Why do I need readers? What is happening to me?
Congratulations you are a presbyope, this is that magical time in your life where the elasticity of lens inside your eye becomes not so elastic. Since the lens doesn’t bend like it used to, it can’t focus up close and a little assistance is needed. It typically starts between ages of 40 and 45 with a couple of years of denial. Those in denial will hold their reading material way out to arms length to focus. That’s O.K. its normal, but sooner or later your arms are simply not long enough and you finally admit that maybe a pair of readers is not a bad idea. Give up the fight because once you get a pair, you will… love my readers!
Power or Strength Guide
The quick and easy estimation can be done by age:
| Age |
Power |
| 40-45 |
+1.00 to +1.50 |
| 46-50 |
+1.50 to +2.00 |
| 51-60 |
+2.00 to +2.25 |
| 61 + |
+2.25 and up |
Another way
A more Precise method is to print out this eye chart and hold it at the distance you prefer to read, usually about 14 inches, and find your correct power, (measured in Diopters). Remember this power when you order. For computer glasses you want to hold the chart at the same distance as your computer screen.
This box should measure 5 inches for accuracy after printing.
Custom Readers
Custom reading glasses have a much higher quality to the frame and the lenses then the stock readers. The lenses are cut to your frame using your own prescription and measurements.
You need your prescription from your doctor so we can make your glasses for you. You can call, fax, email, mail, or have your doctor send it for you. We also need your Pupillary Distance (PD). This is the distance (in millimeters) from one pupil to the other. There is one number for distance (the bigger number) and the other for near. We want the smaller number, the one for reading. Note: It is not always on your prescription. PD can range from 50 to 70, but most people are in the 60mm range.
How to get the near P.D.
Go to a mirror with a marking pen or wax pencil. Your face should be about 16 inches (40 centimeters) from the mirror. Don't worry, if you don't have a ruler just put your elbow against the mirror and put your chin in the palm of your hand, this is your reading disatance. Close left eye and mark on the mirror the center of your right pupil (the black hole in the center of the eye), then close right eye and do the same for the left eye. Now measure the distance between the two dots on the mirror (in millimeters) and you have your near PD.
Lens Materials
We have standard plastic (CR39), or polycarbonate lenses lenses in stock for quick service. Plastic is usually fine for powers in the range of +/– 3.00, polycarbonate is recommended for powers above 3.00 due to its edge thickness (- powers) or its weight(+ powers). Polycarbonate is thinner and lighter than plastic.
Coatings
Anti-reflective coating is a clear coat applied to lenses. This coating reduces glare and reflections (hence the name) from artificial lights, T.V. screens, and computer screens. Cosmetically it eliminates reflections on the lenses when people look at you. Just about every news anchor has this coating on their glasses.