Using reading glasses

Reading glasses can be worn whenever the person needs to see something up close.

As well as wearing reading glasses, encourage people to ensure they have enough light when looking at objects up close. Suggest that they:

• Avoid reading or other close vision tasks in poorly lit areas
• Make good use of natural light – for example sit outdoors or by a window when doing near tasks
• Direct a lamp at near tasks

Some people may worry that wearing reading glasses will make their eyes lazy. Reassure people that wearing reading glasses will not cause them any harm.

However, if a person experiences any of the following problems, they should return for a follow up appointment or see a eye health professional:

• Headaches
• Close up objects become hard to see again
• They are straining to see
• They need to hold objects too close or too far away to see them clearly