Reading Glasses

How to Select Proper Reading Glasses

For those who have trouble reading up close, reading glasses, also known as readers, is a functional accessory to have around. Designed to help the eye focus on close objects, these eyeglasses help those with decreased lens elasticity. With a variety of strengths, designs, and colors, selecting the right eyeglasses on eBay can help make reading less of a chore.

• Full frame: The entire lens is prescription glass. These readers are appropriate for those who spend a great deal of time focusing on material that is close-up.
• Half frame: Half frame glasses sit lower on the nose and have a smaller lens. The lens glass does not obstruct your vision when you're looking up at distant objects. This type of reader is appropriate for occasional use or when your field of vision changes frequently.

The numbers on reading glasses refer to the optical power of the lenses. Corrective eyewear for reading increases the eye's ability to magnify close-up objects. The power of reading glasses is measured in diopters and ranges from one to three. Depending on the level of correction needed, the power will increase by quarter diopters through that range. A very weak pair would be plus .75 diopter.

To determine which eyeglasses you need, you must first test your eyes. Reading test cards are available which allow you to find the level of magnification you need. The power of your eyeglasses will depend on the first line of text you can read clearly on the card. Next to this line will be a diopter number. This is the magnification power of the glass needed in your lenses. Once you have determined how strong your glasses should be, you can then choose an eyewear design.

There are a number of styles to suit every need and taste. Rimless readers offer magnification without obstructing the reader's sight with frames. Other styles feature plastic or metal rims in varying colors and thicknesses. Flexible and folding designs are made of durable plastic that allow them to fold and bend without breaking. Sunglass readers are another eyewear option. Sunglass designs contain tinted glass which lets you focus on objects while protecting your eyes from UV rays. eBay also offers helpful categories. These are:

• Brand: Reading glasses differ by brands and prices. Some brands on eBay are Betsey Johnson, Foster Grant, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, or ICU Eyewear.
• Strength: The strength you select is very important. eBay's choices range from +1.00 strength all the way up to +4.00 strength.
• Gender: You can also select men's reading glasses, women's reading glasses, or a unisex pair.