Do I need reading glasses as well as normal glasses?

davilown

Hi, I went for my 2 yearly checkup last month.  I'm early 40's with longsightedness (+2.5 each eye) and the optician said I needed to get another pair of glasses just for reading with an increase of +0.5 on each.

Does anyone know if this is normal as I've never had separate glasses before.  I appreciated that my eyesight will deteriorate as I get older!

Thanks in advance

[Deleted User]

 Ive got 2 pairs, tried varifocals but they made Me dizzy flicking between them. That said I don't wear either pair much unless struggling to read because I forget. 

MalMonroe

If you are longsighted, you should be able to see fairly well into the distance and will only need one pair of glasses - for reading, surely? Unless you can't see into the distance at all.

I'm longsighted and for years I had to wear glasses just for reading but then my eyesight deteriorated and now I wear specs all the time but they are bifocal, so I can see into the distance and also switch to reading without having to change my specs. That would drive me crazy and it seems a bit old-fashioned of your optician. Although I guess opticians have to make a living somehow. 

I've also tried varifocals but couldn't get on with them. Bifocals are great, although if given a choice I would prefer not to need either.  I also have another pair just for using with my computer, which is a different prescription altogether.

I'd have to ask the optician why he/she didn't suggest bifocals or varifocals though, and exactly why you need two kinds of specs.

clive0510

its a bit like the dentist. the dentist says you need this this, also this. ok well do it and I'll pay for it.

Spoonie_Turtle

Sounds to me like you have three main options:

2 pairs of glasses (either 2 prescription pairs from the optician, or your normal prescription pair and a cheapie large pair of ordinary +0.5 reading glasses to put over the top when you need them);
1 pair of glasses (bifocals or varifocals, unless there's a specific reason why they wouldn't be suitable); or
No additional glasses and just hold things further away to read until your arms aren't long enough or you start to struggle/get headaches.

Ultimately which option would be best for you is your decision

Edited for typo

davilown

Thanks for your responses - not sure what to do but might look at bifocals

theoretica

If your prescription is a simple +2.5 in each eye and recommendation of +3 for reading I would be tempted to buy some extremely cheap reading glasses (poundshop?) and see if you want to wear them or not. 

ElephantBoy57

davilown said:

Hi, I went for my 2 yearly checkup last month.  I'm early 40's with longsightedness (+2.5 each eye) and the optician said I needed to get another pair of glasses just for reading with an increase of +0.5 on each.

I have had my eyes tested recently and have ordered a pair of varifocals, I am told they take a long time to get accustomed to. My glasses are to improve my sight whilst driving, I am 59

I have had reading glasses for a few years, but is +0.5 worth a different pair of glasses?

kirtondm

1. Are you having any problems with reading? If not leave it
2. If you are then consider varfiocals or seperate readers depening on your lifestlye , if you normally wears specs f/time go for varies. If you only wear for certain tasks try 2 pairs.

Average age for 1st readers in our rural community is 47 this will be younger for thoose who do lots of vdu / close tasks or with diabetes/ other medical issues.

davilown

kirtondm said:

1. Are you having any problems with reading? If not leave it
2. If you are then consider varfiocals or seperate readers depening on your lifestlye , if you normally wears specs f/time go for varies. If you only wear for certain tasks try 2 pairs.

Average age for 1st readers in our rural community is 47 this will be younger for thoose who do lots of vdu / close tasks or with diabetes/ other medical issues.

Thanks, I wear them all the time, reading, computers etc - going to give varifocals from Glasses Direct a go, Can always send them back if I don't get on with them are a few months