Are "Off the Peg" Reading Glasses Safe?

The short answer is yes, and a huge saving can be made compared to designer glasses from a high street optometry practice.

These glasses are readily available in pharmacies and market stalls. I have seen pairs for sale for as little as 10 shekels and know many wearers buy several pairs at once so as to have one available in each room in the home. Indeed several doctors in my Eye Department at Tel Hashomer Hospital wear them too.

You should be aware though, that the prescription in each eye is the same and there is no cyclinder correction. Providing this matches your eyes ie the same in both eyes (or almost) and no cyclinder, you should have no problem wearing them.

For most people who have good vision for distance in both eyes, and only started requiring readers in their mid forties, this is the cheapest and most convenient solution. However the frame style range is restricted somewhat, so if this is important to you, you may be disappointed.

The exact prescription you require is whatever gives you the most comfortable vision when reading. As a rule of thumb at age 45, try +1-+1.5, age 50 +1.50-+2, age 55 +2-+2.50 and age 60+ +2.5-+3.0.

If the glasses you choose are not suitable, you will not see so well and may get a headache but you will not harm your eyes. In that situation of course it would be wise to go to your eye doctor for a proper fitting.

Finally some of the lenses may lack UV light filters so it is not recommended to use them for extended periods out doors in the Israeli sun. If you do spend a lot of time outside, either purchase some clip-on sun glasses, or a more expensive quality lens may be healthier.

Dr Andrew Fink MD for

http://www.healthylens.com

Ra'anana Eye Clinic, Israel

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