Reading Glasses With Different Strengths for Each Eye

Getting Reading Glasses With Different Strengths for Each Eye

As we age, most people develop a condition called presbyopia which makes focusing on near objects more difficult. Reading glasses help by adding magnification strength to compensate. Sometimes each eye needs a different strength reading glass prescription to optimize vision clarity and comfort.

What Causes Eyes to Need Different Reading Glasses Strengths?

Normally both eyes require the same prescription for distance vision unless a refractive error like astigmatism or anisometropia exists. Anisometropia means one eye is more near or farsighted than the other eye.

However with presbyopia, a gradual loss of elasticity in the eye's internal lens makes reading up close more challenging. This impacts near point focus. The effects can happen unevenly in middle age, causing one eye to require greater reading power sooner.

Having two separate reading glass prescriptions maximizes visual acuity by catering to subtle differences in focusing capability between eyes. It feels more natural than forcing both eyes to use the same strength.

Signs You May Need Different Reading Glasses Strengths

Glasses wearers don't always realize vision clarity could improve further by having two different reading prescriptions dispensed. Talk to your optometrist if you experience any of the following:

• Squinting, eye fatigue or headaches when reading
• Poor reading comprehension indicating focus issues
• Tilting head excessively to read printed materials
• Avoiding near work like sewing, puzzles or handwriting

Difficulty changing focus quickly between varying distances also suggests presbyopia. An updated exam could reveal each eye now benefits from separate reading glass lens strengths.

Getting Examined for Reading Glasses

Start by scheduling an eye exam explaining your specific vision complaints and desire to be evaluated for reading glasses. Optometrists and ophthalmologists can both assess your need for presbyopia correction.

Refractive errors or eye health issues like cataracts sometimes contribute to blurry near vision also. A comprehensive eye exam checks all aspects of vision, so deficiencies underlying reading difficulties get pinpointed accurately.

What to Expect During the Prescription Process

Expect the following tests during your reading glasses assessment:

• Visual acuity - Standard letter eye chart checks sharpness of distance and near vision
• Refraction - Lens combinations clarify best distance and reading correction
• Binocular testing - Evaluates how well eyes work together on close tasks
• Eye health exam - For glaucoma, cataract and retinal assessment

Explain any reading challenges you face like eyestrain doing computer work. Comparing vision performance between eyes aids in detecting subtle focus differences guiding prescription decisions.

Determining Necessary Strengths for Each Eye

Optometrists determine appropriate reading glass power for each eye individually. You may view testing charts multiple times to pinpoint the optimum combination of left and right eye magnifying strengths.

Expect more time fine tuning prescriptions when eyes require different reading glasses powers to perform at their best. But this precision fitting maximizes the glasses ability to correct presbyopia symptoms.

Ordering Reading Glasses With Two Separate Strengths

Once exam results confirm needing divergent reading prescriptions between eyes, focus turns selecting frames able accommodate custom lens parameters. You have choices between eyeglass stores, online retailers and club stores.

Reading Glasses Options to Consider

Here are factors to consider with your eye doctor when ordering reading glasses:

• Lens material - CR-39 plastic, polycarbonate, high-index or Trivex
• Blue light filtering - For computer eyestrain reduction
• Lens tints - Gray, brown and rose aid glare reduction
• Lens coatings - Anti-reflective, UV, scratch-resistant, oleophobic

With two different prescriptions, request the highest index lens material possible to maintain reasonable lens thickness. Discuss where you use reading glasses most to select appropriate enhancements.

Where to Purchase Reading Glasses

You can acquire reading glasses with two separate magnifying strengths through:

• Independent eye doctors - Support small businesses offering quality personal service
• Optical retail chains - Benefit from wide frame selections and lens options
• Online stores - Order convenience and discounted pricing

Review return policies when ordering eyeglasses online. Purchasing locally enables trying frames for fit andesthetics before final lens fabrication.

Adapting to Reading Glasses With Different Powers

Adjusting to presbyopia takes patience regardless, but having two distinct lens strengths adds complexity. Discomfort like eye strain or headaches might continue initially.

Tips for Adapting to Your New Reading Glasses

These suggestions help you transition smoothly to reading glasses with varied prescriptions:

• Start by wearing them only 15-30 minutes at a time
• Slowly increase wearing time as comfort permits
• Carry them everywhere to use whenever needing near vision clarity
• Give yourself 6-8 weeks to fully adapt

Having backup reading glasses permits leaving a set strategically placed for when presbyopia symptoms arise unexpectedly. Stay diligent using them to retrain eyes adjusting to corrected near focus.

Troubleshooting Reading Glass Fit and Function

If vision clarity fails to improve satisfactorily or significant discomfort continues, return to your eye doctor for follow up. Additional testing and prescription tweaking often resolves such issues.

Double check proper alignment of the frames first and that chosen enhancements don't interfere with lens optics. Minor angling differences between lenses in front of eyes makes reading effortless.

Be patient continuing use of prescribed reading glasses even with gradual incremental improvement. Your eyes and brain need time recalibrating to corrected near vision.

Long-Term Care of Reading Glasses

Investing in quality reading eyewear means taking proper care of glasses too. This ensures continuing functionality safeguarding precious eyesight years into the future. Following some basic cleaning, storage and replacement guidelines optimizes your vision investment.

Caring for Your Reading Glasses

Implement these reading glasses care tips:

• Use microfiber cloths to gently clean lenses as needed
• Allow oil and debris to soften before wiping away
• Rinse under lukewarm water to remove stubborn dirt
• Lay glasses face up when not being worn
• Store glasses in provided case or pouch when possible
• Have lenses re-coated every 1-2 years

Handle reading glasses carefully by the frames instead of lenses to avoid damaging optics or coatings.

Replacing Your Reading Glasses

Plan on getting new reading glasses every year or two. Lens prescriptions may need fine tuning or stronger magnification again as eyes age. Signs it's time for new reading eyewear include:

• Squinting, eye fatigue and headaches persist wearing current glasses
• Holding reading material closer or farther than previously
• Blurry vision which cleaning glasses cannot resolve

Visiting your eye doctor before problems frustrate you guarantees properly corrected, comfortable reading vision.

Investing in quality reading eyewear means taking proper care of glasses too. Following basic cleaning, storage and replacement guidelines protects precious eyesight for years ahead.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.