Choosing the Right Reading Glasses: A Comprehensive Guide

Most people experience changes in their vision as they get older. One of the most common visual changes is the development of presbyopia, a condition that makes close objects appear blurry. You may have presbyopia if you have difficulty reading print material from a normal reading distance, or if you experience dizziness when reading books or newspapers. Reading glasses -- available from eye care practitioners and sold at most drug stores -- can help you to read normally again.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine the selection of reading glasses at a pharmacy or department store. Look at the numbers on the readers to determine their strength. Readers range in strength from 1 to 3.25, 1 being the weakest and 3.25 being the strongest. The "Peepers" website (peeperspecs.com) has a reading glasses eyechart.

• 2

  Look for abnormalities such as bubbles or waves in the lenses. Select a pair of glasses with no abnormalities and put them on.

• 3

  Look at yourself in the mirror adjacent to the eyeglass display. Keep trying on different glasses until you can see your reflection clearly in the mirror.

• 4

  Select a magazine or book from the drug store's selection. Hold your selection at a normal reading distance and read a small-text passage for 10 minutes or longer. If you experience dizziness or if the text appears blurry, select a different pair of glasses. Repeat this process until you're able to read the text clearly and comfortably.