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How Do You Know What Strength Reading Glasses to Get?

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How Do You Know What Strength Reading Glasses to Get?

As the name suggests, reading glasses are glasses that help read, see objects in close range or complete daunting tasks like threading a needle. When buying a pair of readers, there are several types to choose from, which can be good but also confusing. What lenses work best? How do you know what strength to get? Will the reading glasses help your astigmatism? We are here to answer all these questions and more.

Do I need reading glasses? 

Have you noticed your vision is blurry lately while reading a book or using your mobile? This is one of the key signs that it’s time to buy reading glasses. Other symptoms include squinting when looking at something within close range, difficulties reading small print text, headaches and eye strain after reading, holding your reading material at arm’s length to see better, and increased eye fatigue. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely need a pair of reading glasses.

Eye test for readers glasses: how to find out if you need readers

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. The symptoms of presbyopia are typically an age-related condition that occurs and deteriorates over a period of time. The best way to find out what strength reading glasses to get is by consulting an eye doctor and getting medical advice. Because it is an age-related condition, we advise seeing an eye doctor regularly as the age progresses, especially if you are already experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above. 

Even though presbyopia tends to be an age-related condition, people younger than 40 also tend to get it because of the modern-day nature of working on near-distance objects, especially on digital devices. A comfortable pair of prescription reading glasses can help with vision correction; they magnify vision, making smaller print larger and easier to read. 

At-home reading glasses test

When looking for reading glasses and not knowing what power to select, it can be very tempting to search for at-home tests to give you that information. Unfortunately, determining the strength of the glasses on your own can lead to selecting the wrong power and damaging your eyes. By deciding what power to get on your own, you could end up using more power than you truly need; this could lead to your eyes getting used to it and making your vision worse.  

If you need a pair of reading glasses, the best way to find out which power works for you is by consulting an eye specialist. This will prevent you from getting the wrong glasses and damaging your vision. 

What if my reading glasses don’t work? 

If you’re already wearing reading glasses and find yourself experiencing headaches or still having difficulties reading, you might start to wonder if your reading glasses are effective or not. Chances are you got your prescription a very long time ago and now need more power in your lenses, which means you should probably get your eyes checked.

Another reason why your reading glasses might not be working for you is that you chose the power without consulting a specialist. If you still struggle reading, you probably chose the wrong power and need to consult a specialist. Once you have that sorted, you will be able to choose between different types of lenses.

What are reading glasses and the many different types you can choose from 

The most common type of lenses for reading glasses are single-vision lenses; in this case, both lenses have the same power. Multifocal/progressive lenses, on the other hand, have multiple prescriptions in one lens, which makes it easier to switch between seeing close-up, in-between, and far away. Multifocal lenses are the best choice for those looking to correct more than one problem, while single-vision lenses can be a good option if you need the same power for both eyes and only have one prescription.  Another option to consider is adding a blue light block to your lenses. This will help with eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches whenever being in front of a screen for many hours. Check out our guide for more information on buying glasses online and the types of lenses we offer. 

Will reading glasses help astigmatism? 

Although the symptoms of astigmatism and presbyopia may seem similar, reading glasses cannot help all individuals with astigmatism. It is important to remember that generic reading glasses only magnify whatever you look up close. Because people with astigmatism may also be nearsighted or farsighted, reading glasses are not advised if you suffer from astigmatism. To determine whether you have astigmatism, we advise seeing an eye professional. 

Where to buy reading glasses: 5 easy steps to buy the perfect pair 

With so many options, both over-the-counter and online, it can be confusing to choose the best pair. So here are five easy steps to select the best readers from the comfort of your home and immediately start seeing better!

Step 1: Head to our website 

Step 2: Head to our glasses section 

Step 3: Filter to reading glasses 

Step 4: Choose your favourite frames and select the power (It is possible to choose from +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00, and +3.50)

Step 5: Securely check out online!

