How to Find Out What Strength Readers You Should Use

Most people experience changes in their vision as they get older. One of the most common visual changes is the development of presbyopia, a condition that makes close objects appear blurry. You may have presbyopia if you have difficulty reading print material from a normal reading distance, or if you experience dizziness when reading books or newspapers. Reading glasses -- available from eye care practitioners and sold at most drug stores -- can help you to read normally again.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine the selection of reading glasses at a pharmacy or department store. Look at the numbers on the readers to determine their strength. Readers range in strength from 1 to 3.25, 1 being the weakest and 3.25 being the strongest. The "Peepers" website (peeperspecs.com) has a reading glasses eyechart.

• 2

  Look for abnormalities such as bubbles or waves in the lenses. Select a pair of glasses with no abnormalities and put them on.

• 3

  Look at yourself in the mirror adjacent to the eyeglass display. Keep trying on different glasses until you can see your reflection clearly in the mirror.

• 4

  Select a magazine or book from the drug store's selection. Hold your selection at a normal reading distance and read a small-text passage for 10 minutes or longer. If you experience dizziness or if the text appears blurry, select a different pair of glasses. Repeat this process until you're able to read the text clearly and comfortably.