How Do You Know If You Need Reading Glasses? 5 Signs to Watch

Have you noticed your eyesight getting weaker as you get older? That's not a surprise since presbyopia, the gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects, is the most common eye issue among seniors. Around 128 million Americans are affected by presbyopia, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

This condition usually becomes noticeable in your 40s or 50s, and reading glasses are often the simplest and most effective solution. But how do you know if you need reading glasses?

Here are five key signs of when to get reading glasses and what you can do next in Sun City Center, FL (south of Tampa and north of Sarasota on I-75).

1. You're Holding Reading Material at Arm's Length

One of the most telltale signs of presbyopia is needing to hold books, phones, newspapers, or labels farther from your face to read them clearly. This happens because the lens in your eye loses elasticity over time, making it harder to focus up close.

Why it matters:

When you start adjusting your habits, like holding a book at arm's length or increasing the font size on your phone, it's a signal that your near vision is declining. You may not even notice it at first, but this small behavior change is often the first clue that you might benefit from reading glasses.

What you can do:

• Try using "cheater" reading glasses from the drugstore with a low magnification like +1.00, to see if they help.
• If you find yourself doing this frequently, it's time for an eye exam to get an accurate prescription.

2. You Experience Frequent Eye Strain or Headaches While Reading

If reading small print for more than a few minutes leads to eye fatigue, headaches, or even blurred vision, your eyes could be working harder than they should. Over time, this strain can result in discomfort, especially when reading or doing close-up work like sewing or using a computer.

Common symptoms of eye strain:

• Sore or tired eyes
• Pain around the temples or behind the eyes
• Headaches that start after reading or screen use
• A burning or itchy sensation in the eyes

What you can do:

• Use good lighting when reading or working.
• Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Try reading glasses to reduce the strain on your eyes.

3. You Need Brighter Lighting Than You Used To

Do you find yourself turning on extra lights or struggling to read in dim lighting? While lighting can make a difference at any age, an increased dependency on brighter light for close-up tasks is another common sign that you may need reading glasses.

As we age, the lenses in our eyes become less transparent and more yellowed, which makes it harder to distinguish contrast and see in low-light conditions. Reading glasses with magnification can help by making print sharper and easier to read, even without very bright lighting.

Tips for better reading light:

• Use task lighting such as desk lamps or reading lights with LED bulbs.
• Position the light behind your shoulder, aiming it directly onto your book or screen.
• Consider glasses with an anti-reflective coating if glare is also a problem.

4. You Have Blurred Vision at Normal Reading Distance

Another key indicator of presbyopia is blurred vision when reading at a normal distance (about 12 to 18 inches from your eyes). This blur may come and go, or be more noticeable at certain times of the day, like when you're tired or using your eyes for long periods.

You might find that:

• Text appears fuzzy or out of focus.
• You need to blink several times to bring the words into clarity.
• You're squinting or adjusting your position frequently while reading.

Blurred near vision is one of the most obvious and frustrating signs that it's time for reading glasses.

What to do:

• Don't ignore this symptom-over time, it can interfere with daily tasks.
• Schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Avoid relying solely on smartphone zoom features or magnifying apps; they don't address the root of the issue.

5. You Avoid Reading or Close-Up Tasks You Used to Enjoy

When you struggle to read comfortably, you may begin avoiding activities that once brought you joy, like reading novels, doing crosswords, knitting, or working on a hobby project. This avoidance can be a subconscious response to the frustration and fatigue caused by poor near vision.

If you find that you've stopped reading bedtime stories to your grandchildren or don't enjoy newspapers anymore at your senior living community, it may not be a lack of interest. It might just be that your eyes need some help.

Why it matters:

Avoiding beloved activities can affect your mood and overall quality of life. Fortunately, this is one problem with a very simple solution: reading glasses.

What to do:

• Invest in a pair of reading glasses tailored to your needs.
• Consider multi-purpose lenses if you also wear distance glasses.
• Choose lightweight, comfortable frames that you'll want to wear.

Bonus Tip: Get Regular Eye Exams

Even if you don't think you have senior vision changes, it's important to get regular eye checkups, especially after age 40. Your optometrist can identify not only presbyopia but also other age-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.

A typical eye exam includes:

• Visual acuity test (reading letters on a chart)
• Refraction test to determine your prescription
• Eye pressure measurement
• Eye health exam using dilated pupils

Early detection is key to maintaining good vision throughout your senior years.

How Do You Know If You Need Reading Glasses?

Needing reading glasses isn't a sign of weakness; it's a natural part of aging and eye health. How do you know if you need reading glasses? Use our tips above.

If you believe you could do with further help with daily living, then consider Aston Gardens at the Courtyards, an innovative all-inclusive senior living community for all.

We offer 5-star restaurant-quality meals, activities galore, and complimentary health screenings. What else could you want?

Schedule a tour of our community to feel the difference.