Does age affect our reading power?

Do you find it difficult to read the newspaper or use your mobile phone, or perhaps someone around you does? It’s no surprise – as we age, our eyes age too. This natural process makes it harder to focus on closer objects, often causing blurred vision. Such changes are completely normal and it is something most of us experience.

After the age of 40, you might notice a slight struggle to focus, and by the time you reach 60, it becomes even more noticeable. Vision disorder is caused by three conditions: myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), and presbyopia. Reading glasses are used for problems related to myopia and presbyopia for near-sight correction. To understand reading glasses in detail, follow me to the next section.

How do you understand reading glasses' strength?

Reading glasses are determined in terms of positive + power. Diopters are the units in which the strength of reading glasses is measured. And, the power of lenses can be assessed using a reading chart, different power lenses, or a computerised test at your nearest optician.

The power strength can vary from 0.50 to 8.00. Reading prescription glasses are used to correct refractive errors to ensure light falls at the right place on your retina. Hence, the objects whether far or near appear clear. Take a look at the chart to determine the strength with age.

Why is the strength of reading glasses important?

If you don’t choose the right strength in your reading glasses then you might end up facing certain problems like:

• Unfocused text
• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Holding reading material too close or far

Steps to follow to determine your reading strength

It is always better to get a free eye test so that you can get the right analysis of your eye health. To get some idea about your reading strength, here are some steps you can follow:

• Step 1: You can get a print of the above chart.
• Step 2: Either hang the above-mentioned chart on the wall or keep it 14 inches away from your face.
• Step 3: Now, with your bare eyes start reading lines from top to bottom. You will get a closure about what you can read properly.
• Step 4: Note that you should perform this with one eye at a time. Cover one eye and then read from another. Repeat the same for both eyes.
• Step 5: Once you find the line that you can read perfectly, take note of the power mentioned there.
• Step 6: Lastly, connect with an optometrist and get confirmation about your reading power.

Reading glasses as per age

Well, as discussed above, aging can make your eyes get a positive prescription, it is essential to understand what category you fall into. Here are some age groups and prescription reading powers for you:

• Ages 40–49: +0.75 to +1.50 diopters
• Ages 50–59: +1.50 to +2.25 diopters
• Ages 61 and up: +2.25 to +2.75 diopters

How can we help you?

If you find it difficult to read different materials and your vision gets blurred, it is advised to get an eye test. We at Specscart, want you to have the best of your eye health. Therefore, we offer free eye tests to all our customers. If you feel any kind of discomfort, you can book online or visit our store in Walkden, Bury, and Urmston and get a free analysis of your eye condition. Also, you can choose eyeglasses from 1000+ styles and get free lenses with various coatings like anti-glare, anti-scratch and anti-UV.