Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Reading Glasses - What’s the Difference?
“Age is just a number.”
But when it comes to your eyes - that number starts to matter.
By the age of 40, many people begin to notice that reading fine print or using a phone up close becomes a struggle.
Sometimes it can happen earlier in life, sometimes later - but at some stage, a fact that everyone must face is that their eyesight will begin to deteriorate.
Fortunately, glasses, whether they are prescription or non-prescription, can be used to correct any vision imperfections.
Today there are over 4 billion glasses wearers worldwide, making glasses a clear leader in vision correction. But when it comes to choosing the right type of glasses for you, prescription or non-prescription, which is the best?
Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of each glasses type, what to expect from each lens, and ultimately, which type best suits you and your needs.
How our eyes change with age
Let’s start with a little background on what happens to our eyes as we age.
By the time we hit 40, the crystalline lens in our eyes starts to lose its elasticity. This makes it harder for the lens to change shape - which is necessary for focusing on nearby objects.
As a result, we often experience blurry vision when reading or doing other close-up tasks. This is the essence of presbyopia.
In addition to presbyopia, ageing eyes are more vulnerable to other vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma. That’s why it is important to get regular eye exams, even if you think your vision is fine.
You may not notice these issues immediately but an optometrist can catch them early on.
Some common signs that you may need reading glasses include:
- Difficulty reading small print of focussing on near objects.
- Eye strain or headaches after extended close-up tasks.
- The need to hold books or phones at arm's length to see clearly.
- Blurry vision when reading, especially in low-light settings.
If any of these sound familiar you might be considering reading glasses as a solution.
But which type should you choose?
Prescription reading glasses
Prescription reading glasses are designed specifically for your unique vision needs. After an eye exam, your optician will provide a prescription that corrects any vision problems, such as:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
These glasses are customised to fit your eyes, guaranteeing you get the right amount of magnification and correction for the best possible vision.
Here are some things to know about prescription reading glasses:
Custom-fit
Prescription glasses take into account the strength of each eye. If you have one eye stronger or weaker than the other your glasses will correct both eyes individually.
Comprehensive correction
Prescription glasses can also address multiple vision issues at once. If you are nearsighted and have presbyopia, your optometrist might recommend bifocal or varifocal lenses. This allows you to see clearly at both near and far distances.
Higher quality lenses
Prescription lenses are typically made from high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate, and undergo strict quality control. This reduces the chances of defects like bubbles or scratches that can interfere with your vision.
Prescription reading glasses, like the ones we offer, can often be customised with different lens coatings and filters.
This can further improve eye comfort by reducing eye strain, and result in glasses that look and feel better. At Glasses2You we have a range of lens coatings and filters available including:
Non-prescription reading glasses
Non-prescription reading glasses, also known as over-the-counter (OTC) readers, are readily available in chemists and online.
They come in a range of magnification strengths, normally from +0.50 to +5.00. And they are designed to help people with presbyopia focus on near objects.
These glasses are generally inexpensive, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Standard magnification
OTC readers offer the same magnification power in both lenses. If you have a significant difference in vision between your eyes, this may not work well for you.
Basic Correction
Ready reader glasses don’t correct other vision issues like nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness. They simply magnify the text in front of you, making it easier to read, but they won’t help with distance vision.
Lower quality lenses
Since OTC readers aren’t custom-made.
They may not offer the same optical clarity as prescription glasses. The lenses might have imperfections that could affect your vision.
Prescription vs. non-prescription reading glasses
Now that you know about both types of glasses – let’s cover the differences:
Customisation vs. one-size-fits-all
The biggest difference between prescription and non-prescription reading glasses is customisation.
Prescription reading glasses are specifically tailored to your unique vision needs. When you visit an optician, they will conduct a thorough eye exam and determine your exact prescription.
They take into account your eye health, any refractive errors (like nearsightedness or astigmatism), and the degree of magnification you need for reading.
After your visit to the optician, you will be given a prescription that provides a complete description of your current eye health. This will include:
- Dioptres: The unit used to measure lens power.
- Sphere (SPH): The lens strength required to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Cylinder (CYL): The lens power needed to correct astigmatism.
- Axis: The degree (0 to 180) indicating the orientation of astigmatism on the cornea.
- Add: The additional lens power for near vision, such as reading.
- Prism: The amount of prismatic power required to correct eye alignment issues.
- Base: The direction in which the prism is positioned within the glasses.
On the other hand, non-prescription reading glasses are mass-produced and come in fixed magnification strengths.
You won’t need an eye exam to buy these glasses.
These types of glasses are often available in various strengths at local pharmacies or online.
While convenient, they are designed for people who only need a small amount of magnification to read up close and may not be suitable for people with other vision problems like astigmatism or myopia.
Lens quality
The quality of the lenses is another important factor.
