Skip to main content
Home » Eye Library » Reading and Cheater Glasses: Dr. Steve Explains

Reading and Cheater Glasses: Dr. Steve Explains

Dr. Steven Reinders, owner and optometrist of Complete Family Eyecare explains how to choose “cheater” eyeglasses.

As long as your eyes are healthy (your eye doctor will give you a thorough eye exam once a year), it is ok to buy some inexpensive reading glasses at the pharmacy or big box retailers.

As Dr. Steve explains, he actually has a few pairs around the house. A pair of +1.00 diopter for general reading at a distance of about 3 feet.

A second pair of +2.00 for reading in bed at night when the eyes might be tired.

A 3rd pair of +3.00 when close up work is needed like pulling a splinter out of the kiddos finger or fixing a small item.

As long as you check with your Prior Lake optician first, if your eyes are reasonably close in strength to start with, there are no issues with large amounts of astigmatism or cataracts, it’s fine to pick up a few pairs of varying powers inexpensively at your local drug store. They will probably cost you $5 each.

Complete Family Eyecare carries a large selection of brand name eyeglass frames when you need lenses such as bifocals or variable strength. You can see some of our selections here: Eye Care Services.

Sometimes you will be better suited to variable strength lenses. In these lenses, there will be less power towards the top and stronger powers towards the bottom of the lens. This proves useful for example when driving. Looking through the upper part of the lenses for distance vision on the road, and for reading the dashboard, a higher strength.

All of these factors go into helping your eyes remain as healthy and with as little strain as possible.

It is always a good idea to check with Complete Family Eyecare whenever you are considering an eyeglass purchase. Cheap glasses have their place and sometimes you will need something more customized to your unique situation.

For people who are already nearsighted (i.e. they can read close up without glasses or contact lenses), there is usually no need for reading glasses.

For ongoing information about eyecare, please connect with us on: FacebookTwitter

This video: https://youtu.be/2l88mPb4G8c