How to choose the best magnifying glasses for reading?
Magnifying glasses are a kind of optical device that is used to, well, magnify objects for better viewing. They might come in a variety of forms but the most common ones are those that are also called hand lenses. They consist of a round convex lens secured in a frame with a handle. There is also another kind that looks just like a regular pair of eyeglasses whose sole purpose is to make things look larger for.
Are magnifying glasses good for reading?
Since magnifying glasses do enlarge objects, including small text, then it does make sense to assume that they are good for reading. After all, the letters look bigger and you are able to read them much more clearly while wearing magnifying glasses. For short-term use, they are a perfectly acceptable solution. However, there are cases where off-the-shelf magnifiers will not suffice, and you might need something better suited for your vision, which is a pair of prescription reading glasses.
The differences between magnifying glasses and reading glasses
A lot of people have the misconception that reading glasses and magnifying glasses for reading are just different names for one and the same thing. In fact, even eyeglass manufacturers have contributed to this confusion because many of them use the terms diopter strength and magnification power interchangeably, when they are two very different things.
The lenses of reading glasses are measured in diopters. If the diopter of your glasses is too weak, you tend to hold the text farther from your eyes to be able to read it. If it is too strong, you will have to hold the text much closer to your face. An optician will know exactly what diopter rating you require by conducting an eye test. With the right pair of reading glasses, your vision can be corrected in time.
With magnifiers or magnifying glasses for reading, diopter rating is not considered because all they do is magnify the objects that you see. They are not corrective glasses and if you use one that is not the right eye prescription for you, there is a chance that your vision will get worse.
The pros and cons of magnifying glasses
Magnifying glasses for reading can work for some people but not for others. They also have a number of pros and cons that can help you decide whether they are right for you or not.
Main Pros
1. Magnifying glasses are a lot cheaper than prescription reading glasses, so you can save a considerable amount.
2. You can easily buy them from pharmacies, supermarkets, or even online. You can also buy magnifying glasses without going to the eye doctor because they are ready to wear.
3. As for the designs, you will be spoilt for choice because there are so many classic and trendy options available. They come in all colors, frame shapes, lens shades, and so on.
Main Cons
1. While they might assist you in reading more easily, magnifiers are not really meant for long-term use. They are helpful for checking the menu, or reading a sign but they are not for hours of reading or computer work.
2. Magnifying glasses come with the same lens power on both sides, but most people have different left and right prescriptions.
3. The quality of the lenses and frames of magnifying glasses is usually not that high.
How to choose the best magnifying glasses for reading
Despite their limitations, magnifying glasses for reading are indeed a good option for some people. If you have the same prescription for both eyes, and you don't have any other eye problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, then a good pair of magnifying glasses would do you good.
Be sure to take your time in trying on the glasses to make sure you choose the best lenses to help with your vision. If there is some distortion or you feel a bit dizzy, it's not the right pair for you. The best magnifying glasses for you should be comfortable to wear and not cause eyestrain or headaches.
If you can do the diopter reading test method, it would be a great help in figuring out the strength of magnifying glasses for reading that you would need. Look for a diopter chart online, print it, and follow the instructions for conducting the test. The results will show you the lens strength you need.
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