the correct strength; the other eye will have a mismatch. That might not seem like a big deal, but that mismatch can lead to eye strain, headaches, or blurry vision over time, especially if you wear your readers often and there’s a noticeable difference in prescription. For this reason, it’s best to buy custom reading glasses with your exact prescription.
Astigmatism
Over-the-counter glasses do not correct for vision conditions like astigmatism. They only provide magnification to assist with near vision, without accounting for the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens that causes astigmatism. So, if you have astigmatism and wear over-the-counter reading glasses, you may experience blurry, distorted, or strained vision. You’ll have a much better experience with prescription glasses, which can assist with both presbyopia and astigmatism.
Frame Comfort
Over-the-counter glasses are designed to be one-size-fits-most. If the mass-produced frames fit your face properly, great! But it’s common for them to slide down your nose or pinch behind your ears, especially if your face or nose bridge is larger or smaller than average. In addition, the frames are typically made from a cheaper material, which can feel heavy and cumbersome.
If you only plan to use your glasses occasionally, such as when you’re reading a menu or signing a receipt, this might be acceptable. But what if you enjoy reading? What if your hobbies include close-up work, like sewing or writing? What if you often work on a computer or use a smartphone or tablet? In all these situations, you’ll likely need to wear your reading glasses. So, wouldn’t you prefer it if the frames fit your face properly? When you purchase prescription glasses, they’ll be adjusted to match your exact face — no pressure points, red marks on your nose, or precariously loose frames. Just comfortable glasses that you barely notice.
Overall Eye Health & Vision
If you’re hesitant to purchase prescription glasses because you don’t want to schedule an eye exam, keep in mind that you should have your vision and eye health checked annually. This is especially important as you age because your risk of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration only increases with time. If you’re already at the eye doctor’s office for your annual appointment, why not pick up a pair of prescription reading glasses? And if you’ve been neglecting your eye health, why not use your need for readers to push yourself to make that appointment?
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Prescription reading glasses vs. over-the-counter readers: which should you choose? To ensure your glasses are tailored to your exact prescription, fit your face, and prevent eye strain, we encourage you to visit an eye doctor for prescription frames. A quick eye exam can make all the difference.
When’s the last time you had your eyes evaluated? If you live in southwest Missouri, stop by Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has assisted the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location).