Is it bad to wear reading glasses? 8 reasons to avoid them

Do you think that wearing reading glasses is the only solution to eye strain? Think again. What many people don't know is that these glasses, especially those from the drugstore, may be causing more harm than good to your eyes .

Despite being a quick and affordable solution, prescription reading glasses hide a series of drawbacks that could be affecting your visual health in the long term.

In this article from Óptica Bassol you will learn whether it is bad to use reading glasses and we will guide you towards healthier and more personalized options to take care of your vision.

What are reading glasses and how do they work?

When we talk about reading glasses, we are generally referring to those sold over the counter in pharmacies. These glasses, known as pre-graduated, have a standard prescription to correct tired eyes.

As the years go by, the human eye undergoes changes that can affect visual quality. An example of this is presbyopia, a condition that limits the accommodative capacity of the lens .

Presbyopia occurs when the crystalline lens, the natural lens of our eyes, gradually loses its elasticity, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. This is why, over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to work on the computer or read a book without taking it away from our eyes.

Reading glasses are designed to compensate for the effects of presbyopia . These glasses have convex lenses that help increase the focusing power of our eyes, allowing us to see clearly up close .

The Limitations of Drugstore Reading Glasses

While prescription reading glasses are a quick and affordable solution for presbyopia, it is important to keep in mind some limitations:

• Lens quality: The lenses in these glasses are often of low quality, made from plastic materials that can distort the image and cause eye fatigue. In addition, it is common for these lenses to have chromatic aberrations, which means that objects can be seen surrounded by colored halos.
• Limited adaptation: Prescription reading glasses have a standard prescription that is often not suitable for every person. In other words, the prescription may be too strong or too weak, which can cause blurred vision or increased eye fatigue.
• Simple design: These glasses often have a simple and non-ergonomic design, which limits the aesthetic and comfort options for the user.

8 reasons to avoid drugstore reading glasses

To clear up any doubts you may have about whether it is bad to wear reading glasses, here are the reasons why you should reconsider using them:

1. Visual dependence : Wearing reading glasses unnecessarily or with the wrong prescription can cause your eyes to become dependent on them. This can worsen your vision over time, especially if you don't consult a professional.
2. They are not adapted to your prescription : Drugstore glasses usually come with standard prescriptions that do not take into account the specific condition of your eyes. A poorly adjusted prescription can cause discomfort or headaches.
3. Lack of customization : Generic reading glasses do not take into account factors such as interpupillary distance. This is essential for comfortable, distortion-free vision.
4. Possible side effects : Prolonged use of inappropriate reading glasses can cause 8 symptoms of eye fatigue . These include blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches and sensitivity to light.
5. They are not a substitute for an eye exam : Although you may get immediate relief from prescription reading glasses, you should not skip a professional exam. Eye exams are the best thing you can do for your vision. How often should you go for an eye exam? Ideally, every year or every two years, depending on your ophthalmologist's recommendations.
6. They don't correct additional problems : Reading glasses don't correct other visual problems such as astigmatism or myopia. This can lead to unbalanced vision if you have other optical needs.
7. Quality of materials : Drugstore glasses are often made with lower quality materials, which can affect visual clarity and lens durability.
8. Aesthetics and comfort : many times, pharmacy glasses do not offer the best comfort or design, which could affect you if you use them for a long time and cause discomfort.

What happens if I wear reading glasses?

Wearing reading glasses is intended to improve your near vision when you start to notice difficulties in focusing on objects. This is normal, especially from the age of 40 onwards due to presbyopia.

However, it is important to keep in mind that while glasses help you see better, they do not slow down or accelerate the progression of vision problems. It is best to opt for the best glasses for presbyopia , which are those adapted to your specific needs and prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

Is it bad for your eyes to wear reading glasses all the time?

Reading glasses are completely safe to use, as long as they are used properly. However, some experts suggest that overuse without proper diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dependency.

Drugstore glasses, for example, are not always designed for your specific needs, which could cause eye fatigue or even aggravate pre-existing vision problems .

What glasses are recommended for reading?

For reading, the best options are the prescription glasses specifically for you . Progressive lenses are a popular choice for people who need to see both far and near, as they allow for a smooth transition between distances without the need to change glasses.

However, for those who only experience presbyopia, single vision glasses designed exclusively for near vision are often more advisable. Also, one factor to consider is how often you wear reading glasses and whether you need them all the time.

Come and get your eyes checked by professional optometrists at our branches. Find out more How much does it cost to get your eyesight checked at Bassol Optics?

Pharmacy glasses: opinions

Opinions on the use of prescription reading glasses vary considerably.

On the one hand, Many users highlight their low cost and ease of acquisition , as they do not require an eye exam or a prescription. These glasses can be a temporary solution for those who begin to experience difficulty when reading or focusing on nearby objects.

On the other hand, there are criticisms related to the materials and the lack of customization . Being mass produced, these glasses do not consider factors such as interpupillary distance or the specific needs of each eye, which can cause problems such as eye fatigue, headaches or blurred vision.

Get your prescription glasses at Óptica Bassol

At Óptica Bassol you can have a check-up with an expert optometrist who will thoroughly evaluate your vision and give you Tips for choosing your prescription glasses . Remember the importance of attending an eye exam regularly to maintain optimal visual health. We look forward to seeing you!