With SmartBuy Readers, you can invest in several pairs to always have one nearby. Keep a pair in the office, one in your handbag, one in your car, and one at home so you always have easy access to clearer vision. If you have any more questions about reading glasses, ask our opticians!

Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

How Do You Know What Strength Reading Glasses to Get?

As the name suggests, reading glasses are glasses that help read, see objects in close range or complete daunting tasks like threading a needle. When buying a pair of readers, there are several types to choose from, which can be good but also confusing. What lenses work best? How do you know what strength to get? Will the reading glasses help your astigmatism? We are here to answer all these questions and more.

Do I need reading glasses? 

Have you noticed your vision is blurry lately while reading a book or using your mobile? This is one of the key signs that it’s time to buy reading glasses. Other symptoms include squinting when looking at something within close range, difficulties reading small print text, headaches and eye strain after reading, holding your reading material at arm’s length to see better, and increased eye fatigue. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely need a pair of reading glasses.

Eye test for readers glasses: how to find out if you need readers

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. The symptoms of presbyopia are typically an age-related condition that occurs and deteriorates over a period of time. The best way to find out what strength reading glasses to get is by consulting an eye doctor and getting medical advice. Because it is an age-related condition, we advise seeing an eye doctor regularly as the age progresses, especially if you are already experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above. 

Even though presbyopia tends to be an age-related condition, people younger than 40 also tend to get it because of the modern-day nature of working on near-distance objects, especially on digital devices. A comfortable pair of prescription reading glasses can help with vision correction; they magnify vision, making smaller print larger and easier to read. 

At-home reading glasses test

When looking for reading glasses and not knowing what power to select, it can be very tempting to search for at-home tests to give you that information. Unfortunately, determining the strength of the glasses on your own can lead to selecting the wrong power and damaging your eyes. By deciding what power to get on your own, you could end up using more power than you truly need; this could lead to your eyes getting used to it and making your vision worse.  

If you need a pair of reading glasses, the best way to find out which power works for you is by consulting an eye specialist. This will prevent you from getting the wrong glasses and damaging your vision. 

What if my reading glasses don’t work? 

If you’re already wearing reading glasses and find yourself experiencing headaches or still having difficulties reading, you might start to wonder if your reading glasses are effective or not. Chances are you got your prescription a very long time ago and now need more power in your lenses, which means you should probably get your eyes checked.

Another reason why your reading glasses might not be working for you is that you chose the power without consulting a specialist. If you still struggle reading, you probably chose the wrong power and need to consult a specialist. Once you have that sorted, you will be able to choose between different types of lenses.

What are reading glasses and the many different types you can choose from 

The most common type of lenses for reading glasses are single-vision lenses; in this case, both lenses have the same power. Multifocal/progressive lenses, on the other hand, have multiple prescriptions in one lens, which makes it easier to switch between seeing close-up, in-between, and far away. Multifocal lenses are the best choice for those looking to correct more than one problem, while single-vision lenses can be a good option if you need the same power for both eyes and only have one prescription.  Another option to consider is adding a blue light block to your lenses. This will help with eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches whenever being in front of a screen for many hours. Check out our guide for more information on buying glasses online and the types of lenses we offer. 

Will reading glasses help astigmatism? 

Although the symptoms of astigmatism and presbyopia may seem similar, reading glasses cannot help all individuals with astigmatism. It is important to remember that generic reading glasses only magnify whatever you look up close. Because people with astigmatism may also be nearsighted or farsighted, reading glasses are not advised if you suffer from astigmatism. To determine whether you have astigmatism, we advise seeing an eye professional. 

Where to buy reading glasses: 5 easy steps to buy the perfect pair 

With so many options, both over-the-counter and online, it can be confusing to choose the best pair. So here are five easy steps to select the best readers from the comfort of your home and immediately start seeing better!

Step 1: Head to our website 

Step 2: Head to our glasses section 

Step 3: Filter to reading glasses 

Step 4: Choose your favourite frames and select the power (It is possible to choose from +1.00, +1.50, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00, and +3.50)

Step 5: Securely check out online!

