If you've ever grabbed a pair of reading glasses off a pharmacy rack, you're not alone. They're inexpensive, convenient, and can feel like an easy fix when menus start looking fuzzy.

But are they actually bad for your eyes?

The answer is... not necessarily.

But they're not the whole story either.

Let's break it doen.

First, Why do we suddenly need reading glasses?

Around our early to mid-40's, most of us develop presbyopia - a completely normal age-related change where the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible. That makes focusing up close harder.

It happens to everyone. Yes, even people who've never worn glasses before.

So if you're reaching for longer arms at restaurants, welcome to the club.

When drugstore readers are fine

Over-the-counter reading glasses can work well if:

-You only need help for close up tasks

-Your distance vision is clear

-both eyes need the same prescription

-You don't have eyestrain or headaches

In these cases, they're more of a convenience tool than a problem.

The hidden downsides most people don't realize

Here's where things get interesting.

     1.They assume both eyes are identical.

          Most people don't have perfectly equal prescriptions. If one eye needs +1.25 and the other needs +1.75, a single strength pair forces one eye to work harder.

               That can lead to:

                    Fatigue

                    Headaches

                    Blurry vision after prolonged reading

     2. They don't correct astigmatism.

          If you have even mild astigmatism, readers won't fully sharpen your vision. You may think "these just aren't strong enough," when really the correction is incomplete.

     3. They can mask bigger issues.

          Blurry near vision isn't always just presbyopia. Occaisionally it can signal:

               Dry eye

               Blood sugar fluctuations

               Early cataracts

               Other eye health concerns

          Readers can temporarily "fix" the symptom while the underlying issue goes unchecked.

What they Won't do.

Let's clear up a common myth:

Drugstore reading glasses do NOT damage your eyes.

They won't make your eyes weaker.

They won't accelerate vision loss.

But wearing the wrong strength can make you uncomfortable.

The Bottom Line

Drugstore reading glasses aren't "bad."

They're just basic.

Reading glasses help up close but they don't assist with intermediate tasks like computer use. Many people are forced to switch between pairs or constantly take them on and off throughout the day. 

Prescription options can be customized for how you actually use your eyes, whether that's reading, computer work, driving, or a combination of all three.

Why Annual Eye Exams Matter - Even if Readers "Work"

Many people assume that if drugstore readers solve the provlem, there's no need for an exam. But, a comprehensive eye exam does far more than determine your prescription.

It allows us to:

Check the health of the retina and optic nerve

Screen for glaucoma

Detect early signs of macular degeneration

Monitor cataract development

Identify systemic health conditions that show up in the eyes

 

If you find yourself increasing strength frequently, experiencing discomfort, or wondering whether your eyes are truly healthy, our doctors are here to help.

Call today for an appointment.

Brentwood: (314) 863-0000  or   Ellisville: (636) 256-7800