Ready-Made vs Prescription Reading Glasses: Which Do You Need?

Reading a menu, checking your phone or settling down with a good book should feel comfortable. When small print starts becoming harder to see, choosing your next pair of glasses can raise a few questions.

Ready-made reading glasses have the same strength in both lenses, while prescription reading glasses are made to your individual requirements. The right choice depends on your prescription, how the glasses fit and what you need them for.

At Tiger Specs, we want to help you choose with confidence. Here is what to consider before buying.

What are ready-made reading glasses?

Ready-made reading glasses, also called ready readers or off-the-shelf readers, come in set strengths such as +1.00, +1.50 and +2.00. You can buy them without supplying a prescription.

They help with close-up focusing difficulties caused by presbyopia, the natural change in near vision that develops as we get older. You might notice yourself holding a book further away or needing larger text on your phone.

Ready readers offer a convenient way to keep an additional pair where you need them, whether that is beside your favourite chair, in your handbag or near the recipe books in the kitchen.

Our reading glasses buying guide explains the available options.

What are prescription reading glasses?

Prescription reading glasses are made using the results of an eye examination. Each lens can have a different correction, and the glasses can account for requirements that standard readers cannot.

They are designed for near tasks. Having a prescription pair for reading does not automatically mean you can use that same pair for distance vision.

Tell your optometrist how you spend your time, from reading novels to working at a screen, so they can advise on suitable lenses.

Ready-made vs prescription readers at a glance

Price is only one part of the decision. Start with suitability, then compare the frames and features within your budget.

When might ready-made readers suit you?

Ready-made readers may be useful as spare or additional glasses when the same near strength works comfortably for both eyes.

The College of Optometrists recommends having at least one pair made to your exact prescription and facial measurements, with ready-made readers used as additional pairs if you wish.

Once your optometrist has confirmed suitability, think about where you will keep them. A compact pair might be handy to carry out and about, while a favourite colourful frame can have a permanent home beside your book.

When should you consider prescription readers?

Prescription readers are worth discussing with your optometrist if your eyes need different corrections, you have astigmatism, or off-the-shelf readers do not give you clear, comfortable vision.

Avoid repeatedly buying stronger pairs to solve discomfort. An eye examination can check what you need.

Take your current glasses to the appointment and explain when you notice difficulties. Examples such as “my book is clear but my screen is blurry” give your optometrist useful information about your everyday tasks.

Does your reading distance matter?

Think about the difference between a paperback in your hands and a monitor on your desk. You will usually view them at different distances.

Presbyopia can affect close-up reading first and, later, tasks further away, such as looking at a computer screen. A pair that works for one activity may not suit another.

Before your eye test, note where you normally sit, how far away your screen is and which tasks you find difficult. Your optometrist can use this information when advising you.

For more about age-related focusing changes, see the College of Optometrists’ guide to presbyopia.

Choosing your next pair

Once you know which type of glasses suits your needs, you can focus on finding a pair you enjoy wearing.

- Confirm your strength. Ask your optometrist which reading correction is suitable. Our reading glasses strength calculator offers guidance using your prescription, but does not replace an eye test.

- Compare frame measurements. A pair you already find comfortable can be a useful starting point when shopping online.

- Consider your routine. Think about whether your glasses will stay on your desk or travel with you.

- Choose your style. From understated frames to bold colours, your readers should feel like you.

- Check the product details. Look at dimensions, materials and care information before ordering.

At Tiger Specs, our reading glasses collection brings together a wide choice of shapes, colours and strengths to help you find your next pair.