Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The Best Reading Glasses for People Surrounded By Screens
Article at a Glance:
- As we age, many of us need reading glasses, or “readers” because our eyes become less flexible and lose their ability to focus well.
- Reading glasses, available in over-the-counter or prescription versions, improve the ability to read materials up close, such as a book, menu or screen on any digital device.
- Note that reading glasses are not the same thing as prescription glasses or computer glasses; it’s important to understand the differences between each.
- TrueDark® offers reading glasses that also block blue light so that you can comfortably read and focus for long periods of time while also preventing harmful effects from artificial lighting.
As you age, you may notice that your vision is not what it used to be, but you can still see relatively well. Then one day, the menus at restaurants are blurry and you find yourself straining to see clearly. Your eyes feel tired at the end of the day, and you may even have to start holding your tablet or phone out at an arm’s length just to read your messages. Sound familiar?
These are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you may be developing presbyopia, the clinical term for what happens to your eyes as you age, creating the need for reading glasses.
Between the ages of 40 and 65, nearly everyone’s eyes go through a change that leads to presbyopia. The eye’s lens, which contracts and expands thanks to the help of a circular muscle, becomes less flexible and more rigid over time. The hardening of the lens prohibits the eye from contracting to focus on close-up objects, which is what causes fuzzy vision when trying to read.
Although this may sound formidable, everyone develops some degree of presbyopia during their life, and a simple visit to your eye doctor for an eye exam can confirm the diagnosis. Luckily, there are several easy fixes to correct your reading vision! The most common solution is wearing a pair of reading glasses. Over 27% of American adults aged 45-54 currently wear reading glasses — so don’t worry, you are in good company!
Here are some common misconceptions about reading glasses to be mindful of:
- Your vision will get worse over time by wearing reading glasses: NOT TRUE!
- Glasses are simply an aid to improve vision, and they will not cause your eyesight to grow worse over time.
- If you wear glasses, not wearing them will cause your vision to deteriorate faster: NOT TRUE!
- Trying to focus without glasses will not make your vision deteriorate faster, though it could lead to squinting (causing wrinkles!) and eyestrain. The primary effects of not wearing your glasses are temporary and, at most can cause discomfort.
- Over-the-counter readers can hurt your eyes: NOT TRUE!
- Using over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses, will not hurt your eyes. OTC reading glasses contain magnifying lenses in different powers that work just as well. Before buying reading glasses you will want to know the reading power you need. Follow this guide to determine your magnification.
- Wearing reading glasses makes your eyes stronger: NOT TRUE!
- Wearing reading glasses makes your vision clearer, but it does not have an impact on your prescription.
- Sitting too close to the TV is bad for your eyes: NOT TRUE!
- This rumor hasn’t been true since the 1950s when television sets emitted mild levels of radiation and blue light. These days, TVs have proper shielding so radiation is no longer an issue but blue light from LED television sets is indeed much worse than old-fashioned TVs. Sitting in front of the TV or any other blue light emitting device for too long will cause eye strain, irritation, or even macular degeneration. Consider a pair of blue light blocking readers!
- Reading in dim light will worsen your eyesight: NOT TRUE!
- You will not go blind from reading in the dark, but it will make it harder to see what you are reading. In low light, your eyes are doing two things: relaxing to collect as much light as possible and contracting to focus on what you are reading. Your eyes can become strained and tired, resulting in sore, dry, or watery eyes, as well as headaches. While reading in the dark might be challenging, these symptoms are temporary and will not cause long-term damage to your eyesight.
Why settle if you don’t have to?
When it comes to reading — whether it be a book on your couch, on your tablet in bed, or on your computer at work — stop squinting and embrace quality reading glasses that actually help you see!
Sometimes all you need is a new perspective.
Consider this: what if there were reading glasses that could also protect your eyes, mind, and body from the harmful effects of artificial lighting? Good news! The new TrueDark® Reading Glasses block 40% of blue light, and are available in the most popular lens magnifications ranging from +1.00 to +2.50!