Taking a Closer Look at a New Generation of Reading Glasses
As reading glasses have grown in popularity, they’ve also become more sophisticated. Last year, 53.6 million pairs of “readers” (aka “cheaters”) were sold in the U.S., and more than 90 percent of them to people over 45, according to the Vision Council. These glasses cost only $17 on average and are sold mostly by mass retailers (nearly 80 percent of sales) such as supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores, rather than by an optometrist or online. Let’s take a look at over-the-counter (OTC) vision correction.
Understanding magnification
Reading glasses are rated by their diopter strength. The power is rated in increments of 0.25 units. A higher number indicates stronger magnification.
Help with computer work
You may need two pairs — one for looking at a screen, the other for reading printed material. In general, people need about 0.75 less lens power for the computer than for normal reading, says Lindsay Berry, an optometrist with Neuro-Vision Associates of North Texas in Plano. “For example, if you wear a +2.25D for reading, you will probably need about a +1.50D for computer.” Consider computer glasses with blue-light filters for better sleep.
Block out rays
Reading sunglasses for enjoying a paperback at the beach are now widely available. Berry recommends getting polarized lenses, which block UV light as well as light that reflects from flat surfaces such as roads and water, so they enhance vision and minimize squinting due to glare and reflections. Nonprescription bifocal sunglasses, with reading magnification notched into the bottom of otherwise unmagnified lenses, will let you use the sunglasses for all your outdoor activities.