How Can I Tell If I Need Reading Glasses?

Admitting that your body doesn’t work quite as it used to can be tough. Recognizing that you might need reading glasses is no exception. Whether it’s difficulty reading a menu in a dimly lit restaurant or holding your phone farther away just to make out the words, these small frustrations can add up. But here’s the good news—you’re not alone. Around 34.5 million Americans use over-the-counter reading glasses, and it’s an entirely natural part of getting older.

At Wink Eye Care, we’ve spent years helping people improve their vision and regain confidence in their daily lives. This post will help you understand why aging impacts your eyesight and provide clear signs and steps to determine if reading glasses might be right for you.

Age and Vision: Understanding Presbyopia

If you’re over 40 and noticing changes in your ability to focus on close objects, you might be experiencing presbyopia. This is a natural part of aging, where the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on nearby text or objects.

It starts subtly. Tasks like reading fine print or looking at your phone screens can begin feeling more challenging, especially in low-light settings. While presbyopia can feel inconvenient, it’s not a disease or anything to worry about. Think of it as your eyes sending you a gentle reminder that they, too, experience the effects of time.

Presbyopia typically becomes noticeable between the ages of 40 and 50, and while it progresses over time, the right pair of glasses can make life significantly easier and more comfortable. There’s no need to tough it out—reading glasses are here to help.

Signs You May Need Reading Glasses

The signs of needing reading glasses often creep up on you, but they’re usually hard to unsee once you recognize them. Here are some common indicators:

• Blurry Vision While Reading  

Struggling to read books, texts, or magazines up close? If your near vision is unclear or you’ve found yourself increasing the font size on your devices, this could be an early sign.

• Eye Strain and Tiredness  

Do your eyes feel strained or exhausted after reading a book or working at the computer for too long? Presbyopia forces your eyes to work harder to focus, often causing fatigue over time.

• Frequent Headaches  

Eye strain from close-up work can trigger headaches that feel worse after a day spent using devices or reading. Glasses can help reduce the tension causing these headaches.

• Holding Things at Arm’s Length  

If you catch yourself extending your arm to hold books or phones farther away for clarity, this is a classic sign of presbyopia.

• Difficulty Seeing After Dark  

Low-light reading or nighttime tasks like driving become harder because of how your eyes process light as they age. This often relates directly to presbyopia.

• Squinting or Rubbing Your Eyes  

Do you squint frequently to focus on text? Or find yourself rubbing your eyes to ease irritation? These are tell-tale signs that reading glasses could make a big difference.

Self-Assessment: A Quick Test for Reading Glasses

If any of those signs sound familiar, try this quick at-home test to see if reading glasses might be necessary.

Step 1

Grab a book, magazine, or phone—anything with fine print.  

Step 2

Hold it 14–16 inches away from your face (the average distance for reading).  

Step 3

If the text appears blurry at this distance, try moving it closer or farther away. Does the text clear up when you hold it farther than an arm’s length?  

If so, you’re likely experiencing presbyopia. Reading glasses with a mild prescription could work wonders for tasks like reading and computer work.

Why a Professional Eye Exam Matters

While over-the-counter reading glasses may address mild presbyopia, they are a “one-size-fits-all” solution and may not perfectly suit your vision needs. For example, the strength you need in each eye could differ, or underlying conditions like astigmatism might complicate matters.  

A comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist ensures you receive personalized solutions tailored specifically to your eyes. Plus, they can assess your overall eye health and look for signs of other concerns like glaucoma or cataracts.

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

If you’re noticing difficulty reading, frequent headaches, or signs of eye strain, don’t wait too long to take action. Early intervention with reading glasses can transform your day-to-day life, eliminating frustration and improving productivity. Visual comfort is within your reach.

At Wink Eye Care, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to book an appointment and discover solutions tailored to your needs. Your eyes deserve expert care and attention—with us, they’ll get exactly that.