Reading glasses sold at pharmacies are convenient, affordable, and easy to find. You grab them on your way out, try them on quickly in front of a mirror, and voilà: you can read more clearly. However, even though they seem like a simple solution, these “ready-to-wear” glasses are not suitable for everyone... and in many cases, they can even cause discomfort or mask a more serious vision problem. Before adding a pair to your shopping cart, here's what you need to know.
“One size fits all” glasses… for eyes that are not
The big difference between reading glasses from the drugstore and a pair prescribed by a professional is that they are not tailored to your individual vision. These glasses are made with the same correction for both eyes and a standard pupillary distance.
However, most people do not have the same prescription for both eyes, and their pupillary distance (the distance between the pupils) is not the same as that used for these standardized glasses. As a result, even if the image appears clearer, your eyes have to work harder to compensate.
Possible consequences
Wearing unsuitable glasses can lead to:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Eye strain
- Difficulty concentrating when reading
In some cases, it's not just uncomfortable: it's counterproductive. Your eyes get more tired, which can lead you to think that your vision is deteriorating... when the problem is simply due to the wrong correction.
An eye exam is about much more than just glasses
The need for reading glasses, which usually arises around the age of 40, is often a sign of the onset of presbyopia, a natural phenomenon in which the lens of the eye loses its flexibility. This is normal, but it's also an ideal time to have a comprehensive eye exam.
Why? Because an exam is not limited to measuring the strength of your glasses. It also screens for important eye problems, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Ocular hypertension
These conditions often have no symptoms at first, and over-the-counter glasses will only mask the need to see a doctor.
Custom-made glasses: comfort, precision, and eye health
When an optometrist evaluates your vision, they take into account several factors that are unique to you:
- The difference in correction between your two eyes
- Your pupillary distance
- Your reading or screen habits
- Your natural reading distance
- Your eye history
The result: a pair of glasses made for YOU, allowing you to read longer, more comfortably, and above all, avoid unnecessary eye strain.
Reading glasses from the drugstore can help in a pinch, but they are never a substitute for a professional evaluation. Your eyes are precious; they deserve a personalized and lasting solution.
Take the time to see your optometrist. Your eyes will thank you.
