How to know if you need reading glasses?

Wondering if you need reading glasses? Check out our tips for taking care of your eyes.

03/10/2023 | Alex

Difficulty reading small characters, eye fatigue, headaches, and the need to hold objects further away to see them clearly are symptoms that may indicate the need for reading glasses. In this article, we will detail the signs that indicate you may need reading glasses, the different causes of these symptoms, as well as recommended exams and treatments.

Signs that indicate you may need reading glasses

Difficulty reading small characters is one of the most common signs that you may need reading glasses. This can be manifested by the need to squint or move the object to be read further away, for example.

If you have trouble reading texts on your cellphone, books, or newspapers, this may be a sign that you need reading glasses. Eye fatigue is also a common sign of the need for reading glasses.

If you experience eye pain or fatigue after prolonged reading, it may indicate that your eyes are working too hard and need a vision correction. Headaches can also be a symptom of the need for reading glasses. If you have headaches after reading for a long period, this may be due to excessive eye strain.

If you want to get a first idea of your visual acuity, you can try our free online vision test. This will give you a first indication of the quality of your vision and allow you to decide whether or not you need a more thorough examination with an ophthalmologist.

Different causes of these symptoms

These symptoms may be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as presbyopia, which is a loss of eye flexibility related to age.

Presbyopia is a common condition in people over 40 years old. As you age, the lens of the eye loses its elasticity and can no longer bend enough to allow for clear focus on close objects.

Other factors, such as eye fatigue due to prolonged work on a computer or regular exposure to screens and blue light, can also cause similar symptoms. Eye fatigue is a common condition in office workers, students, and people who spend long hours in front of a computer screen. In any case, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist for a vision exam and accurate diagnosis.

Recommended solutions and treatments

When you consult an ophthalmologist, they will usually perform a complete vision exam to determine if you need reading glasses or other types of vision correction.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, they may also recommend additional tests to rule out other eye conditions. If you are diagnosed with presbyopia or another vision disorder requiring reading glasses, your ophthalmologist will prescribe a pair of glasses tailored to your prescription.

It is also possible to find alternative options such as reading monocles or reading glasses with blue light treatment, tailored to personal preferences and individual needs.

If you have difficulty reading small characters or experience eye fatigue, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for a vision exam. Although this may seem a bit intimidating, accurate diagnosis and appropriate vision correction can greatly improve your quality of life and visual comfort.

Do not ignore the signs and symptoms that indicate you may need reading glasses, as early correction can help prevent later complications.

It is essential to take care of your eyes and protect them from damage caused by screens and other sources of eye stress. Discover our reading glasses available in five dioptres to protect your eyes and prevent eye problems.