Choose your reading glasses by strength, also called power or dioptre. Every style on this page is available in the strength you select.
What strength do I need?
The easiest way to find out is our free printable eye chart: print it at 100%, hold it at your normal reading distance and find the smallest line you can read comfortably. That line tells you the strength to order.
As a rough guide, many people need:
- Age 40 to 44: +0.75 to +1.00
- Age 45 to 49: +1.00 to +1.50
- Age 50 to 54: +1.50 to +2.00
- Age 55 to 59: +2.00 to +2.50
- Age 60 and over: +2.50 to +3.00
This is a guide only. Your eyes may differ, and an eye test with an optician is the best way to be sure.
In-between strengths
Many shops only sell whole and half steps. We also stock the quarter steps that are hard to find, such as +0.75, +2.25, +2.75, +3.25 and +3.75.
Reading or computer?
A screen sits further away than a book, so many people find a slightly lower strength more comfortable at the computer. If you read with +2.50, try +2.00 for the screen.
When to see an optician
Ready-made readers are for normal age-related focusing changes. See an optician if your two eyes need different strengths, if you have astigmatism, or if your vision changes suddenly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what strength reading glasses I need?
Print our free printable eye chart at 100%, hold it at your normal reading distance and find the smallest line you can read comfortably. That line shows the strength to order.
What does a strength like +1.25 mean?
The number is the magnification in dioptres. A higher number means stronger magnification. We stock quarter steps such as +1.25 and +1.75 as well as whole and half steps.
What happens if my reading glasses are too strong?
You will need to hold things closer than usual to see them clearly, and reading may feel uncomfortable. Try the next strength down.
Can I use a different strength for the computer?
Yes. Many people use about 0.50 less for screen work, because a screen sits further away than a book. If you read with +2.50, try +2.00 for the computer.