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These days, getting a new pair of glasses has never been easier. Some stores offer affordable options, while others, like online shops, ship your glasses right to your door. If you’re into brand names, you can always count on the likes of Ray-Ban or Tom Ford to make you look and feel sharp. When you start searching for glasses, though, you’ll quickly run into two options: prescription reading glasses and over-the-counter (OTC) readers. So, how do you choose between them?
What Are Prescription Reading Glasses?
Prescription reading glasses are custom-made by an eye doctor’s office. They’re designed to address your unique vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. An eye exam helps identify the exact lens strength and prescription lenses needed to correct your specific refractive error. These glasses often come with additional features, like progressive lenses or blue light filtering, that help reduce glare and eye strain. With prescription glasses, you get tailored lenses that help with reading but also support overall eye health and comfort during everyday use.
What Are Over-the-Counter Glasses?
Over-the-counter (OTC) glasses, also known as store-bought reading glasses, are readily available without a prescription. You can find them in various strengths, typically ranging from +1.00 to +4.00. OTC reading glasses work for simple vision issues, mainly focusing on magnifying text to help with reading. They don’t, however, address more specific vision problems, such as astigmatism or different levels of refractive error in each eye. While they’re convenient and budget-friendly, these non-prescription reading glasses are more of a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Their lens quality may not match up to prescription readers, but they’re perfect for quick fixes and occasional use.
The Main Differences Between the Two
The primary differences between prescription reading glasses and OTC glasses come down to customization, quality, and the types of vision issues they can address. Prescription glasses are crafted based on a professional eye exam, offering lenses that match your exact vision needs. This means better lens quality, options to reduce glare, and even progressive lenses for those who need both near and distance correction. OTC readers, on the other hand, provide a basic solution to help with reading or close-up tasks. While convenient, they aren’t designed to address complex issues like differing strengths in each eye or astigmatism.
The Benefits of Prescription Reading Eyewear
Prescription reading glasses provide several benefits. They are designed for your eyes alone, ensuring you get the best possible vision correction and comfort. If you experience eye strain, headaches, or blurry vision, prescription glasses can effectively address these issues. They often include features like blue light filters, which can be helpful if you spend long hours in front of screens.
Additionally, they support better eye health by offering precise correction for refractive errors. During your exam, your eye doctor will also check for any other vision problems and ensure that your prescription lenses fit your needs perfectly.
The Benefits of Over-the-Counter Glasses
Over-the-counter glasses offer the advantage of convenience and affordability. If you only need occasional reading support, OTC reading glasses can be a quick fix. They come in various strengths, making it easy to pick a pair that works for you. Store-bought reading glasses are great for situations where you need an extra pair or when you’re on the go.
These glasses can provide sufficient support for people without complex vision issues. Just remember, though, that while they’re handy, they aren’t meant to address deeper eye health concerns or deliver the high-quality correction that prescription lenses do.
Trying to Find Out Which One Is Best for You? It All Starts With an Eye Exam From 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore!
Choosing between prescription reading glasses and OTC readers depends on your needs. The best way to find out which option suits you is to start with a comprehensive eye exam. At 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore, we provide eye exams and an extensive range of eyewear and frame brands to fit all types of vision issues. So, if you need glasses for reading, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or just want to reduce eye strain, visit our stores in Melbourne, Orange City, or Winter Park, FL. Schedule your eye doctor appointment today!
