What are Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses or reading spectacles are a type of eyeglasses designed specifically for near vision. They are used to help reduce eyestrain when doing activities that require viewing something up close such as reading, sewing, cooking or working on a computer. Reading glasses correct vision problems typically caused by presbyopia - the gradual loss of the eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects. As we age, the lens inside the eye stiffens making it increasingly difficult to switch between close and far vision.
Types of Reading Glasses
There are several different types Reading Glasses available depending on an individual's prescription needs:
- Single Vision Reading Glasses: These provide clear vision at reading distances while distant vision remains blurred without them. This type is suited for short spurts of close-up work.
- Bifocal Reading Glasses: Featuring two optical zones, bifocals provide clear vision both for distance and reading. The top portion is for distance and the bottom is magnified for reading or close-up work.
- Progressive Reading Glasses: Progressive lenses or no-line bifocals have a gradual transition from distance to reading vision without any visible line. They require less adjustment than conventional bifocals but have a smaller reading area.
- Computer Reading Glasses: Specially designed for extended computer use, these glasses have rounded edges, anti-reflective and anti-fatigue coatings. The lenses offer magnification suitable for viewing a computer screen from a typical distance.
Determining Your Prescription
An eye exam by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist is necessary to determine one's reading glasses prescription based on their near vision requirement. Their prescription will depend upon factors like the distance at which they try to focus for close-up work and their specific near vision difficulties.
Some key tests done during an exam include:
- Visual Acuity Test: To check how clearly a person can see at different distances with each eye separately and both eyes together.
- Near Point Test: Helps determine the closest distance at which a person can see clearly for reading or other close visual tasks.
- Refraction Test: Uses optical instruments to objectively measure any refractive error present for distance and near vision.
Based on the results, the doctor will write a prescription specifying the appropriate lens power, add power or reading addition required. Opticians then use this prescription to grind and fit the proper reading lenses based on an individual's needs.
Benefits of Using Reading Glasses
There are several advantages of using prescription reading glasses as recommended by an optometrist:
- They alleviate eyestrain and fatigue associated with close viewing by allowing clear focus on near objects. This prevents headaches and blurry or double vision.
- Reading glasses enhance productivity by letting users comfortably engage in close tasks like reading, crafts, cooking, sewing or computer work for longer durations without vision difficulties.
- They protect eyes from accidental injuries. Frustration from inability to see close objects clearly can lead to excessive rubbing of eyes putting them at risk of scratching corneas.
- Consistent use of proper reading lenses as directed by a doctor postpones or slows further deterioration of near vision ability that comes with aging. This helps maintain good near vision for longer.
- Prescription reading glasses usually have anti-reflective coatings which reduce annoying glare and reflections when working under different lighting conditions like while using a computer screen.
When to Update Your Reading Glasses Prescription
It's important to schedule periodic eye exams to check on near vision and update reading glasses prescription as needed. Someone may need a new prescription if they notice:
- Current glasses no longer provide clear close vision and they have to frequently remove them to see properly up close.
- An increase in the magnification or add power indicated on their existing reading glasses prescription.
- Developing headaches, eyestrain or blurred vision after short periods of reading or other close work.
- Their close working distance has decreased significantly over time making near tasks difficult without magnification.
prescription reading glasses remedy age-related presbyopia allowing comfortable reading and detail work at all stages of life. Using proper lenses tailored for the user's individual needs optimizes near vision. Regular exams ensure readings specs stay updated to evolving vision requirements.
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About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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