How to Choose Reading Glasses That Actually Suit Your Eyes

If you’ve ever tried reading glasses and felt weird or dizzy, it wasn’t in your head; it was the wrong power or fit. Here’s how to choose a pair that works for your eyes and your everyday routine.

From Old-School Stereotypes To Modern Style

What’s the picture that comes to your mind when someone says “reading glasses”? The oversized frame that eats up half the face? The classic pair sitting on the tip of the nose with a serious, judging stare? Or that tiny one tucked inside a small golden metal case? Yeah… those stereotypes had their moment. But they don’t really fit today’s world, do they? 

Reading glasses are genuinely stylish now. Some look so clean and modern that you wouldn’t even know they’re readers unless someone points it out. Which brings us to the real question: do you know the difference between reading glasses and prescription glasses? And how do you choose reading glasses that actually suit your eyes, not just your outfit?

First, What Exactly Are Reading Glasses?

Reading glasses are the ready-made option. They’re designed to help you see clearly up close;  reading, texting, checking labels, scrolling through your phone, quick office work, that sort of thing. The key thing to know is this: you still need the right power to make reading comfortable. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a pair that feels “off”, gives you a headache, or makes you hold the page at a weird distance.

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So Yes, Knowing Power Is Important (Even If It’s “Just For Reading”)

That + number you see on the label (like +1.00, +1.25, +1.50) is the power. It’s basically the strength that boosts near vision. The goal is not to pick the strongest one. The goal is to pick the power that makes text clear without effort.
Here’s the simple rule:

• If you pick a power that’s too weak, you’ll still squint and struggle.
  

• If you pick a power that’s too strong, you might feel dizzy or strained.
  

So even for reading glasses, power is what makes them work.

Can You Choose Reading Glasses By Age?

This is where many people get confused, so let’s make it very clear. If you’re above 40 and you want a pair for occasional use — like reading a menu, checking a parcel label, or quickly going through a document — you can use age-based power as a starting point. Because after 40, many people experience a normal near-vision change, and that’s why age guidelines exist.

Age-based reading power guide (use it as a starting point)

But here’s the important part: even if you use age as your starting point, you still need to check if it feels comfortable for your reading distance.

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Reading Glasses Vs Prescription Glasses (The Simple Difference)

If you remember just one thing, make it this:

Reading glasses

• Ready-made and readily available
  

• Chosen based on power
  

• Usually, the same power is in both lenses
  

• Best for short, near tasks or occasional reading support
  

Prescription glasses

• Made specifically for your eyes
  

• Can have different powers in each eye
  

• Can correct astigmatism
  

• You can customise everything from scratch: frame, lens type, coatings, and fit
  

So prescription glasses give you more control, especially if your vision needs are not “one size fits all”.

Do Reading Glasses Come Only In Positive (+) Power?

• Reading glasses are almost always “+” power. They’re meant for near vision, and the plus strength helps your eyes focus comfortably on close text like books, labels, and screens. Negative (–) power is usually for distance vision (short-sightedness), so it doesn’t match what most people need when they reach for readers.

• So, reading glasses you buy by power are almost always “+”. Prescription reading glasses can be “+”, “-”, or less-minus, depending on the person.

When Should You Skip Ready-Made Readers And Go For A Prescription?

If any of these sound like you, don’t force a ready-made pair:

• One eye feels stronger than the other
  

• You get headaches after reading
  

• Letters look shadowy or doubled (common in astigmatism)
  

• You want glasses for more than one distance (reading + laptop + general)
  

Ready-made readers are brilliant when the need is simple. A prescription is better when the need is specific.

How to Choose Reading Glasses for Your Face Shape 

You don’t need a complicated “face shape theory” to choose reading glasses. You just need to check how the frame sits with your natural features.