With SmartBuy Readers, you can invest in several pairs to always have one nearby. Keep a pair in the office, one in your handbag, one in your car, and one at home so you always have easy access to clearer vision. If you have any more questions about reading glasses, ask our opticians!

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

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How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

Scratched glasses can be an annoyance for glasses wearers, affecting the appearance and functionality of the frames. The only way to remove scratches from a glasses lens is to replace it. However, sometimes DIY methods are suggested online. The reality is that these methods are much more likely to cause further damage than to help repair scratched glasses.

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good. Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

Some DIY suggestions for removing scratches from glasses include everyday household items like toothpaste, baking soda and furniture polish. One of the significant issues with these fixes is that they all rely on the abrasive nature of the chemicals found in these items.

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly! If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so using this to remove scratches from your lenses could further scratch them. Baking soda can warp your lenses and erode lens coating, therefore worsening your vision. Using this material to remove scratches is risky, so we do not recommend it.

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

Similarly to baking soda, toothpaste is not recommended to remove scratches on glasses. The idea behind using toothpaste to improve scratched lenses is that the paste will wear down the coating enough to hide the scratches. However, this will only cause even more permanent scratches and will polish the scratches already on your glasses.

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

As aforementioned, any DIY suggestions, such as using polish to remove scratches, will only further damage the lens. Using wax is a method to try and fill in scratches, making it harder to see through them. Therefore, we do not recommend using wax or polish to remove scratches.

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

Unfortunately, going to an optician will get you no closer to removing scratches from prescription glasses. When a lens is damaged in such a way, the lens coating, as well as the damage to the lens itself, is permanent, and no amount of expertise will get you closer to a solution. The best option is to get your lenses replaced and then take the necessary precautions in the future.

How to replace lenses in glasses?

To replace the lenses of your glasses, you can visit SmartBuyGlasses and explore thousands of frames at affordable prices. You can also use our Virtual Try-On tool to try on the frames digitally and order them from the comfort of your own home. You can also visit your local optician, where they can replace the lenses in your original frame. Typically, optical stores can replace lenses if your frames are in good condition and the shape of the lenses is not complex, or you can purchase new glasses.

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

Even getting one scratch on your glasses lens can be annoying, so preventing doing so is crucial. Consider these steps for ongoing care and avoid future damage to your lenses:

 

– Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.

– Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

– Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.

– Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.


As enticing as the easy DIY methods may seem, there is no way to resolve this issue at home, and you run a real risk of damaging your scratched lenses even more. As outlined above, the only real and concrete solution is to replace your lenses and protect your glasses with all the necessary steps. Our in-house opticians are available online if you have any further questions about your scratched lenses.

ASK NOW

How to Remove Scratches From Glasses

Scratched glasses can be an annoyance for glasses wearers, affecting the appearance and functionality of the frames. The only way to remove scratches from a glasses lens is to replace it. However, sometimes DIY methods are suggested online. The reality is that these methods are much more likely to cause further damage than to help repair scratched glasses.

Can you remove scratches from prescription glasses?

Removing a scratch from your prescription glasses is not possible, as it will cause permanent damage to the lens surface. So once a lens is scratched deep enough, it’s scratched for good. Although an optician can adjust the glasses and give advice on fit and care, it is best to replace the lens entirely.

Some DIY suggestions for removing scratches from glasses include everyday household items like toothpaste, baking soda and furniture polish. One of the significant issues with these fixes is that they all rely on the abrasive nature of the chemicals found in these items.

Removing scratches from glasses using any of these ideas not only puts you at risk of damaging any special lens coatings but also has the potential to alter the shape of your lenses. Remember that the whole function of your prescription lenses is to provide you with the necessary adjustments to see life clearly! If you alter the lenses even slightly, it will affect the functionality of your prescription glasses irreversibly, leaving you in a worse position than before.

