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When you are growing up and are experiencing life as a
young adult, you may think it is ridiculous when your grandparents reach
for their tiny little spectacles to read. Sometimes you may even gawk at
your parents as they consistently wear their reading glasses on a chain
around their neck. Reading glasses have never been very trendy, until
lately. They have always been purchased and worn more for need than for
style. The condition that makes reading glasses necessary is called
presbyopia.
It is something that simply occurs with age and is often
referred to as farsightedness as well. Presbyopia makes seeing things
closely very difficult. It can make reading the paper or a menu almost
impossible. Even when you have contacts or have had Lasik surgery,
people with presbyopia will still often need reading glasses. With more
than 33 million pairs of reading glasses sold each year, experts see
this as a trend that will not be leaving anytime soon.
Over-the-Counter versus prescription:
We have all seen the
little displays of reading glasses in the pharmacy or your local general
merchandise store. While most people usually walk on by and leave them
for the older and thriftier people, once you start needing reading
glasses, you may want to stop and look a little closer. If you have
vision problems, other than presbyopia, chances are you visit your local
eye care professional for your vision needs. This is something that is
necessary for some people. Eye care professionals can often give you a
prescription for readers as well. They will most likely tell you what
your reading glasses prescription is however and instruct you to hit
that little pharmacy display.
The truth is that purchasing over
the counter reading glasses is not a bad idea. They are very affordable,
allowing you to get several pairs. With reading glasses being lost and
misplaced more often than any other type of eyewear, it is a good idea
to have a backup pair. You don’t want to be forced to hold your readers
up with only one ear piece or even beg to borrow someone else’s. When
all else fails, these methods will work, but since they are so
inexpensive, it is best to have a backup pair or two around.
Doctors
will agree that no matter if you splurge for expensive brand named
reading glasses or choose a pair from the pharmacy shelf, reading
glasses are basically the same. They will not harm your vision or your
eyes. Doctors admit that you should still have your eyes checked at
least every two years, or annually after the age of 60, to determine any
other problems that may be occurring with or without your knowledge.
Using over the counter reading glasses is fine with most doctors
however, so don’t lie about using them when you go for your visit.
Those
who constantly reach for their reading glasses may think that surgery is
the best option for them. Remember however that even if you have
corrective surgery, you will still likely need reading glasses. Lasik
surgery does not correct presbyopia. It will help with other vision
problems, but not any that will take away your need for reading
eyeglasses. Although it may seem annoying to grab your readers
constantly, it is something that age does to your vision and it cannot
be corrected at this time.
As you have read, both prescription
reading glasses and over the counter reading glasses are fine. When you
acknowledge that you cannot see well when reading close to your face,
you will find that reading glasses can help you see much better. If you
are concerned about which power to choose, you can always try to take a
little eye test that is often near the over the counter reading glasses
display. These tests, also called diopter tests, will help you determine
what power you need. You can also choose to try several pairs to see
which powers work best for you. If all else fails, visit your doctor for
a test to determine your appropriate reading eyeglass power. They will
be able to help you with prescription and you can even take the
information they give you to the over the counter display to make a
decision on your own.
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