A Guide to Choosing Reading Glasses: How to Find the Perfect Pair for

Reading glasses—often called "cheaters" or "magnifiers"—are a simple, effective fix for presbyopia, a common age-related condition that makes it harder to see things up close. If you’ve started holding your phone or book at arm’s length just to read clearly, it might be time to consider getting a pair. Here’s a friendly guide to help you find the reading glasses that actually work for you.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia happens as we age and the lenses in our eyes gradually lose flexibility. This typically begins around age 40 and gets more noticeable over time. You might find yourself squinting at small print, dealing with headaches after reading, or needing extra light to see clearly. While it’s completely normal, presbyopia doesn’t have to get in the way of your daily life—reading glasses can make a big difference.

Start with an Eye Exam

Before buying reading glasses, it's smart to get a quick eye exam. An optometrist can:

Check your overall eye health
Determine the right lens strength
Rule out any other vision problems

Even if you plan to buy non-prescription glasses, knowing the correct magnification can help avoid eyestrain or discomfort from wearing the wrong strength.

Finding the Right Strength

Reading glasses are measured in diopters—those little +1.00, +1.50, +2.00 numbers you see on labels. A lower number means a lighter magnification, usually for early-stage presbyopia. Higher numbers are for stronger correction.

As a general rule of thumb:

+1.00 to +1.50: Mild presbyopia
+1.75 to +2.25: Moderate
+2.50 and above: Stronger correction

If you're not sure what strength you need, an eye exam or even an in-store strength test can help you figure it out.

Think About How You’ll Use Them

Do you mostly read books in bed? Work at a computer for hours? Enjoy reading outdoors? Your lifestyle plays a big role in the type of reading glasses you should choose.

Computer use: Consider glasses that help with both close-up and mid-range vision—progressive lenses can be a great option.
Outdoors: Reading sunglasses with magnification and UV protection can save your eyes from strain and sun.
All-day wear: If you already wear glasses for distance, you might prefer bifocals or progressives, so you don’t have to keep switching pairs.

Don’t Forget Style and Comfort

Reading glasses aren’t just functional—they’re part of your look. Whether you want something subtle or a bold statement piece, there’s a frame style out there for you.

A few tips:

Choose a shape that flatters your face
Look for lightweight materials that won’t slip or pinch
Adjustable nose pads or spring hinges can boost comfort for all-day wear

If you’re picking up multiple pairs, maybe get one neutral style and one fun design you love showing off.

Keep Your Eyes in Check

Your vision will likely continue to change over time, so it’s important to have regular eye exams. Keeping your prescription up to date ensures your reading glasses stay effective and comfortable—no squinting or headaches needed.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right reading glasses isn’t just about lens strength—it’s about comfort, style, and making sure they fit into your life. With a bit of guidance (and maybe a quick eye check), you can find a pair that helps you read clearly and feel great wearing them.

Need help choosing? Explore our collection of high-quality reading glasses designed for clarity, comfort, and confidence.