Prescription reading glasses typically come with high-quality lenses that are designed specifically for your needs. These lenses are made from materials like polycarbonate or high-index plastic.
They are lightweight, durable, and clear. The lenses undergo strict quality control to guarantee there are no imperfections in the lenses.
Non-prescription glasses, however, often don’t go through the same quality checks. While they may seem fine at first glance, the lenses may contain small defects that you might not notice immediately but can affect your vision over time.
This could result in eyestrain or blurry vision, especially if you are wearing glasses for extended periods.
Cost
One of the main reasons people opt for non-prescription reading glasses is the price. They are much cheaper than prescription glasses, which makes them a more affordable option for many people.
Prescription reading glasses, on the other hand, are more expensive. However, while prescription glasses may cost more upfront, they offer better value in the long run because they are customised to your needs and provide better vision quality.
Correction for vision issues
Non-prescription reading glasses are designed for people who only need help with close-up vision, such as reading small print.
They magnify objects but do not correct any other vision problems, like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). If you have astigmatism or other vision issues, ready-made readers won’t provide the full correction you need.
Prescription glasses, on the other hand, can correct a variety of vision issues.
If you have astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia, your prescription glasses will be tailored to address these specific problems.
This means that prescription reading glasses not only help you see close-up objects clearly but also correct any other vision distortions you may have.
Comfort and fit
Comfort is an essential factor when wearing reading glasses for extended periods.
Prescription reading glasses are made to fit your face properly and provide comfort for everyday use.
During an eye exam, your optometrist will take measurements of your eyes and face to guarantee that the frame fits perfectly and the lenses align correctly.
This helps to reduce discomfort, eye strain, and headaches.
When buying prescription reading glasses you will then be able to select a frame that has the dimensions that you require. All of our glasses have the individual frame dimensions listed in the frame information section.
Non-prescription reading glasses, however, come in standard sizes, and the fit may not be as comfortable.
If the glasses are too tight or too loose, it can cause discomfort and the lenses may not line up properly with your eyes - leading to blurry vision or discomfort after prolonged use.
Availability of extras
Prescription glasses often come with additional features that improve your vision and comfort.
For example, you can add blue light filters to your prescription lenses which are especially useful if you spend a lot of time in front of screens. You can also opt for bifocal or varifocal lenses. This corrects both near and far vision in one pair of glasses - eliminating the need for multiple pairs.
Non-prescription glasses usually come with standard magnification lenses and may not offer such customisation. They are often single-focus, so they’re only useful for reading or tasks that require close-up vision.
Durability
Prescription glasses are usually more durable than non-prescription ones.
The high-quality materials used for the lenses and frames ensure they last longer.
Non-prescription glasses, being mass-produced, might be made from cheaper materials, which could lead to quicker wear and tear.
When should you choose prescription reading glasses?
You might be wondering if you really need prescription reading glasses or if OTC readers will suffice. Here are a few signs that prescription glasses may be the better option for you.
Vision imbalances
If you have different prescriptions for each eye, OTC readers will likely leave you with blurry or uncomfortable vision.
Prescription glasses are tailored to correct these imbalances.
Astigmatism or other conditions
If you have astigmatism or another refractive error, prescription glasses will correct your vision more effectively than OTC readers.
Multiple vision needs
For those who need both reading and seeing at a distance, bifocal or varifocal lenses can provide all-around correction in one pair.
For people who do a lot of computer work or reading, prescription readers may also be a better choice. If you worry about digital eye strain, you can add a blue light filter to your prescription lenses.
Are OTC readers safe?
Generally, OTC readers are safe for short-term use if you are simply reading a book or doing other near-vision tasks. However, they are not ideal for people with underlying vision problems as they won’t address issues like astigmatism or nearsightedness.
Here are a few tips if you choose to use OTC readers:
Choose the right magnification
Don’t overestimate your magnification needs. Opt for a power that helps you see clearly without straining your eyes.
Ensure a good fit
Ill-fitting glasses can cause discomfort and affect your vision. Make sure the frame fits your face properly before purchasing.
Use them wisely
OTC ready readers are best for short-term use. If you are using them for extended periods, take regular breaks to prevent eye strain.
Most importantly, it is always a good idea to have an annual eye exam.
Even if you are using OTC readers without any issues, regular eye exams help detect underlying conditions that could worsen over time.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision between prescription and non-prescription reading glasses depends on your specific needs.
If you have presbyopia but no other vision issues, OTC readers may be enough for you. However, if you have other vision problems, or if you want a pair of glasses that you can wear all day for both near and far tasks, prescription readers are the better option.
Remember, no matter which option you choose, taking care of your eye health is very important.
Regular eye exams can catch potential issues early and help you maintain clear vision as you age.
If you are looking for your next pair of prescription reading glasses, head to our online glasses selection to find your next pair. We have a large selection of frames and offer complete customisation over the lenses you choose.
Share This Post
