OTC Reading Glasses vs. Prescription Glasses- Which is Right for You?

Over-the-counter reading glasses, or "cheaters", and prescription glasses have distinct purposes, each serving a unique role in enhancing vision. Those reading glasses are low cost due to quality of materials used to manufacture both the lenses and frames.  They help relieve eyestrain at near, often times from presbyopia, which is a common age-related condition that decreases ability to focus at near. These glasses offer low magnification for activities like reading or using devices.

Prescription glasses, on the other hand, are more custom and cater to specific vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, requiring a detailed eye examination and binocular vision testing to determine the necessary lens power, optimal material, design, and coatings.  Unlike reading glasses available over-the-counter for general use, prescription glasses are personalized for optimal vision correction and balance between both eyes and offer better quality of vision.   

A comprehensive exam with an eye care professional is essential to choose the most suitable option based on individual eye health and vision requirements. Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled optometrists to determine what prescription glasses would be best for you.   With how much we use our eyes everyday - you are worth it!