Reading Glasses vs Prescription Glasses: What You Need to Know

If you’ve noticed words becoming blurred on a page, or you find yourself holding your phone further away to read clearly, you may be asking whether reading glasses or prescription glasses are the right choice. Both can improve near vision, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences helps you choose the option that best suits your lifestyle and long-term eye health.

What Are Reading Glasses?

Reading glasses are ready-made magnifying lenses designed to make close-up tasks clearer. They are available in set strengths, called dioptres, usually ranging from +1.00 to +3.50. A lower number like +1.00 offers a mild boost for light reading, while higher powers such as +3.00 provide stronger magnification for more advanced near-vision difficulties.

Because they are designed to correct both eyes equally, they don’t take into account astigmatism or differences between the eyes. For occasional use, such as reading a menu or book, they can be a quick and affordable option.

What Are Prescription Glasses?

Prescription glasses are tailored to your exact vision needs, based on an eye test carried out by an optometrist. Unlike off-the-shelf reading glasses, prescription lenses can correct astigmatism, uneven strengths in each eye, or a combination of near and distance requirements.

Some people benefit from multifocal or progressive lenses, which allow smooth transitions between close-up, intermediate, and distance vision. This means you can read, work on a computer, and see across a room without changing glasses.

Reading Glasses vs Prescription Glasses: Which Is Better?

The choice depends on your vision needs, how often you use them, and your long-term comfort.

Factor	Reading Glasses	Prescription Glasses
Cost	Lower, off-the-shelf	Higher, tailored to your eyes
Clarity	Same strength both eyes	Custom correction for each eye
Convenience	Quick and accessible	Requires a professional eye test
Eye Health	May mask underlying issues	Detects and corrects hidden problems

Choosing the Right Option

When weighing up reading glasses or prescription glasses, think about how often you rely on them, and whether basic magnification feels comfortable. An eye test is the best way to be sure. Not only does it confirm the strength you need, it can also detect early signs of eye conditions.

Once you know your prescription, you can choose frames from a wide range of designer glasses brands that combine style with precision vision correction.

Common Questions

Can I Use Reading Glasses Instead of Prescription?

For some people, yes. If both eyes need the same strength and you only use them occasionally, reading glasses may be enough. However, if you experience headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision even with reading glasses, prescription lenses are the safer and more comfortable choice.

Why Can’t I See Up Close With My Glasses On?

If your prescription glasses are designed for distance, you may still struggle with reading unless your lenses also include a near-vision correction. This is a common issue as people develop presbyopia, the natural age-related change that makes close-up focus more difficult.

Are Reading Glasses Supposed to Be Blurry Far Away?

Yes. Reading glasses are designed solely for near work. If you look into the distance while wearing them, things will appear blurry because the lenses are magnifying more than you need for distance vision.

How Aristone Can Help

Both reading glasses and prescription glasses improve near vision, but they are not always interchangeable. Reading glasses are a convenient option for straightforward, symmetrical needs, while prescription glasses provide the accuracy and comfort required for more complex vision problems. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, our team is here to help. Get in touch through our contact page to book an appointment and find the perfect solution.