• If your face is round

• Go for frames with a bit of structure: rectangular, square, or slightly angular shapes

• Avoid frames that are too small, as they can make your face look fuller
  

• If your face is square

• Softer shapes tend to balance strong jawlines: rounded rectangles, oval frames, or gentle curves

• Very sharp edges can make the look feel too harsh
  

• If your face is oval

• Most styles work, so focus on proportions

• Avoid very oversized frames that hide your eyebrows completely
  

• If your face is heart-shaped

• Frames that balance a broader forehead: light rims, thinner frames, or slightly wider bottoms

• Avoid top-heavy frames if you feel they make your forehead look wider
  

• If your face is long

• Slightly deeper frames (more lens height) can add balance

• Thin, narrow frames can make the face look longer
  

A quick mirror trick that works for everyone: Smile. If the frame touches your cheeks when you smile, it may not be the most comfortable daily pair.

How to Check The Fit (So They Don’t Feel “Off”)

Even if the power is perfect, a bad fit ruins it. Here’s what to check in less than a minute:

• The bridge should stay put

• If the glasses slide down the moment you look down, they’ll annoy you all day
  

• The temples shouldn’t pinch

• A tight pinch behind the ears means you’ll get marks and headaches
  

• Your eyes should sit nicely in the lens area

• If your eyes are too high or too low, you’ll keep adjusting your head while reading
  

• The frame should sit straight

• If it tilts, it can distort your reading zone and feel strange
  

• The frame width should match your face

• If it’s too tight, it presses on the sides

• If it’s too loose, it slips constantly

How to Maintain Reading Glasses 

Reading glasses get used roughly. They go into handbags, drawers, car dashboards, and sometimes even pockets. A little care makes them last longer.

• Clean them the right way

• Use a microfibre cloth

• If there’s dust, rinse gently first before wiping (dry wiping causes micro-scratches)
  

• Store them like you mean it

• Use a case if you travel with them

• Keep them away from sharp items like keys
  

• Avoid heat

• Don’t leave them in a hot car or near a window for long, frames can warp
  

• Don’t place lenses face-down

• That’s the fastest way to add scratches
  

• Tighten if they start to wobble

• Loose screws make the frame sit unevenly, which changes comfort and clarity

How to Buy Reading Glasses: Online or in-store?

• Online works well if you already know your power and frame size.

• In-store is safer if you’re buying for the first time or you want to check the comfort properly.

Try, Test, And Take Home The Right Pair

If you’re ready to pick a pair that genuinely feels right, Specsmakers makes it easy. You can shop for reading glasses based on your needs on our website using the convenient try-on feature, or visit your nearest Specsmakers store to get tested, understand your prescription, and choose a pair that fits comfortably for everyday use. If you’re in the mood to explore beyond reading glasses, you’ll also find prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and our latest collections, so you can switch things up depending on your style, routine, and season.

Final Thought

Reading glasses don’t have to feel like an “age thing”. They’re just a practical tool, and now they can look great too. Just remember: even for reading, power matters. The only time age-based picking makes sense is when you’re over 40, and you want something for occasional use. For regular wear, long work sessions, or anything that feels inconsistent, a proper power check (and sometimes prescription glasses) will save you a lot of discomfort.

FAQs Related To How to Choose Reading Glasses

1) What are reading glasses?

Reading glasses are ready-made glasses that help you see clearly up close for tasks like reading, checking labels, and using your phone. You usually choose them based on the “+ power” printed on the lens.

2) Do I need to know the power even if I only want reading glasses?

Yes. Reading glasses still need the right power to feel comfortable. If the power is off, you may get eye strain, headaches, or feel like you have to hold text at an odd distance.

3) Can I buy reading glasses based on age?

If you are over 40 and you want them only for occasional reading, age-based ranges can be a starting point. Still, it’s best to test the pair for comfort because working distance and eye differences matter.

4) What is the main difference between reading glasses and prescription glasses?

Reading glasses are readily available and selected by power, usually the same power in both lenses. Prescription glasses are customised from scratch, based on your eye test, and can correct different powers in each eye and astigmatism.

5) Are readily available reading glasses okay for regular wear?

They are usually best for quick reading or short tasks. If you wear them for long periods, work on screens frequently, or experience discomfort, prescription glasses are often a better long-term option.