Understanding Most Common Low Prescription Glasses

Did you know that nearly 74% of the UK’s population needs some kind of vision correction? Vision problems have become one of the most common health concerns globally. There are various reasons that have contributed to this problem like increased screen time, urban lifestyles, and aging demographics.

Interestingly, you can see a growing number of people fall into the category of low or mild prescriptions between 0.25 and 3. Many people often ignore these small prescription powers but they can make a world of difference in reducing eye strain and improving clarity.

Recently I was talking to our customer support team and they mentioned that they often get questions like “Do I really need glasses for such a small prescription?” Today we’ll have a detailed look at everything you need to know about low or moderate prescription glasses and their uses.

What do these small prescription numbers mean?

Let’s start with the basics. If your prescription reads something like +0.25, +0.75, +1.5, +1.75, +2.00, +2.25, +2.50, +2.75 or +3.00 in the SPH section, it means you are dealing with either low or mild hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural age-related change in vision that makes it harder to see clearly at close distances, such as when reading. On the other hand, these same numbers with negative power like -0.25, -0.75, -1.5, -1.75, -2.00, -2.25, -2.50, -2.75 or -3.00, mean you have low or mild myopia (nearsightedness).

SPH on your prescription means sphere and it is used to measure the power of the lens that is needed to correct your vision. If you see any number in the CYL (cylinder) section, it means the lens power required to correct astigmatism. For those who don’t know, astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. You can learn more about different terms and numbers mentioned in the prescription on our “How to read an eye prescription” page.

Breaking down different prescription powers

0.25 to 1 Glasses

Whether it’s negative powers between 0.25 to 1 like -0.25, -0.50, -0.75, and -1.00 - or positive powers between 0.25 to 1 like +0.25, +0.50, +0.75, and +1.00, it means your eyes need very slight vision correction. These are the least possible powers that you may be prescribed and usually go unnoticeable. You might feel slight discomfort after long hours of desk work or driving.

0.75 to 1.5 Glasses

Now coming to powers between 0.75 and 1.5, they can also be classified under low to mild prescription powers. They are quite common and people who require these prescriptions might experience headaches and discomfort if they don’t use any kind of vision correction.

1.5 to 3.0 Glasses

Prescription powers between +/-1.5 and +/-3.0 come under the mild prescription category. At this level, it becomes difficult to carry out your daily activities without your glasses. Tasks like reading, watching TV, or even recognising faces from a distance can become difficult without glasses.

You can select from thousands of premium and fashion-forward glasses at 70% lower prices than the high street. With our promise of clear and transparent pricing, you pay what you see. We include clear fully loaded lenses customised to your specific prescription power without any additional charges. They also come with free 24-hour dispatch service as standard powered by Specscart Rocket.

Do you need glasses for low or mild prescriptions?

The short answer is yes. Eyeglasses will help you have clear vision and will also prevent headaches and other problems that you get without Rx (prescription) glasses. The best part is that it doesn’t come with any side effects. Contrary to popular myth, glasses do not make your vision worse and only help you see clearly. Even if you have low or mild prescription power, wearing glasses will ensure you don’t have to struggle with daily tasks.

The role of reading glasses

For people above the age of 40, reading glasses become a necessity due to presbyopia. It makes it harder to see clearly at arm’s length for tasks like reading. Reading glasses are an ideal solution for tasks like browsing your phone, reading, or any other activity that requires you to focus at arm’s length.

How do you know if you need low to mild prescription glasses?

The most common way to discover if you have a prescription is blurry vision. You might also experience regular headaches after doing tasks that require you to focus at a specific distance. For instance, if you’re farsighted, activities like reading or desk work might cause strain. On the other hand, if you’re nearsighted, tasks like driving or recognising distant objects could become challenging. However, it’s crucial to have regular eye tests to know any change in your vision at an early stage. NHS recommends you should have an eye test at least every two years.

We offer free eye tests for everyone at all our stores in Manchester. All you need to do is book your appointment and get a comprehensive eye test using state-of-the-art equipment and qualified optometrists.

Why choose Specscart for your eyewear needs?

We offer 1000+ premium and fashion-forward frames at 70% lower prices than the high street. Along with that, you get free clear fully loaded lenses which include anti-glare, anti-UV, anti-scratch, and impact-resistant lenses. You can customise these lenses according to your prescription without any additional charge. Our optical technicians with a combined experience of more than 100 years craft your glasses in our state-of-the-art glazing lab in Manchester. We have the widest lens bank in the country which covers low, mild, and even high prescription powers. As a result, we are able to offer the highest standards of British precision and free 24-hour dispatch even on prescription glasses(except complex prescription and varifocals).