Reading glasses

At some point in our lives, reading small print becomes more difficult, and our arms just don’t seem long enough. Yes, that’s the moment you realize: it’s time for reading glasses. So, what now?

We always recommend starting with a comprehensive eye exam from your optometrist. Ideally, this is something you do regularly. If not, now is a great time to begin. Did you know that half of an eye exam focuses on the overall health of your eyes? Regular monitoring is crucial to detect conditions early and ensure effective treatment.

Even if you’ve had 20/20 vision your entire life, you’ll eventually reach a stage where reading glasses become necessary. That’s because the lens of your eye stiffens over time and loses its ability to adjust for close-up vision.

So, now that you have your new reading prescription in hand — what’s next?

If you already wear glasses for distance, you’ll likely consider multifocal lenses. But if you have 20/20 distance vision, you’ll face new decisions: should you buy reading glasses off the shelf, or have them made to your exact prescription?

While off-the-shelf readers can be convenient, there are definite advantages to having reading glasses custom-made for your specific needs.

Our eyes are rarely identical. One eye may require a stronger prescription than the other, and astigmatism can add another layer of complexity. Custom-made reading glasses ensure each eye receives the precise correction it needs. Your optician will also measure the distance between your eyes and align the optical centers of the lenses specifically for you.

For many people, the eyes are not equidistant. Ready-made glasses place the optical centers in the middle of the frame, which may not align with your actual eye position. This can cause a prismatic effect — a “pulling” sensation that leads to eye fatigue because your eyes are working harder to compensate for the misalignment.

Lens coatings also matter. Ready-made readers often use basic lenses without anti-reflective coatings. Prescription lenses typically include this coating, which improves clarity by allowing 99% light transmission from both sides of the lens. Without it, reflections can create a “flashbulb” effect, leading to increased eye strain.

Then there’s the matter of frames. Reading glasses are taken on and off frequently, so a durable, high-quality frame can withstand daily wear and tear and last for years.

We’re not suggesting you avoid ready-made readers altogether — they’re useful for quick tasks. But the real issue is how long you wear them and how demanding your near-vision activities are.

Here’s a great example: a customer who loved doing puzzles mentioned she had to stop after about 20 minutes because her eyes felt tired and sore. The problem worsened in the evening with less natural light, and she often gave up early. After discovering she was using ready-made readers, we made her a pair to match her exact prescription. The difference was dramatic — she could now puzzle for hours, day or night.

This applies to any close-up task requiring prolonged focus: reading, sewing, knitting, needlepoint — even playing board games, chess, checkers, or cards. Handy individuals doing close work, especially in low light, will also notice a significant improvement.

So, make eye exams part of your regular healthcare routine. If reading glasses are in your future, bring your prescription in — we’d be happy to discuss your options and help you find what suits you best.