How to Use Reading Glasses Over Contacts

Reading glasses help correct vision. If you wear contact lenses for a distance correction, it is possible to wear glasses over your contacts just for reading or close work. Using reading glasses in this way replaces the need for bifocals.

Things You'll Need

• Reading glasses
• Contacts

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Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an eye exam if your last one is more than a year old. Prescriptions are valid for one to two years, depending on where you live but most contact lens prescriptions expire after one year. You will need a current prescription.

• 2

  Get the proper reading strength for your near correction over your contacts. Your eye doctor will provide you with a written copy of your prescription. Some eye doctors even make or sell ready-made "readers" for over contacts.

• 3

  Adjust the power of your reading lenses based on the work you do. Most doctors calculate your reading correction for average or normal distance, but some people do up close work at arm's length or further, such as on a computer or sewing machine. Discuss all your options with your eye doctor.

• 4

  Decide whether you want your reading lenses to be in a full-sized frame or half-glasses. Full-sized lenses give you a much bigger reading area but half-sized allows you to see over the top and into the distance, which is easier when reading and doing other activities or conversing with someone.

• 5

  Keep your frames on a chain to wear around your neck to make using them easier. Having your glasses easily accessible in this way saves a lot of frustration and time lost searching for your reading glasses.