Are you among the 120 million Americans with presbyopia? If so, you probably wear reading glasses. 

Readers are considered the most accessible way to correct age-related farsightedness. With them, you can improve your ability to accomplish daily tasks like reading, writing, and driving. According to NPR, they can even provide an income boost—showing how effectively they can uplift your overall quality of life.  

But what if they don’t work for you? If you still experience presbyopia symptoms while wearing these corrective aids, it may be a sign that you’re not using the right reading glasses. Instead, it may point to the fact that you need progressive readers. 

What Are Progressive Readers?

Single-vision reading glasses, which use one magnifying power to clarify your near vision, are the most common readers you can get from your optometrist or over-the-counter. Eyesight issues that persist even after using them may signal that you need progressive reading glasses instead. These were first developed by the prolific scientist and inventor Benjamin Franklin, who designed bifocal readers by taking eyeglasses lenses with two strengths, cutting them in half, and mixing them before placing them in frames. The resulting eyewear allowed him to see near and far distances without swapping between glasses. Since then, reading glasses innovations have improved this design even further, creating progressive readers that can accommodate up to three magnifying strengths. These can simultaneously correct near-, intermediate-, and distance vision to provide instant flexibility and consistent visual comfort to presbyopic wearers with unique eyesight requirements. 

But how do you know if you need them? After all, you may need single-vision reading glasses, but use a pair with the wrong prescription. Here’s how to tell if you need to talk to your optometrist about getting progressive readers: 

When Do You Need Them?

Your Vision Fluctuates In The Evening

You may notice that your readers work perfectly well during the day, but you struggle to see nearby objects clearly once the sun goes down. You might also be experiencing that if you move between well- and poorly-lit environments. It may help to incorporate simple, minimalist lighting in your living spaces; combining natural light and soft, strategically placed lamps can improve comfort for your eyes. However, if you still need more light to see clearly even with single-vision readers, it can mean they’re not correcting your eyesight enough—and that you may need to add another magnifying power to your lenses. 

You Get Constant Headaches 

If your current readers are undercorrecting your vision, your eyes will strain more to see clearly. That can result in both eye fatigue and headaches. Experiencing the latter constantly can be another sign that you need progressive readers. However, it’s also important to note that glasses-related headaches can be caused by several factors. For example, readers bought over-the-counter or online may have poor-fitting frames that squeeze at the temples. They might not account for pupillary distance, a measurement that ensures your lenses are centered on your pupils to provide visual comfort. If you use devices often, you may be straining your eyes simply due to prolonged periods of looking at digital displays. Make sure to rule out other possible causes of headaches to confirm that your symptoms are truly due to needing progressives.

You Find Daily Tasks Challenging

Another sign that you need progressive readers is that you still find yourself doing what you used to do before you got single-vision reading glasses. For example, despite wearing readers, you may find yourself constantly readjusting what you’re looking at—like holding newspapers or smartphones further away from your face—to see them more clearly. Similarly, if you’re driving, you might notice that your speedometer is still blurry when you look at it. Suppose you feel that your current readers don’t fulfill their primary task of helping you go about day-to-day activities like reading, writing, and driving. In that case, it’s worth asking your optometrist if you need to switch to progressive reading glasses.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or optical advice. If you are experiencing vision problems or symptoms related to presbyopia, consult a qualified eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam and personalized recommendations. The effectiveness of reading glasses, including progressive lenses, varies by individual and should be assessed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Published by Stephanie M.