certain, you can grab a random match from the drugstore rack and hope for the best — but there ’ s a test and true arrangement to finding your go-to pairs. Read on and learn a few agile tricks for selecting readers best suited to your needs and style :

1. Start with the strength
Reading glasses come in respective different strengths, which increase by .25 diopters. Don ’ thyroxine just think at which will work well for you. rather, download and print this handy reading test card, besides called a Diopter Test. Scan the rows of words, ranging from modest to large, and choose your corresponding prescription. If you fall between sizes, patronize for readers that are the adjacent size down — never up. And don ’ thyroxine forget to take off your stream read glasses before taking the test.
2. Choose the right lens type
Full frame of reference lenses are best for reading for long stretches without removing your glasses. Half frames that perch lower on your nose Ben Franklin-style allow you to more easily go back and away between take and focusing on objects further away, which can appear bleary in full frame lenses. You can besides have the best of both worlds with a pair of bifocals, which combine read lenses at the bottom with clean glass at the top .
3. Find a frame for your face shape
Your reading glasses can flatter equally well as affair if you pick the right frame shape for your expression. Have an ellipse face ? You ’ ve hit the pot. closely any expressive style frame will look good on you. Square, round, and cordate faces have to work a bit hard. hera ’ s an synergistic Guide for Glasses and Face Shapes that can help !
4. Make ‘em last
Avoid scratches by storing your reading glasses in a case ( find a few of our favorites here ). Never put them on or take them off with precisely one hand ; this stresses the hinges more than if you slip them on and off with both hands. Pushing them out of the way and on clear of your head can besides stretch and bend the frames out of shape, and think how foolish you ’ ll look when you ask your spouse, “ Have you seen my glasses ? ”
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5. Spread ‘em around
Reading glasses cost so much less than prescription lenses and frames ; however, owners tend to misplace them often ! Keep a pair handy on your bedside table, another in your briefcase or purse, a couple in your family board, and another in the kitchen. That way, they ’ ra always around when you need them most ! unlike styles will work good for different activities, besides. A copulate of half frames might be merely the ticket for glancing down at your cookbook, while computer readers are best for long days spent at your desk or for night pad shop .
For even more tips, be sure to check out our Glasses Guide!
disclaimer : All references to “ bifocals ” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “ bifocal manner ” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower part of the lenses .