How to get scratches out of glasses with baking soda

Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so using this to remove scratches from your lenses could further scratch them. Baking soda can warp your lenses and erode lens coating, therefore worsening your vision. Using this material to remove scratches is risky, so we do not recommend it.

Does using toothpaste on scratched glasses work?

Similarly to baking soda, toothpaste is not recommended to remove scratches on glasses. The idea behind using toothpaste to improve scratched lenses is that the paste will wear down the coating enough to hide the scratches. However, this will only cause even more permanent scratches and will polish the scratches already on your glasses.

Can you polish scratches out of glass lenses?

As aforementioned, any DIY suggestions, such as using polish to remove scratches, will only further damage the lens. Using wax is a method to try and fill in scratches, making it harder to see through them. Therefore, we do not recommend using wax or polish to remove scratches.

Can opticians remove scratches from glasses?

Unfortunately, going to an optician will get you no closer to removing scratches from prescription glasses. When a lens is damaged in such a way, the lens coating, as well as the damage to the lens itself, is permanent, and no amount of expertise will get you closer to a solution. The best option is to get your lenses replaced and then take the necessary precautions in the future.

How to replace lenses in glasses?

To replace the lenses of your glasses, you can visit SmartBuyGlasses and explore thousands of frames at affordable prices. You can also use our Virtual Try-On tool to try on the frames digitally and order them from the comfort of your own home. You can also visit your local optician, where they can replace the lenses in your original frame. Typically, optical stores can replace lenses if your frames are in good condition and the shape of the lenses is not complex, or you can purchase new glasses.

How to prevent scratches on glasses?

Even getting one scratch on your glasses lens can be annoying, so preventing doing so is crucial. Consider these steps for ongoing care and avoid future damage to your lenses:

 

– Avoid leaving your glasses in the car in warm climates, as heat can destroy scratch-resistant layers. If your protective coatings wear off, this can put your lenses at risk of damage.

– Store your glasses in their provided glasses case when not wearing them to avoid scratches.

– Use the correct glasses cloth and optical spray for cleaning, and avoid using tissue or clothing. Tissue and other fabrics are harsher on lenses than you think.

– Don’t set glasses lens-down, as surfaces can scratch them.


As enticing as the easy DIY methods may seem, there is no way to resolve this issue at home, and you run a real risk of damaging your scratched lenses even more. As outlined above, the only real and concrete solution is to replace your lenses and protect your glasses with all the necessary steps. Our in-house opticians are available online if you have any further questions about your scratched lenses.

Ask now

Ask our opticians

Ask now

What are blue light glasses?

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Home ⁄
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Ask our opticians

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What Are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light explained |
Purpose |
Benefits |
When to use them
By Emma Moletto
Reviewed by Beck Jinnette
Beck Jinnette

Reviewed by

Beck Jinnette
Beck has over 17 years of experience in eye care, holding her Certificate IV in Dispensing in Australia.
Updated On Aug 17, 2023
Discover how blue light affects our eyes and dive into how blue light glasses work.
Disclaimer: Blue light glasses are intended to benefit individuals who spend long hours in front of digital screens or are exposed to artificial blue light sources. However, it’s important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these benefits is still evolving, and individual experiences may vary.

Have you ever finished your gaming session or work day with tired and irritated eyes?

In today’s digital era, our lives are intricately intertwined with screens, from smartphones and laptops to tablets and e-readers.

As we navigate this digital landscape, we often overlook the potential implications of prolonged screen exposure on our eye health and overall well-being.

That’s where blue light-blocking glasses step in, offering a potential solution to the problems caused by blue light emitted from digital devices.

What is blue light?

Blue light refers to a specific range of electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum.

Blue light rays are at the high end of the visible light spectrum and have the shortest yet most powerful wavelength (380-460nm).

Blue light waves are the closest to invisible waves and ultraviolet rays, which are known to be the most dangerous of all light waves.

