How to Get Rid of Reading Glasses

Reading glasses provide assistance for close work and of course reading. However, "readers" as they are sometimes called, are not for everyone or not necessarily the only choice for close work. Most reading glasses are either "half-eye," which have lenses that you look over, or full lenses in a larger frame that must be taken off to look into the distance. When your reading glasses become bothersome, several alternatives are available.

Instructions

• 1

  Use no-line (progressive) bifocals. The lenses can be clear on the top, with no prescription, and just have your reading prescription in the bifocal portion. No-lines allow you to read and see at a distance comfortably without having to take off your glasses.

• 2

  Try monovision contacts. Monovision is an inexpensive way to wear contacts for reading. Typically, one lens is worn for up-close work. Because your vision is processed in the brain, it is possible to use your eyes independently for close and far away. Monovision takes some getting used to and is not for everyone but does work well for many people.

• 3

  Get bifocal contacts to help with reading. Different than monovision, bifocal contacts allow you to read and see in the distance with both eyes. These lenses tend to cost more than monovision contacts, but some people find them easier to wear.

• 4

  Consider corrective eye surgery. Many new advancements have been made in eye surgery that corrects for vision problems, including near vision. This is usually one of the most expensive options, because the surgeries are generally considered cosmetic and optional. Many doctors can let you sample contact lenses that will simulate the type of correction vision surgery provides before you have the surgery.

• 5

  Discuss the newest available treatments for presbyopia with your ophthalmologist. Studies are being done on keratoplasty, a radio wave treatment that corrects for near vision and is very successful. Interocular lens implants (IOL) that have bifocals in them also work well for people who have had cataract surgery and do not want to wear glasses anymore.