Lens Power

What lens power should I choose?

Non-prescription readers have a specific lens magnification, and here at ministry of sight we offer “powers” or “strengths” between +0.5 to +3.0.  

To determine what power you need, you can use an online, printable diopter chart or you can test out a few pairs at a local retailer to see which feels most comfortable in use. 

You might be able to determine which strength of reading glasses you need by consulting a ‘power by age table’ like this:   

Age 40-44	Recommended power +0.5 to +1.0
Age 45-49	Recommended power +1.0 to +1.5
Age 50-54	Recommended power +1.5 to +2.0
Age 55-59	Recommended power +2.0 to +2.5
Age 61-65	Recommended power +2.0 to +3.0

 

If you’ve narrowed it down to two pairs of readers, it’s usually best to choose the one with less magnification. 

Non-prescription glasses are designed to work for reading or looking at other things up close, and if you are using them to see far away you should visit your local optometrist to discuss this. 

Note that a stronger lens is not always better, so reconsider a lens power that allows you to read something at a comfortable distance. 

You might find that you require different lenses for various tasks. If so, have a think about buying several pairs of reading glasses, each with a different strength of lens:

• if you’re using reading glasses mainly while on the computer, perhaps choose a lower reading glass power. A lower reading glass power should be used when the viewing distance is longer. 
• if you're wearing reading glasses to see objects that are very close or very small, you will need stronger strength lenses with higher magnification than what the age-based reading glasses power chart might recommend.