Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

Focus Eye Care

M: 9am-1pm T: 11am-7pm W/Th: 8am-5pm F: 8am-3pm Sat/Sun: Closed

Menu
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Insurance & Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrists
    • Meet the Staff
  • Eyecare Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Eye Surgery
    • Hard To Fit Contacts
    • Ortho-K
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sunglasses
  • Frames
  • Blog
  • Community Content
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Spread the Love Nomination
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Eyeglasses >
  • Eyeglass Lenses >
  • Reading Glasses

Reading Glasses

  • Created in Eyeglasses, Eyeglass Lenses

Women using reading glasses

During the normal aging process, components of your eyes change in shape and flexibility. This frequently corresponds to vision changes that may make it difficult to see close objects. Although not all adults experience these changes, many find that they need reading glasses as they get older. Visiting your eye care provider ensures that you receive prescription reading glasses that work best for your eyes.

What Causes Age-Related Eye Changes?

The lens of your eye is a flexible disk that changes shape to focus light onto the retina. Over time, the lens naturally becomes thicker and less flexible because of changes to the proteins in the lens. The muscle fibers attached to the lens also change with age, making it less flexible. The result is a harder, more rigid lens that cannot properly refract light and focus on near objects. This leads to blurred vision when looking at close objects, a condition technically called presbyopia.

What If My Eyes Are Already Corrected?

In many cases, individuals already wear glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Whether you had 20/20 eyesight in your younger years or had laser surgery to correct your vision, age-related presbyopia may affect you. The condition often develops after the age of 40, although some people maintain perfect eyesight into older adulthood.

What to Look for in Reading Glasses

Reading glasses correct presbyopia by helping light properly reflect onto your retinas, improving your focus on near objects. Typically, reading glasses are worn only when reading, doing needlework, or performing tasks which require concentrating on materials close up. Some reading glasses are full frames, which must be taken on and off when transitioning from close-up work to distance vision. Others are half frames, which permit you to shift your gaze appropriately to achieve the best vision.

Although drug stores and even supermarkets commonly stock reading glasses, it is important to get a thorough eye exam before making a purchase. An eye care provider can detect other age-related changes that may be affecting your vision. Prescription reading glasses can account for differences between your eyes as well as astigmatism. Consult your eye doctor for a thorough optometry exam before investing in a pair of reading glasses.

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
    • Eye Lids
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Diseases
  • Eyeglasses
    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives
    • Kid's Vision
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Contacts
    • Glasses & Frames

Appointment Request Form

Same day appointments available! Call to schedule.

Office Hours

Same day available!

Waukee Office - Call for same day appointments!

Monday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Tuesday:

11:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

We are located at the corner of University and SE Alices Road

Call us at (515) 264-2445 to schedule your comprehensive eye appointment!

Contact Us
  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In