Even in this day and age of Kindles and i-pads the good old fashioned book is still a much loved and cherished part of many people’s lives. From devoted book worms that couldn’t live without the scent of paper and the feel of a weighty tome, to beach loving blockbuster holiday readers, many of us love to curl up with the latest bestseller. When we pass the milestone of our fortieth birthday, most of us will need reading glasses within the next few years. If reading is your passion, how can great specs help to fan the flames?!
The most important thing is to visit your optician and get the strength you need for a comfortable reading distance. Even if you then pop out and buy a handful of ready readers, you’ll be saving eye strain and the onset of crow’s feet by wearing the correct power. If you want to see tiny print close too or big print at lap distance, tell your Optician, who can then adjust the prescription for your requirements.
Make sure the light is good when you are reading. The best specs will not help you if lighting is poor, and the problem is worse if you’re looking at low contrast materials like magazines with coloured print and background. An anti-reflection layer on the lenses will reduce glare from white paper and be more soothing to tired eyes. While a light tint won’t bother most people, it can affect sight for some, so you may need a clear lens for close work.
If you wear varifocals on a daily basis you may want a simple pair of single vision reading glasses for long periods stuck into your favourite Dan Browne or Terry Pratchett, or for reading in bed. If you like to sink under the covers then varifocals may be at the wrong distance or angle for comfort.
If you suffer from Dyslexia there are specialized tints and filters which may improve your sight and make reading easier. If you haven’t investigated this within the past few years then do enquire – they give very good results for some patients. If you’re elderly and glasses won’t do the trick for you, then a specialized magnifier or low vision aid may give you the help you need. There are many solutions out there for different types of reading problem, so seek help if you’re struggling. The simple pleasures of the printed word should be easily accessible to everyone.