Because of its higher energy, blue light is more likely to scatter in the atmosphere, which is why the sky appears blue during the day.

So is blue light harmful?

It’s important to note that not all blue light is harmful. Blue light is present naturally in sunlight (largest source of blue light) and plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms.

The primary concern arises from excessive exposure to artificial sources of blue light, particularly from digital devices, LED lighting and energy-efficient light bulbs. 

Therefore, it is best to be safe and protect your eyes from blue light with a pair of blue light-blocking glasses.

The purpose of blue light glasses

The primary purpose of blue light-blocking glasses is to reduce digital eye strain and discomfort caused by digital devices (that emit blue light).

When we spend long hours in front of computers, smartphones, tablets or other electronic screens, we expose our eyes to higher levels of blue light than what they would naturally encounter from daylight.

Symptoms of digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome) may include eye fatigue, dry eye syndrome, blurry vision, headaches, discomfort in the neck and shoulders and difficulty falling asleep. 

Blue light-blocking glasses work by selectively blocking or filtering out a portion of the blue light spectrum, aiming to reduce these potential negative effects.

By wearing blue light-filtering glasses, some individuals report experiencing less eye strain and improved comfort while using a digital device for extended periods.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common symptoms of the negative effects of blue light are: eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

What are the benefits of blue light glasses?

Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to mitigate the potential negative effects of excessive blue light exposure from digital screens.

While the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is still evolving, many users who wear plano and prescription glasses with a blue light filter report experiencing some positive results.

Reduced eye strain

Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may cause symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and eye discomfort.

Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain by filtering out a portion of the blue light that contributes to these symptoms.

Improved sleep quality

Blue light exposure, especially during the evening or nighttime, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Wearing glasses that block blue light in the evening or using devices with blue light filters can help maintain the body’s natural circadian rhythms and improve sleep patterns.

Enhanced comfort

People often report feeling more comfortable when using a computer screen and other devices while wearing blue light glasses, as the glasses can help reduce the harsh glare and intensity of screens.

Potential retinal protection

Some studies suggest that excessive exposure to blue light, particularly high-energy blue-violet light, might contribute to retinal damage over time.

Blue light glasses with specific coatings may offer protection against potential long-term damage, although more research is needed to establish this and other benefits conclusively (Dawnie et al. 2019).

Minimised risk of macular degeneration

Some researchers believe that long-term exposure to blue light could be associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Zhao et al. 2018).

Wearing blue light glasses might help reduce this risk by limiting the amount of harmful blue light reaching the eyes, safeguarding your macular health.

When should you use blue light glasses?

Since blue-blocking glasses filter out possible harmful wavelengths of light, they are best worn in situations where you risk being exposed to too much blue light.

This includes almost all electronic devices with screens – so, whether you’re watching television, checking your phone or working at a computer, blue light-blocking glasses can prevent sleep issues and minimise your risk of eye strain, headaches and difficulty sleeping. 

We suggest wearing blue light-filtering glasses:

  • On extremely bright, sunny days
  • In front of a computer monitor (i.e. when playing video games)
  • When using your phone (especially at night)
  • When a migraine feels imminent

When having long sessions of extended screen time, it is strongly recommended to safeguard your visual performance by taking frequent breaks, wearing computer glasses and making sure the device is at least at arm’s length.

Are blue light glasses really necessary?

If you worry about the impact of blue light on your eyes and sleep patterns, you may consider trying a quality pair of blue light-blocking glasses, especially if you have a lifestyle that involves extensive screen use. 

As always, it’s a good idea to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

References

Downie, L. E., Keller, P. R., Busija, L., Lawrenson, J. G., & Hull, C. C. (2019), Blue‐light filtering spectacle lenses for visual performance, sleep, and macular health in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(1), CD013244.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013244

Zhao, Z. C., Zhou, Y., Tan, G., & Li, J. (2018). Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. International journal of ophthalmology, 11(12), 1999–2003.
https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2018.12.20