What is the Difference Between Reading Glasses and Prescription Glasses?
The world of eyeglasses can be confusing, particularly in the case of prescription and reading glasses. In this blog post, we’ll examine the main differences between these two categories of eyewear. Whether you need assistance with reading or require a vision correction prescription, consulting an eye doctor in Katy, Texas, is paramount for optimal eye health.
Let’s discuss this crucial component of eye care.
What are Reading Glasses?
There are special glasses called reading glasses, commonly known as “cheaters”, that when worn, provide magnification for objects that are close to your face, such as phone screens or books, over non-corrected vision. They don’t fix your vision and not let you see things in a clear way.
The lens is the one that enables you to delay prescription lenses for a few years and without any vision problems. They come in a variety of magnification strengths and can be purchased at most drugstores.
On the other hand, the lenses and frames of contact lenses wear out faster than the ones of prescription glasses. Prescription glasses are unlike the smart glasses, which do not require data like PD or segment height to be comfortable, but the smart glasses do.
What Are Prescriptive Reading Glasses?
Prescription lenses are used to solve personal eye problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by redirecting light to the retina using specialized lenses with different types of prescription. They have positive effects both on short and long sightedness, alleviating the condition of astigmatism or glaucoma.
Reading glasses magnify, but the lenses can not correct or direct rays of light to the retina. Prescription glasses are more precise to the individual’s health problems but are usually more expensive and require a longer period of time to purchase when compared to readers.
Main Differences between Reading Glasses and Prescription Glasses
Purpose
Reading glasses are an equipment that enables you to view smaller fonts or objects near to the eyes. In contrast, prescription glasses, which are individually tailored to fix refractive problems like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, can be used.
Customization
Reading glasses are generally found in the over the counter stores with the same magnification of glasses for both eyes. The glasses that need to be prescribed have to be individualized to the particular vision needs of the patient, and each eye can have a different prescription.
Lens Types
Reading glasses are equipped with simple magnifiers, while the lenses in prescription glasses may be one of many types, such as single vision, bifocal, trifocal, or progressive.
Usage
These glasses are designed for specific tasks and hence are not suitable for extended wear. A pair of prescription glasses is designed for full-time wear and allows for clear sight at different distances depending on the prescription.
Eye Health
By using the wrong type of eyeglasses one can put his eyes under a lot of strain. Eye glasses, properly used, are critical for vision correction. This is a vital aspect of eye health maintenance.
Cost
Reading glasses are less expensive because they are mass-produced and do not require the individualization of the lenses. Custom lenses, that are prescribed, are more costly as they are more personal.
Consultation
Having your glasses prescription is a must. It is done through a thorough eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the correct lens power. Readers can be bought without a prescription, but still it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist for overall eye health.
Fashion and Style
Most of the time, prescription glasses are available in a wider variety of frames and styles that include the different preferences of people. For readers, there is a limited variation, but they are still available in different styles.
Choosing Between Reading Glasses and Prescription Glasses
• Marginal cases are dealt with reading glasses, while more complicated prescriptions are treated with prescription glasses.
• Over-the-counter reading glasses are readily available, while special prescription glasses can be obtained from optometrists.
• Prescription eyeglasses are usually more durable and can be adjusted to fit the wearer, whereas reading glasses may have limited design possibilities.
• Prescription glasses are fashioned to the eyeglasses’ needs, whereas reading glasses are not.
• Rx glasses specify a better option for long term vision changes, while the reading glasses simply can not provide you with a good vision.
Final Words
In sum, reading glasses are designed for age-related farsighted people to magnify objects near their eyes. They are available over-the-counter and have a single magnification strength. Prescription glasses are custom-made to fit specific visual needs like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, and include clothing and accessories prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The choice between glasses and contact lenses depends on individual needs and suitability, so the most appropriate option should be selected.
