How Do You Know If You Need Reading Glasses?

According to the Vision Council, approximately 36% of Americans wear reading glasses. As we age, our eyes change. For many people, reading becomes increasingly difficult without reading glasses.

The term "presbyopia" means "old eye." This condition can occur when the lens of the eye becomes more rigid. This makes it hard to focus on objects at close range.

Nearly everyone experiences some form of eye changes, especially after the age of 40. At Morada Albuquerque in Albuquerque, NM, we know the value of good eyesight at every age. The good news is that there are plenty of options to help you keep reading and doing things you enjoy.

How do you know if you need reading glasses? Let's take a look.

Blurry Vision

Blurred vision is one of the first signs you may be experiencing presbyopia. It's a common problem, and you may notice some blurry vision as you read. The condition often begins in middle age and can result in a gradual loss of vision clarity.

Your eyes' natural lens allows you to focus light on your retina. This lens can lose flexibility over time. You may notice more difficulty adjusting your eyes to different distances, which can make reading or working more difficult. Although there isn't a cure for this condition, reading glasses or multifocal lenses can help.

Eye Strain

Do you ever feel like your eyes are sore, tired, or strained? This is a common feeling after a long day in front of a computer or after periods of intense concentration. Some eye strain indicators include:

Light sensitivity
Eye discomfort or soreness
Difficulty focusing
Eyes feeling tired or heavy
Sore neck and shoulders

If you're experiencing frequent eye strain, visit an eye doctor for an evaluation. Although the condition is temporary, eye strain symptoms often indicate that your eyes are working harder than they should be.

Headaches

Many people experience headaches and never consider that their eyes may be the root of the problem. Frequent headaches may be a sign of presbyopia. If you experience a headache after reading or scrolling online, you may need reading glasses.

Headaches could be a sign that your eyes are strained or not as strong as they once were. This is common with aging eyes. You may develop headaches after detailed work, reading, or writing.

An occasional headache is normal. If you're experiencing frequent headaches, you should see an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye exam. Reading glasses may be a quick solution, but it's important to investigate the cause of chronic headaches.

Squinting

If you're having trouble reading or focusing your eyes, you may notice that you're squinting more often. Squinting may help improve focus and clarity temporarily, but it's not a good habit. Over time, squinting can strain your eyes and lead to declining vision. If you're squinting while you read a book, your phone, computer screen, or tablet, you may benefit from a simple pair of reading glasses.

Trouble Seeing at Night

As we age, it can become harder to see at night. Poor night vision, known as nyctalopia, may indicate the need for reading glasses or other vision solutions. Some possible causes of poor night vision include:

Cataracts
Diabetes
Glaucoma
A refractive error

The most common cause of vision trouble at night is presbyopia. This could be a result of age-related changes to the eye. A senior vision care specialist can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause and possible solution for poor night vision.

Noticing Small Changes

You may start to notice a change in habits when you're reading or trying to focus on a detailed task. You may notice a difference in reading clarity and begin holding your phone or book at arm's length to see clearly.

Resting your eyes or taking breaks when performing detailed work may become necessary. Your eyes may feel strained and may not be as strong as they were in your younger days. All of these issues may indicate the need for reading glasses or other corrective measures.

Needing More Light

Are you always turning the lights on? A common sign of presbyopia is feeling like the light isn't bright enough. You may feel the need to turn on all the lights or lamps to get adequate light.

This is another symptom of aging eyesight and the need for reading glasses or corrective lenses. As we age, our vision can change quickly. That's why it's so important to pay attention to any changes you're experiencing and talk to your doctor or optometrist.

How Do Reading Glasses Help?

If you need reading glasses, they can make a world of difference in your everyday life. They magnify words and objects, making it easier to focus on what's in front of you. They can help reduce eye strain and allow you to see more clearly.

Do I Need a Prescription for Reading Glasses?

If you're noticing changes in your vision, it may be due to aging. You cannot rule out other potential causes of vision loss, so it's a good idea to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.

Many older adults do not need prescription eyeglasses. Over-the-counter glasses, often called "readers" or "cheaters," may provide a solution. However, these readers may not be as effective as prescription reading glasses.

In some cases, prescription lenses are necessary. If you have one eye that's stronger than the other or depth perception issues, an optometrist can prescribe the exact level of correction you need. They can educate you on the best Albuquerque wellness tips for healthy eyesight.