Seeing is one of the essential senses in human beings. People with weak or no eyesight will attest to this fact. However, as we grow older, our vision is also affected. While many people don’t need glasses, they might need reading or over-the-counter glasses. As the name suggests, these glasses are available at your local pharmacist and don’t need a prescription. As a result, anyone can buy them without hassle. However, before buying, you must consider some things for your eye safety.
Look at the following guide to know everything about over-the-counter reading glasses.
What are Reading Glasses?
Reading glasses have been around for ages, but the debate surrounding them is never-ending. They are like a magnifying glass that enlarges everything for a better view. Reading glasses enlarge words when they are difficult to interpret by the eyes. They come with different lens strengths and are an excellent substitute if you don’t want prescription glasses.
When Do You Need Them?
Over-the-counter eyewear is mainly used by people over 40. As discussed earlier, with age, your eyesight will become weak, and as a result, you will have blurry vision. This is especially true when reading a newspaper, book, or other such things. This doesn’t mean your eyesight is failing; blurry vision makes it hard to see words in a bad light. The condition is known as Presbyopia, and it worsens with age. The condition will not show symptoms early on, but blurred vision is the most recognized trait. If you are experiencing such an issue, it’s better to try reading glasses before going to the doctor.
Does it Ruin the Eyesight?
This is where the discussion about reading glasses becomes a bit more interesting and complicated. While the straight answer is “No, it doesn’t ruin your eyesight or is dangerous for your eyes,” there is one major factor to consider here. The amount of time your wear these glasses will define how it affects your overall eyesight. If you wear them for a couple of minutes and just for reading, then you don’t have to worry about a thing. However, if you wear them for hours, then it can be a problem. Although they have lenses, they are not correctly optimized. As a result, they will put a strain on your eyes which eventually results in worsening eyesight.
What is Lens Strength?
Just like prescription glasses, reading ones also come with variable lenses. You can find lens of +1.00, +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50, however, you can also find lens in +1.25, +1.75 and +2.25 strength. Therefore, try each lens to determine the best one. If you buy a higher or lower-strength lens, it will not help with the reading, as the vision will still be blurry. Moreover, accurate lens strength is also essential to prevent further deterioration of the sight.
Over-the-counter reading glasses are an excellent option if you cannot read text. However, they are not a substitute for prescription glasses. Therefore, you must consult an eye doctor if the condition gets worse.
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