Reading glasses come in different magnifications, known as diopter strengths. To determine your strength, use an online reading glasses strength chart or test out several pairs at a retailer by holding a printed page 14 to 16 inches away from your face and reading the first line that is difficult to read.
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Try on a Pair
Reading glasses for men magnify the information entering your eyes, allowing you to see up close without strain. They’re available over-the-counter or as a prescription, and many offer blue light lenses to help reduce the damage from digital screens. If you need more clarification on your strengths, test out different strengths at a store that offers free returns. A printable eye chart can also help you determine the correct lens power. Remember that reading glasses may not be able to correct for astigmatism or other conditions requiring a prescription. Try a pair that feels good and is not too heavy or bulky for the most comfortable fit. If you wear contacts, ensure the frame is wide enough to accommodate your prescription. Finally, be sure to choose a pair made with high-quality lenses. Low-quality lenses can cause glare, color distortion or vision blurriness.
Measure Your Eyes
While buying reading glasses over the counter is possible, getting your prescription before purchasing is important. A dilated eye exam by an optometrist will give you a full understanding of your vision, but if you can’t afford one or have insurance that doesn’t cover it, there are still ways to figure out what strength you need. You need first to know your pupillary distance or PD. It’s the measurement between the centers of your pupils, and it usually doesn’t change much over your lifetime. However, it can be influenced by age, sex, and ethnicity.
Look at Your Face
It’s not just about how a pair of glasses fit; they must also look good. The good news is that a wide range of styles can suit any face shape, so once you know your face type, it should be easy to find a pair that suits your personality and look. For example, if you have an oval or heart-shaped face that is wider at the forehead than the chin and jaw, look for reading glasses that add some angles to your features. You can do this with angular frames or go for upswept structures such as our cat-eye models. Ultimately, most importantly, your reading glasses make it easy to read without feeling or looking strainful. So, take your time with the process and don’t hesitate to ask a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion. It will be worth it in the long run! Also, feel free to experiment with different strengths. Most powers go up in increments of 0.25, so feel free to try a higher strength if your current ones need to be fixed.
Pick a Style
The type of frames you pick will impact the comfort and appearance of your glasses. Opt for acetate or metal frames, which are both lightweight and durable. Acetate frames are more comfortable than metal, as they don’t create added pressure on the bridge of your nose. You can also choose from various frame colors that complement your skin tone and style. Many eyeglass stores offer free color samples to help you decide. If you’re unsure what color to choose, consider going with something classic, like black or gray, that will go well with most of your wardrobe. You’ll also need to select a lens magnification, which should be based on the results of your eye exam or online test chart. If you need help determining your strength, start with a lower one and see how it works. You can always upgrade to a stronger magnification later on.
Pick a Frame
A pair of reading glasses shouldn’t feel like a burden or a nuisance. So, you want to choose a lightweight and comfortable frame to wear for hours. You’ll also want to look for frames with a sturdy construction and high-quality lenses. For the best vision, opt for polycarbonate or high-index plastic lenses. These materials are lightweight and durable, and they help keep your glasses clear. When choosing a frame color, choose one that complements your skin tone. If you have cool-colored skin, shades of black, gray, and blue will likely flatter you. For warm-colored skin, shades of tan and red might be more suitable. Lastly, you’ll want to ensure your frame size is right. You can do this by bringing your old pair of glasses with you to compare sizes. You’ll also want to select a bridge size that fits comfortably on your nose. From very narrow to wide widths and all the frame shapes you can imagine, there are many options when buying a new pair of reading glasses for men.
