7 Signs You Need Reading Glasses

Are you holding your phone farther away, increasing the text size on your screen or struggling to read menus in dimly lit restaurants? These could all be signs that you need reading glasses.

Changes to near vision are a common part of getting older. They are often caused by presbyopia, an age-related change that makes it more difficult for your eyes to focus on nearby objects. It usually becomes noticeable from your early to mid-40s, although everyone’s eyesight changes differently.

Here are seven common signs that it may be time to arrange an eye test and consider reading glasses.

1. Text moves farther away

One of the most recognisable signs is needing to hold books, menus, labels or your phone farther away to read them clearly.

You may find that text looks blurred at your normal reading distance but becomes clearer when you extend your arm. This happens because your eyes are finding it harder to focus on objects positioned close to you.

If your arms suddenly seem too short for comfortable reading, it may be time to check your near vision.

2. Small print looks blurred

Small print can become increasingly difficult to read when your near vision begins to change. Instructions, ingredients, receipts and messages on your phone may look blurred, even if your distance vision remains clear.

You might initially notice the problem with particularly small text. Over time, ordinary book or newspaper print may also become harder to focus on.

Reading glasses magnify nearby text, helping you read at a more comfortable distance without needing to squint or move the page around.

3. You need brighter light

Do you find reading much easier when you sit beside a bright window or switch on an additional lamp?

Everyone can find it harder to read in poor lighting, but a noticeable increase in the amount of light you need may be associated with changing near vision. You might struggle with restaurant menus, product labels or books in the evening, despite being able to read them during the day.

Better lighting can make text easier to see, but it does not correct the underlying focusing difficulty. If this problem happens regularly, consider arranging an eye test.

4. Your eyes feel tired

Reading, sewing, completing puzzles or working on other close-up tasks should not leave your eyes feeling exhausted.

When your eyes are struggling to focus, they have to work harder to keep nearby details clear. This can lead to tired, uncomfortable or strained eyes, particularly after extended periods of reading.

Eye strain can also be caused by dry eyes, long periods of screen use, poor lighting or an unsuitable prescription. If the discomfort keeps returning, an optometrist can help identify the cause.

5. Close work causes headaches

Frequent headaches after reading or close-up work can be another indication that your eyes are struggling to focus.

These headaches may be felt around your forehead, temples or behind your eyes. They can appear after reading, looking at your phone, working at a computer or concentrating on detailed tasks.

However, headaches can have many different causes. Reading glasses may help when the problem is related to near vision, but persistent or severe headaches should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Using reading glasses that are too strong or too weak can also cause discomfort. Choosing the correct strength is therefore important.

6. You keep enlarging text

Increasing the font size on your phone, tablet or computer is a useful accessibility feature. However, if you are gradually making text larger on every device, it could indicate a change in your near vision.

You may also zoom in on websites, take photographs of labels so you can enlarge them, or ask someone else to read small print for you.

These workarounds can help temporarily, but correctly chosen reading glasses may provide a more convenient solution for everyday close-up tasks.

7. Refocusing takes more time

Your eyes regularly switch between different viewing distances. You might look down at your phone and then across the room, or alternate between paperwork and a computer screen.

As near vision changes, it can take longer for your eyes to refocus when switching between close and distant objects. Text may appear briefly blurred, or you may need to blink several times before it becomes clear.

Reading glasses are designed for close-up vision. They should normally be removed when looking into the distance unless you are using a suitable bifocal or prescription lens.

Why does near vision change?

Presbyopia happens as the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible with age. This makes it harder for the eye to change focus and see nearby objects clearly.

It develops gradually and affects most people eventually, including those who have never previously worn glasses. It is not caused by reading too much, using screens or wearing reading glasses.

You can read more in our guide answering the common question: Do reading glasses make your eyes worse?

Do you definitely need readers?

Experiencing one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that ready-made reading glasses are the right solution.

Similar symptoms can be caused by an outdated prescription, astigmatism, dry eyes or other changes to your vision. A professional eye test can check your near vision while also looking for signs of eye conditions that may not have obvious symptoms.

The NHS recommends having an eye test every two years, or more frequently if advised by an optometrist. You should arrange one sooner if you have noticed a change in your eyesight.

Sudden or rapid changes to your vision are not typical of gradual presbyopia and should be assessed promptly.

Choosing the right strength

Reading-glasses strength is measured in dioptres and displayed as a plus number, such as +1.00, +1.50 or +2.00. A higher number provides stronger magnification.

The right strength depends on your eyesight and the distance at which you are completing a task. Your age can provide a rough indication, but it should not be used as the only way to choose your glasses.

Tiger Specs offers reading glasses from +0.00 to +5.00, including quarter strengths that can help you find a more precise level of magnification.

You can use our free reading-glasses strength calculator to get an initial indication of the strength you may need. This does not replace a professional eye test, particularly if your eyes require different strengths or you have astigmatism.

Ready-made reading glasses

Ready-made reading glasses provide the same lens strength in both eyes. They can be a convenient choice for reading and other close-up tasks when both eyes have similar requirements.

They may not be suitable if:

- Your eyes need different strengths

- You have astigmatism

- You already wear prescription glasses

- Your vision has changed suddenly

- You experience persistent headaches or eye strain

- Text remains blurred with several different strengths

The College of Optometrists recommends using ready-made readers as additional or spare glasses alongside a pair made to your individual prescription.

Ready-made reading glasses should only be used for close-up tasks. They are not designed for driving or general distance vision.

Find your reading glasses

If you have recognised some of these signs and recently had your eyesight checked, you can browse our full range of reading glasses.

Tiger Specs is a UK-based, family-run eyewear specialist offering reading glasses for men and women in a wide choice of strengths, colours and frame shapes. Every pair is also covered by our six-month guarantee.

 

Frequently asked questions

At what age do you need reading glasses?

Many people begin to notice changes to their near vision in their early to mid-40s. However, there is no single age at which everyone needs reading glasses. An eye test is the best way to understand how your vision is changing.

Do reading glasses weaken your eyes?

Reading glasses do not weaken your eyes or cause presbyopia to progress. Near vision naturally changes with age, which can make it seem as though your eyesight is becoming dependent on your glasses.

Can I wear readers all day?

Reading glasses are intended for close-up tasks and may blur your distance vision. They should normally be removed when walking, driving, watching television or looking across a room.