The Truth About Over The Counter Reading Glasses: Are They Really Safe?

Reading is a large part of our daily lives. From reading text messages to reading menus, we all rely on our eyes to make sense of written words.

As we get older, many will find reading small print to become more difficult. It is at this stage that reading glasses are most helpful. But a question people often ask themselves: Are over-the-counter reading glasses safe to use?

What the Professionals Say

There has been a lot of debate on whether or not drugstore reading glasses hurt or help your eyes. Some eye doctors are concerned that they are unsuitable for use. Others say they are perfectly fine.

Many eye doctors actually believe that over-the-counter reading glasses are fine.

Dr. Glazier and Dr. Ko of UCLA Health assure us that using over-the-counter readers does not weaken or damage eyesight.

Dr. Andreoli, the spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology says this: “Reading glasses from a drugstore are in fact perfectly safe.” Even cheap glasses at the dollar store can help you see things close up without hurting your eyes.

So, it would seem like many eye doctors are of the opinion that they are fine to use. But why do people still worry about them?

Why Some People Worry About Over-the-Counter Readers

The main worry about store-bought reading glasses is that they’re not made just for your eyes. When you go to an eye doctor, they check your eyes very carefully. They look at each eye separately and give you glasses that fit your exact needs.

Over-the-counter glasses are made for everyone, though. They just make things look bigger to help you read. They don’t fix other eye problems you might have.

Some people fear that using these glasses can give headaches or make the eyes tired. This usually happens if you use the wrong strength or wear them for too long.

Over-the-counter glasses are by no means perfect, but they are better than no glasses when you need help reading.

The Good Thing About Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses

Now let’s talk about the reasons why people like these glasses.

1. They are widely available. They are easy to get from stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets.

2. They’re cheap. You can buy several pairs for the price of a single pair of prescription glasses. This is great because your eye

3. They’re convenient. You can have a pair in your car, at work, and at home. So you’re never without them when you need help reading something.

4. They work well for many people. If you just need help reading and don’t have other eye problems, these glasses do the job.

5. They are great in cases of emergency. If you happen to lose or damage your prescription glasses, they serve as a temporary remedy until you get new ones.

What to Keep in Mind When Wearing Over-the-Counter Readers

While these glasses are generally safe, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. They are not for everyone. If you have other eye problems, like astigmatism or different prescriptions for each eye, these glasses might not work well for you.

2. They do not replace eye exams. It is still important to have your eyes checked by a doctor on a regular basis.

3. You may have to change strength as time goes on. According to Dr. Andreoli, you may need a different pair every two years between the ages of 45 and 65 years. This is because our eyes continue to worsen until our mid-sixties.

4. Don’t use them all the time. These glasses are meant for reading, not for walking around or driving.

5. If you develop headaches or tired eyes often, you may need another strength or to visit an eye doctor.

Choosing the Correct Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses

If you’d like to buy over-the-counter readers, here’s how to choose a good pair:

1. Buy them from a trusted store. This will help you ensure that you’re getting quality glasses.

2. Try out different strengths. Start with a low strength and work your way up until you are able to read comfortably.

3. Put on the glasses to see how they fit. The frames should be comfortable and snug.

4. Make sure the lenses are scratch and bubble-free.

5. Consider getting several pairs. They don’t cost much, and it can be convenient to have glasses in different locations.

The Need for Regular Check-ups of the Eyes

Even if you’re happy with your over-the-counter glasses, it’s still crucial to see an eye doctor regularly. Here’s why:

1. Eye doctors can spot problems early. Some eye diseases don’t have symptoms at first, but a doctor can catch them.

2. The eyes change over time. What works now may not work in a year or two.

3. You might need more than just reading glasses. An eye doctor can tell you what exactly you need to see clearly.

4. Eye health is more than just seeing clearly. Regular check-ups help keep your whole eye healthy.

Conclusion

So, are over-the-counter reading glasses safe to wear?

To many eye physicians, the answer is “yes.”

They are inexpensive, easy to find, and do a good job for general reading purposes.