When Do You Need Reading Glasses? Signs It’s Time for Readers

Signs You Need Reading Glasses

Do words and images look blurry when you try to read up close? Do you find yourself holding your phone, a menu, or a prescription bottle at arm’s length to see the print more clearly? Do you squint to try and focus on close-up objects? 

Since your arms aren’t getting any longer, it’s time to think about getting reading glasses.

Getting Your Reading Prescription

This common age-related condition, called presbyopia, typically begins around age 40. First, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to check your vision and eye health. Your optometrist will write a prescription that includes the correction power for both eyes, astigmatism correction angles (if needed), and added magnification for near vision.

Choosing Your Eyeglass Style

Once you have your prescription, you have two main options:

1. Progressives combine corrections for distance and near vision in one lens. The distance prescription is located in the top two-thirds of the lens, while the reading correction is positioned at the bottom.
2. Reading glasses—also called readers or cheaters—are solely for seeing up close.

Why You Might Want Multiple Pairs

Many people keep readers in several locations throughout their home:

1. Kitchen – for reading recipes and food labels
2. Bathroom – to verify medications and read product instructions
3. Craft and hobby areas – for detailed work like sewing, knitting, painting, or playing board games
4. Living room – to play the daily Wordle or crossword puzzle, or read a book or newspaper
5. Plus the office, car, purse, and briefcase