Reading lenses
Reading lenses are made for close work such as books, phones and crafts. A prescription pair accounts for each eye separately, including astigmatism, which ready-made readers do not.
For close tasks
Reading lenses bring near objects into focus at the distance you usually hold them. Look up through them and the room will blur, which is expected. They are not suitable for driving or walking around.
Ready-made or prescription
Ready-made readers have the same power in both lenses and no astigmatism correction. They can work if your eyes are similar and your distance vision needs no help. Prescription readers use your own sphere and cylinder for each eye, with the lenses centred to your near PD.
Using the ADD
Many prescriptions give a distance power and an ADD for near work. Reading lenses combine both. Choose reading lenses in the lens step and enter the prescription as written, including the ADD, rather than working out the sum yourself.
- Bring your working distance to your eye exam if you read music or work at a bench.
- A computer screen is usually farther than a book and may need a weaker power.
Related guides
Read your prescription
Where the ADD sits and what it means.
Progressive lenses
Near and distance in one lens.
Round glasses
A classic shape for reading frames.
Reading lens questions
Can I use reading glasses for my computer?
Sometimes, but screens are usually farther away than a book. If text looks soft at your desk, ask your prescriber about an intermediate power.
Do I need a near PD?
Near PD is usually about 3 mm smaller than distance PD. Use the value on your prescription if there is one; otherwise take 3 mm off your distance PD, or 1.5 mm off each side for dual PD.
Why does everything far away look blurred?
Reading lenses are focused for close range only. That is normal and is why they are not for driving.
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