Presbyopia refers to the difficulty in focusing on nearby objects that occurs at a certain age. It is a natural phenomenon of age-related decline in human bodily functions, which typically manifests in most people between the ages of 40 and 45. Symptoms include blurred vision when viewing small text sufferers have to hold mobile phones or newspapers at arm’s length to read clearly. Vision tends to be sharper in well-lit environments, and the distance required to view a mobile phone screen increases progressively with age.
Once presbyopia sets in, wearing a pair of reading glasses is essential to alleviate eye fatigue. For those buying reading glasses for the first time, here are key guidelines for selection:
Opt for relatively wide lens shapes
Due to the convergence effect of the eyes when focusing on near objects, combined with reading and writing habits, the visual axis of each eye shifts downward and inward by 2.5 mm on the lens when viewing close-up objects, compared to the position when looking straight ahead at distant objects. Since the pupils are generally aligned with the horizontal midline of the lens during straight-ahead vision, the lens must be wide enough to ensure an adequate field of view for near vision. Specifically, the vertical height of the lens should be more than 30 mm contrary to the misconception that smaller lenses are better. Narrow lenses with a vertical height of less than 25 mm are designed for portable, temporary vision correction only.
Choose optical frame with a wide front but a small optical center distance (OCD)Most presbyopia sufferers are middle-aged or older, with fuller facial contours. As such, the horizontal width of reading glass frames is typically 10 mm wider than that of regular eyeglass frames. However, the near pupillary distance is 5 mm shorter than the distance pupillary distance. Therefore, the recommended optical center distance (OCD) ranges from 58–61 mm for women and 61–64 mm for men. To meet both the wide frame and small OCD requirements, lenses with a larger diameter must be used, and the optical centers of the lenses need to be significantly inward-shifted during the manufacturing process.
Prioritize durable and sturdy constructionReading glasses are intended for near-vision use. The diopter strength required for presbyopia increases incrementally: starting at +1.00 D (100 degrees) around the age of 40, it needs to be supplemented by +0.50 D (50 degrees) every 5 years thereafter. Additionally, reading glasses are put on and taken off dozens of times more frequently than myopia glasses. For these reasons, the components of reading glasses must be made of robust or high-elasticity materials. The electroplated parts should offer excellent corrosion and scratch resistance, and the lenses must undergo a high-quality hardening process. Overall, a qualified pair of reading glasses should maintain its shape, resist rust, and avoid severe scratching for at least 2 years of use. In fact, these durability requirements make high-quality reading glasses more demanding than comparable frames for prescription eyeglasses.
Selecting the right reading glasses is crucial for first-time wearers, as individual differences are significant. Factors such as height, arm length, eye usage habits, and presbyopia diopter strength vary from person to person. The diopter may even differ between the left and right eyes. Furthermore, some people may have concurrent vision issues such as hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism alongside presbyopia. Wearing ill-fitted reading glasses for an extended period will not resolve vision problems; instead, it may cause eye strain, swelling, or headaches.
Therefore, when presbyopia symptoms emerge, it is advisable to first undergo a professional eye exam at a formal ophthalmology clinic or optical frame store. Finally, select reading glasses tailored to your specific eye condition. Never settle for inferior, cheap reading glasses out of convenience or cost-saving considerations.
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