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Even 10 years ago, most readers were designed for function, not fashion, with limited choice of frame shape and color. "Today's customers have an explosion of options, from fashion-forward design to features. You can wear something with personality and functionality," says Fredric Grethel, a Vision Council board member with an expertise in reading glasses. Here's how to find the best pair to meet your needs.
• Determine whether you need readers.
Most of us past 40 may need glasses and eventually readers, because the lens inside the eye changes over time and loses flexibility, according to Karl Golnik, chairman of the department of ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. South Carolina optometrist Barbara Horn, president of the American Optometric Association, says eyestrain, headaches, and trouble reading small print or in dim light are signs you may need a bit of magnification. Another is when you find it easier to read something when holding it at arm's length - the "my arms aren't getting any longer" issue.
• Know your power.
Reading glasses are meant to magnify and are rated by their diopter (power). Typically, powers range from +1.00 to +3.00. The higher the number, the stronger the magnification. Grethel notes that the optical industry is now seeing young adults buy ultra-low power readers from +0.05 to +0.75 to help with digital eyestrain caused by tablet and smartphone use.
• See a pro first.
Even if you think you need reading glasses, visit your eye-care professional before buying. An annual exam is critical. Although you could head straight to your local store, it's easier and smarter to have an eye doctor determine the proper power and whether it's the same for both eyes. Your doctor will also measure your pupillary distance - the distance from the center of one eye to the center of the other.
• Where you buy may not matter.
Golnik says as long as you have no astigmatism (or it is corrected with contact lenses) and the correction for reading is about the same in each eye, there is no reason not to buy over-the-counter (OTC) models, and it doesn't matter where you get them, be it the grocery store or a rack at your favorite boutique.
• A prescription may be required.
There are a number of reasons you may want to consider prescription readers. Among them: If both eyes don't require the same power - say the left is +1.25 and the right is +2.00. Or your eyes are closer together or farther apart than the standard pupillary distance. Also, if you need a significant correction (above +3.50). You may need (or want) more than one pair.
Typically, those who wear reading glasses use a slightly weaker pair for computer work. Grethel finds that people buy multiple readers either because they always want a pair within easy reach or because they want styles to match different wardrobes (think Sir Elton John).
• Try before you buy.
Only buy OTC readers you can try on. Skip those in sealed packaging. For those with tags and plastic hangers, try your best to disentangle them from the hangers. Unless there's a small eye chart at the readers rack, grab something with small print or pull out your smartphone. Hold the item at the distance you like to read. Then try on glasses, starting with the power recommended by your eye-care professional. If you can't decide between powers, go with the weaker one. Should you find a style you like, but it doesn't feel right or you have trouble focusing, just try on another at the same power, suggests Golnik. As with any mass-produced product, there may be a flaw, and another pair may work fine.
• Cheap readers aren't always bad.
OTC readers can cost anywhere from $1 to $50 or more, with the average about $18. Don't discount ones at your dollar store or mass-market retailer. All reading glasses, OTC or prescription, have to meet baseline FDA regulations, says Grethel. Generally, cheaper ones lack spring hinges, making them less flexible (so less comfortable) and offer less sophisticated designs. Quality also varies more than with prescription lenses. Still, if you find ones you like and they work for you, buy them.
• But pricier models have their advantages.
Grethel notes that the fastest-growing market segment is fashion readers starting at about $35, with lightweight lenses and durable frames for a longer shelf life. These can be found at boutiques, department stores and online. Even higher-quality prescription readers are relatively affordable. He estimates that ones with a basic frame and simple lens start at around $59. Also, you can add coatings to minimize glare or blue light to make prescription readers more comfortable, and you can remove or replace the lenses. "It's worth a bit more to get better quality, because a quality lens increases productivity and comfort," says Horn.
• Yes, they make sunglass readers.
Horn lives in a beach area and swears by her sunglass readers. Make sure yours come with coatings to block UV light and are tinted dark enough for comfort. Prescription readers also can be made with photochromic lenses that darken in bright light.
• Find the right fit.
When testing readers, look at both the width and arm (temple) length. Glasses that are too narrow will squeeze your head and rub against your temples; too wide and they'll fall off. You also want to ensure the arms are long enough for you to slide the glasses down your nose to look over the top of the rims without them falling off. Consumers with a narrow nose might want what's called a keyhole bridge (shaped like an old-fashioned keyhole) for a snugger fit. Says Horn: "The bottom line is you want frames that fit. This is something that will be on your face all day."
• Skip the bulk buy.
Unless you misplace or lose your readers all the time, don't buy 10 of the same power and consider yourself set for life. According to Golnik, you may need three to four different powers as you age. After your early 60s, your eyes should stabilize along with your reading power. If you are the type who misplaces their readers repeatedly, do as I do and invest in an inexpensive chain or cord and wear your readers around your neck. Consider it your own fashion statement.
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